FULL- no more places available.This excursion will depart from Messina (9:00 at the Central Train Station in front of the main entrance, and 9:15 across the street from the Jolly Hotel) for the picturesque classical/medieval city of Taormina. Perched high on a mountaintop, Taormina offers a spectacular view of the ancient Greek site of Giardini Naxos (the oldest Greek settlement in Sicily), the Ionian Sea, and Mt. Etna. We will all visit the magnificent (4th century) Greco/Roman Theatre. For those interested it is possible to visit Giardini Naxos (10 minutes) by cable car. Surrounded by medieval walls, the winding streets of Taormina are lined with elegant shops, fine restaurants, and a number of interesting museums and churches. Lunch will be on your own and the bus will return to Messina at 3:00 PM.