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Just a few miles from the Italian mainland, Messina sits on a curved harbor at the northernmost point of Sicily's Ionian Coast. For centuries it has been a major transport hub and today it's an important gateway to and from the island. Messina is home to one of Sicily's finest cathedrals, an engaging art museum, and local swordfish celebrated by gourmet chefs across the island.
Once you depart your Messina cruise terminal you will look for any stop for the brightly colored City Sightseeing Messina bus. You must present your eticket as space is very limited and only available for pre-sales. A friendly hostess service greets you upon your arrival and will gladly answer any questions that you might have about the routes, the stops, or the city. While on board you will hear commentary in six languages that will provide detailed information about the history and culture while entertaining you with interesting anecdotes and secrets of the city.
There are two different routes for you to consider while in Messina. You can get both (Red and Blue Route). The first begins at Piazza Duomo, the city's most important square, where you can admire the world's largest and most complex mechanical and astronomical clock, part of the Cathedral Bell Tower. Continuing along via Garibaldi to the famous Promenade seafront, you will have easy access to stops at the Teatro Vittorio Emanuele, Villa Mazzini, Municipal Aquarium, and the Regional Museum which boasts works by Caravaggio, Antonello Da Messina, and Girolamo Alibrandi.
The second route will take you further outside the city, reaching the beautiful Sacrario di Cristo Re, built on a small hill on the ruins of the Castle of Matagrifone, where you can enjoy a unique panoramic view of the Strait. As always, you have the freedom of movement to explore the city as you choose. Hop on and off as many times as you want, or simply enjoy the city from this unique vantage point.
At the end of your excursion, you can exit the bus at a stop close to your Messina port. This Messina City Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off Bus is available from April to October and runs only when a cruise ship is in port.
Please note that admission or entrance fees to the attractions/museums, etc are not included.
BLUE ROUTE
From 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM. Full circuit is 50 minutes, runs every 50 minutes.
RED ROUTE
From 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM. Full circuit is 90 minutes, runs every 120 minutes.
Please download a copy of the route map here. You will receive another on the bus.
Note: A separate voucher will be emailed to you. You must print the voucher and give it to the local operator in order to do the excursion; do not give them your Shore Excursioneer eticket.
Spend your day exploring Messina on this City Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off Bus. See the best sites and hop off at the ones you want to explore or just stay on board for the full circuit! A place of art and culture, the city has given birth to one of the most popular Italian painters, Giovanni Antonio of Antonio.