WE OFFER FANTASTIC EXPERIENCES IN SICILY Personalized tours in Sicily and private transfers to/from Taormina. We at Villa Schuler have a long and successful experience and partnership with the local company "Sicily Life," which organizes transfers and excursions around Taormina, as well as to all other major destinations and attractions in Sicily. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, whether you need a transfer to/from the airports of Catania, Comiso, Palermo, or Trapani, or whether you want to hike Mount Etna, follow the trail of "The Godfather," visit a winery, visit any other attraction in Sicily, or organize a special excursion tailored to your wishes: "Sicily Life"'s 12 friendly, experienced, and multilingual drivers and guides offer all this at reasonable rates. Above all, they are 100% reliable and punctual. The best way to book transfers is through our Hotel Villa Schuler, when you book your room. The airport transfer from Catania (CTA) to Taormina costs €110 (one-way) in a Mercedes limousine for up to 2 people (night rate: €130). For 3 or more passengers, our transfers will be arranged with Mercedes minivans, such as the Mercedes Viano or Mercedes Vito (rates on request). Local excursions can be booked through our hotel even at short notice, once you arrive here in Taormina. Choose the tour that best suits your preferences. Rates are for 1 to 3 people; rates for groups of 4 to 8 people are available upon request: Etna Classic Tour, South Side, half-day, approximately 4 hours: €260 Etna Full Day, South Side, full-day, approximately 7 hours: from €350 (wine tasting and lunch not included) Etna Full Day, North Side, full-day, approximately 7 hours: from €350 (wine tasting and lunch not included) Etna Panoramic Afternoon Experience, full-day, approximately 6/7 hours: from €350 (wine tasting and lunch not included) Etna Slopes Food and Wine Tour, full-day, approximately 7 hours: from €350 (wine tasting and lunch not included) "The Godfather" Tour – Enchanting Medieval Villages, half-day, approximately 4 hours: €260 "The Godfather" Tour – Enchanting Medieval Villages, full-day Full day, approximately 7 hours: €350 Syracuse Tour, full day, approximately 7 hours: €350 Syracuse + Noto or Catania Tour, full day, approximately 9 hours: €450 Agrigento Tour, full day, approximately 8 hours: €450 Agrigento Tour + Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, full day, approximately 11 hours: €600 Caltagirone Tour, full day, 8 hours: from €350 (ceramics workshop not included) Catania and the Villages of the Riviera dei Ciclopi, full day, approximately 7 hours: €350 Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina + Catania or Caltagirone Attractions, full day, approximately 8 hours: €450 Baroque Tour, full day, approximately 8 hours: €450 Cefalù and Castelbuono, full day, approximately 8 hours: €450 Palermo Tour, full day, approximately 9-10 hours: from €540 (walking tour with local guide not included) Montalbano Tour, full day, approximately 9 hours: €450 Reggio Calabria and Scilla Tour, full day, approximately 8 hours: €540 (ferry included) All rates quoted include the use of a Mercedes limousine and are valid for a maximum of 3 people. For 4 or more passengers, our tours are organized with Mercedes minivans, such as the Mercedes Viano or Mercedes Vito (rates on request).
TAORMINA CULT TOUR by APE CALESSINO In collaboration with Sicily Art Experience for guests of Hotel Villa Schuler Daily excursions for 2, maximum 6 people (booking two Ape Calessinos). A unique and exclusive tour through the art, literature, and cinema of Taormina. Visit the places where muses and celebrities have found their home here in Taormina. Sicily Art Experience reveals a treasure trove of Taormina's secret stories, extraordinary anecdotes, tales, and legacies of a legendary past, evoking the glamour, emotion, and authentic flavors of Taormina's Dolce Vita. The iconic Grand Tour is brought back to life through the innovative and fascinating "Taormina Cult" project, which offers themed cultural itineraries that combine literature, art, and cinema. D.H. Lawrence, Robert Kitson, Oscar Wilde, Truman Capote, Tennessee Williams, Wilhelm Von Gloeden, Bertrand Russell, Henry Faulkner, Roald Dahl, Pablo Picasso, Daphne Phelps, Coco Chanel, Luigi Pirandello, and Greta Garbo are just some of the poets, artists, and celebrities we'll "meet" on our tours, right in the places where they lived, that inspired them, where they met, and where their memories are still alive. Taormina Cult is the first permanent cultural itinerary in Taormina, 21 stops with on-site information panels equipped with QR codes for downloading more information in four languages: Italian, English, Russian, and German. The tour is offered aboard our Ape Calesse, the legendary Italian icon on three wheels. Tours can be organized daily in Italian and English. Participants: minimum 2, maximum 6 (reserving 2 Ape Calessinos). Audio guides are available during the tour in Italian, English, German, and Russian. You can choose between: – a 1-hour panoramic tour, or – a 2-hour comprehensive tour, including a visit to Casa Cuseni (daily at 11:30 am in English and 5:30 pm in Italian) and the gardens of Villa Caronia (Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm). Some of the iconic sites you'll visit on our Taormina Cult Tour itineraries include the Greek Theater, the historic park of Villa Caronia, Casa Cuseni, and Villa Mon Repos, Taormina's former casino. Information and reservations exclusively for Hotel Villa Schuler guests Email us at info@hotelvillaschuler.com
Hotel Villa Schuler offers e-bike rentals exclusively for hotel guests. Speed: Max. 25 km/h Motor: Oli Sport-Mid Motor Battery: Integrated – 14A*36V Display: Oli Color Frame: Trekking 28” – AI 6061 Fork: Suspended 28” – Travel 80 – Airfly Derailleur: Shimano RD-U3020 Cues 9V Brakes: Shimano MT200 Hydraulic Maximum range: May vary depending on rider weight, riding style, and route €30.00 Adults per Guest/Day Full Kasko insurance included Information and reservations for Hotel Villa Schuler guests only Email us at info@hotelvillaschuler.com
The "Legendary Sicily" agency, headed by Swiss guide Eddy Tronchet Bonaventura, offers exciting off-road excursions and trekking on Etna. Eddy, in addition to his in-depth knowledge of Etna, is also a passionate enthusiast of Sicilian geology, archaeology, and history. He speaks Italian, French, English, and German. His excursions are suitable for participants who aren't afraid of the harsh off-road terrain and who enjoy trekking and long walks. Given the low temperatures that occur at altitudes of 2,000-3,000 meters, heavy jackets and suitable footwear can be provided upon request. Excursions are subject to change, depending on weather conditions and a minimum number of participants. You can book these types of excursions up to 1-2 days in advance, during your hotel stay.
Nature Trails and Trekking in the Taormina Area In the Taormina hinterland, you can explore various nature trails of varying difficulty. One of these trails, undoubtedly the best-known, begins in Taormina (204 meters above sea level) and ends at nearby Castelmola (529 meters above sea level). This trail winds along the so-called "Via Crucis" (Way of the Cross) to the picturesque Chapel of Madonna della Rocca, offering breathtaking views of the entire city below. Continuing for another 200 meters along the main road, you then ascend the path that leads to the medieval village of Castelmola, perched on a scenic mountain. For the return journey, we recommend following the Sentiero dei Saraceni (Saracen Path), passing through the Porta dei Saraceni (Saracen Gate). The entire journey, including the return to Taormina, takes about 2-3 hours. Castelmola boasts a number of charming little bars, restaurants, and local craft shops. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and Mount Etna, and when the weather permits, you can even clearly see the entire Ionian coast to the south and the Strait of Messina to the north. For the more experienced, Monte Veneretta (885 m) can also be climbed from Castelmola. Other nature trails near Taormina: – Castelmola – Portella del Giasso – Mount Veneretta – Castelmola (3-4 hours) – Castelmola – Spasale – Mazzeo Beach (3 hours) – Motta Camastra – Alcantara Gorges – Mitoggio – Gaggi – Calatabiano Castle (5 hours) – Castelmola – Petralia – Taormina (1.5 hours) – Graniti – Mount Veneretta – Castelmola (6 hours) – Barracca – Church of Saints Peter and Paul – Casalvecchio – Savoca – Barracca (4-5 hours) – Castelmola – Gallodoro – Forza D’Agrò – Scifì, Norman Church of Saints Peter and Paul (full day) For further information, please contact our reception directly, who can provide helpful advice as well as various maps and printed materials.
The Taormina coast is famous for its imposing cliffs, small romantic bays, and long, enchanting beaches of mineral sand. The water is clear and ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and diving. Some stretches of beach are ideal for snorkeling and diving, others for water sports like beach volleyball, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, for pleasant boat excursions, and, of course, for a relaxing beach life. From May to October, Hotel Villa Schuler offers its guests a shuttle service to and from various beach facilities, all reachable in about 10-15 minutes. The shuttle buses follow various scheduled schedules throughout the morning. We generally offer 12 trips between 9:15 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. to reach our various partner beaches. Return shuttles from the beach clubs to the hotel in the afternoon generally run between 3:00 PM and 5:30 PM. Our partner beach clubs are equipped with everything you need to make your beach stay as relaxing as possible: changing rooms, lounge chair and umbrella service, showers, bars and restaurants, some even with freshwater pools. Beach service must be booked at our reception. The daily cost of the shuttle service plus umbrella/loungers varies depending on the beach club chosen and the season, but is generally between €15 and €35 per person per day. For those who prefer to go to the beach after 12:45 PM, you can reach the two bays below Taormina, Mazzarò Bay and Isola Bella Bay, by cable car, a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The cable car runs to and from the beach every 15 minutes, generally between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM (and until midnight in the summer). The fare is €3.00 per ride.
The Italian Opera Taormina show (just a 5-minute walk from Villa Schuler) is an unmissable, timeless journey through Italian opera, lasting approximately one hour. The idea is to offer a lively performance for everyone, whether a novice or an aficionado, dispelling the belief that opera is music only for the few... During the show, the most famous arias and duets from the internationally renowned Italian opera repertoire will be performed. Italian Opera Taormina takes the audience on a magical journey through Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Donizetti, and Rossini, drawing on the finest national and international operatic voices, accompanied in the auditorium by equally virtuoso pianists. The evenings will take place at the Cine Teatro "San Giorgio" (via Don Bosco, Taormina), overlooking the magnificent Belvedere panorama, where you can fully enjoy every aspect of Sicily's natural enchantment. During the show's intermission, a toast will be offered on the magnificent panoramic terrace. For more information, the weekly program, reservations, and tickets, please contact the Hotel Villa Schuler reception.
PLAY TENNIS JUST 5 MINUTES FROM HOTEL VILLA SCHULER The Taormina Tennis Club is located just 150 meters from Hotel Villa Schuler. The clubhouse and three clay courts are located directly within the municipal park, the famous "Parco Duca di Cesarò," surrounded by lush greenery. The Tennis Club is part of the Taormina Sporting Club, founded in 1925. We at Villa Schuler are members of the Tennis Club, and our guests enjoy discounted rates reserved for members only. If you already have your own racket, simply book a table. If you're a beginner, you can rent a racket and take lessons. Taormina Tennis Club opening hours: May to September: 8:00-12:00 and 16:00-21:00 October to April: 8:00-11:30 and 15:00-19:00 Taormina Tennis Club facilities and services: Bar, changing rooms, and showers Racquet rental Instructor Our guests receive a 10% discount on court rentals by booking directly with us (tickets available at reception). Additional information and reservations at Hotel Villa Schuler: info@hotelvillaschuler.com
DIVING IN TAORMINA Thanks to its warm, crystal-clear waters, Sicily is a popular destination for scuba diving enthusiasts from around the world. In particular, the coast of Taormina offers diving enthusiasts a multitude of interesting seabeds, impressive cliffs, small bays, as well as nature reserves waiting to be explored. Diving in the waters of Taormina means discovering the unique underwater flora and fauna of the Mediterranean, fascinating underwater caves, interesting shipwrecks, and traces of the Greco-Roman era. Taormina and the neighboring town of Giardini Naxos are home to several professional scuba diving centers, most of which are PADI certified. These professional, PADI-certified diving centers offer a variety of diving courses, from beginners to advanced courses leading to the Open Water certification. If you're already an experienced diver, then Taormina is the ideal place for relaxing and exciting underwater experiences combined with a high-quality stay. Some of the most popular dive sites in the Taormina area: – Isola Bella Nature Reserve (4-18 m) – Neptune's Point (14 m) – The Roman columns of Capo Taormina (23 m) – The Greek columns of Villagonia (25 m) – The Canyon (29 m) – The Siphon (31 m) – The outer wall of the Sirens' Bay of Mazzarò-Spisone (35 m) – "Uncle Gennaro" Rock (20 m to 50 m of sheer cliff) – The Gorgonians (20-40 m) If you wish, we at Villa Schuler can connect you with the best PADI-certified dive centers, so you can enjoy your Sicilian underwater experience in complete safety and reliability.
For those wishing to book a short sailing cruise, Villa Schuler relies on the professionalism of selected local partners specializing in sailing cruises along the coast, organizing half- and full-day excursions on luxurious yachts, which also offer overnight stays. The tours offered are: – 2-hour Taormina coast tour by motorboat – 1/2-day Taormina coast tour by sailboat – Cyclops Islands tour – Night sailing tour – Long-distance sailing excursions Taormina is also called "the pearl of the Ionian Sea." Indeed, it owes its fame to its unique location, overlooking the coast with its romantic bays and picturesque cliffs. Observing Taormina from the sea and sailing through the crystal-clear waters of its bays is certainly a unique experience. During a full-day sailing excursion, for example, you'll discover the bays of Naxos and Mazzarò, the Isola Bella nature reserve, the Bay of the Sirens, and the hidden cliffs beneath the Sant'Alessio Castle and the Cyclops Coast. During this tour, the crew will prepare drinks and snacks for you, and if you wish, you can even dive in for a swim. A day dedicated to silence and relaxation, in the company of the sea, the wind, and the waves, far away from it all, free from noise and hustle and bustle. Other exclusive services offered: Themed tours: The Legend of the Cyclops, Treasures on Land and Sea, Baroque Tours Sailing Excursions in the Aeolian Islands Yacht Cruises in the Aeolian Islands Stromboli by Night Etna and Sea Tours Happy Hour (aperitif) on Board Dinner on Board Sunset Dinner Fishing Excursions Motorboat Rental Sailing Boat Rental Fleet: Motorboats, Day Cruises, Fishing Boats, Mega Yachts, Motor Boats, Open Boats, RIBs, Sport Yachts, Sailing Ships, Sailing Boats, and Water Skis. Services Included: Skipper and Hostess, Insurance, Open Bar (no Alcohol) Additional Services Upon Request/Depending on the Type of Excursion Selected: Lunch or Dinner on Board with Typical Sicilian Specialties (D.O.P.), Transfers to/from Villa Schuler, Overnight Stays and Breakfast on Board. Rates to be requested at reception
SICILY and TAORMINA: come for the culture, stay for the food. The Mediterranean diet was declared an "Intangible Cultural Heritage" by UNESCO in 2010. Sicilian cuisine follows the Mediterranean diet, characterized by olive oil as the main source of fat and a high to moderate consumption of fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes, and fish, combined with small amounts of meat and, of course, wine with meals. Studies confirm the positive effects of the Mediterranean diet on health, and let's not forget that the Mediterranean way of eating is delicious, flavorful, and enjoyable! The best way to experience the culture of a region is undoubtedly to taste its typical dishes. Even better is to learn how to cook them. Our cooking classes in Taormina are designed so that participants can learn all the tricks and secrets of Sicilian cuisine in a practical way, following the motto "learning by doing." We offer a variety of cooking classes, tailored to your needs—from simple and informal to more sophisticated—bookable through our reception staff.
If you've always dreamed of driving a vintage Fiat 500 during your Italian vacation, you can make that dream come true by staying at Villa Schuler in Taormina. Our partner company offers individual tours aboard a vintage Fiat 500, or customized themed itineraries for small, escorted groups, with pick-up and drop-off directly at our hotel. Our daily excursions will take you to discover the charming villages of Savoca, Forza d'Agrò, and Castelmola, as well as the Sicilian natural wonders of the Alcantara Gorges and Mount Etna with its famous vineyards. Book your vintage Fiat 500 tour with us and enjoy an authentic and unforgettable experience exploring the surroundings of Taormina, behind the wheel of one of Italy's most famous classic cars! Our 3 suggestions for guided tours: "IN THE GODFATHER'S FOOTSTEPS" On this guided tour aboard a Fiat 500, ideal for small groups, you'll visit two charming ancient villages near Taormina: Savoca and Forza d'Agrò, both chosen by Francis Ford Coppola as filming locations for his famous films. Departure: Taormina bus terminal When: Daily (subject to availability) Duration: Approximately 4 hours Lunch: Not included Guide: English-speaking guide included "ETNA WINE ROADS" On this guided tour aboard a Fiat 500, you'll visit the Alcantara River, the charming village of Castiglione di Sicilia, and then Linguaglossa with its famous wine roads through local vineyards. You'll visit a winery and enjoy a wine tasting. Departure: Taormina bus terminal When: Daily (subject to availability) Duration: Approximately 4.5 hours Wine tasting: with an additional €30 per person: including 3 wines and a selection of Sicilian appetizers Guide: English-speaking guide included ROMANTIC TOUR A romantic Italian-style tour from Taormina. You'll drive a Fiat 500, following our tour leader's Fiat 500, to the town of Savoca. A short tour of the village aboard a picturesque three-wheeled "Ape Calessino" will be the perfect prelude to a candlelit dinner with typical Sicilian dishes. Departure: directly from our Hotel Villa Schuler; When: Every day (subject to availability) Duration: Approximately 4 hours Guide: Not included Assistance: Assistance from our staff included Ape Calessino Tour: Included Dinner for 2: Not included, à la carte menu On all guided tours, you'll drive one of our Fiat 500s, following the Fiat 500 driven by our tour leader. Prices for all 3 tours: upon request Maximum 2 people per car! Or 2 adults and 2 children All three tours begin at 9:30 AM (or 3:30 PM in the warmer summer months) The romantic tour begins at 6:30 PM
For a tour of the Taormina coast, we recommend a motorboat excursion departing from the Bay of Mazzarò. Discover the beautiful Ionian coast with its impressive cliffs and small bays. You will be enchanted by the Isola Bella Nature Reserve, the Capo Taormina promontory, and the Bay of Naxos, as well as the intense, sparkling blue of the famous Blue Grotto. The excursion will be led by Carmelo, who has been working with us for several years. He knows the coast like the back of his hand and uses his comfortable and safe motorboat, built according to ancient Sicilian tradition, for his excursions. Please ask for rates at reception.
