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8 to 10 in Normandie 2 weeks ago.

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bonnieg-The price for 8 of us to go to Taormina was 350 euros for about 7 hours.Keep in mind last week was still off-season so the prices may have been a little lower than in peak season.Any other questions-ask away!

You can definitely set up private tours in advance but we had no problem finding a taxi at each port.We looked over the ship's excursions and prices for each city we visited and basically did the same tours on our own for much less.We were a group of 8 with a 6 year old and my 71 year old mother so the convenience of a taxi for the day worked well for us.Make sure to find someone who speaks good English and always negotiate the price beforehand.We had wonderful drivers who were very friendly and provided us with information on all the sights along the way and stopped for photos and restroom breaks at our request.They will even recommend a good restaurant and gave us tips on the best shopping in the different towns we visited.Keep in mind that we were in Europe last week which was still off-season.If you are thinking of private tours,the earlier you get off the ship at each port the better your chance of getting a taxi right away.We were off each day as soon as the ship was cleared at 7:30.Most of the major tours are at least 30 mins from where ship is docked.Hope this helps.

We went to Taormina last week while docked in Messina.We got a cab for 8 of us and spent the morning. Awesome views at the top with Mt. Etna in the background.I study the ship excursions for each port to see what's not to be missed,then make my own itinerary.I find it less expensive and more comfortable going by taxi(mini-van).