Day trip to Syracuse/Siracusa from Messina: possible?

[arsesta]

Hi all!

 

DH and I will be at Messina port on the Celebrity Reflection in October. He's a history buff and would love to see the ruins in Syracuse. It's our first time in Sicily, and we would like to know if this will be feasible with a private taxi or tour group. We know from reading on here and google map that it takes at least 1.5-2 hours each way to reach there. We dock at 10 am in Messina and leave at 7 pm. Will this give us enough time to see the sights, or will it be too hectic/risky that we will miss the cruise? Celebrity does not offer their own tour to Syracuse so we will need to get a private company.

 

I welcome all suggestions/ advice / opinions. If not Syracuse, then which other historical sites would be worthwhile to see on that side of Sicily?

 

Thank yoU!

[euro cruiser]

Your port stop is too short to make such a long trip, sorry.

 

How about the Greek theatre ruins at Taormina?

[arsesta]

Oh bummer. That's what we figure but wanted to hear from folks who have been there to see if it's actually do-able. Our second choice is to do a Godfather tour in Taormina which will include a stop at the greek theatre. Thanks!