Messina & The Riace Bronzes

On this full day trip we will head towards the gateway of Sicily: Messina ,the city of the Strait. Don't be afraid to be eaten up by the ancient Greek sea monsters Scylla and Charybdis since nowadays they are peaceful monsters!

Our first stop is at the shrine of Cristo Re that was built on the ruins of the Matagrifone Castle, where a tower is still visible. The temple, built in Baroque style, dominates the city with its large dome and contains the remains of 1288 fallen soldiers of World War II. From the vantage point, you can enjoy the amazing view of the Strait and the sickle-like shape of the city's natural harbour.

We will then move onto Piazza Duomo to see the 12th century Cathedral and its bell tower that remarkably holds the largest astronomical clock in the world. Every day at noon the animated mechanical statues narrate important events of civil and religious history of the city.

After watching this amazing attraction we will embark our car on a ferry to reach the italian peninsula. The 25-minute ride will give you just enough time to get out of the car and head up to the deck to enjoy this memorable and romantic moment.

Upon arrival in Reggio Calabria, you can have lunch at one of the local eateries along the promenade overlooking the Sicilian coast. Then it will be time to enter the museum to finally admire "the most beautiful Greek bronze statues in the world, to the point that not even in the museum of Athens there is anything like that",  as Salvatore Settis, a scholar of recognized international fame, declared. The halo of mystery surrounding the statues, the gorgeous blending of classical beauty and strong virility that was achieved in the Bronzes will even leave the most demanding traveller astonished.