Saturday our cruise stopped for a quick visit to Sicily. Mariatita picked us up at the dock and we were off to see these two interesting cities. On the... read more 45 minute drive we learned about the local life and history. Once in Taormina and Castelmola we experienced the sights, sounds, food and drink. Mariatita gave us the right mix of tour time and time on our own to experience the both towns. Her knowledge helped us to see everything we wanted to make the day worthwhile. Of our seven excursions over the 11 day cruise this was in the top 3 experiences.

  Was contacted about the tour company wanting to change the time of our tour. I have written them back twice with no response. Not sure exactly what to do. Any... read more advice?

  My husband is a HUGE fan of the Godfather movies so naturally when we were in Sicily we had to take the Godfather tour. I'm so glad we did because... read more the town was really a site to see. It sits upon this mountain and there's just the one road that leads to the church and the cafe's espresso was on point. Taorimna was a nice town to walk around shop and eat some food.

  I thought the Tour company was called Discover Messina Tours. If it is the same company then our tour guide Katia was excellent. Normally on bus trips there are long... read more periods of driving but Katia provided general information on Sicily, which I hadn't been to before, on places we passed through and on Taormina and Castelmola. Lots of useful information. She led a 30 minute walking tour of Taormina, pointing out the best Canoli shop, and allowed two hours for personal exploring. Also did a short walking tour of Castelmola (a smaller place). If you are afraid of heights the drive up is unnerving but the view was great (except Mt. Etna was covered by cloud). Reasonably priced. The owner of bus company drove the bus. Were a bit late coming back but that was because of traffic in Messina. Pick you up and drop you off at the cruise ship.

  We stopped in Messina as one of our cruise ship stops. We booked the taromina and castaloma tour as we had heard taromina was lovely. The tour guides were easy... read more to find right off of the ship and our tour guide Katia was great. She gave us italian cookies and water, provided great information, and was extremely helpful. We asked how to get to certain areas and she even offered to take us there. She was very friendly and the best tour guide we had all trip!

She also informed us that this tour company was run by young women which I really enjoyed and was glad I supported this company. The tour was great and we really enjoyed our day. There wasn't too much to see in castelmola but it was a cool spot ontop of a mountain, as someone who is scared of heights it was a bit of a challenge for me but I enjoyed all of it none the less.

I would highly recommend.

  Pick up from cruise port was good, nice and clean transportation. Taormina is just wow!!!..The drive to Castelmola is very interesting as well!!! Would recommend this company and... read more this tour for sure!!! Travelers in our party ranging from 17 years old to 70 and they all loved it!!

  Simply amazing was spending a day with all of you.
Thank you for choosing to discover a small part of this unique land, able to offer hospitality and small... read more magical moments to its visitors.
I have only tried to share with you what I received from Sicily and I am so glad to know that you are willing to come back for a longer time, you will not regret!
A presto!!!

Ecaterina

  Our guide, Chiara, was very knowledgeable and energetic. The sites were interesting and the bell tower show at noon is not to be missed. There are steps to climb during... read more the tour but otherwise it is easy walking. The cannoli at the end of the...More

  My cruise ship cancelled our port visit to Messina late in the afternoon prior to our scheduled arrival day. Although we did not have 24 hours advance notice, the... read more tour operator provided a full refund because it was out of our control. Unfortunately we were unable to experience Messina, but rate the operator as Excellent for taking care of us.