We did a tour of Castelmola, Taormina and Messina with Igazio (part of the Mario Astone tour group) and had a fabulous time.
We were met promptly at the boat and were off in a comfortable eight person van before the buses for the ship excursion were even loaded. We drove up to Castelmora to look down on Taormina and over at Mount Etna. The roads are too tight for a large bus. Igazioo had cold water, cokes, and raspberry tarts for us. He had great information and stories and walked around with us to point out all of the special places.
Then we drove on to Taormina and had time on our own to wander around the village. We saw a lovely wedding in progress, shopped and had lunch. We stopped at a gorgeous overlook outside the city.
Back to Messina and a cathedral/memorial above the city. Great views and wonderful pictures of our ship down below. The final official stop was the cathedral with its wonderful astronomical clock tower.
My husband was looking all over Europe for a road bike jersey. After we dropped off the other members of our party (four at the boat and two near the boat at a cannoli shop), Ignatio took us to a bicycle shop where Dennis could get a bike jersey. Great personalized service and a very reasonable price!
We had a wonderful time!!!
Carol in Minnesota