In Messina we were picked up by our guide, Ignazio, fom Mario Astone Tour, who is Mario’s brother. He was just fantastic. He spoke really good English and even treated us to little pastries from the local bakery. Just scrumptious...... The drive to Taormina from Messina took about 30 minutes. It was just spectacular. This was probably one of the best tours of the cruise, thanks also to Ignazio. The scenery was beautiful. We saw Mt Etna in the distance, still smoking from a few days earlier, then went onto Castelmola for a walk around the old streets of the village. We then had an hour or so spare time in Toarmina to explore the ancient city. Ignazio then drove us back to Messina in time for the Astronomical clock at 11.55. This tour is well worth taking. A real surprise.