Just returned a couple of days ago from our 7 nt. cruise onboard the
Navigator of the Seas. We had a WONDERFUL day on Sicily thanks to Mario
Astone. He was a wonderful driver and took us to all the places we had
requested. He was waiting promptly when we got off the ship. I had
specifically requested we tour Messina first so we could be there for
the noon display at the Duomo. That's what we did. We visited
the cathedral, went up to the high cathedral for the views, the tomb of
the unknown soldier, passed by Pattons' headquarters, had some
marvelous pastries he provided and left right after the display from the
astrological clock tower. Next we headed to Castelmola for lunch. The
town was so charming and he recommended a wonderful place to eat where
we had fantastic brushetta and paninis. We shopped a little, were
pointed to some great views and then headed to Taormina. Mario handled
the driving perfectly in his very clean Mercedes van. At Taormina he
pointed out the basic sights and we were off to the theatre with 1 1/2
leisure time for sightseeing and shopping. Afterward he got us back to
the ship in plenty of time. It was a great day thanks to Mario.As a
side note, he had arranged for another few to tour with another driver.
That driver was there when we got off the ship because we saw him. The
family came off an hour later and called Mario when no driver. Mario
scrambled and quickly arranged for a substitue for them. His
professionalism was evident and he also showed us his license.I would not hesitate to use his services again or recommend him to others.