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.