First I want to say the correspondence with Mario ahead of time was very
prompt, and he answered numerous of my emails as questions came up. We
were a group of 8, 5 adults and 3 children (ages 13, 16, and 17). We met
on cruisecritic before the cruise and agreed to tour together. Our
group managed to be one of the first few off the ship, and Mario was
already there waiting for us as we walked out at the port. Mario was
very friendly. We boarded he mercedes van, which was very comfortable
and clean. He has a microphone in the van, so as we drove to Taormina he
could talk and everyone could hear. It was very informative, and we
were also able to ask him any questions we had. Upon arrival, we were
offered fresh Italian pastries, and beverages. We were given 2.5 hrs to
walk around Taormina on our own. I do not know why some ppl are
expecting a tour here, the website does not say he tours you thru. Nor
would I have wanted him to. Its a cute smaller village, with lots of
shops, and an ancient greek style theater. We all were able to split up
and do what we wanted in town. Mario said we obviously were free to do
what we wanted, but he recommended a place for lunch at our next stop,
so we all agreed to wait. In other words, time for a gelato! We then
drove up to the town of Castelmola, which I loved! There didn't seem to
be any other tourist there, so you felt like you were really in Sicily!
The place Mario recommended for lunch had a great view, and was
delicious. It was very reasonable as well. I think we spent 15 euros for
my husband and I total. We walked around the town, and Mario pointed
out some things for us. We then drove back to Messina with stops at this
old almost abandon building the Galleria which was beautiful inside, a
fort, and viewing area of the ship from up on the hillside, and the
church in Messina. I felt we really got to see everything. I thought
Mario was very professional, and we had a great day with him!