Hi everyone! My name is Sara and I was born in Messina, Sicily. I grew up and lived my whole life by the Strait of Messina, that’s why I became a scuba diver and why the sea is the first place I would go when I want to find my balance. My lifetime passions are nature, food, travels and of course… my Seacily! I also love photography; my favorite subjects are landscape and architecture, in particular I am literary obsessed with doors! After my degree in foreign languages, my studies in tourism took me to Venice for a while, but my heart has always been, and will always be, deeply connected to Sicily. I am very happy to say that my job is a mixture of all my passions. I can’t wait to meet you in Sicily and see my homeland through your eyes!
A unique experience
I highly recommend it. A very reliable experience. I would like to give them 10 stars instead of five 🙂 Very small group (Just 5 people which was very ideal) tour led by a very knowledgeable guide. Sara, our young tour leader, was a very aspiring guide. She knows all the historic and geologic information about the Sicily region. The amazing point is that she shared all of her knowledge with us in the best way. She was describing everything even on the way to the Etna Mountains and Taormina. She wanted to be sure that we didn’t miss anything from Sicily region sightseeing, which was great for us as tourists. First we started our trip from the cruise port, we traveled roughly 1:30 to Mt Etna. We walked around two craters on Mt Etna, Silvestri & Capannina. We just reached 2000 meter but If you wanted to reach the top of Mt Etna, you should take the cable car. You need to reserve it in advance. Then we went to one local shop to buy some local stuff like Olive oil, natural honey. Which was a good shop. We were satisfied with the quality and price. Then we went to Taormina, which is a very beautiful and touristic small town. She recommended us to taste some food like arancini and Carnaroli which was really delicious! Our tour driver was a very nice guy with a lot of experience in driving.
Great excursion and good value for the money
Would recommend this excursion. Our guide Sarah, did an excellent job. She shared lots of information about the area. She was very pleasant and helpful. The scenery and history of this area is well worth the trip. The size of the group and the type of van used made the trip enjoyable.
Book it!
SARA! Thank you for a beautiful time on Mt. ETNA! It wasn’t our first or fifth time on the volcano but I can say I saw it differently with all the information Sara (our wonderful guide) gave us before, during and after the tour. It’s not really a tour but an experience. I was having some depth perception issues and she accommodated me so well that I had no problem continuing and completing the tour, plus had some free time to explore on my own! We also had a mini tour and free time in Taormina. Again not my first time, won’t be my last time either. It is a lovely town with amazing views and treasures to eat! To finish we had a ride around the port city of Messina for a panoramic stop.
Amazing excursion!!
Sara met us at the cruise terminal. The directions could not have been more clear. This tour was better than any of the tours booked through our cruise. Sara assured us we would be back before the ship left, and we were with time to spare. This tour size is much smaller than the big tours the cruise offers, so we had a group of only 8 people. Taormina was breathtaking. The vineyard on Mt. Etna could not have been a better atmosphere. The panoramic views, fresh, exquisite food, and of course renowned wine made the visit incredible.
Port of Messina Recommended Tour
I highly recommend. A very reliable experience. 10/10 do this if you need an idea of something to do if you’re on a cruise or in the area.
We were a group of four in Messina for the day. We got off our cruise and the guide was waiting with a sign with our name. We road in a nice tour van up to etna. We were able to get out and walk around for around an hourup at etna. The guide communicated very well with the group.
Our guide had a lot of great information and history of the area. She showed us many pictures and gave great recommendations on things to eat and see. On the way back we stopped in Taormina for around 2 hours. We got lunch and walked around the town then headed back to the van. We made it back to the port prior to our boarding time of the cruise ship. Sara was our guide. An amazing human and very genuine.
Very informative tour
Sara was a lovely person and a very knowledgeable guide. She was thoughtful and very helpful. We
also appreciated the delicious gelato and granita treat at the end.
FABULOUS Blue grotto and tour of Taormina!
Sara was AMAZING! She was so engaging and knowledgeable on the area, and things to do and see.
She managed a bilingual tour with our Italian friend, and made it look effortless! It was a great tour, but
she made it the highlight of our 7 night Viking cruise!
Cruise highlight
Sara’s guidance was spot on. Flexible but informative. Finding them as we left the cruise ship was simple and obvious, which put my wife at ease immediately. She shared great insights, trivia, and local facts during the bus ride.
The boat segment was well balanced. They accommodated a larger group by adding an assistant (Emanuela), and a second boat, instead of cramming everyone together. They said we could jump in the water, but I don’t think they expected me to take it so literally. I apologize to others who might have got unexpectedly wet, but the water was comfortably refreshing after a hot day of sightseeing.
They kept everything well within the schedule and back to the port within a relaxing cushion of time.
Best excursion out of Messina! Not to be missed!
Sara was awesome! Such a fun 2 for 1 excursion and just the right amount of time for both 2 1/2-3 hrs in Taormina [1 hour guided and 1 1/2-2 on own] AND the 2 hour boat tour with a swim. Make sure you take a bathing suit and towel as Viator didn’t have that written on the confirmation and most people didn’t have theirs with them. We had ours but only because I had read a previous tripadvisor review..
Best tour in Sicily for sure!! Don’t miss it!
Traveled 50 countries – Sara is the BEST!
My husband and I were originally supposed to hike Mt. Etna through another tour company for our one day in Sicily. That company cancelling our tour is the best thing that could have happened, because this tour is unmissable! Sara was our guide, and she was the best tour guide I have ever had in my travels to 48 countries. Her knowledge and friendliness are unmatched. I can’t believe we would have missed Taormina if not for this tour, it is so beautiful and a wonderful place to spend time, eat, shop, relax, and explore! The boat ride along the coastline was unforgettable, and jumping off the boat to swim in the Mediterranean Sea was a moment we will never forget.
Sara, thank you for making this day of our honeymoon my favorite day. Your passion and love for what you do shines though in your tours. We will absolutely request you as our tour guide if we get to return to Sicily in the future. Wishing you all the best!
Phone : (+39) 345.8361014
Email : sara@discovermessina.com