Messina City and Coast Tour

Our ship was running late getting into port and the tour company and guide were courteous and waited patiently for our group to assemble. The tour was excellent. Our tour guide, Andrea, was superb. He was personable and his English was perfect. As a native Messinan, he had an extensive knowledge of the area with its history and mythology. It was a fun day and several stops to get a good feel for the entire area of Messina including some very picturesque views. We loved the granita stop in Torre Faro. Our driver Giancarlo, was first-rate and navigated the roadways with ease, comfortably. Five star for sure!

We were picked up close to our boat, and taken to see some of the nicest beaches in the Mediterranean, where saw grottos, private islands, and more. We swam less than a hundred meters off the coast of where white lotus season 2 was filmed, as well as spending a few hours in Taormina. Somehow, the highlight of the excursion was our tour guide, Antonella. Along with how energetic and joyful she was, she had prepared information and maps guiding us to all attractions and eating destinations when we went into town, and she personally pointed us to the best meal we have had all trip. I don’t know if she is the standard over here, or if she is one of a kind, but we will come back to Sicily and book with her specifically within the year or two, if she isn’t the mayor of Sicily or something by then. Our driver Giovani was very pleasant and professional, and the two of them provided a great time. We also rode on a boat with Carmelo, who was also extremely pleasant and professional. All around phenomenal excursion. This will likely be your favorite stop. If you have the opportunity to book with them and don’t, it’s a mistake and I am sorry for your loss.

Tour was excellent. We expected a busload, and wound up with a private tour with our guide Chiara, and driver Giancarlo. They were both wonderful. She gave us fabulous insight into the history and people of Sicily, took us to many interesting places, provided us with water and cookies, and was very accommodating to our needs (my husband was using a cane). Giancarlo always parked near the places we went, and Chiara helped us with translations and finding local specialties. Could not have asked for a better experience.

It was great! Our driver, Diego was a safe drive. Our tour guide Chiara, was lovely and knowledgeable. They had bottles of water to keep us hydrated from the hot Sicilian sun. She knew and shared so much history. I could not of had this experience for me & my family without a specialized guide. When we got to the coast, I was able to dip my feet in the crystal clear water and have an ice cream. After seeing, the Astronomical clock in the Piazza Duomo, she walked us through each stage of the show so we knew where to focus our attention and look at the amazing movement. She showed us historical pictures of what is looked like in the 1500’s. It was a must see not to be missed. I would be sad if I traveled all this way and miss this experience. She also recommended some amazing places to eat and we ate at them and they were fantastic. We let the restaurant owners know that they came recommended by her. I definitely recommend this tour through Discover Messina. I wish I was staying longer to do more tours through them. But I will have to come back.

Our guides, Chiara and driver, Lillo, from Discover Messina Sicily tour company, were extremely informative and provided a wonderful morning learning about the history and culture of Messina. The highlight of the morning was at noon at the Clock Tower , watching the very special event. The drive down the coast to some of the charming villages added another dimension to our tour. Thanks for a great morning.

We had a wonderful walking tour in Messina with Chiara. She was very knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging, and she brought the city’s history and landmarks to life in a really enjoyable way. We especially appreciated her warmth and the way she made the tour feel personal and relaxed. Highly recommended!

We went on the afternoon tour, from our cruise ship and were met at the gate terminal by the very helpful, knowledge and wonderful Claudia and excellent driver Yago. Claudia's local knowledge enabled us to visit all the most interesting and captivating areas of this ancient and historical part of Italy, including the local cuisine. All in all a most enjoyable and memorable experience. Thank you and all the very best Claudia and Yago, from Ron and Karin.

The drive through Messina was very interesting. Since we were driven in a minibus, we also came to places where the big buses could not get there. The driver and tour guide were very competent and nice. The highlight was of course the church clock at 12 o'clock.

Our tour was canceled but Discover Messina arranged for us to take another tour at no additional cost to us. We did the Godfather and Taormina tour as they recommended and the guide, Katia, and driver , Claudia were terrific. They were knowledgeable, answered every question, knew about the history, archeology, etc...at every stop. They went out of their way to assist my husband who has some mobility issues. I can't say enough to thank them for a great day in Sicily. Highly recommend Discover Messina for any tours in Sicily

We only had the day in Messina and our half day tour began with a short panoramic drive along Messina's main street -- Via Garibaldi. On foot, we visited the Cathedral Treasury, where we saw the Madonna's golden mantel. You will also find a collection of important historical artwork donated by kings, bishops, noblemen, and even local people, as a token of faith and thanksgiving. Stop at the Campanile del Duomo di Messina,almost entirely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1908. It features an interesting finely-carved 15th- to 16th-century central doorway. We ate lunch at a café opposite the cathedral and watched the astronomical clock whose narrated, animated, mechanical statues are only seen at noon. Also view the Orion Fountain in Cathedral Square. Built in 1547, its polygon basin portrays Orion -- one of the legendary founders of the city. Overall the town itself does not offer much more and you may be better trying to see other places.