Nov 29, 2025
Read the room perfectly. Best lunch of the trip! - My wife and I aren't really "history buffs." We wanted to see Etna and Taormina, but we were dreading getting stuck with a guide who drones on for hours about dates and statues.
​Erika was a breath of fresh air. She immediately understood what we were looking for: a fun day, great views, and good food. She gave us the highlights of the volcano without the boredom, and then took us to a honey and wine tasting stop on the way down that was fantastic (and not too touristy).
​In Taormina, she secured us a table at a restaurant with a killer view that we never would have found on Google Maps. Filippo drove that luxury van like a pro.
​It felt less like a guided tour and more like driving around with knowledgeable friends. Highly recommend if you want a customized vibe.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 29, 2025
Great with teenagers! Actually managed to keep them interested. - ​Traveling with a 14 and 16-year-old is not easy. They usually complain about museums and long drives. I was worried this tour would be too "educational" for them, but Erika was amazing.
​She didn't lecture them. She engaged them with cool facts about the volcano, the eruptions, and the science behind it. My son actually put his phone away to ask questions! When we got to Taormina, instead of dragging us into every church, she pointed out the best spots for gelato and shopping, giving the kids a bit of freedom while keeping an eye on things.
​Filippo deserves a medal for the van alone. It had charging ports and was super spacious, so the kids could spread out and chill on the drive back without fighting.
​If you want a family day where everyone (even the grumpy teens) comes back smiling, book this. It was the highlight of our cruise.
Thank you guys!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 21, 2025
Stunning views and VIP treatment. Worth every penny. - We wanted a private experience to celebrate our anniversary, and this team delivered 100%.
The logistics were flawless. Filippo was incredibly polite and professional, he treated us like royalty. Having the car available to drop us off right near the entrance of the Greek Theatre in Taormina was a huge plus, as it saved us a steep walk in the heat. The van was cool and stocked with water, which was much appreciated after walking on the lava flows.
Erika was wonderful company. She was very attentive to our needs, never rushed us, and knew exactly where to take us for the best photos on Mount Etna away from the big groups. She even took some amazing pictures of us, so we didn't have to rely on selfies! She was ready to answer all our questions, very informative, kind, she told us about things that you can't find on internet.
It was a long day, but we returned to the hotel feeling relaxed rather than exhausted. If you are looking for a high-end, seamless experience where everything is taken care of, this is it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 21, 2025
Relaxing day. So glad we didn't rent a car!! - My husband and I debated renting a car to save money, but looking back, that would have been a nightmare. The traffic around Taormina and the mountain roads up to Etna are intense. Hiring this team was the best decision of our trip.
Filippo is an excellent, safe driver. He was waiting for us right on time with a pristine Mercedes van. I felt completely safe the entire time, which allowed us to actually enjoy the scenery instead of stressing about the GPS or scooters zipping by.
Erika was fantastic, she was warm, polite, and her English is perfect. What we appreciated most was that she didn't overload us with too much information. She gave us the key facts, answered all our random questions about life in Sicily, and then gave us space to just enjoy the atmosphere and take photos. She also knew exactly when to leave Etna to beat the tour bus rush to Taormina.
We had a lovely, stress-free lunch (her recommendation was spot on) and got back to the ship with plenty of time to spare. If you want a smooth, high-quality experience, ask for them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 17, 2025
Smooth ride, flexible schedule, Filippo’s the man - We booked a tour with Filippo for our big group and everything was smooth from start to finish. The minibus was clean, comfy, and had plenty of space. Filippo is the kind of guide you want on vacation – relaxed, funny, but also super professional and on top of things.
He showed us some beautiful spots and was really open to tweaking the schedule a bit so we could enjoy the day at our own pace. Pick up and drop off were literally right at the ship, so no walking around trying to figure out where to go.
If you’re cruising and want something easy, fun, and stress-free, Filippo’s your guy. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 17, 2025
Big families, 18-seater minibus, wine & Taormina - We were two big families and had an 18-seat minibus just for us – super comfy and perfect for the kids and grandparents. Filippo was our guide and he was awesome: super friendly, chill and really knew his stuff.
The views were insane, and even though a wine tasting wasn’t originally part of the plan, Filippo was super flexible and made it happen for us. After that we even got an extra hour of shopping time in Taormina, which was the cherry on top.
Pick up and drop off were right by the ship, so zero stress. Honestly, Filippo took care of everything – 10/10 would book with him again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 13, 2025
Taormina and Aetna with Filippo - Such a great experience from start to finish. We got off our cruise in Messina and the meeting point was honestly a breeze to find — zero stress.
Filippo was super friendly and always available, answering every question with a smile.
Taormina was stunning, and the views from the craters later on were just insane.
We also got to try some real local food — nothing touristy, just authentic Sicilian flavors that totally hit the spot.
Overall, an amazing day and super smooth logistics.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 13, 2025
Amazing day with honey, olive oil and wine tasting - What an awesome day! Filippo and Sonia really knew how to make everything smooth and fun.
Loved the stop at the little family farm — super cozy vibe, amazing honey and olive oil tasting, plus some really cool explanations about how everything is made. The wine didn’t hurt either!
Everything felt relaxed and well-organized, and they took great care of us the whole time.
Service was so good that we left a big tip without even thinking twice.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 10, 2025
Amazing day with Filippo - What an awesome day! Pick-up was super easy — Filippo was right there waiting for us as soon as we got off the ship. The whole service was excellent from start to finish. He’s not just a great driver, he’s also full of cool stories and fun facts about Sicily that really made the ride interesting.
Filippo gave us some local tips on where to eat, like real spots where locals go — not the tourist traps. We walked around one of the craters on Etna, which was unreal, and then had the most delicious arancino I’ve ever tasted.
If you’re stopping in Messina and want a smooth, fun, and authentic experience, book with Filippo. He’ll make you feel like you’re traveling with a friend who knows all the best secrets of the island.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 10, 2025
Always an excellent experience with Filippo and his team - I’m a travel agent from the U.S., and I’ve booked this Etna and Taormina group tour with Filippo multiple times for my cruise groups docking in Messina. Every single time, the service has been excellent. Filippo really takes care of everything in the best possible way – from the logistics at the port to the timing of each stop, my clients are always in good hands.
Communication with Filippo is incredibly easy. He’s responsive, clear, and flexible, which makes planning from abroad so much smoother. My guests consistently comment on the comfortable transportation, the well-paced itinerary, and the professionalism of the guides and drivers.
I always feel confident when I book with Filippo, because I know my groups will be well looked after and will have a memorable day discovering Etna and Taormina. Highly recommended, especially for cruise passengers looking for a reliable, well-organized shore excursion.
Review provided by Tripadvisor