It's not just what you see but how you see it that makes most sights not only interesting but
actually worth seeking out during your travels. A knowledgeable tour guide makes all the difference, and the best guides are much more than
historians; they're experts in the local culture too. That's an important distinction because, when you
think about it, history, archeology and places are really about people - past and present. A superficial visit is one thing, but a genuinely insightful
discovery leaves a unique impression that lasts a lifetime. Taormina,
Siracusa
and Mount Etna, and other parts of
eastern (or "Ionian") Sicily bear the marks of time in history, myth and nature's wonders.
Only the Best
Finding the right guide is at least as important as choosing a hotel,
restaurant or any other feature of your visit to our enchanting island. Eastern Sicily Guides is an elite network of licensed tour
guides - not simply "sightseeing escorts" or drivers - based in Taormina and Siracusa. We work with larger groups
(up to fifty participants) as well as the smallest ones. You don't have to be a tour operator or travel agent to hire
a guide; you can hire us directly even if you're visiting eastern Sicily with just your spouse or a few friends, and even if you're visiting for only a day or two. All of our
services are personalized to your group's needs and interests.
What to See
Taormina, Sicily's most popular resort, boasts a charming medieval ambience and
offers shopping, exceptional dining and beaches, but it's not the only place to visit. The area around Taormina, in the provnce of Messina, is dotted with
seaside towns and hilltop villages in the shadow of Mount Etna, the greatest natural wonder of Europe and the Mediterranean. Further south along the
Ionian coast, Siracusa (Siracuse) was one of the most important cities of the ancient Greek world.
A Meeting of Worlds
Sicily is the point where three worlds meet. The Phoenicians, Greeks and Byzantines of
the east left their mark on the island's history and culture, and even its cuisine. Coming from the south, the Carthaginians and, later, the Fatimid Arabs made Sicily a
cornerstone of their civilizations for centuries. And the Normans and Swabians, arriving from the north in the Middle Ages, brought the island into their European sphere of
influence. Each of these peoples contributed to making Sicilian culture what it is today. There's quite a bit to see.
Experience Counts
Attention to detail is what distinguishes exceptional guide services.
Rosa Rizza, who speaks English as her mother tongue, has over twenty years of experience in the field, having planned all kinds of
touring experiences for all kinds of clients visiting Sicily. She (or somebody on her team) will respond to your queries and meet you in Sicily.
Contact Us
To begin, send us an email describing your interests and indicating the dates
of your visit. We'll respond with a quote as well as our mobile telephone number. (We're constantly on the move, working with clients like you.)
©2008 Eastern Sicily Guides
