The Best Money Spent in Sicily ~ Simone!

Many of the reviews that we read prior to our trip made mention of the chaotic driving practices in Italy...primarily Sicily. When a three-day min-van rental with tax and insurance was going to cost about $1000 we decided to hire "Simone", a driver and guide for the trips from and back to the airport; and for two 9-hour days to see all that we could of the eastern coast around Catania and Mt. Etna. I think I posted in an earlier entry the picture of Simone picking up us from the airport, which was something we had never done before. For six weary travelers this was a very welcome treat, and the €30 rate was the same as we would have spent for a taxi outside the terminal.

Simone apparently had blocked off 3 1/2 days of his time to be totally at our disposal. Had we had the energy to go beyond walking distance of the hotel for dinner, he would have come back to take us. Beyond trips to my brother's vineyard near Mt. Etna and trips to Nicolosi to locate Joe's family roots we had no assigned schedules and could basically look to him for recommendations. We knew that we wanted to see some of the coastal towns north of Catania and gave him the leeway to make the best choices for this bunch of crazy Americans! And crazy we were! But so was he, in a very good way. His sense of humor meshed perfectly with ours which was a recipe for some very funny conversations as we went from one place to another!

Tired Back-seat Passengers...

He showed up at the airport on the first day in his typical suit and tie. We promptly told him that he could wears jeans with us the next day, something he ignored. We realized that he had an image to protect, and that he was more respected by "policia" if he were professionally dressed. Everyone in the surrounding area knows Simone so he gets prime stopping areas in crowded places; knows where to find the closest restrooms; he called ahead to get lunch reservations in this picturesque restaurant overlooking the coast a Taormina; found a florist and a bakery where we could buy flowers and pastries to take to Lourdes and Bud's; and basically became our best friend during our stay in Sicily.

Doing what he does best!

'splaining Acireale

Memories that we will take home with us:

• Simone climbing in the back seat as a passenger pretending that one of us was going to take the wheel!
• His great driving ability on some very narrow streets.
• How relaxed we were at the end of the day...no worrying about where to park in restricted tourist areas; no stress trying to find our way around a foreign country...
• No getting lost...well, except for once when the narrow road turned into a dirt path!!! Just kidding...I think he knew where he was going!

At the visitor's center on Mt. Etna...

Simone's brother...also a guide!

Simone's wonderful restaurant selection in Taormina

Visit this TripAdvisor link for more info: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187892-d3203683-Reviews-Going_Sicily_Day_Tours-Taormina_Province_of_Messina_Sicily.html

Little did we know what a smart decision we had collectively made by hiring Simone because he absolutely MADE our entire Sicily experience a smooth and delightful stay. On the very last day we were standing in an early morning, two-hour line at the terminal waiting to check our baggage when Joe realized he had forgotten his backpack either at the hotel or in Simone's van.. Instant stress! A quick call to Simone and he appeared swimming upstream through the line to get to us to find out exactly where the backpack was last seen. The hotel lobby! So he called the hotel, made the round-trip and showed up with back-pack in hand.
If you are planning a trip to Sicily soon, we highly recommend Simone. He has become another Sicilian friend that we will always, always remember!




Simone Biglieri

www.goingsicily.com

www.catanianoleggioconconducente.it

tel: +39 (0)95 449856

mob: +39 340 6728265

Excursion & Transfer operator

Via Etnea 726/c

95128 Catania

P.I. 04597330879

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