City Tours
2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$101
per adult
Handy Sicily
Handy Sicily
5
Full view
About
Handy Sicily is a DMC Operator, with many years' experience, set up in order to make the tourists discover the most beautiful and hidden angles of Sicily. We offer Tour of Sicily and minitour for individuals and groups most of them are themed itineraries but we can create tailor-made journey. Our services: Private Tour Luxury Tour Mini Tour 1 Day Tour Walking Tours Experiences. All our tours and transfers are in Mercedes Benz car or van with a professional guide/driver. | Your authentic Experience |
Tours and Tickets by Handy Sicily
City Tours
2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$112
per adult
Historical Tours
3+ days
Free cancellation
Free Cancellation up to 7 days in advance
from
$5,854
per adult
Full-day Tours
8–9 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$223
per adult
Travelers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
190 reviews
Excellent
184
Very good
6
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Hugh H
Sydney, Australia68 contributions
Nov 2019
We were recommended to Paulo by friends and they were right, we had an outstanding 2 weeks touring Sicily. Nothing was a problem, we saw all the sights, were accommodated in great hotels in ideal locations. Paulo had all the answers (and I had plenty of questions). His knowledge and abilty to explain was outstanding. The Merc was an ideal way to get around, Don't consider driving yourself it's hair raising, leave it to a professional. The agri stay was fantastic.
Written June 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cantonmd
Baltimore15 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Paolo and Handy Sicily provide a first class experience! A deep knowledge of Sicily, and its history; excellent pre-trip planning and communication; a fun and foodie experience with a great travel guide. Highly recommended!
Written March 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelFoodJunkie23
Los Angeles, CA65 contributions
Aug 2021
My husband and I spent today visiting Scicli, Ragusa and Modica with Paolo. Paolo's knowledge, his sense of humor, his extremely comfortable car (hugging seats and all) and his shared love of cannoli made it an an absolutely perfect day. He also took us to Gli Aromi herb farm, which we would have never have known about and we loved it, but that's another review. If you visit these places on your own, you will absolutely miss out on so many fascinating details and points of history that we enjoyed learning so much. If you are in Sicily, you really cannot find a better guide than Paolo.
Written August 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ronald R
New York City, NY8 contributions
Oct 2012 • Couples
We've returned from our trip around the whole of Sicily, and it would be difficult for us to express all the praise we have for Paolo and his efforts to have us enjoy the trip in comfort. I had thought about renting a car, and driving us around, and am extremely glad that I did not do so. The traffic in Sicily, especially in Palermo and Catania, is TERRIBLE, with chaos in the streets and especially in the roundabouts. The motorbikes do not obey the traffic rules. We're New Yorkers, and used to traffic, but not this -- so, even if you like driving and are good at it --fugetaboutit!
One suggestion: We flew into Catania, and toured ourselves in the city that day. So, we began with Paolo early in the AM the next day, and thus had a bit more time to travel, spending a full day in the South -- Noto, Scicli, Modica, Ragusa -- which was well worth it, especially because Paolo himself is from Noto, and knows the area very well.
We would also add that in various cities -- Siracusa, Palermo -- Paolo arranged for local guides, at no extra cost, who were experts and wonderful people to get to know.
5 Stars, like everyone else rates this tour.
One suggestion: We flew into Catania, and toured ourselves in the city that day. So, we began with Paolo early in the AM the next day, and thus had a bit more time to travel, spending a full day in the South -- Noto, Scicli, Modica, Ragusa -- which was well worth it, especially because Paolo himself is from Noto, and knows the area very well.
We would also add that in various cities -- Siracusa, Palermo -- Paolo arranged for local guides, at no extra cost, who were experts and wonderful people to get to know.
5 Stars, like everyone else rates this tour.
Written December 2, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joette I
Manasquan, NJ60 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
We wanted to experience the Baroque towns of Southeast Sicily with a guide and chose Handy Sicily because of its Tripadvisor reviews. The reviews are excellent but I hesitated booking for only two reasons. The name of the company was a little silly for me. Maybe the English translation. And also we were not going to be able to take the tour with Paolo because he was busy that day and all the reviews were about him.
I am so glad that I ignored my hesitations and booked Handy Sicily for our day visiting Ragusa, Modica and Noto. It was a wonderful day and Emilia our guide was excellent in every way! Charming, knowledgeable and a great companion for the day.
We were picked up at our hotel in Siracusa at 8:30am by our driver Domenico in a beautiful Mercedes SUV and proceeded to Ragusa, picking up Emilia along the way. She immediately started giving us a background of the villages we would visit and the culture of this part of Sicily. This part of Sicily is filled with beautiful architecture, landscape and views and we experienced all of it and its history with Emilia.
We started in Ragusa Ibleo, visiting the Piazza Duomo, Chiesa di San Giuseppe, Ibleo Gardens and Cattedrale di San Giorgio along with shopping on the main street. Next was Modica and Chiesa di San Giorgio and a stroll on Corso Umberto, an avenue of great palaces and churches and many restaurants and shops. We also ate lunch here in a great local cafe. Our last stop was the architecturally beautiful Noto and its lovely historic center. The Corso Vittorio Emanuele was very elegant with many churches and shops as well as the Catedral di San Nicolo.
As we visited these three towns we were treated to an ongoing history lesson delivered as a conversation with Emilia. It was the best way to experience these towns. You can't possibly learn what these towns and their people mean on your own. Touring with a proud resident of the area makes you an insider to the past of the town and also its present. We were delivered back to our hotel at 5:30 pm after one of our best days in Sicily.
I am so glad that I ignored my hesitations and booked Handy Sicily for our day visiting Ragusa, Modica and Noto. It was a wonderful day and Emilia our guide was excellent in every way! Charming, knowledgeable and a great companion for the day.
We were picked up at our hotel in Siracusa at 8:30am by our driver Domenico in a beautiful Mercedes SUV and proceeded to Ragusa, picking up Emilia along the way. She immediately started giving us a background of the villages we would visit and the culture of this part of Sicily. This part of Sicily is filled with beautiful architecture, landscape and views and we experienced all of it and its history with Emilia.
We started in Ragusa Ibleo, visiting the Piazza Duomo, Chiesa di San Giuseppe, Ibleo Gardens and Cattedrale di San Giorgio along with shopping on the main street. Next was Modica and Chiesa di San Giorgio and a stroll on Corso Umberto, an avenue of great palaces and churches and many restaurants and shops. We also ate lunch here in a great local cafe. Our last stop was the architecturally beautiful Noto and its lovely historic center. The Corso Vittorio Emanuele was very elegant with many churches and shops as well as the Catedral di San Nicolo.
As we visited these three towns we were treated to an ongoing history lesson delivered as a conversation with Emilia. It was the best way to experience these towns. You can't possibly learn what these towns and their people mean on your own. Touring with a proud resident of the area makes you an insider to the past of the town and also its present. We were delivered back to our hotel at 5:30 pm after one of our best days in Sicily.
Written November 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dorcas
Tasmania, Australia8 contributions
Apr 2015 • Solo
Sicily has a cornucopia of Greco-Roman, Arab-Norman and Baroque architecture, all within a small island. It has an incredibly beautiful, wild, natural environment, friendly helpful people and luscious food.
Paolo helped me design a customised, solo tour for April- May, using the lovely Agriturismo Leone as a base in the SE for 5 nights, the suberb Serpotta 10 apartment for 4, plus 2 single nights at hotels. My expectations of seasonal food, terracotta and glass mosaics, baroque cities and the wide range of earlier civilisations was exceeded.
Paolo and Lucca were most professional, charming, courteous, accommodating, flexible and extremely passionately knowledgeable on all aspects of Sicily's history. Without hesitation I have already recommended Handy Sicily to 8 other travellers. I did not allow sufficient time so will return soon to enjoy more of Sicily's wonderful delights.
Paolo helped me design a customised, solo tour for April- May, using the lovely Agriturismo Leone as a base in the SE for 5 nights, the suberb Serpotta 10 apartment for 4, plus 2 single nights at hotels. My expectations of seasonal food, terracotta and glass mosaics, baroque cities and the wide range of earlier civilisations was exceeded.
Paolo and Lucca were most professional, charming, courteous, accommodating, flexible and extremely passionately knowledgeable on all aspects of Sicily's history. Without hesitation I have already recommended Handy Sicily to 8 other travellers. I did not allow sufficient time so will return soon to enjoy more of Sicily's wonderful delights.
Written July 9, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
4101Brisbane
Brisbane4 contributions
Oct 2012 • Couples
We've recently spent a wonderful 5 weeks in Europe, of which the last 9 days were spent in Sicily, being chauffered and guided expertly by Paola Mortellaro (Handy Sicily) From our meeting at Catania airport to Palermo drop off 9 days later it was a feast for the eyes, brain and tastebuds as we were treated to all sorts of new sights and experiences. We stayed at the Farm outside Noto "Agriturismo Leone" 5 nights which was very comfortable with hosts Laura and Corrado making us most welcome, we thoroughly enjoyed their Sicilian food red wine and hospitality.
Paola made it possible for us to expeiende things we would never have found ourselves, plus skilfully avoiding the tour groups. Having Paola to guide us meant we could enjoy the sights, the scenery the orchards of oranges and lemons, almonds ,olives,grapes ,prickly pear being harvested ,shady carob trees, artichokes and much more without looking for road signs, parking spots and dealing with the traffic. He took us to the fresh food markets in Siracusa and Palermo, encouraging us to taste specialities which were delicious and generous. His knowledge and passion for Sicilian history and culture is remarkable and he draws attention to points of interest on route. Among the places visited were ancient Siracusa, the beautiful baroque town Noto, by day and night, the mosaics of Villa del Tellara and Piazza Armerino, picturesque Taormina, craters and lunar landscape of Mt Ena The Valley of Temples in Agrigento, a must by night also, the archeological park at Segesta, the medieval town of Erice where we lunched at the famous pastry shop "Grammatico Maria" pasticceria, and met Maria herself, and busy but interesting Palermo.
The accomodation and eating places suggested by Paolo were all very good and we'd both love to return to see some more of Sicily with Handy Sicily and Paolo .
Paola made it possible for us to expeiende things we would never have found ourselves, plus skilfully avoiding the tour groups. Having Paola to guide us meant we could enjoy the sights, the scenery the orchards of oranges and lemons, almonds ,olives,grapes ,prickly pear being harvested ,shady carob trees, artichokes and much more without looking for road signs, parking spots and dealing with the traffic. He took us to the fresh food markets in Siracusa and Palermo, encouraging us to taste specialities which were delicious and generous. His knowledge and passion for Sicilian history and culture is remarkable and he draws attention to points of interest on route. Among the places visited were ancient Siracusa, the beautiful baroque town Noto, by day and night, the mosaics of Villa del Tellara and Piazza Armerino, picturesque Taormina, craters and lunar landscape of Mt Ena The Valley of Temples in Agrigento, a must by night also, the archeological park at Segesta, the medieval town of Erice where we lunched at the famous pastry shop "Grammatico Maria" pasticceria, and met Maria herself, and busy but interesting Palermo.
The accomodation and eating places suggested by Paolo were all very good and we'd both love to return to see some more of Sicily with Handy Sicily and Paolo .
Written November 16, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colin M
London, UK10 contributions
Oct 2012 • Couples
We have just returned from Handy Sicily's 11 day tour of the island, which encompassed the beautiful Baroque towns in the east, the excitement of Mount Etna, wonderful ancient sites including the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, as well as the western part of the island around Marsala, Trapani and, of course, Palermo and Monreale. It was a great tour and we can't praise Paolo enough for the excellence of the whole package. He was the ideal guide, amiable, relaxed but well informed, well organised and extremely helpful. His English is good and he ensured that everything worked smoothly. He is also very knowledgeable and his explanations of the historical and cultural aspects of the places we visited brought them to life.
The stay at the farmhouse near Noto worked well, with comfortable rooms and more delicious homemade food and wine than we could possibly consume. The hotels elsewhere on the island were also comfortable and conveniently located, particularly in Palermo, where we were right in the city centre. We also took the optional cookery course, which was great fun and run by a charming tutor in her own home.
This was a very easy and relaxed way to tour Sicily and, as we were chauffeured everywhere and had our own guide, who knew all the best places, it was excellent value for money. Highly recommended.
Colin and Catrina M
The stay at the farmhouse near Noto worked well, with comfortable rooms and more delicious homemade food and wine than we could possibly consume. The hotels elsewhere on the island were also comfortable and conveniently located, particularly in Palermo, where we were right in the city centre. We also took the optional cookery course, which was great fun and run by a charming tutor in her own home.
This was a very easy and relaxed way to tour Sicily and, as we were chauffeured everywhere and had our own guide, who knew all the best places, it was excellent value for money. Highly recommended.
Colin and Catrina M
Written October 11, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frances C
Brisbane, Australia22 contributions
Jun 2012 • Couples
My husband and I, in our early sixties, were looking for a way to explore Sicily from Catania around the south and west of the island and up to Palermo- its food, history, culture and way of life in a comfortable manner without hassles. I discovered Handy Sicily online but found it hard to find supporting recommendations from travellers - hence this review, because Paolo's service is second to none and it would be a great loss to others not to be aware of it.
We visited for 11 days and used Paolo's itinerary as a guide, adding suggestions of our own which Paolo readily accommodated and gave us a very varied and interesting trip. He was prompt in replying to any of our communications and kept us up to date on any changes or further recommendations as they arose. His knowledge, not only of the history and culture, but also of where to grab a bite for lunch or find a clean bathroom, was invaluable. It was wonderful to be driven by someone who knew the roads and could manoeuver around the sometimes erratic behaviour of other drivers, particularly in Palermo!
His colleague, Luca, who accompanied us for the first two days made us feel very welcome to Sicily and we enjoyed his company and expertise. He coordinated private guided visits in Catania, Donnafugata Castle, Ragusa Ibla and Modica with local guides who were equally amiable and flexible, and a big thank you to them too.
Paolo was very considerate of our wishes and adapted our schedule to them as we went along, for example, it was very hot and by the time we arrived in Segesta on our 9th day, I couldn't summon the energy to go and view more temples so he found me a cool place to sit and accompanied my husband. If we didn't want to do something or if we did want to do something else, it was no trouble to him.
We had a wonderful time thanks to Paolo and saw much more than we would have by ourselves thanks to his local knowledge. There are no 'catches' in what Paolo has to offer. He provides a professional and capable service in a friendly and genuine manner at a very good price.
We visited for 11 days and used Paolo's itinerary as a guide, adding suggestions of our own which Paolo readily accommodated and gave us a very varied and interesting trip. He was prompt in replying to any of our communications and kept us up to date on any changes or further recommendations as they arose. His knowledge, not only of the history and culture, but also of where to grab a bite for lunch or find a clean bathroom, was invaluable. It was wonderful to be driven by someone who knew the roads and could manoeuver around the sometimes erratic behaviour of other drivers, particularly in Palermo!
His colleague, Luca, who accompanied us for the first two days made us feel very welcome to Sicily and we enjoyed his company and expertise. He coordinated private guided visits in Catania, Donnafugata Castle, Ragusa Ibla and Modica with local guides who were equally amiable and flexible, and a big thank you to them too.
Paolo was very considerate of our wishes and adapted our schedule to them as we went along, for example, it was very hot and by the time we arrived in Segesta on our 9th day, I couldn't summon the energy to go and view more temples so he found me a cool place to sit and accompanied my husband. If we didn't want to do something or if we did want to do something else, it was no trouble to him.
We had a wonderful time thanks to Paolo and saw much more than we would have by ourselves thanks to his local knowledge. There are no 'catches' in what Paolo has to offer. He provides a professional and capable service in a friendly and genuine manner at a very good price.
Written June 28, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DAS_ONETWO
Raleigh, NC5 contributions
Dec 2011 • Couples
We spent 2 weeks with Paolo as our guide and enjoyed every minute. Our itinerary was well thought out, yet flexible enough to accomodate both our desires and the tempermental weather. We saw a wonderful mix of dramatic landscapes, beautiful cities and fabulous Greek and Roman ruins. Paolo worked very hard to please us and show us as much as possible. We made unscheduled stops to visit places that he thought we might appreciate-and we did. All of our arrangements were handled skillfully and cheerfully. Paolo is a personable, delightful, traveling companion, albeit with sometimes quirky English, but all in all a fine guide and we would recommend him to anyone. Some time in the future we hope to return to Sicily and would not hesitate to call on him again.
Written January 9, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, I've emailed and phoned this agency without success re: a tour of Sicily. Is it still operating? TIA!
Written August 16, 2022
Paolo M
Noto, Italy
Hello,
Yes, we are still operating tour of Sicily, I don't know becuse we didin't send you an answer. If it's not too late please write me again. Thanks
Written September 22, 2022
Hi, We would love to do a tour of Noto and Syracuse and even Modica and would be departing from Taormina. I can't find a tour offering from this company. Can anyone help?
Written July 8, 2018
Hi
We can arrange it.
Write the date, number of people and your hotel in Taormina.
Best regards
Paolo
Written July 8, 2018
My husband and I are Hoping to arrive 9th July at trapani airport in the morning. Have not made any plans on where to stay at this time. We were thinking about a 3 day tour organised by handy Sicily with accommodation recommended for the tour and then to spend 4 days somewhere on the island.
Written January 30, 2017
I apologize, I didn't see this message...
It's possible to do:
day 1 Erice->Segesta-Scopello-Castellamare del golfo (view point), if you arriveearly, otherwise another day. Overnight Trapani. BAGLIO SORIA OR LA GANCIA
Day 2 Marsala-Salt Pans Trapani/Marsala. Mothia. Wine tasting Donnafugata, if you want. Overnight Selinunte area IL CUORE DI DIONISIO
Day 3 Selinunte- Cava di Cusa . Mazara del vallo (Satyr museum). Overnight Trapani.BAGLIO SORIA OR LA GANCIA
Day 4 Ferry to Favignana, where you can spend time for relaxing
tell me if its ok. So I'll give you the cost.
Kindest regards
Paolo
Written January 31, 2017
Do you pick up from trapani airport to begin a 3 day tour
Written January 30, 2017
Yes. But I need to know the period. Number of people and itinerary.
Kindest regards
Paolo
Written January 31, 2017
How do I contact this HandySicliy? am interested in b&b stay and need driver.
Written March 20, 2015
Hi
you can send an email.
In my website (handysicily) you find the email address
Kindest regards
Paolo
Handysicily
Written March 20, 2015
What would be the price for your 11 day Sicily tour in May for two women?
Written March 4, 2015
Once you start the tour with Handy Sicily, all the accommodations are included in the price of the tour. If you plan to arrive a day or two before the tour, I would ask Paolo of Handy Sicily for a recommendation or he might book it for you. Paolo is very accommodating and will work with you if you want to add or change something in the tour.
Written February 27, 2015
We think to fly to Palermo arriving at 21.10 on 13 April. Is that time ok, please?
Written February 7, 2015
Paolo M
Noto, Italy
I'm sorry but I don't understand the inquiry.
Can you send me an email with detail?
Written February 7, 2015
Showing results 1-8 of 8