+39 348 291 7894
TAORMINESE
Contacts
Dinara Saleeva – Licensed Tour Guide in Taormina
English · Italian · Russian
P.IVA: 03495470837
WhatsApp / Phone +39 348 291 7894
info@taorminese.it
Taormina, Sicily
© 2017–2026 Taorminese by Dinara Saleeva
All rights reserved
BESPOKE WALKS &
PRIVATE EXPERIENCES IN TAORMINA
The First Date with Taormina
2 hours - 190 Euro · Private Walking Tour in Taormina Historical Centre for Small Groups (1–6 guests)
Great love stories often begin with a first date that stays in your memory forever. If you have never been to Taormina, it is important to make that first encounter special—to enjoy your time, discover the town at your own pace, and start building a lasting relationship with Taormina.
During this walking tour through Taormina’s historic centre, you will discover the town’s main places of interest, from its Greek and Roman heritage to its medieval history, elegant palaces and beautiful churches. I will also share my recommendations on what to taste and where to find it, which local souvenirs are worth taking home, and, of course, the best spots for memorable photographs.
Think of it as your first date with Taormina—with a local who knows the town well and wants you to fall in love with it.
Notice: Entrance to the Greek theater is 14 Euro per person.
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Classical Taormina: The Ancient Theatre
& Greco-Roman Heritage
2 hours - 190 EUR · Private Walk in the Greek and Roman Part of Taormina for small groups (1–6 guests)
Naumachia, Odeon, Acropolis, Agora, Aqueduct... If these words sound like music to your ears, if you want to touch ancient Roman bricks with your own hands, drink from a centuries-old Roman aqueduct, admire the landscapes that inspired the ancient Greeks, decipher the symbols hidden in mosaic ornaments, and make a wish while touching an ancient Greek temple, this is the tour for you.
You will immerse yourself in the world of the Greeks and Romans and discover how they lived, what they believed, and how they shaped Taormina. You will walk along a street dating back to the 4th century BC, see the remains of ancient Roman baths, temples and villas, and visit Taormina's extraordinary Greek-Roman Theatre.
This is a journey through the layers of ancient Taormina—where history is not only something to look at, but something you can touch, imagine and experience.
Notice: Entrance to the Greek theater is 14 Euro per person.
Medieval Taormina: Fortresses, Sacred Spaces & The Old Ghetto
2 hours - 190 EUR · Private Walk in the Medieval Part of Taormina for Small Groups (1–6 guests)
The Middle Ages may have been a dark age, but in Taormina, things were certainly humming. The medieval part of the town may not be large, but its history is remarkably rich.
The Byzantines were followed by the Saracens, who in turn gave way to the Normans, followed by the Swabians and the Aragonese. “Fight. Pray. Work.” could almost be the slogan of the Middle Ages, when Taormina's fortifications, Romanesque and Gothic churches, and aristocratic palaces took shape.
This was the age of Saracens, knights and pilgrims; of plague and leprosy; of two Inquisitions and the Jewish ghetto; an age in which Taormina itself even changed its name.
During the Medieval Taormina tour, you will discover how to conquer the town, how to choose the right place for a castle, how people tried to protect their animals from disease—and how they sought to protect themselves from the plague.
Step into medieval Taormina and discover the stories hidden behind its walls, churches, palaces and ancient streets.
Ancient Theatre of Taormina in 60 Minutes
1 hour - 190 Euro · Private Walk inside of the Greek-Roman Theatre of Taormina for Small Groups (1–6 guests)
If you have limited time or simply want to experience the essence of Taormina during a short visit, this is the perfect introduction.
In this compact yet unforgettable tour, we focus exclusively on the Greek-Roman Theatre—the heart of Taormina's charm and mystery. You will walk through ancient arches, stand where spectators stood more than 2,000 years ago, and admire the breathtaking views of the sea and Mount Etna that have captivated travelers for centuries.
Every story needs a strong beginning, and in Taormina, it begins with the magic of its most iconic place—the Ancient Theatre.
Notice: Entrance to the Greek theater is 14 Euro per person.
About Me
My name is Dina Saleeva, I hold a PHD in Comparative Linguistics and I am a licensed tour guide in English, Russian and Italian.
I have lived in Taormina for about 20 years and during this time I have immersed myself in the history, mythology and folklore of this wonderful island. I will be happy to show you Taormina, to tell about local traditions and give advice what to see, what to buy and where to dine.
My Book about Sicily
Chasing Medusa:
A Wanderer’s Guide to the Mythological Landmarks of Sicily
There are so many ways to discover Sicily. You can join me on a private tour, or open this book before your journey across the island to slip into the right mindset and arrive with a deep, authentic sense of place.
And if your trip is still a dream, the book becomes your personal doorway to Sicily. It lets you immerse yourself in centuries of history, rich cultural layers, and ancient Sicilian myths — all from the comfort of your favorite armchair.
Each chapter explores a specific town and the stories rooted in its landscape. It’s a warm, atmospheric companion: equally at home in your travel backpack or on your bedside table.
Whether you’re planning a real trip to Sicily or simply love Mediterranean culture, mythology, and meaningful travel, this book will help you see the island in a new, vivid way.
The book is currently in the process of translation into English and publication.
Ready to Experience Taormina with a Local Expert?
Get in touch to check dates and reserve your private walk.
By sending a request, you agree to the
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the itinerary the same for everyone, or can it be customized?
Every walk is crafted individually—from the starting time to the selection of sights that interest you most. The route can always be flexibly adjusted to ensure everything proceeds at a comfortable pace for you.
Where do we meet on the day of the tour?
We usually start at the Messina Gate (Porta Messina) in the Greco-Roman part of Taormina. If your hotel is located in the historic center, we can meet right in the lobby. If you are arriving by taxi, we will meet at the Piazzetta San Pancrazio stop or Rotonda Porta Catania.
How strenuous is the route for senior visitors?
Taormina enchants with its historic cobblestones, stairways, and gentle inclines, but we will move exclusively at your individual and comfortable pace. I will design the smoothest and most convenient route for us, and pauses for rest, panoramic views, memorable photos, or a refreshing Sicilian granita will become a delightful part of our walk. By walking along the main street, we can completely avoid difficult sections and steep alleys. Additionally, the territory of the Ancient Theatre is fully accessible and convenient for wheelchair users, and stairs can also be avoided inside.
Can we focus on a specific theme—for example, cinema or ancient history?
Yes, of course. Whether you want to dive into Greco-Roman archaeology and mythology, retrace the filming locations of the second season of The White Lotus, or peek into hidden artisan workshops, the narrative and stops along the route will be fully tailored to your interests.
What happens if we are running late to the meeting point?
Unforeseen delays can happen during travel. If you are running late, please notify us as soon as possible. Waiting is guaranteed for up to thirty minutes from the scheduled time. Since the tour is paid for in full in advance, in case of a no-show after this period without prior notice, the service is considered canceled due to participant fault, and the advance payment is non-refundable in accordance with our booking terms and conditions.
Are tickets to the Ancient Theatre included in the tour price?
Tickets are not included and are purchased on-site. As a licensed guide, I will lead you to the dedicated ticket counter for guides, so we won't have to stand in the general line. Please bring photo ID (passport or driver's license) for adults and children under eighteen. Children enter for free, but identification is required at the ticket office to verify age. Tickets at the counter can be paid for by card or cash (in euros).
What time of day is best to plan the walk?
To ensure a calm and unhurried experience, it is best to choose early morning or late afternoon. A morning start at 8:30–9:00 is perfectly timed for the opening of the Ancient Theatre, before the tour buses arrive. In summer, around 17:00 is ideal, when the daytime heat subsides and the siesta ends. The hottest midday hours are best left for rest and a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant.
What happens in case of rain or bad weather?
Tours take place in any standard seasonal weather. If the weather turns, we are happy to adapt the format: we can spend part of the meeting enjoying a cozy chat in an atmospheric bar, sheltered from the elements. If there is a free slot in the schedule, we are always ready to accommodate and reschedule the walk. However, please note that unless the official Civil Protection agency (Protezione Civile) has issued storm warnings or restrictions, the tour will take place at the scheduled time.
How far in advance should I book the tour, especially during the high season?
We recommend booking the tour as early as possible. During popular periods such as May and September, high demand makes finding open slots at the last minute extremely difficult.
What payment options are available, and is a booking confirmation provided?
Payment for the tour can be made in cash, via PayPal, or through a bank transfer via IBAN. Immediately upon booking confirmation, we send an official confirmation detailing the meeting arrangements along with all necessary instructions.
What does a private tour guide in Taormina cost?
Private tour rates are based on professional guidelines and regional reference standards in Sicily. The minimum regional tariff for a half-day service starts at €190.
Please note the following standard adjustments that may apply:
Multi-language services: A 20% surcharge applies to the base rate for a second language (an additional €38 on a standard half-day rate).
Holidays: A 30% surcharge (an additional €57 on a standard half-day rate) applies to services conducted on official public holidays: January 1st and 6th, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday (Lunedì dell'Angelo), April 25th, May 1st, June 2nd, August 15th, November 1st, and December 8th, 25th, and 26th (note that regular Sundays are excluded from this holiday supplement).
Taxes & extras: Base rates may have statutory taxes, duties, or other supplementary adjustments added depending on specific itinerary requirements.
For a precise, tailored quotation for your tour, please feel free to contact us directly.