Catania in Layers

Hello! I’m Mara, a licensed tour guide based in Ragusa, in the heart of southeastern Sicily. My journey with ToursByLocals is a special one. Before becoming a guide, I actually worked for ToursByLocals in Vancouver, Canada, as a Guide Onboarder. At the time, I was exploring career opportunities abroad. However, after several years of working closely with guides from all over the world, I realized that my true passion was sharing the place I call home. That experience inspired me to return to Sicily, enroll in university once again, and earn my tour guide license. In a way, ToursByLocals brought me back to Sicily and helped shape the career I love today. My motto is simple: "To love it is to share it." Sicily is a land of extraordinary contrasts: shaped by countless civilizations, rich in traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and remarkable history. From the UNESCO Baroque towns of Ragusa, Modica, Scicli, and Noto to authentic countryside experiences, local wineries, and family-run producers, I love creating experiences that go beyond sightseeing. For me, guiding is not just about visiting places—it's about understanding the soul of a destination through its people, culture, food, and stories. I specialize in private tours throughout southeastern Sicily and I enjoy designing tailor-made itineraries for couples, families, and small groups. As a WSET-certified wine enthusiast, I also love organizing food and wine experiences, introducing guests to Sicily's outstanding wines, traditional cuisine, and local producers. I look forward to welcoming you to my beautiful island! Qualifications: Degree in "Cultural Heritage" Licensed tour guide Diploma WSET (wine & spirit education trust) Training course "Operator for experiential tourism" Training course "Environment-Ethnoanthropology Specialization for Southeastern Sicily" Training course “Guiding for disabilities - Tourism for ALL” Member of Sicily Tour Leaders Member of AGT Ragusa