Private tour from Messina by comfortable air-conditioned car with a personal local guide to the must-see Sicilian hilltop villages that have become world-known thanks to F.F. Coppola, who filmed his legendary "The Godfather" here - Top Three of the Greatest American Movies. This tour is private - only for your party, nobody else, to ensure the highest standards for our clients. Get the fascinating, friendly and informative insight into the filming process and trivia, learn the real Sicilian mafia story, its structure, rise and development till nowadays, discover the history and culture of the movie locations and Sicily itself, and feel the romantically rustic atmosphere of old Sicily.
At the end of the tour you will have a traditional lunch in a "Trattoria". Lunch consists of typical local products: cheeses, salami, ham, sun-dried tomatoes from Taormina, olives, homemade bread, a portion of parmigiana, a portion of caponata, pasta alla norma, local wine and for dessert, lemon sorbet.
Tour +traditional lunch: Walking tour in Savoca and Forza D'Agro, the towns famous thanks to Coppola who filmed "The Godfather" <br/>Pickup included
During "The Godfather" tour, starting from your accommodation or Port in Messina, you will walk along the authentic picturesque streets of Savoca and Forza d'Agro remained unchanged since the movie was made, visit ancient churches, famous Bar Vitelli where Michael Corleone asked Apollonia's father her hand in marriage, church where they married, and other movie locations. Later, you will enjoy a traditional lunch, consisting of locally produced cheeses, salami, prosciutto, caponata, parmigiana, olives, extra virgin olive oil and fresh home-made bread and lemon sorbet, while having a with romantic sea view from the terrace.
First stop is Savoca, an unspoilt medieval town that acted as stand-in for Corleone where Michael was hiding out during the "going to the mattresses" time.
You will walk to an ancient church of Santa Lucia, where Michael and Apollonia were married kneeling in the doorway. Then follow the same path down the hill that the newlyweds did, and visit another old church dating back to the 13th century. Walking along the fabulous streets of Savoca, on a good day you can also meet some actors - for example a lady who played Apollonia's mother and who still lives in Savoca.
Later, optionally you can visit a family-owned restaurant and at a terrace with romantic sea view taste local Sicilian wines with traditional food (locally produced cheeses, salami, prosciutto, caponata, olives, extra virgin olive oil, fresh home-made bread, home made lemon granita - everything is prepared with organic ingredients of local origin - "km0"!).
In Savoca you will visit Bar Vitelli that looks exactly the way it did in the movie, and see the exact spot where Al Pacino informed Apollonia's father that his name was Michael Corleone, and that "there are people who'd pay a lot of money for that information, but then your daughter would lose a father instead of gaining a husband". Here you can take pictures with an authentic Sicilian shotgun "Lupara", see pictures from the movie and a mirror monument for Coppola, enjoy panoramic view of the Mediterranean opening from the square where the wedding ceremony scene was shot, purchase The Godfather souvenirs, and - "leave the gun, take the cannoli" - taste original Sicilian cannoli and lemon granita at Bar Vitelli.
The tour will continue in Forza d'Agro, another stunning hilltop town with a "Godfather" connection. You will walk the abandoned streets ("Where have all men gone?" - "They're dead from vendettas"), explore the historic square and see the pictures from the movie, visit ancient churches, see the piazza where young Vito Andolini (later Vito Corleone) escaped Don Ciccio's men by hiding in a basket on a donkey's back, walk up to see the remains of a 12th century Norman castle, admire delightful panoramic view of the Ionian coastline, and get a flavour of the Sicilian pastoral lifestyle remained unchanged since ancient times.
Messina, located on the northeastern coast of Sicily, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and strategic location. It serves as a major hub for ferries to mainland Italy and offers a unique blend of cultural influences from various eras.
This beautiful cathedral, rebuilt after the 1908 earthquake, features a stunning façade and houses the famous silver statue of the Virgin Mary.
This museum showcases a rich collection of art and artifacts, including works by renowned artists like Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina.
One of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean, Messina Harbour offers a glimpse into the city's maritime history and modern-day significance.
A classic Sicilian dish made with pasta, tomatoes, fried eggplant, ricotta cheese, and basil.
Fried rice balls filled with various ingredients like cheese, meat, or vegetables.
This is the best time to visit Messina for warm weather and outdoor activities. The sea is warm, and the city is lively with festivals and events.
Euro (EUR)
GMT+1 (CET)
230VV, 50HzHz
Messina is generally safe, but visitors should take standard precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.
Messina Centrale
Messina Centrale Bus Station
The AMT bus system covers most of the city and is affordable and efficient. Buses are the primary mode of public transport.
Available • Apps: FreeNow, MyTaxi
Car, Bike, Scooter
Taormina is a charming hilltop town known for its ancient Greek theater, stunning views, and luxurious resorts.
Mount Etna is an active volcano and one of the most famous natural attractions in Sicily. Visitors can hike, take guided tours, and enjoy the stunning views.
Price varies by option