Taormina, Savoca & Castelmola one day tour small group with lunch

Sicily , Italy

Taormina, Savoca & Castelmola one day tour small group with lunch

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(84 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Taormina, Savoca and Castelmola: visit the beauties of these three famous towns in Sicily, starting from “The Godfather” scenery!

Available options

From Catania

Departure from Catania and nearby area<br/>snack

Departure from Syracuse

What's included

Lunch with typical Sicilian food, water and Etna wine.

Round-trip shared transfer

Driver

Fuel surcharge

Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Hotel pickup and drop-off or meeting point close to your accommodation

Detailed itinerary

Our first town of the one day tour will be Savoca, a characteristic medieval town. We will visit one of the fascinating catacombs of the Cappuccini Convent which hosts the mummified bodies of monks and nobles from Savoca.The bar Vitelli is the highlight of the tour: become famous in the scenes of the film The Godfather, here you can taste a delicious Sicilian granita and look at the photos taken during the shooting of the film.

Our second town will be the majestic Taormina. You can here visit the Greek Theatre (ticket is not included in the price), one of the major Ancient sites in Sicily, which offers a unique panoramic view of the sea and Mount Etna. Walking along Corso Umberto, you can visit the Cathedral and enjoy the stunning view of Capo Taormina bay.Here in Taormina you will enjoy a free Sicilian snack: delicious tasting of products typical from Sicilian culinary tradition as the famous “tavola calda – hot table“. You will eat different arancini, pizza, calzoni, with Sicilian Doc wine.

Stop 3

Next stop will be in Castelmola, a characteristic medieval suburb suspended between the sky and the sea. Castelmola is considered a big balcony on Taormina, also here you will enjoy a fantastic view of Etna on one side and the Ionian sea on the other. From the square Sant’Antonio begin our walk in the alleys. Around the small streets it’s possible to see small shops that sell souvenirs, laces and embroideries made by locals women. Finally the last stop in Castelmola is the visit of the “Bar Turrisi”, a very typical bar for a good coffee or a tasting of almond wine, typical Sicilian dessert wine.

What's not included

Touristic guide

Biglietti di ingresso

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT

Written guide

EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

57 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

27 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Dress code is smart casual

Our driver guide is not a touristic guide, so he cannot enter inside the historical places. He will give you information during the trip on the vehicle, before you will go inside. A paper guide will be provided to be used inside the archeological areas.

Important notes

• Dress code is smart casual

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time

About Sicily

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its rich Greek and Roman heritage, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine, Sicily offers a unique travel experience that captivates visitors with its diverse attractions and warm hospitality.

Top Attractions

Valley of the Temples

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the most well-preserved ancient Greek temples outside of Greece. The site is a testament to Sicily's rich Greek heritage and offers a glimpse into the island's ancient past.

Historical 2-3 hours €10

Mount Etna

Europe's highest and most active volcano, offering stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and the opportunity to witness volcanic activity up close. Mount Etna is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Nature Half day to full day €30-€100 (depending on the tour and activities)

Palermo Cathedral

A stunning example of Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture, Palermo Cathedral is a masterpiece of religious art and history. The cathedral's interior is adorned with beautiful mosaics, sculptures, and tombs of notable historical figures.

Architectural 1-2 hours €7

Taormina

A charming hilltop town known for its stunning views of the Ionian Sea and the iconic Greek Theatre. Taormina is a popular tourist destination offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore, €10 for the Greek Theatre

Cefalù

A picturesque coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and charming medieval streets. Cefalù is a popular destination for both relaxation and cultural exploration.

Beach Half day to full day Free to explore, €5 for La Rocca

Must-Try Local Dishes

Arancini

Fried rice balls filled with ragù, mozzarella, and peas, often shaped like small oranges.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Cannoli

Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese, often garnished with pistachios or chocolate chips.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta with a sauce made from tomatoes, fried eggplant, ricotta cheese, and basil.

Main Course Vegetarian

Granita

A semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavors, typically served with a brioche for breakfast.

Dessert Vegan and gluten-free options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Madonie Regional Park Volcano trekking on Mount Etna Beach lounging in Cefalù Spa treatments in Taormina Visiting the Valley of the Temples Exploring the historic center of Palermo Snorkeling and diving in the Aeolian Islands Boat tours along the coast

Best Time to Visit

May to June, September to October

The peak seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for exploring Sicily's attractions. The sea is warm enough for swimming, and the countryside is lush and green.

20-28°C 68-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: Sicilian, English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution

Sicily is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and scams can occur in tourist areas, and some regions may have higher crime rates.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting your journey.
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions, distractions, or overly friendly advances.

Getting there

By air

Palermo Airport • 32 km (20 miles) from Palermo city center
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport • 7 km (4.3 miles) from Catania city center

By train

Palermo Centrale, Catania Centrale

By bus

Palermo Bus Terminal, Catania Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Sicily, with regular services connecting major cities and towns. The network can be complex, but it is affordable and convenient.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Palermo Centro Storico Taormina Catania Centro Agrigento

Day trips

Aeolian Islands

25-50 km (16-31 miles) from Milazzo • Full day to overnight

A group of seven volcanic islands known for their stunning landscapes, hot springs, and unique geological features. The islands offer a variety of activities, including hiking, swimming, and relaxing in natural hot springs.

Erice

100 km (62 miles) from Palermo • Half day to full day

A medieval hilltop town known for its stunning views, historic landmarks, and charming streets. Erice is a popular destination for those interested in history, culture, and panoramic views.

Noto

90 km (56 miles) from Syracuse • Half day to full day

A picturesque Baroque town known for its stunning architecture, charming streets, and rich history. Noto is a popular destination for those interested in art, history, and culture.

Festivals

Infiorata di Noto • May Taormina Film Fest • June Sagra del Miele • September

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Italian or Sicilian phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
Visit local markets and try street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience.
Explore the island's hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, such as the Aeolian Islands, the Madonie Regional Park, and the Zingaro Nature Reserve.
Rent a car for flexibility and access to remote areas, but be prepared for narrow roads, aggressive drivers, and limited parking.
Visit during the shoulder or off-peak seasons (April-June, September-October) for better prices, fewer crowds, and pleasant weather.