Duration : 8 Hours
Starting From:Our private shore excursion from Messina to Taormina and The Godfather Villages is an immersion in Sicily's most charming places and the stunning Ionian coastline. Taormina today is synonymous with sophistication and elegance, but its uniquely-Sicilian vibe can still be felt everywhere, most notably in the jaw-dropping Greek Theatre dating back to the 3rd Century BCE. In The Godfather Villages, Savoca and Forza d'Agrò, you will step back in time to a slower, simpler way of living in addition to seeing the most iconic filming locations from Francis Ford Coppola's cinematic masterpieces.
Features of this day trip to Taormina & The Godfather Villages:
Taormina is one of Sicily's loveliest villages and a VIP seaside destination.
The Greeks inhabited this part of Italy almost eight centuries before Christ, and their flair for building public structures in spectacular locations is still on full display in Taormina, where the Greek Theatre sits on a promontory with the shimmering Ionian Sea and Mt. Etna as a backdrop. Nowadays, Taormina is a world-famous international resort thanks to its intimate atmosphere, natural beauty, great climate, rich culture, varied architecture, and ancient history.
One of the most celebrated ruins in Sicily, the amphitheatre built by the Ancient Greeks and enlarged by the Romans is the archeological attraction in Taormina. Even if you don’t care about ruins you will be wowed by the stunning coastal view with Mount Etna rising in the distance. Palazzo Corvaja is another interesting architectural point of interest. The most important medieval mansion in the city, it is a mixture of Arab, Gothic and Norman influences, and houses a museum of Sicilian arts and crafts.
On Corso Umberto, chic boutiques are
complemented by handsome buildings, vine-covered balconies, and groovy places to sit and enjoy a beverage. On the giant checkerboard of Piazza IX Aprile, you will surely be wowed by the gorgeous panoramas and the mix of natural and man-made beauty that surrounds Taormina's main square.
Read more about Taormina and its other points of interest.
The Medieval hamlet of Savoca, nestled in the hills above the Ionian Sea, is not only picturesque
but also contains many points of interest in addition to the ones made
famous by The Godfather.
The most iconic of The Godfather filming locations is, without a doubt, Bar Vitelli. This classic Italian cafè, where Michael Corleone first meets his future father-in-law after being smitten by Apollonia, is located right at the entrance to the village. Inside the bar, or on the patio framed by vines, enjoy a lemon granita while you peruse the collection of local artisans' tools and photographs taken when Francis Ford Coppola was filming.
The granita will give you a boost of energy you'll need for walking around the village (mostly uphill). You will pass by several very old churches, most notably the church of San Nicolò, where Michael and Apollonia were married.
Other interesting sites include the remains of Pentefur Castle, where you can take in magnificent views of the valley, and the Capuchin Convent, where mummies (really!) of prominent former citizens are at rest in the crypt.
Even higher above sea level than Savoca is the village of Forza d'Agrò, where time stopped in the Medieval era. Meander the stone-paved streets and pause to take in amazing vistas of the Straits of Messina and the Arab-Norman castle at Capo Sant'Alessio.
The Godfather filming locations continue with the 15th Century church of Sant’Agostino (also called Santissima Trinità). Coppola used this church as the backdrop for Michael Corleone’s arrival in Sicily, as well as the scene in which young Vito Corleone is being pursued by a Mafia gang. To visit the church, get your glutes ready for the climb to Piazza della Triade! Before stepping into the piazza, one of the prettiest spots in the village (also where the Augustinian Convent is located) you’ll first pass under the marvelous Catalan-Gothic arch, Arco Durazzesco.
Not included:
*What to expect from your driver on a private day trip or shore excursion:
Our drivers will share with you the facts and history of the places and monuments you will be seeing from inside the vehicle. Note that drivers in Italy are not permitted to share information once you have exited the vehicle, nor can they accompany you on foot. You will have the opportunity to stop in each area listed on the itinerary to explore on your own. We can arrange a private guide for you if you wish to be accompanied inside churches, archeological sites, and other points of interest (additional expense; refer to the Optional Items section, if present, or contact us for details).
Is this tour private?
Yes, the excursion is for your group only. If you wish to join a shared tour to lower your costs, please ask about our small group shared excursions.
Is the driver also a guide?
Kindly note that our drivers are NOT licensed guides. Our drivers will share with you the facts and history of the places and monuments you will be seeing from inside the vehicle. Drivers in Italy are not permitted to share information once you have exited the vehicle, nor can they accompany you on foot. You will have the opportunity to stop in each area listed on the itinerary to explore on your own. We can arrange a private guide for you if you wish to be accompanied inside churches, archeological sites, and other points of interest.
Does this tour include lunch and admission fees to sites?
No. Lunch, admission fees, and gratuities are not included in the rate.
What is the duration of the excursion?
Up to 8 hours. No reductions in the rate will be given should you wish to shorten the service.
Do you guarantee timely return to the ship?
In over 35 years of business, we have never caused a client to miss the boat. We have organized all itineraries to guarantee your return to the ship on time.
There will be a full charge made to your credit card for no-shows and
bookings canceled with less than 72 hours notice, including the cost of
any pre-purchased tickets. Pre-purchased tickets are not refundable
under any circumstances.
Please keep us apprised of any problems
or changes during your travels (flight delays and changes, missed
connections, port changes, etc.) and we will do our best to adapt. If
you are on a cruise ship and it does not come into port, your service
will be annulled and no penalty will apply (with the exception of
skip-the-line tickets; you will owe us for any entrance fees we have
pre-paid on your behalf, regardless of circumstances.)
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