- Messina - During “The Godfather” tour, 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. Optionally, you may taste perfect Sicilian wines and locally produced food sitting on a terrace with a panoramic view of the Ionian coast and surrounding countryside at one of the best wine bars in Savoca, and have traditional fish dinner at a fine fish restaurant in Forza d’Agro.
First stop is Savoca, an unspoilt medieval town that near Taormina that acted as stand-in for Corleone where Michael was hiding out during the “going to the mattresses” time. Here 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. Then 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 Enoteca near Santa Lucia church, and on a terrace with romantic sea view taste Sicilian red and white wines paired with traditional food (locally produced cheeses, salami, prosciutto, caponata, home-made jelly, olives, extra virgin olive oil and fresh home-made bread).
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 flavor of the Sicilian pastoral lifestyle remained unchanged since ancient times. Then, you can optionally have lunch or dinner at one of the best fish restaurants in Sicily and taste many kinds of traditional fish dishes with Sicilian red and white wines.
- Hotel/port pickup and drop-off in Messina
- Private tour exclusively for your party
- Personal local English speaking driver/guide
- Explanation of The Godfather movie and real Mafia history
- Round trip transportation by private air-conditioned car
- Walking tour of Savoca and Forza d’Agro
- Food and wine tasting at panoramic terrace (if option selected)
- Bottled water
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
Embark on a journey from Messina in a cozy vehicle or minivan with your personal guide to explore the famous hill towns of Sicily, world-renowned due to F.F. Coppola. He used these locations for filming his iconic ‘The Godfather’, listed amongst the Top 3 Greatest American Movies. Gain insightful and engaging information about the film’s production, intriguing trivia, and learn about the origins, structure, and evolution of the real Sicilian Mafia and the battle against it. Delve into the historical and cultural background of the movie scenes and Sicily itself, and immerse yourself in the charmingly rustic ambiance of old Sicily. Stroll through the untouched streets of Savoca and Forza d’Agro, preserved since the filming of the movie, visit ancient churches, Bar Vitelli where Michael negotiated with Apollonia’s father, among other locations. Optionally, enjoy traditional cuisine and locally produced wine on a terrace offering a stunning view of the sea and the lush countryside at a family-operated restaurant in Savoca.
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- We have private tours, only for your party, however at the beginning of the excursion we will give each guest a mask, protective gloves and hand sanitizer
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.