Godfather Private Tour from Messina: Visit Iconic Sicilian Hill Towns with Traditional Lunch
4.8
20 Ratings
Messina
Embark on a private tour from Messina to explore the iconic Sicilian hill towns featured in the legendary movie 'The Godfather'. Discover the filming locations, learn about the real Sicilian Mafia, and indulge in traditional food and wine.
Duration: 9 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 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.

What's Included
  • 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
What's Not Included
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

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
Location
Messina
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(20 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Allimphoto
Apr 17, 2024
Mississippi comes to Sicily - We just retuned from your tour with Bruno. He was amazing. Bruno was born and raised in the villages he took as to. He spoke very good English and knew all the locals. He taught us so much not only about the Godfather movie films but about the history of Sicily. He was an excellent communicator before the tour and during. We went to 3 villages involved in the filming and a 4th for lunch. The lunch was incredible, fresh, and the perfect local experience! I would take this tour again! Beautiful island! Great job Bruno!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Linda_n
Sep 29, 2023
Wonderful Memories - Our Guide “Mauricio” was THE BEST! We loved every minute. THANK YOU! THANK YOU. He knew the history and he took great care of us
Review provided by Viator
Carley_r
Aug 9, 2023
Amazing tour - Mauricio was out guide and he was very friendly and knowledgeable. He was really good because he gave us our own time to look around but also gave us all the information we needed we were gone 5 hours and it didn’t feel like it 👍🏻
Review provided by Viator
Im4rays
Jun 26, 2023
An offer we couldn't refuse - Our first time in Sicily… And it was wonderful. At first, the tour sounded a little touristy, but it truly was a great tour and terrific day. We visited sites where parts of the movie were filmed, and other sites along the way. I asked our guide to plan a stop for lunch, and not only was the food excellent, but the view was even better. Highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yvonne_f
May 27, 2023
Best Godfather Tour bar none!!! - We had such a wonderful day on this tour with Mauricio Barone. Excellent tour guide/historian. Mauricio made our godfather experience the most memorable of our 14 day cruise!!! Absolutely beyond our expectations!!!
Review provided by Viator
Gmcucci
Nov 3, 2022
Godfather Tour - We had a wonderful day with our tour guide, Maurizio He was very personable Gave us much information on Sicily’s history and The Godfather trilogy He answered all of our questions Very courteous to my husband who has mobility issues, making sure to find the less difficult areas for him to walk This was the hi light of our Adriatic tour I thank you very much for a delightful day !!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laura
Oct 13, 2022
Best Private Godfather Tour - Maurizio B., was our guide on this very beautiful, informational and authentic tour. He’s a historian and sommelier, we learned about each area we traveled by car and walked through the towns where The Godfather movie was filmed, visited the many churches and a museum that we added to understand a little more of the towns rich history. Each town with spectacular views and so much history. My husband is a fan of The Godfather and I thought this would be a perfect experience for my anniversary present to him, to our surprise it was much more than we expected and we were engaged at every moment. Our lunch was the most delicious authentic Sicilian we’ve had since our stay. The owners were so hospitable and sweet, even though we didn’t speak the language we were able to communicate just fine. We ate our lunch on the very top floor patio overlooking the mountains, ocean and town. It was definitely a spectacular view even with the rain! Had a charcuterie plate, an entree, homemade lemon Italian ice or granita which was exquisite. We ended our lunch with an espresso a la Maurizio! You take a bit of hot red pepper flakes and place in your espresso and the flavor is heightened to the max! It’s not a Sicilian thing at all but definitely worth trying. Our guide Maurizio has his espresso this way and the owner already knew it so they both recommended. All in all this was by far one of the most exciting tours we’ve had and we encourage you to try it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scott_w
Jul 7, 2022
TAKE THIS TOUR! - Mauritzio was AWESOME! Great attention to detail, the site visits were amazing, and he was on time and great at communicating. Loved that. The small towns were real gems. Had lunch in a great, small restaurant. If you love The Godfather…Mauritzio and his tour have no equal!
Review provided by Viator
Kimspielman
May 25, 2022
Pepito and Marco were... - Pepito and Marco were absolutely the best guides we could have asked for. Went above and beyond expectations. Pepito even gifted us with fruit from his own garden. Such a gentleman! Will forever remember the kindness of Pepito!!
Review provided by Viator
Blm-ct
Nov 15, 2019
Great Tour and guide Marco! - My husband and I took the Godfather tour out of Taormina with guide Marco. We had a wonderful day and Marco was very knowledgeable and fun to spend time with. My husband is Scilian-American and loves Godfather trivia, he had a lof of fun seeing the actual filming sites. Beautiful and peaceful small villages in Sicily.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
minimum 2 guests
-
up to 13 guests
2 Adult
June 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today