About this tour
A half-day loop from Messina through two hilltop villages, starting with Savoca—a quiet settlement in the Nebrodi foothills where Coppola filmed The Godfather—then moving on to Taormina, one of Sicily's most celebrated towns perched above the Ionian coast. You'll have two hours to wander Taormina's lanes before a guided drive back through Messina's main quarters. Total time on the road is roughly five hours with private transport included.
Highlights
- Savoca village, backdrop to The Godfather scenes
- Two-hour free time in Taormina's shops and cafés
- Mountain and coastal views en route
- Air-conditioned private transport throughout
- Panoramic sweep of Messina on return
What to expect
Pickup happens at a predetermined spot in Messina. The drive to Savoca takes about 50 minutes; expect tight medieval streets and worn stone buildings where film crews once set up. You'll have time to look around—a small museum covers the Godfather connection, though it's optional. Back in the car, the route to Taormina climbs higher; the town itself sprawls across a steep hillside with Greek amphitheatre views and packed pedestrian streets. Two hours gives you breathing room to eat lunch, browse boutiques, or just sit with an espresso. The drive back includes a slow pass through Messina's central areas before drop-off.
Good to know
Taormina's steep terrain and narrow stone steps aren't pram-friendly everywhere, though the main piazza is accessible. Wear decent shoes. Bring a hat and water bottle for Savoca's exposed streets. Most cafés and restaurants cluster near Taormina's main square; book ahead in summer. Gratuities aren't included.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.