About this tour
A five to six-hour private drive from Messina port takes you through two quintessential Sicilian destinations. Start in Savoca, where narrow streets and the Vitelli bar—famous from The Godfather—reveal village life frozen in time. Then spend two hours exploring Taormina's elegant Corso Umberto and the dramatic Greek theatre perched above the coast. Return via scenic viewpoints at Isola Bella and Cristo Re, finishing with Messina's cathedral and its astronomical clock, plus local treats like arancini and cannoli along the way.
Highlights
- Vitelli bar in Savoca, legendary Godfather filming location
- Ancient Greek theatre overlooking the Ionian Sea
- Corso Umberto's designer boutiques and street life
- Isola Bella panorama from the clifftop viewpoint
- Messina's cathedral with ornate astronomical clock
- Cristo Re overlook across the strait to Calabria
- Arancini, granita and cannoli tastings included
What to expect
Your driver collects you from Messina and heads inland to Savoca, a compact hilltop town where you'll wander past baroque architecture and peer into shops before coffee at the Vitelli. The drive to Taormina (roughly an hour total) climbs towards the coast. Here you have freedom to explore—walk the full length of Corso Umberto's pedestrian strip with its mix of high-street and artisan stores, climb to the Greek theatre for sunset views, or settle at a café. The return journey includes two picture stops: one at a clifftop platform overlooking Isola Bella's cove, another at Cristo Re for strait views. You'll finish at Messina's cathedral, sampling Sicilian street food.
Good to know
The pace is relaxed with built-in flexibility—stay longer in Taormina if you wish. Wear comfortable walking shoes for village cobblestones. The vehicle is air-conditioned and stocked with water, coffee and tea. Prams, strollers and infant seats are available. Public transport is nearby if needed.
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.