Private Shore Excursion from Messina Port: The Godfather Country

This experience made our article of We Rank Sicily’s 5 Top Shore Excursions.

A Tour of Sicily’s Film-Famous Villages: The Godfather Country

Imagine wandering through the very villages where parts of The Godfather trilogy were filmed, soaking in the Sicilian countryside with a personal guide at your side. This private shore excursion from Messina offers a full day, roughly 8 hours, exploring Taormina and Savoca—two of Sicily’s most charming and culturally significant spots—and reliving the cinematic magic of the iconic film series. Priced at around $496.27 per person, this tour is designed for travelers who want a more intimate, flexible experience away from crowded bus tours.

What we love most? First, the insider access to scenic spots like the Greek amphitheater in Taormina, which offers breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the coastline. Second, the authentic local atmosphere in Savoca, where narrow stone streets and old-world charm make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

One potential consideration? This is a private tour with a fixed itinerary—so if you’re expecting a highly customizable experience, it’s good to communicate your interests in advance. Also, since it involves walking in hilly, uneven villages, travelers with moderate physical fitness will enjoy it most. This tour suits those who love films, scenic landscapes, and immersive local culture, making it ideal for film buffs, history lovers, and those seeking a genuine Sicilian experience.

Key Points

• Private and Personalized: Only your group participates, ensuring tailored attention and flexibility.
• Cinematic Connection: Visit the authentic locations where The Godfather films were shot, adding a splash of Hollywood to your trip.
• Stunning Views: From Taormina’s Greek Theatre, you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas of Etna and the coast, perfect for memorable photos.
• Authentic Villages: Savoca’s narrow streets and medieval charm offer a real taste of traditional Sicilian life.
• Guided Experience: Your English-speaking driver and guide will enrich your understanding of both the film locations and local history.
• Value for Money: While priced at nearly $500, the private aspect, expert guidance, and immersive experience make it a worthwhile investment.

Exploring Sicily’s Film-Set Villages

This tour takes you into the heart of Sicily’s most enchanting villages, blending film history, stunning scenery, and local culture in perfect harmony. It’s a well-rounded experience that appeals to travelers who want more than just sightseeing—those craving stories, scenery, and a taste of authentic Sicily.

Starting Point: Messina Port and Early Morning Pickup

Your day begins as your private driver picks you up directly from the Messina cruise port at 8:00 am. This seamless start means you won’t have to worry about navigating public transport or finding your way into the countryside. The tour is designed to be easy and relaxing, with a driver who is both knowledgeable and friendly.

First Stop: Taormina

Taormina is a must-see on any Sicilian visit, especially for lovers of history and scenery. Known since the 1800s for its beauty—as praised by Goethe—this town became a popular stop on the Grand Tour for European aristocrats. Today, it remains Sicily’s tourist hotspot, filled with boutique shops, historic sites, and lively cafes.

One of the highlights here is the ancient Greek Theatre, which sits dramatically on a hillside overlooking the bay. It’s free to wander around, and the views are spectacular: the Etna volcano in the background, the shimmering bay of Naxos, and on clear days, even Calabria across the water. The theatre itself offers a peek into ancient architecture, with well-preserved stonework and a sense of history echoing beneath your feet.

We loved the way this site combines artistic value with breathtaking scenery—it’s easy to see why it’s considered the “view par excellence” of Sicily. Spending about an hour here allows enough time to soak in the atmosphere and snap some memorable photos.

Second Stop: Savoca

After a scenic drive, you’ll arrive in Savoca, a village famous for its cinematic ties and medieval charm. The name comes from the elder plant (savucu), which still grows in the cracks between houses, and the village’s history is woven with tales of kings, popes, and local legends.

Walking through Savoca feels like stepping into a film set—because, in fact, it was. Several scenes from The Godfather trilogy were shot here, including the iconic bar where Michael Corleone meets Apollonia. The streets are narrow and paved with basalt stones, leading past restored houses with Sicilian tiles and stone-framed windows. We appreciated how authentic and well-preserved the village remains, giving a true sense of local life.

You’ll spend about an hour exploring, which is enough to enjoy the old-world charm without feeling rushed. And since the tour is private, you can ask your guide questions about the filming locations or the history of the village.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Unlike large group excursions, a private tour offers the freedom to explore at your own pace. Your English-speaking driver and guide will share insights into both the cinematic history and local culture, enriching your experience beyond just sightseeing.

The tour’s value lies in its combination of scenic beauty, cultural authenticity, and film history—an unusual mix that makes for a memorable day. The deliberate focus on key locations like Taormina’s theatre and Savoca’s old streets ensures you see the best without feeling overwhelmed.

While the price might seem high at first glance, remember that you’re paying for personalized service, expert guiding, and exclusive access—not just transportation. Many reviewers mention how knowledgeable guides like Luca make all the difference, providing answers and stories that bring the locations to life.

Potential Drawbacks

The tour involves some walking on uneven, hilly terrain, typical of ancient villages. Travelers with mobility issues should consider this. Also, since it’s fixed in length and itinerary, those seeking complete customization might find it slightly limiting. Lastly, lunch isn’t included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan for a meal during free time.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is ideal for film enthusiasts eager to see the Sicilian sites of The Godfather, as well as travelers who love scenic villages, historic sites, and authentic local atmospheres. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate guided insight and want to avoid tourist crowds—since the tour is private, you’ll enjoy a more intimate view of these charming towns.

It’s perfect if you prefer a structured, yet flexible, day that combines culture, scenery, and cinematic history in one package. If you’re traveling with family or friends who share your interests, this could be a highlight of your Sicilian cruise.

The Sum Up

For those eager to walk in the footsteps of film icons and experience the true character of Sicilian villages, this private tour from Messina delivers a memorable blend of scenery, history, and cinema. The expert guides and beautiful locations ensure you get a personal, meaningful experience that goes beyond typical sightseeing.

While the cost may be higher than group options, the personalized attention and exclusive access make it worth considering. It’s particularly well-suited for film fans, history buffs, and travelers wanting an authentic taste of Sicily’s countryside away from the crowds.

Overall, if you want a well-organized, authentic, and scenic day exploring Sicily’s film-famous villages, this tour provides excellent value and a genuine experience you’ll remember long after your cruise ends.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, including travel time from and back to Messina port, giving you a relaxed but comprehensive experience.

What locations are visited?
You’ll visit Taormina, famous for its Greek Theatre and spectacular views, and Savoca, known for its medieval charm and connection to The Godfather films.

Is the tour private?
Yes, this is a private tour, meaning only your group participates, providing flexibility and more personalized service.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers pickup and drop-off at Messina port, your private English-speaking driver, and hop-on hop-off style touring of the key sites.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, so plan to bring snacks or enjoy local eateries during free time.

Is this suitable for all physical fitness levels?
The tour involves some walking on uneven, hilly terrain, so a moderate physical fitness level is recommended.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, you can discuss your interests with your guide beforehand, but the given stops are fixed in the standard itinerary.

What is the best time to do this tour?
The tour operates on a schedule that starts at 8:00 am; mornings tend to be cooler and less crowded, perfect for sightseeing.

This private Godfather-themed Sicily tour offers an authentic, scenic, and cinematic journey that’s perfect for film lovers and cultural explorers alike.