- Via Etnea - 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.
- Expert local English speaking driver/guide
- Exclusive private tour for your party
- Complimentary bottled water
- Lunch in the charming town of Savoca
- Insightful exploration of ‘The Godfather’ movie locations
- Engaging narrative on real Mafia history
- Convenient hotel/port pickup and drop-off in Catania
- Comfortable round trip in a private air-conditioned car
- Guided walking tours of Savoca and Forza d’Agro
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
Embark on a private exploration from Catania in a cozy vehicle, guided by your own tour head to the renowned Sicilian hillside towns, globally recognized due to F.F. Coppola’s iconic ‘The Godfather’, one of American cinema’s all-time Top 3. This tour will provide you with a friendly and informative overview of the film-making process and intriguing trivia, as well as an understanding of the real Sicilian Mafia, its organization, inception, growth, and the struggle against it. Learn about the history and culture of the film locations as well as Sicily itself, soaking in the romantically rural ambiance of old Sicily. Meander through the original streets of Savoca and Forza d’Agro, which remain untouched since the film was shot, visit ancient churches, and Bar Vitelli where Michael conversed with Apollonia’s father, among other points of interest. Cap off the tour with a sampling of traditional fare (prosciutto, formaggi, caponata, parmigiana, pasta alla norma, and a lemon dessert), paired with local wines, served on a terrace offering panoramic views of the coastline and nearby countryside at a local Trattoria.
- 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.
