During this Shore excursion in Sicily we will visit some of the favourite spots loved by The Godfather enthusiasts. Filmed by Francis Ford Coppola in 1972 on the Eastern side of Sicily and in particular in the mediaeval village of Savoca with scenes from the famous Bar Vitelli. After this cinematic full immersion we will move towards our second mediaeval village crossing for the first time the pearl of the Ionian Sea, Taormina. We arrive at the welcoming site of Castelmola where we will stop to admire the remains of the Norman Castle at 550 metres above sea level where we will sample the local Almond Wine. During our descent towards Taormina we will make a pit stop at one of the most beautiful and unique 16th century churches ever created in a natural cave, which today is known as “Church of Madonna della Rocca”. Our day will continue with time spent in the majestic town of Taormina where you will have some free time to stroll and visit the pedestrianised area of the Corso Umberto with major attractions like the Greek Roman Amphitheatre, the ancient Roman walls of Naumachie, the Cathedral, the botanical gardens and much more…
Italiano, English, Español
Daily
Cruise Terminal - Port - Harbour
SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY
Full refund up to 72 hours before of the experience
Our tour begins with collection from the port at a previously agreed time confirmed during your booking process. Your driver/guide will be waiting with a welcome sign stating your group or family name.
We will immediately head towards our first stop of the day, Savoca. A small mediaeval village which today is home to approximately 100 locals. Situated in the hills at 400 metres above sea level.
Savoca thanks to the mythical scenes from the Godfather film like The Wedding between Michele Corleone and Apollonia or the wedding proposal filmed at Bar Vitelli. Also thanks to the international artist Nino Ucchino, creator of important artwork realised through the fusion of stainless steel during this particular process he managed to maintain the live spirit of the village.
As we stroll in the historic centre it will be possible to taste Granita al Limone with Zibibbo wine made famous as a favourite of the film director Francis Ford Coppola. We will also visit the crypt of the mummies kept within the convent of the Cappuccini Monks.
After our full immersion in the 1970’s cinema we will move towards the perimeters of Taormina to reach another mediaeval village, Castelmola.
Situated at 550 metres above sea level with 360°views towards Taormina, Isola Bella, the Greek Theatre, Mount Etna and many of the other villages between here and the north east coast of Sicily.
Cultivating almonds from the 1800’s, today the almond is the typical traditional product used in sweet and sour dishes but most of all in the production of Almond Wine. You will have the opportunity of tasting two variants, red and white in the most fascinating bar of the village.
Our descent from Castelmola will include a brief stop at the Saracens Castle of Taormina and the church of Madonna della Rocca. This small church, part of a convent created in the 16th century, looks down on the north and south of Taormina. This was excavated inside a natural cave and today remains a unique church used by many couples for their wedding vows.
Next to the convent we will see the mountain of Tauro, home to the Saracens Castle which was built to control the access to the valley of Alcantara.
Our next and final stop is the majestic Taormina built by the Greeks in a period of expansion from 500ac onwards, located on the cliff above the bay of Giardini Naxos exactly centred between the two provinces of Catania and Messina.
Taormina is rich in history and art with the most visited places the Greek Roman Amphitheatre part of the UNESCO World Heritage, the Greek Tombs, Sicilian-English Botanical Gardens and the magnificent views of Isola Bella from the Belvedere viewpoint. You can visit these independently. During your free time you will be able to walk along the pedestrianised street Corso Umberto of Taormina. Following your free time for approximately 1 hour we will head back to your port.
The order of the events will be communicated by your Driver on the day • All activities will be carried out on foot, in a car or minivan • All refreshments and wine tastings are excluded
| from Taormina - Giardini Naxos | |
| 1-3 pax | 350€ |
| 4-6 pax | 390€ |
| 7-8 pax | 420€ |
| from Messina | |
| 1-3 pax | 420€ |
| 4-6 pax | 460€ |
| 7-8 pax | 500€ |
| from Siracusa | |
| 1-3 pax | 460€ |
| 4-6 pax | 500€ |
| 7-8 pax | 550€ |
We will collect you from your cruise terminal at a previously arranged time established during the booking process based on your cruise schedule.
During your shore excursion your guide will be an experienced driver that speaks Italian, English and Spanish with a deep knowledge of the local area.
We recommend booking this excursion in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during days of festivities. We require at least 2 days notice and bookings are subject to availability.
To make a reservation, follow the link at the bottom of the page. You will be contacted within 24 hours by our booking team who will confirm your booking and assist you in preparing for your excursion.
You may cancel this excursion free of charge up to 72 hours before the date of activity. No refunds will be given for cancellations within the 72 hour period, arriving late or no shows.