Taormina: Godfather Movie Villages Private Tour & Sicilian Lunch

Summary

Walk Savoca’s quiet streets see Bar Vitelli taste real cannoli hear stories of mafia & movie legends

You’ll wander through Savoca’s stony lanes with a local guide who knows both Godfather trivia and real mafia history. Stop at Bar Vitelli for lemon granita, visit ancient churches used in filming, then share a long Sicilian lunch overlooking the sea before heading back to Taormina full (in every sense).

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the road out of Taormina to feel so different so quickly — one minute it was all traffic and bright shop windows, and then we were winding up these silent hills, everything getting greener and older-looking. Our guide, Salvatore (he told us to call him “Totò” — “like the comedian!”), pointed out olive groves and explained how Coppola picked Savoca because it looked more like old Sicily than Corleone itself. It was cloudy at first, kind of cool for June, but you could smell wild herbs when we stepped out of the car. I kept tripping over the stones in the street — shoes with grip are definitely better here.

Walking through Savoca really did feel like stepping into a movie, but not in that cheesy way. We stopped at Bar Vitelli — same faded sign as in The Godfather, same wooden chairs outside. Totò ordered us lemon granita (“best in Sicily,” he swore), and I tried to say grazie in Sicilian dialect. He laughed; apparently I made it sound Spanish? Inside the bar there are old photos from filming and this weirdly heavy shotgun on display (not loaded, obviously). He told us about the actress who played Apollonia’s mother — she still lives nearby and sometimes pops by for coffee. The church where Michael married Apollonia is just up the hill; we peeked inside, echoey and cool, candles flickering even at midday.

Forza d’Agrò was quieter — almost nobody around except an old man sweeping his stoop who nodded but didn’t smile. The square looked exactly like that scene where young Vito escapes on a donkey (Totò had us re-enact it with imaginary baskets; I’m sure we looked ridiculous). There’s this view over the Ionian coast that made me stop talking for once. You know those moments where you suddenly realize how far from home you are? That was one of them.

The food… honestly, I still think about that lunch. Everything came out on mismatched plates: salty olives, caponata with sweet peppers, homemade bread still warm from somewhere nearby. Pasta alla Norma with eggplant and ricotta salata — simple but perfect after all that walking. Local wine too; Totò poured generously and said “cin cin” every time someone took a sip. Lemon sorbet at the end tasted like sunlight somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Godfather film locations and traditional lunch

• Depart from Taormina by private car
• Visit Savoca medieval town
• Walk to Santa Lucia church
• Follow path down the hill
• Visit 13th century church
• Explore Savoca streets and meet locals
• Visit Bar Vitelli and see movie spots
• Take photos with Sicilian shotgun
• Taste cannoli and lemon granita
• Continue to Forza d'Agro hilltop town
• Walk abandoned streets and historic square
• Visit ancient churches and piazza
• See Norman castle remains
• Admire Ionian coastline panoramic view
• Enjoy traditional lunch with local products

Top questions

How long does the Godfather tour from Taormina take?

The day trip lasts several hours including stops in Savoca and Forza d'Agrò plus lunch before returning to Taormina.

Is hotel pickup included for this private tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel or port in Taormina is included.

What food is served during lunch?

The lunch features local cheeses, salami, ham, caponata, parmigiana, olives, homemade bread, pasta alla norma, wine, and lemon sorbet.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes—infants can join using prams or specialized seats; service animals are also allowed.

Do you visit actual filming locations from The Godfather?

Yes—the tour visits key sites like Bar Vitelli and churches featured in The Godfather movies.

Will there be other people on our tour?

No—this is a private tour just for your party.

Is walking involved? How difficult is it?

You’ll walk cobblestone streets in hilltop villages; suitable for most fitness levels but wear comfortable shoes.

Can we meet locals connected to the movie?

You might meet locals who appeared as extras or have stories about filming—sometimes even Apollonia’s “mother.”

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel or port pickup in Taormina by air-conditioned car with your own English-speaking guide-driver; guided walks through Savoca and Forza d’Agrò visiting Godfather film sites; bottled water along the way; plus a traditional multi-course Sicilian lunch with local wine before returning comfortably to your starting point.