Taormina: Godfather Villages Tour & Sicilian Pasta Lunch

Summary

Walk Savoca & Forza D’Agrò, hear Mafia tales, taste Sicilian pasta

You’ll walk through Savoca and Forza D’Agrò with a local guide who brings both Godfather scenes and real Mafia history to life. Sip coffee at Bar Vitelli, hear stories you won’t find in movies, then relax over homemade Sicilian pasta and wine on a sunny terrace. Expect laughter, honest conversation, and views that linger long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first thing I’d notice in Savoca to be the smell — kind of dusty lemon and old stone, mixed with espresso from Bar Vitelli. Our guide, Salvo, waved us inside like we were old friends. He pointed out the exact table where Michael Corleone sat in The Godfather, which honestly felt a bit surreal. Someone’s nonna was sweeping outside, barely glancing at us. I tried to order a coffee in Italian; Salvo grinned and fixed it for me. The day trip from Taormina had only just started but already felt like stepping sideways into a different world.

The drive up to Forza D’Agrò was all switchbacks and sudden views — you know that feeling when your ears pop and you realize how high you’ve climbed? The village itself is quiet except for church bells and the sound of someone arguing over groceries (I think). We wandered narrow lanes while Salvo explained how Mafia clans actually worked here after WWII, not just the movie version. He talked about Falcone and Borsellino — two names I’d only half-heard before but now can’t forget. There’s this heaviness to some stories; still, people in town would nod or say buongiorno as we passed.

Lunch was on a terrace overlooking everything — vineyards, tiled roofs, the sea way off in the haze. They served homemade pasta with tomato sauce that tasted both sharp and sweet (I’m still thinking about it), plus bruschetta and red wine that made my face warm in the sun. Someone at our table tried to say “grazie mille” with their mouth full; everyone laughed, including Salvo. I liked that nobody rushed us or tried to make it feel fancy — just simple food, good view, nothing forced.

I guess what stuck with me most wasn’t even the famous movie spots or hearing about real Mafia history from a local guide — though both were wild in their own way. It was more those small moments: the echo of footsteps on old stone steps, or watching clouds drift over Savoca while finishing my glass of wine. If you’re looking for something honest (and maybe a little unexpected), this Godfather tour from Taormina is worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Godfather movie villages and lunch

• Meet guide at accommodation lobby
• Drive 20 minutes to Forza D’Agrò
• Walking tour of Forza D’Agrò village
• Drive to Savoca village
• Visit Bar Vitelli and Saint Lucy Church
• Learn about Sicilian Mafia history
• Enjoy typical Sicilian pasta lunch
• Drive back to accommodation

Top questions

How long does the Godfather villages tour from Taormina last?

The tour starts around 10:00 AM with pickup and returns to your accommodation by about 3:00 PM.

Is lunch included on this day trip to Savoca and Forza D’Agrò?

Yes, a typical Sicilian light lunch with pasta, bruschetta, and wine is included on a panoramic terrace.

Do I get hotel pickup for this Godfather tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Taormina, Giardini Naxos or Letojanni are included.

Are guides fluent in English?

Your guide is licensed and speaks native-level English during the tour.

How many people are on each group tour?

The shared small group option has a maximum of 8 guests per tour.

Can I book this as a private Godfather tour?

Yes, you can choose between a private tour for your party or join a small group.

What villages do we visit on this Godfather day trip?

You’ll visit Savoca and Forza D’Agrò—both featured in The Godfather films.

Will we learn about real Mafia history as well as movie locations?

Yes—the guide explains both real-life Mafia history in Sicily and compares it with The Godfather storylines.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Taormina area (also Giardini Naxos or Letojanni), round-trip transport by air-conditioned Mercedes minivan with your licensed English-speaking guide leading walking tours of Savoca and Forza D’Agrò’s film locations plus insight into real Mafia history along the way. A typical Sicilian lunch—homemade pasta with bruschetta and local wine—is served on a scenic terrace before returning mid-afternoon.