Best Shore Excursion in One Day: Etna – Taormina – Godfather With Food

This all-inclusive shore excursion from Messina, Italy, offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience Sicily’s captivating culture, history, and cuisine in a single day. Highlights include exploring the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, indulging in local delicacies and wine-tasting in the picturesque town of Savoca featured in The Godfather, and discovering the ancient Greek Theater of Taormina. With round-trip transportation, private tours, and customizable options for group sizes, this tailored experience ensures an engaging and memorable journey. Continue reading to uncover the full itinerary and gain insights into this exceptional day exploring the wonders of Sicily.

This experience made our list of the 2 Best Food Tours In Messina.

About Your Stay

• Explore the slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, through a private tour with a knowledgeable guide.
• Discover the cinematic legacy of The Godfather in the picturesque town of Savoca, including a visit to the famous Bar Vitelli.
• Enjoy a traditional Sicilian lunch with panoramic views during the Savoca portion of the tour.
• Tour the well-preserved Greek Theater in Taormina, offering stunning vistas of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna.
• This all-inclusive shore excursion from Messina allows you to experience Sicily’s culture, history, and cuisine in a single day.

Tour Overview and Highlights

What does this all-inclusive shore excursion from Messina, Italy, offer?

It provides a comprehensive experience of Sicily’s rich culture, history, and cuisine in a single day. Travelers can explore the volcanic slopes of Mt. Etna, sample local delicacies, and visit Savoca, the filming location for The Godfather, for a food and wine tasting.

The tour also includes a walking tour of Taormina, featuring the renowned Greek Theater. With round-trip transportation and an expert guide, this shore excursion is a convenient and efficient way to discover the highlights of this captivating region.

Priced from $563.88, the tour can be customized for different group sizes.

Itinerary and Activities

The all-inclusive shore excursion from Messina, Italy, offers an efficient sightseeing itinerary that covers the highlights of Sicily.

Guests will enjoy round-trip transportation, a private tour of Mount Etna’s volcanic slopes, and a visit to Savoca, the filming location for The Godfather. There, they’ll sample local delicacies and wine at the iconic Bar Vitelli.

An optional excursion to the volcano’s summit via cable car and jeep is available for an additional fee. After lunch with panoramic views in Savoca, the tour provides free time to explore the charming town of Taormina, including its renowned Greek Theater.

Bottled water is provided throughout the experience.

Meeting and Pickup Information

The tour’s pickup and meeting location is flexible, offering options to suit different travelers’ needs. Guests can be picked up from their accommodation in Taormina or Giardini Naxos at no additional cost.

However, there’s a 60-euro surcharge for pickups in Messina or Catania. To ensure a smooth start to the experience, travelers are advised to confirm the pickup time with the local provider prior to the tour.

The tour is a private experience, with only your group participating. This personalized attention allows for a more tailored and enjoyable sightseeing adventure.

The key pickup and meeting details are:

1. Pickup from Taormina or Giardini Naxos accommodations included.
2. 60-euro surcharge for pickups in Messina or Catania.
3. Confirm pickup time with local provider beforehand.
4. Private tour, your group only.

Tour Conditions and Accessibility

This tour has some important conditions and accessibility details to consider. A minimum of 2 people per booking is required.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed. The minimum drinking age is 18 years. Service animals are permitted, and infant seats are available.

It’s a private tour, so only your group will participate. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly, making it suitable for families.

The age requirement and availability of infant seats further enhance the accessibility for a range of travelers. These conditions ensure a tailored and inclusive experience for the tour participants.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

The tour has received excellent customer reviews, with a rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 7 reviews. Positive feedback highlights the engaging nature of the tour and the expertise of the guides.

However, some guests have noted challenges with communication that were quickly addressed by the tour operator.

Key points to consider include:

1. Potential long lines at the Greek Theater in Taormina.
2. The tour is a private experience, with only your group participating.
3. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start of the tour.
4. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s stroller accessible.

Exploring Mt. Etna’s Volcanic Slopes

Exploring Mt. Etna‘s volcanic slopes is a highlight of this shore excursion. Towering above the Mediterranean, Mt. Etna is Europe’s most active volcano.

Guests have the option to ascend to an elevation of 3,000 meters via cable car and off-road vehicle, offering a closer look at the lunar-like landscapes. Along the way, they’ll learn about the volcano’s geological history and formation from their knowledgeable guide.

At the summit, they can peer into steaming craters and witness the power of this natural wonder firsthand. For those seeking an extra thrill, the tour also includes a visit to the Godfather filming locations in the nearby town of Savoca, providing a unique blend of natural and cultural exploration.

Savoca and the Godfather Experience

The Godfather filming locations in the charming town of Savoca offer visitors a unique glimpse into the cinematic legacy of the iconic film.

As part of the tour, guests will visit Bar Vitelli, the famous bar featured in the movie. Here, they can sample local delicacies and wines while taking in the historic atmosphere.

The tour also includes a traditional lunch at a restaurant with panoramic views, allowing travelers to savor the flavors of Sicily.

Key Godfather filming sites in Savoca include:

1. Bar Vitelli
2. Palazzo Landolina
3. Church of San Nicolò
4. Piazza Fossia

This immersive Godfather experience provides an unforgettable connection to the classic film and the enchanting Sicilian culture.

Discovering Taormina’s Greek Theater

After exploring the Godfather legacy in Savoca, the tour continues to the charming town of Taormina, showcasing another cultural highlight – its renowned Greek Theater.

The ancient amphitheater, dating back to the 3rd century BC, offers visitors a unique glimpse into Sicily’s rich history. Perched atop a hill, the theater boasts stunning views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna.

Guests can wander through the impressive structure, marveling at its well-preserved state and imagining the performances that once graced its stage.

With its strategic location and captivating architecture, the Greek Theater in Taormina is a must-see destination for those seeking to enjoy Sicily’s storied past.

Questions About Staying Here

Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements for the Included Lunch?

The lunch at the restaurant in Savoca doesn’t mention any special dietary requirements. However, the tour operator recommends informing them in advance of any dietary needs, such as vegetarian or gluten-free, to ensure an appropriate meal can be provided.

Is There an Option to Visit the Godfather Movie Set Independently?

The tour doesn’t offer an independent visit to the Godfather movie set in Savoca. However, the package includes a private tour of Savoca, which includes a visit to the famous Bar Vitelli from the film.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a strict dress code, but comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended. Visitors should dress for the weather and be prepared for some hiking on Mt. Etna’s volcanic slopes.

Can We Make Additional Stops Along the Way?

The tour itinerary is pre-set, but travelers can ask the guide about making additional stops along the way. However, any changes to the planned activities would need to be coordinated with the tour operator in advance.

How Much Time Is Allotted for Free Time in Taormina?

The tour provides free time in Taormina, although the duration is not explicitly stated. Travelers can explore the charming town at their own pace during this portion of the day-long excursion.

Worth The Stay

This all-inclusive shore excursion from Messina offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the cultural, historical, and culinary highlights of Sicily. From the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna to the iconic locations featured in The Godfather, and the captivating Greek Theater in Taormina, this expertly curated tour provides an immersive experience that will leave visitors with lasting memories of Sicily’s rich heritage.