the godfather tour in sicily

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The Godfather Sicily Locations Parts I, II & III: FULL List + Map!

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For teens of the 1970s and movie fans,  The Godfather  is one of the greatest trilogies ever produced. It’s a masterpiece for so many reasons, but the incredible filming locations for  The Godfather  are definitely a factor.  The Godfather  Sicily locations are so iconic, it’s no wonder why taking a Sicily Godfather tour is a bucket-list item for many travellers. 

Francis Ford Coppola directed The Godfather (1972), The Godfather Part II  (1974) and  The Godfather Part III  (1990). They follow the Corleone family, a powerful mafia/crime family living in New York City after Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro) emigrated from the town of Corleone in Sicily .

The films, through a series of flashbacks, span 1901-1979. They feature scenes set around the world from New York to Las Vegas , to Miami , to Cuba , to Rome and Sicily . I visited Sicily in September 2019 and I had a fantastic time!

There are  The Godfather  Sicily locations in all three films. Since most of the iconic locations are on the east coast, you tick most off your list by booking fun organised Sicily Godfather Tours   from Taormina and Catania.

But if you want to know where ALL of The Godfather  filming locations in Sicily are, this is a full list of all three films plus a map. Let’s go back to the motherland, shall we?

Where Was The Godfather Filmed in Sicily?

The Godfather Sicily Filming Locations: Part I

After Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) shoots and kills Sollozzo and McCluskey (the NYPD Police Chief), he flees to Corleone in Sicily . This is his father Don Vito Corleone’s hometown and the perfect place to lay low for a while.

Corleone is a real town in Palermo province but unfortunately, there are no Corleone Godfather locations. By the time Coppola shot the first film, Corleone looked too modern. So, he shot most of The Godfather  Corleone scenes in the less-modern east coast Sicilian towns of Forza d’Agrò and Savoca in Messina .

1. Chiesa M. del Carmelo in Sant’Alessio Siculo, Messina

As Michael walks into ‘Corleone’ with his two bodyguards, the three men look up to the village on the hill. This was the very first of many The Godfather locations in Sicily. The fields and countryside that they’ve just walked through surround the village of Sant’Alessio .

The church that you can see (very faintly) at the top of the hill is the Chiesa M. del Carmelo . It’s next door to the town of  Forza d’Agrò .

2. Cattedrale di Maria SS. Annunziata e Assunta in Forza d’Agrò, Messina

Next, we cut to the lads walking through Forza d’Agrò  as Michael laments about the lack of men in the town.

They walk past an old church that seems to be falling to ruin, which is the Cattedrale di Maria SS. Annunziata e Assunta . It’s amazing how many beautiful churches there are in the tiniest towns in Italy. This location features on every  The Godfather Tour in Sicily !

3. Bar Vitelli in Savoca, Messina

This is, by far, one of the most famous Sicily Godfather locations! After Michael encounters Apollonia in the countryside (I’d love to know where – there’s a bridge in the background but I just can’t it!), he heads into a bar to enquire about her.

This bar is Bar Vitelli in Savoca and you can still visit it today on all The Godfather tours in Sicily ! Bar Vitelli Sicily is now something of a shrine to The Godfather  movies (the character who owns the bar in the film is called Vitelli) but is also still a working bar/restaurant/hotel.

4. Castello Degli Schiavi in Fiumefreddo, Catania

Michael arranges to meet Apollonia at Don Tommasino’s villa surrounded by an entire army of family. This location is also where Michael teaches Apollonia to drive by circling a well in the courtyard. And of course, she tragically gets blown up by a car bomb.

The villa is called Castello Degli Schiavi in real life and it’s open to visitors. This is the main The Godfather house Sicily and also features as a The Godfather Sicily location in Part II  and Part III,  but we’ll get to that.

This is one of The Godfather film locations Sicily that appeared in season two of HBO’s  White Lotus .

5. Chiesa di San Nicolò in Savoca, Messina

Literally just down the street from Bar Vitelli (so it’s another Savoca Godfather location) is the church where Michael and Apollonia get married. It is called Chiesa di San Nicolò and the congregation continues to walk down the cliff-side street from the church.

And those are all the Sicily Godfather locations from the first film!

The Godfather Sicily Filming Locations: Part II

The follow-up to The Godfather  is just as brilliant, some would say more so, than the first film.  The Godfather Part II  follow the events of the first film in 1958. Simultaneously, it covers the events of 1901 onwards when Don Vito Corleone was a nine-year-old boy called Vito Andolini from Corleone, Sicily . 

The Godfather 2 film locations in Sicily are featured in the scenes covering Vito’s life before he hopped on a ship to America. The Godfather  locations Sicily also appear when he’s a young man in 1923 and briefly returns to his homeland with his family.

1. Villa Il Padrino Parte II in Acireale, Catania

During Vito’s father’s funeral in Corleone, a Mafia boss named Don Ciccio shoots Vito’s older brother Paolo. This is the same Mafia boss that killed his dad.

Vito’s mother visits Don Ciccio at his villa and begs for mercy on her only surviving son, claiming he is dumb-witted, only to be shot herself. Later in the film, Vito returns to Don Ciccio’s villa to exact his revenge for murdering his entire family.

Don Ciccio’s villa is in Acireale, Catania . Helpfully, someone on Google Maps has named the villa ‘ Villa Il Padrino Parte II’ . 

2. Forza d’Agrò in Messina

Forza d’Agrò reappears as a stand-in for Corleone in The Godfather   Part II . Cattedrale di Maria SS. Annunziata e Assunta makes another appearance when the dude shouting about Vito Corleone being on the run does so from the church steps.

There are a few other ad hoc locations used around the village , but I’m not 100% sure exactly what streets. Let me know in the comments if you do because the Savoca Sicily Godfather locations are some of the best!

The cathedral and Forza d’Agrò  also appear later in the film when Vito returns to ‘Corleone’ as an adult after Sunday mass. 

Planning a trip to Sicily? Book a Godfather Tour from Taormina or Catania!

3. Sparagogna Train Station in Regalbuto, Enna

Far away from other The Godfather  filming locations in Sicily is the ‘Corleone’ train station . It features when young Vito and his family visit Sicily in 1923.

Sparagogna Train Station is a defunct station in the middle of nowhere between Enna and Catania , but I’ve pinned exactly where it is on my Godfather locations Sicily map.

A repeat location from The Godfather, young Vito and his family stay in Don Tommasino’s villa while they’re in Sicily.

Of course, this villa, which is Castello Degli Schiavi in real life, is supposed to be in Corleone like the rest of  The Godfather  filming locations Sicily.

Those are all  The Godfather  Sicily filming locations for Part II!

The Godfather Sicily Filming Locations: Part III

Released sixteen years after  The Godfather Part II,  the third film in the trilogy is the least revered. But hey, it had a lot to live up to and it’s still a great film.

Set in 1979, the entire Corleone family travels to Sicily to watch Michael’s son, Anthony, make his opera debut in the Sicilian capital city of Palermo . Of course, while the Corleones are in Sicily they pay a visit to their ancestral hometown of Corleone .

1. Calatafimi-Segesta in Trapani

In most cases, the answer to the question, “where in Sicily was  The Godfather  filmed?” is the east coast. But  The Godfather Part II  has Sicily filming locations inland and on the north coast, one of which is in  Trapani .

The Corleones arrive in Sicily and, in the first scene, they drive to  Bagheria in the Palermo province . It’s very easy to find out that this location is miles away from Palermo in the province of Trapani. You can see the Segesta Temple in the background of their drive.

2. Villa Malfitano Whitaker in Palermo

Michael and his family drive up to the rear entrance of this stately villa in Palermo , which means Coppola shot these scenes where they are set (for once). Except, if we’re being picky, the villa is within the actual city of Palermo , not the nearby town of Bagheria as suggested in the film.

This is where the family are staying while Anthony is performing in Palermo. Both the interior and exterior were used and it features throughout the parts of the film set in Sicily.

Villa Malfitano Whitaker was owned by an English wine exporter in the early 20th century. The home looks as it does in the film, except a bit dustier. The entrance fee is €6 (bring exact change) and you have to actually ring the doorbell  to be able to enter the villa. You can then explore the ground floor while a man follows you around until you’re ready to leave.

3. Castello Degli Schiavi in Fiumefreddo, Catania

For the third and final time, we’re back at Don Tommasino’s villa. In real life, it is Castello Degli Schiavi . It looks exactly as it does in the first two films, except the front courtyard looks a little tidier in  The Godfather Part III.

4. Villa La Limonaia in Acireale, Catania

Vincent goes to visit Don Altobello under false pretences in his Sicilian villa, which is Villa La Limonaia . This villa is now a wedding venue and it looks absolutely gorgeous. Especially the huge second-floor balcony/patio with views over the coast.

5. Chiesa di Sant’Orsola in Erice, Trapani

Hopping across the Sicilian island back to Trapani, Chiesa di Sant’Orsola is where Michael meets Cardinal Lamberto. It’s a beautiful, old church with twin bells on the outside and a huge well in the courtyard.

I do enjoy the more varied  The Godfather  in Sicily locations in the third film, even if the film itself isn’t the best.

6. Taormina-Giardini Station in Villagonia, Messina

Kay finally joins Michael in Palermo and she arrives at Bagheria Station.  

In reality, this is the Taormina-Giardini Station which is nowhere near Bagheria . It’s quite a pretty train station, however, and hasn’t changed much since  The Godfather Part III  was released.

7. Forza d’Agrò in Messina

Michael decides to take Kay on a tour around Corleone to try and make her understand his family history.

The drive from Bagheria in Palermo to Corleone would be relatively short in real life. But this isn’t real life, is it?! Instead of Corleone , we’re back in Forza d’Agrò , way over on the east coast of Sicily.

Michael takes Kay to see the house his father was born in, which is on Vico I Roma, 5. They see a wedding spilling out of the Cattedrale di Maria SS. Annunziata e Assunta and they park their car on the corner of Via Belvedere  and  Via Roma. 

So, if you were to take a Godfather Tour Taormina or Catania , you’d visit this filming location which appears in all three movies.

8. Strada Provinciale 78 in Mascali, Catania

While dressed as priests, Mosca and his son kill Don Tommasino on the orders of Don Altobello. Don Tommasino is riding in his car when he stops to offer the two priests a lift.

The stretch of road is called Strada Provinciale 78  in Catania. Luckily, the Madonna del Carmine Church is in the shot so it’s easy to identify the exact  The Godfather  Sicily location.

9. Teatro Massimo in Palermo

The Teatro Massimo is the biggest opera house in Italy and it’s the location of Anthony’s opera debut. It’s a rather spectacular building, both inside and out.

However, only the exterior was used in  The Godfather Part III . In real life, the opera house was undergoing a huge, decades-long closure for renovations at the time of filming.

The movie did an excellent job of recreating the theatre, even down to the miniature model of the theatre in the foyer, at the  Cinecittà Studios in Rome.

Those are all  The Godfather  Sicily filming locations for Part III!

Read next: Guide to Cinecittà Studio Tour & Film Museum in Rome

Hop on a Sicily Godfather Tour of the Filming Locations!

That’s a LOT of filming locations from  The Godfather  trilogy. And the truth is, unless you are venturing on a two-week road trip around Sicily, you probably aren’t going to be able to visit them all.

Most people book a city break in one of the east coast cities, like  Taormina  or  Catania , and hop on an  organised Godfather tour to visit all the top locations from all three films.

You’ll be able to visit locations like Bar Vitelli,  The Godfather  wedding church, and lots of other locations in and around Savoca and Forza D’Agrò . You’ll get a local, knowledgeable guide who will share stories about the area and behind-the-scenes secrets.

Plus, you won’t have to hire a car and drive on Sicily’s scary roads!

This is a recommended, highly-rated Godfather small group tour that picks up in both  Catania  and  Taormina from Get Your Guide.

I’ve used Get Your Guide heaps of times to book tours of all kinds from street food tours to day trips. I’ve loved every single one of my experiences and I love their flexible cancellation policy. 

The Godfather Sicily Filming Locations: That’s a Wrap!

Those are all of  The Godfather Sicily filming locations! If you’re a cinephile then you will love visiting these iconic locations in real life.

Are you currently planning a trip to Sicily or do you love watching The Godfather  trilogy? Let me know in the comments below!

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Hey! I wrote this. And I'm the human (and hair) behind Almost Ginger. I live for visiting filming locations, attending top film festivals and binge-watching travel inspiring films. I'm here to inspire you to do the same! Get in touch by leaving a comment or contacting me directly: [email protected] .

16 thoughts on “ The Godfather Sicily Locations Parts I, II & III: FULL List + Map! ”

I actually going to see the White lotus 2 locations but will def try and catch some of your suggestions as well, thank you

Thanks for your comment, Danita! I hope you have a fantastic trip to Sicily!

we are going next week on this trip to Palermo but I was curious is there a map or is it just a part of a title?

Thanks for your comment, Bill! I’m not aware of any map, unfortunately. I’m not sure what you mean about being part of a ‘title’?

Where is the plaza where the young Don was smuggled out in the basket on the donkey?

Hey Tom! Unfortunately, if I’ve not got the location written in the guide then I don’t know where it is.

Did you do an official Godfather tour? My son and I are wondering if a hire car from Taormina might get us to some of the locations ?

Unfortunately, I haven’t visited all of The Godfather locations on that side of Sicily yet, but I would probably book a guided tour only because I’m not a strong driver!

I’d say hiring a car from Taormina is an excellent idea, it’s by far the best place to start a trip to see The Godfather locations. Even just from looking at the map at the top of my page, it’s closer to more locations than any other big town. I’m sure you’ll have a fantastic time! 😀

We have just done the godfather tour in a 1971 fiat 500 from Taormina I would strongly recommend it he parks his car in the centre of Taormina he has business cards on the car you get plenty of time to explore too .

Ah thanks so much for that info, Tony! I don’t suppose he has a website/Facebook page/anything online I could look at?

We ar staying at the Massimo Plaza hotel across from the Teatro Massimo. The plaza is an exciting place. Never ending music, food and people. Havin the time of our lives!

That’s so lovely to hear you’re having a fantastic time in Palermo, Lynn! I absolutely loved Sicily and can’t wait to go back!

Went to both towns that The Godfather was filmed did not make it to Palermo but I’m good with that I prefer the smaller towns they are both beautiful.

Ahh, that sounds fantastic, Willene! 😀 I think you definitely made the right call. Palermo is a great place to visit but not too many Godfather locations.

Hi Rebecca…Interesting stuff, thank you. I’ve just binge watched all three Godfather movies so here I am. Take care… xx

Hi David, thanks so much for your comment! They’re amazing movies with some pretty great locations too 😀

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Sicily Day Excursion

Godfather tour sicily, a wonderful godfather tour sicily in a day trip to the discovery of the godfather places, sicily day excursions, sicily tour code: de07, escorted tour of sicily.

During this amazing  Escorted Tour of Sicily ,  you will visit all the most famous places in the movie Godfather .

This one-day excursion  lasts around 4 hours. First of all, our drivers will collect you from your preferred location. Then, our journey begins along the coastal road to Capo Sant’Alessio.

Enjoy with our team of expert guides one of the most requested  Escorted Tour of Sicily .

Sicily Tour Itinerary Day Excursion

Godfather Places Tour

Sicily Tour – Travel Itinerary

Godfather tour sicily day trip, savoca & francis ford coppola.

The first step of our Godfather Tour is Savoca. This is one of the various seafront towns that appear in the famous movie.

This quaint village is world renowned for its vital part in that classic Francis Ford Coppola trilogy: “ The Godfather “.

Bar Vitelli, the Catacombs, and the Cappuccini Convent

While in Savoca, we will visit the famous Bar Vitelli to admire memorabilia from the films. Secondly, we will enjoy one of the best lemon granitas on the island.

Then we will take a leisurely stroll around Savoca visiting the Catacombs and the Capuccini convent.

The Famous Michael Corleone’s wedding ceremony

After our break, we will trace the route that Michael Corleone and Apollonia took during their wedding ceremony.

Forza D’Agro

Our next stop is Forza D’agro , at 1,200 ft this village sets the backdrop for many scenes shot in the trilogy.

Forza D’Agro – Churches

During our stay in Forza D’agro , you will see the tiny lanes and a number of historic churches. Those are the scene of a real and a cinematic past .

Journey Back – Sicilian Ice Cream stop

On leaving Forza D’agro, we will head back to your preferred drop off point en route making an all-important Sicilian ice cream stop .

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Takes you off the beaten path

Godfather tour

• 5 Hours tour
• No advance payment
• Includes ice cream
• We Visit Corleone palace

In the footsteps of the godfather

If you have a taste for the classics and a desire to immerse yourself in the allure of Sicily, there's a unique opportunity waiting for you. Step into the world of the infamous Corleone family with this Godfather tour and explore the stunning landscapes that served as the backdrop for their unforgettable story. But that's just the beginning. As you embark on this exclusive journey, you'll discover hidden gems like Castello degli Schiavi , the Sicilian palace of Michael Corleone use in all the three Godfather movies. Indulge in local delicacies, while visiting the hill side town of Savoca home to the Bar Vitelli,  all while reliving the captivating moments from The Godfather trilogy. So, are you ready to uncover the secrets of the Godfather Tour? Our tour departs from Taormina, Giardini Naxos, and sourrounding towns., up on request we can arrange pick ups from both Catania and Messina harbours. The price of this tour on the footsteps of the Godfather s include all the entrance to the movie location including the Palace of Michael Corleone.

MIchael Corleone Palace

Our first stop will take us to unveil the secret of the Godfather estate in Sicily. The castello degli schiavi nested in the Sicilian country side was used in all the three movies directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this is were Apollonia explods with the car in one of the most iconic scene of the godfather part one. We will visit Michael Corleone palace, escorted by the owner who was present during the filming of the 1974 masterpiece, and we will watch some scenes filmed inside this historical sicilian palace. There will be time to take some pictures.

Savoca and Bar Vitelli: The Godfather Connection

When visiting Sicily, you can't miss out on the iconic connection between Savoca and Bar Vitelli in the famous movie trilogy, The Godfather. As part of the Godfather tour Sicily, you'll have the opportunity to explore the charming town of Savoca and visit Bar Vitelli, which is known for its strong Godfather connection. Bar Vitelli is a historic bar that appeared in the movie and is filled with memorabilia from the films. It's a must-visit for any Godfather fan.  The town of Savoca is known for its delicious gelato, and you won't be disappointed. Your guide will take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Savoca, visiting the church feautured in the movie godfather part 1. These historic site add to the charm and rich history of the town. The Godfather connection in Savoca is truly special, and walking in the footsteps of the characters from the movie is an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a fan of the films or simply interested in exploring the beautiful town of Savoca, the Godfather tour is a must-do when visiting Sicily.

Escursion Details

Discover the tour information for the Godfather Tour Sicily, an immersive experience that takes you to the iconic locations featured in the Francis Ford Coppola trilogy. The departure is set arpund 9:30 a.m.  When it comes to pick-up locations, the Godfather Tour Sicily offers convenient pick-up within a 10km radius of Taormina and Giardini Naxos. If you're located outside this area, you can request a quote for pick-up.  The tour itinerary includes visits to various locations such as Corleone Palace (most company do not include it) Savoca , where you can explore the famous Bar Vitelli and enjoy a walking tour guided by a local. On the way to Savoca we will stop to see Taormina train station used in the godfather part III. This scenic backdrop is filled with historic churches and tiny lanes waiting to be discovered. The tour concludes with a Sicilian ice cream stop before returning to your drop-off point. Experience the magic of The Godfather trilogy with the Godfather Tour Sicily and create unforgettable memories.

• Castello degli Schiavi/Corleone Palace
• Savoca/Bar Vitelli
• Savoca walking tour

This Tour include a visit to Castello degli Schiavi!

Useful Information

Pick-up at 9:30

Drop-off 3:30

Tour last 6 hours

Payment by card or cash

How Long Does the Godfather Tour in Sicily Typically Last?

The Godfather Tour in Sicily typically lasts around 6 hours. You'll have plenty of time to explore Savoca, trace Michael Corleone's wedding route, and enjoy the scenic backdrop of Castello degli Schiavi.

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€119 ,00 Kids 0/12 €99 You can pay with credit card

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The Godfather Tour of Sicily: Palermo & Taormina

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Places visited, suggested duration, customizable itinerary, palermo – introduction to the godfather.

The voices of Fredo, Sonny, and Michael Corleone loom large in the city of Palermo. The images of the Godfather swirl around the island of Sicily. Vito Corleone fled from his family’s life on the island, searching for a better life in New York. The story has been told in various ways but none more poetic or memorable than the story of the Godfather. When your flight lands at Falcone-Borsellino Airport, your private transfer greets you at the baggage claim and helps you with your luggage.

The history of Palermo resembles that of New York City, settled by cultures from around the globe and incorporating the traditions and elements of the collective ensemble into the everyday landscape. Cobblestones pave the streets and plazas. The honey-hued exterior of the Norman Palaces gleams in the sunlight. Palm trees shade the walkways. Jovial calls rise from La Vucciria market; La Vucciria means “voices” in the local dialect, and you can hear the vendors reaching out to passersby strolling alongside the vibrant local produce.

Your private transfer escorts you to your hotel located in the heart of the old city. Imposing churches border Piazza Pretoria. The fountain crowns the edge of the square with tiered basins rippling in concentric circles. Statues of nymphs decorate the staircase, river gods reach out to the water, and tritons symbolize elements of the sea. The fountain was erected in the 16th century, adding to the glamorous history of Palermo and inviting you to witness the elements that affected the Corleone Family. Consider learning about your tour operators for Sicily , and you'll understand how they're able to craft an itinerary you can't refuse.

What's Included:

Palermo – In the Footsteps of Dons

Settlers around the world, from Arab armies to Spanish kings, have left their mark on the island, leaving traces in the culture, architecture, and even dialect of Sicily. At breakfast, you find the enticing aroma of freshly baked ciambelle , fried dough brushed with sugar. Your guide greets you in the lobby of the hotel and leads you out into the embracing streets. Kids play soccer in the streets near Borgo Vecchio. The aroma of grilled calamari sprinkled with a squeeze of lemon overtakes the walkway. Fishers showcase their fresh daily catches along the marketplace, and local restaurants offer to cook your choice right then and there for you to enjoy. The Norman Palace was first erected in the 9th century but was overhauled by the Normans in the 11th century.

Inside the palace, you find the stunning Palatine Chapel. Gold mosaics decorate the interior, casting an ethereal glow across the nave when the sunlight pours through the windows. The 12th-century chapel contains a wooden honeycomb ceiling embellished with star-shaped panels. The geometric elements connect the mixture of Arab culture that persisted in the city after the Norman invasion. Depictions of saints are carved in wood and painted along the vaulted ceilings. The significance of devotion remains strong in Sicily, and the church has always been important to the Corleone Family. We first meet Don Vito on the day of his sister’s wedding. In the evening, you make your way to a restaurant that specializes in traditional local cuisine. Indulge in the stunning flavors of Palermo with a selection of wines paired with each dish.

Corleone – A Family History

At breakfast, you sip your freshly brewed frothy cappuccino. You can hear the sounds of the market coming to life across the city. After your meal, you venture to the bustling edges of Corleone, the town from which Vito Corleone took his name after he entered America. The tale of the Don may be fictional, but it was inspired by an amalgamation of lives throughout Sicily affected by family squabbles, business vendettas, and a sense of the town being forgotten after the reunification of Italy. Your guide is a local of the town providing a history of Corleone and the mafia inside Sicily. Corleone is a developed city with a history as a mafia stronghold.

Your guide leads you through the cobbled streets off Piazza Garibaldi, where you come across the CIDMA, a captivating museum dedicated to anti-Mafia sentiment and documenting crime-family evolution. When you enter the complex, a large “No Mafia” sign greets you. In the final room are pictures of famous and infamous faces, those of Dons and soldiers, along with the men and women who have fought organized crime in Italy with justice or sometimes even their lives. The museum has a powerful impact due to the documentation of those who continue to work for justice, along with the city’s historical connection the mafia.

You continue to the Royal Palace of Ficuzza outside of Corleone. The structure was erected in the 19th century and maintains its original neoclassical look. Rocca Busambra, the mountain framing the palace, rises 5,291 feet above sea level. The largest forest in western Sicily surrounds the village of Ficuzza, of which the palace crowns. The sandstone color shines brightly against the emerald trees. It was once a hunting lodge for Ferdinand III of Sicily, son of King Charles III of Spain. The aroma of chestnut and oak trees sweeps across the grounds. Trails lead through the forest and to the mountain summit.

Taormina – Luxuries of the Family

In the morning, fishing boats glide into the harbor with freshly caught seafood. The fishermen are eager to head to the market and display their fresh catches. At breakfast, you sip a refreshing espresso accompanied by a flaky brioche before venturing to Sicily’s northern coast. The scenic drive takes you along the Palermo-Messina motorway. You notice the large church perched on the summit of a tall mountain overlooking the sea. It is the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna of Tindari.

The church stands on an archeological site peppered with Greek and Roman architecture dating back to the 4th century BC. Floor mosaics decorate the baths. Archways lead to the well-preserved theater. The plateau overlooks the shimmering azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. You can see the Aeolian Islands scattered across the horizon. The Sanctuary of the Black Madonna is located on the highest point of the hills at 590 feet above sea level. The sanctuary was erected in the 1960s on a particular area of local legend. Outside of the local village, goats and sheep graze on the landscape.

The Byzantine statues of the Madonna originated in the 9th century and were brought by pilgrims. It is easy to imagine the Corleone Family participating in the Feast Ceremony every September, in dedication to the Black Madonna. You continue to Taormina. The seaside city overlooks the quiet turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea. Cobblestones pave the historic lanes winding along the hillside. The Sanctuary of Madonna della Rocca was constructed over the base of a medieval fortress. The architects built the nave into the hillside using the limestone as a ceiling. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy the luxuries of Taormina. Linger in cafés, sipping wine along the elegant streets or enjoy a view of the illustrious sea from the public gardens.

Taormina – The Marriage of Michael Corleone

In the morning, you listen to the gentle warm ocean breeze brush along your villa. On the horizon, you can see the towering summit of Mount Etna rising to a height of nearly 11,000 feet above sea level. Today your guide meets you at your hotel and leads you to the village of Savoca, nestled between the sea and the Peloritani Mountains. Rustic stone cottages line the medieval streets. Quiet churches make you recall Michael Corleone’s wedding. Your intuition is correct, as this is the town in which his marriage to Apollonia was filmed.

Bar Vitelli retains its rustic ambiance and stands at the village entrance. The table where Michael requests Apollonia’s father for her hand in marriage sits underneath the shaded patio area. Curtains sweep across the door. You feel that any minute a man with a mustache will walk through the curtains and pass out drinks. The main street leads to the church. You can follow in the footsteps of Michael Corleone and Apollonia after their wedding by strolling along the main street beneath the fading shadow of the church’s façade.

You continue to the village of Forza d’Agro. The narrow streets lead to the Norman castle overlooking the city from atop the nearby mountain. The town of Forza d’Agro acted as the backdrop for the town of Corleone during the films. The church in the town appears in Godfather Part II when Vito escapes to America after hiding from Don Ciccio’s men. It is also the church when Michael first appears in Corleone alongside his bodyguards. Neither Savoca nor Forza d’Agro feels as though they have changed since Michael Corleone called Sicily his home.

Taormina – History Shaping the Dons

In the morning, the cafes around Taormina set out their tables and chairs alongside the cobbled walkways. The 17th-century clock tower adorns the central square and contains foundations set in the 4th century BC. The fountain in Piazza del Duomo spritzes the warm morning air with refreshing water. The day is yours to enjoy Taormina and its surroundings as you please. Trek to an altitudinal crater along Mount Etna or linger in the warm sand on the shores below Taormina. The history of Syracuse is captivating, filled with ancient allure blending with contemporary lifestyle. The past is quickly visible on the small island of Ortygia. The Fontana Aretusa is an ancient spring set in front of the cathedral.

Freshwater continues to bubble around the wild-growing papyrus. The spring was once the city’s main water supply, attributed to the goddess Artemis. Ducks glide across the water, lingering in the shade of the papyrus. The historic walkways turn into a labyrinth of alleys winding through the old guild quarter and former Jewish Ghetto. A mikveh , a traditional cleansing bath, was discovered more than 65 feet below the city. The celebrated antique puppet theater is located nearby, reenacting treasured tales of magicians and princesses, knights and dragons, stories once promoted by the dons of the region who helped enforce the laws of the land during the ever-changing political landscape of Sicily.

Catania – Farewell to the Godfather

From atop the Greek Theater in Taormina, you have an unadulterated view of the azure waters of the Bay of Naxos brushing the coastline and the sweeping landscape rising to the snowcapped peak of Mount Etna. Marble pillars and red ruins frame the view. At breakfast, you retrace your time in Sicily, recalling the connections to the Godfather films. You ponder the evolution of the Cosa Nostra , an entity created to enforce the law among the townships and which ended up growing to be an influential powerhouse that extended beyond Sicily. Your private transfer meets you at the hotel after your meal and escorts you the airport in Catania for your flight home.

Trip Highlights

• Follow in the footsteps of Michael Corleone in the town of Savoca to witness the bar and church where his Sicilian romantic life began
• Stroll along the quiet streets of Forza d’Argo, a village used to double as the town of Corleone, in both The Godfather Part I and II
• Tour the actual bustling streets of Corleone with a local guide eager to share the remarkable history of the Cosa Nostra , the Sicilian Mafia
• Visit the elaborate and immersive anti-Mafia Museum in Corleone for an alternate perspective of those affected by organized crime over the years
• Discover the elaborate past of Palermo on a private guided tour that lends insight into the creation of the Mafia
• Discover the ancient charms of Syracuse and the remnants of the tumultuous political landscape that originally empowered the mafia in Sicily 

Detailed Description

The history of Sicily is complicated and vast, filled with the ancient ruins of Norman kings, Arab architecture, and infamous mafia dons. Your 7-day Godfather tour in the Sicily takes you along the historic route of the Cosa Nostra (Sicilian Mafia) as made famous by the Corleone family in The Godfather Trilogy. The trail begins with your arrival in Palermo. Your private transfer greets you at the airport and escorts you into the heart of the city. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the vibrant and eclectic culture of the old city.

The following morning, your guide greets you at the hotel and leads you on the first of many sensational Sicily tours , carefully observing the layers of history adorning the streets, with each detail added to the formation of the mafia in Sicily. In Monreale, you visit the Benedictine cloister and Norman cathedral. Return to Palermo to delight in a restaurant celebrated for its traditional regional cuisine, similar to what Michael Corleone’s mother Carmela would make. Next, venture to the city of Corleone in Sicily. You meet your local guide who is well versed in the history of the Cosa Nostra on the island, along with its significance around the world.

Once at the Mafia Museum, you explore the exhibits with exhilarating intrigue before continuing to the Ficuzza Royal Palace, a former hunting lodge of the King of Sicily. Next, you travel along the northern coast to visit the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna of Tindari, located alongside ancient Greek ruins. Continue to the coastal town of Taormina and visit the 17th-century Sanctuary of Madonna della Rocca. You make your way to the towns of Savoca and Forza d’Agro, which doubled as the small town of Corleone during the filming of The Godfather series.

The quiet atmosphere, along with the famous bar at which Michael first meets Apollonia remains. The following day is at your leisure for you to enjoy the charming beaches on the Bay of Naxos or visit a winery on the hills of Mount Etna. You could also take a magnificent historical tour along the ancient streets of Syracuse. On your final day, your private transfer meets you at the hotel after breakfast and escorts you to the airport. You have faithfully retraced the history of the Corleone Family and found the meandering trails of the entire Cosa Nostra. 

Note: Zicasso and “The Godfather Tour of Sicily ” are not affiliated with, or sponsored or endorsed by, Paramount Pictures Corporation.

Starting Price

$2,501  per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

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• Expert trip planning
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Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

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Project Description

The godfather tour and the town of taormina.

A day trip to discover one of the “ Godfather’s ” movie sets together with the beautiful town of Taormina.

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A scenic drive runs inland to Savoca which is considered one of the most attractive places in the environment of Taormina . Bar Vitelli with a gorgeous terrace, has a collection of photographs taken when Francis Ford Coppola shot some scenes of “ The Godfather ”.

Free time for a “ granita ” in the Bar Vitelli then we walk to the Chiesa Madre where the scene of the wedding between Apollonia and Michael was shot with its fine 16C portal surmounted by a beautifully carved oculus and the coat of arms of Savoca, bearing the elderberry branch from which the name of the town is supposed to derive.

The tour will continue to Taormina the ancient Taurominum , is a spot of infinite loveliness, the land of “ Dolce far niente” – of sweet do nothing. The town lies in an elevated position of amazing, almost unique beauty, affording magnificent views combining sea and sky of a marvelous blue, miles of a curving coastline and picturesque mountain scenery, while the majestic pyramid of Mt. Etna on one side constitutes a scene of indescribable beauty.

We will visit together the Piazza Belvedere (Lookout square) where you will have a breathtaking view of Isolabella (Beautiful island) and the Messina coast line . Upon arrival in Taormina you will have your free time to admire the cathedral. The imposing medieval building was erected in the thirteenth century on the ruins of a church dedicated to St. Nicholas of Bari , the Greek Theatre from the 2nd century A.D. – Palazzo Corvaja and Corso Umberto where you can do excellent shopping .

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The Godfather filming locations in Sicily

Say Sicily and the majority of the people will think of The Godfather. What most people don’t know is that the movie was shot in two small picturesque villages , near Taormina called Savoca and Forza D’Agro, where you will recognize the most important filming locations from The Godfather I and II. 

There are lots of The Godfather tours which will take you there. Tours usually last 2-3 hours depending on how long you want to stop for a snack at Bar Vitelli . Bear in mind group tours don’t usually stop, so if you wish to do so, then book a private tour. 

Here are the tours I would recommend.

• Group tour from Taormina or Catania can be booked here , it does not include any drinks or food but you will stop for a snack at Bar Vitelli, recommend the cakes or granita.
• Group tour from Taormina, Giardini Naxos or surroundings with lunch (pasta and wine) can be booked here . 
• The Private Godfather tour I took can be booked here . The guide will stop when you like, you can have a drink/snack at Bar Vitelli and add a good lunch or dinner after the tour, we just stopped for a casual pizza in the main square below the church in Forza D’Agro. You can ask the guide anything about life in Sicily, the Mafia today or the movie.

If you have a car and would rather visit Sicily’s Godfather filming locations on your own, here you will find all you need to go independently. Then you can explore the rest of the continent in an epic road trip across Europe . 

Filming The Godfather in Sicily

The 1969 book The Godfather written by Mario Puzo takes place in the village of Corleone where the famous Mafia family featured in the story comes from, and was set in the 1940s. 

But Corleone was not their original family name, Andolini was. It was a young Vito who said his town’s name instead of his own when asked by an immigration officer upon his arrival in the US. 

This village exists in real life and is located in the north-center part of Sicily, nearest to Palermo. Besides the movie, the town has a long Mafia history with several famous chiefs coming from there.

However, when Francis Ford Coppola came to Sicily to scout for the movie locations, he realised that Corleone was a quiet and not very interesting village for a movie, had very few landmarks that would make for a suitable backdrop and was too developed to represent Sicily in the 1940s.

At that time in 1971, Coppola was staying in Taormina, at the San Domenico Convent Hotel , and the staff there were the ones who suggested two small but picturesque villages in the hills near Taormina, Forza D’Agro and Savoca, instead. 

Little did they know that they were changing the course of these farming villages and bringing them Hollywood fame. Copolla visited them and realised they were perfect for the movies and the rest is history. 

Today, their streets are filled with tourists exploring movie-screen Corleone, having a drink at Cafe Vitelli, or photographing the churches.

Fun movie fact : The entire movie crew stayed at the Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea when the movie was shot, including Al Pacino who was a young and unknown actor at the time.

The Godfather shooting locations in Savoca

Savoca is a tiny pedestrian-only medieval town where the important Sicilan scenes from The Godfather were shot. Several landmarks in the village are featured in the movie and even the locals starred as extras.

The town has less than 2,000 inhabitants and is perched by the side of a cliff with stunning panoramic views over the coast below and a privileged position that made it a strategic place for the Norman.

From Savoca you can see Mount Etna at one end, the Ionian Sea on the other and, on a clear day, the coast of Calabria in Italy’s mainland across the water. 

It is clear to the inhabitants of Savocca that The Godfather has brought them pride and plenty of business opportunities. But besides the tours and souvenirs for sale, there is little more happening in town.

You can find a kiosk a few meters from Bar Vitelli towards the church that sells Ape tours (similar to a rickshaw) of the hilly town, and most of the places that are open for business sell memorabilia or items tourists may need, like snacks and water.

The locals have paid homage to Coppola with a shiny mirror-like metal sculpture of him in front of Bar Vitelli, and another of a man and a donkey on the road that leads into town. 

But there is more to Savoca than The Godfather and before it was made famous by the movie it was already a pretty medieval village and an important town during Norman times. 

Bar Vitelli

Perhaps the most recognizable of all The Godfather filming locations is Bar Vitelli. Looking essentially as it did when the movie was shot, this 18th century palazzo is a pleasant place for a drink, gelato, cake or a Sicilian granita .

The outdoor shaded patio has some tables and chairs and is where the movie scenes from The Godfather I were shot. 

Inside you will find a room to the right where a variety of Savoca, Sicilian and The Godfather memorabilia is hung from the walls. You can see photographs of the movie scenes shot in the village and the Sicilian symbol, the Gorgon with three legs, because the island is three-pointed. 

In mythology, Gorgon is the sister of Medusa and is said to turn you into stone if you look at her in the eyes. This symbol was traditionally placed outside Sicilian houses so people would not look in. It is also in the Sicilian flag. 

In the room to the left is the bar, with a large display fridge showcasing the cakes and sweets and a variety of souvenirs for sale. I could not resist buying a small bottle of Godfather-themed limoncello.

Bar Vitelli is the place where Al Pacino meets his wife Apollonia and where he later comes back to ask for her hand in marriage from her father, owner of the bar. The pair sit at a small table by the main door that is still there. 

When he is talking to his friend about Apollonia, her father hears them and makes out that they are referring to his daughter and becomes pretty upset. He tells Al Pacino, “In this town the women are beautiful and virtuous”. 

Take a seat and enjoy a drink under the same vines, and listen to the traditional Sicilian music or the movie famous soundtrack playing in the background, as if time stood still.

Church of Sant Nicolo

This Norman church is where Apollonia and Michael got married and also looks exactly like in the movie, since it dates back to the 15th century. 

It is not uncommon to see couples recreating the moment in front of the church, and dressed for the occasion. You can also do like the characters in the movie and walk back from the church to Vitelli Bar down the street, along the scenic path with panoramic views. 

The church is stunning in its own right , literally built on the side of the mountain, its foundation relying on ancient rocks. The original Norman construction was restored after the 1693 earthquake.

The absys shows the life of Santa Lucia, a venerated saint in Sicily, patron Saint of Syracuse . Inside the church you can see a picture of the weddings scene from the movie and all the items used for the annual procession of Santa Lucia are on display with photographs to illustrate how they are used and explanations.

Other things to do in Savoca

Savoca is best enjoyed slowly. The tiny town has a couple of other churches besides the one featured in the movie (yes, three churches in a town of less than 2,000 inhabitants) and the crypt of the Capuchin convent has mummies you can visit (yes, real mummies).

Read more about things to do in Savoca here .

The Godfather shooting locations in Forza D’Agro

Forza D’Agro is a small village in the hills above the eastern coast of Sicily about 20min drive from Taormina . There are less scenes shot here than in Savoca and so it tends to be a bit less popular with The Godfather fans.

As opposed to Savoca, Forza D’Agro is a bit more developed, with paved streets and regular car traffic, although very sleepy. 

The church of the Santissima Annunziata

The church appears in The Godfather II as the backdrop when Vito Corleone escapes from Sicily to the US in a donkey as Don Ciccio’s men search for him. It is also the same church where a wedding takes place in The Godfather II when he returns to Sicily with his wife.

Forza D’Agro’s large church was rebuilt after the 17th century earthquake which destroyed the village. You can see the former church underneath the current one and there are a few niches on the wall which display the sculptures that have been preserved.

The church has a sculpture of Santa Caterina inside. It was sculpted by a disciple of Michaelangelo who spent time in Sicily at the end of the Renaissance period. The same sculpture can be seen in Taormina’s church but that one is of Santa Agata.

Santa Caterina was a martyr, killed by the Romans because she followed God, in the sculpture she is holding a book because she was a philosopher. 

The church is very colorful and made with lots of marble in various colors. The white marble is from Florence but the colored ones are from Sicily which was an important quarry for the rest of Sicily. 

The altar has a Pantocrator Christ but its origins are unclear. The abscess is Baroque and filled with wooden seats for the priests and there is a painting of the Virgin Mary when she is told she will be having the son of Jesus.

The square and church of Sant’Agostino

In the movie, the square appears in a scene in The Godfather II when Michael comes back to Sicily with his second wife, Diane Keaton in the movie, and wants to show her his village of Corleone.

As they walk around the village they find a wedding and a party at the square and they join in for dinner and party. The square is in front of the second church in Forza D’Agro, a square that is flanked by a Norman gate and located up a quaint set of stairs. 

This church was restored at the end of the Baroque period, after the earthquake, and is painted blue inside with a flat wooden ceiling. 

Other things to see in Forza D’Agro

Not featured in the movie but right next to the church, there is a chocolate museum which you cannot miss because the smell fills the air as you visit the square.

Chocolate is famous in the town of Modica and is made using the cold method, that is, the sugar does not melt because it has a higher melting point than the chocolate.

Other Godfather filming locations in Sicily

Besides Savoca and Forza D’Agro, there are a couple of other filming locations for some of The Godfather scenes that were shot elsewhere.

Castello Degli Schiavi

This castle in Fiumefreddo , near Catania and Mount Etna, is a Baroque country house that belongs to a local Sicilian family and is not open for visits. This is where Apollonia’s car gets blown up in The Godfather I. 

Palermo’s Massimo Theatre

The scenes from The Godfather III when Michael watches his son perform and his daughter is killed were filmed at Teatro Massimo. 

The theatre is the third largest in Europe and a revered opera house . It offers tours of the backstage which include the Royal Box where Al Pacino sat and you can recreate that scene.

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Full Day Tour to Godfather Villages and Taormina from Messina Port

Excursion to discover and enjoy the scenes of the godfather movies in savoca and capo sant'alessio. later we will stop in taormina, the resort town of sicily..

€  79

Today you are greeted at Messina port and drive to enjoy the scenes of The  Godfather movie . From the coastal road, rich of villas, flowering gardens, and picturesque villages, leads to the historical artist town of  Savoca . In a private house in the village,  Bar Vitelli houses  a collection of local artisans’ tools and photographs taken when Francis Ford Coppola shot scenes of The Godfather II. Stroll along the village’s main street past Santa Lucia and San Michele churches for a short view over the valley.

Drive away, we’ll find a charming little village over-looking the Arab-Norman castle of  Capo Sant’Alessio . In 1990, Al Pacino and Sophia Coppola shot scenes here for The Godfather III. From the main square, a lane meets the circular steps that ascend to the Gothic-Catalan portal in front of the Church of San Agostino.

Later we will continue to  Taormina , the resort town of Sicily. On arrival time at leisure to explore the town or independent visit to the Greek Roman Theatre ( admission fee: not included ) from where we can admire an amazing view.

This afternoon back to Messina port.

This tour is operated with English speaking Driver. Some areas can only be visited on foot. Licensed local guide is not included.

TOUR DETAILS & BOOKING INFORMATION

PICK-UP & SHORE EXCURSIONS CONDITIONS

HIGHLIGHTS: Godfather II & III : Bar Vitelli, Savoca, Sant’ Alessio Taormina : World renowned Mediterranean resort town

AS REGARDS THE VISIT TO TAORMINA, IT IS A WALKING TOUR.  Taormina is a hill-village with a glossy sheen of glamour. A drink at the tables of Caffè Wunderbar (or similar) in Piazza IX Aprile may set you back a few euros, but you’ll be basking where Tennessee Williams and Elizabeth Taylor basked before you. As well as the famed Greek-Roman Theatre (Admission Fee: not included), there are several minor sites to be discovered around Taormina. The attractive principal thoroughfare, Corso Umberto is pedestrian and ideal for strolling and window-shopping. Picturesque lanes above and below the Corso are interesting to explore, while if you want to stretch your legs further there are attractive walks up into the hills, or down to the sea. Given its compact size, Taormina has a huge range of bars, cafes and restaurants where you can while away pleasant hours while admiring the views.

Taormina has two important gates:  Porta Messina (Messina Gate) & Porta Catania (Catania Gate). Between the two gates there is an important street under the name of CORSO UMBERTO STREET. The Corso Umberto Street is the core of the town rich of bar, shops, pottery and more. Waling in this street indulge you in the Taormina atmosphere. The two gates are far away each other less than one mile (approx. 700 meters). USUALLY the driver escort stopped people in a gate, and meet them again in the opposite gate giving you the chance to be by yourself. Meeting point locations will be handled on the spot in accordance with your driver escort.

TOUR CODE: QMETAOGOD-SE

• Category Shoretrips from Messina , Sicily Shore Excursions
• Location Messina , Taormina
• Grade Moderate
• Duration 7 Hours
• Category Shoretrip
• Tour Type Private
• Season All Year
• Credit Card fees
• English speaking Driver
• Legal Invoice
• Vehicle with air conditioning
• Visit as per itinerary (independent without booking of guide)
• Admission fees
• Beverages and meals
• Gratuities and tips
• Licensed Tourist Guide

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A Sicily Godfather Tour To Remember

For any diehard fan of the famous Godfather trilogy (and let’s face it, who isn’t), a chance to tour the home of the Godfather characters stands high on any bucket list. A story inspired by real-life events and the impact that the Sicilian mafia had on so many lives, many variations of the this sort of tour have popped up since the films’ release. 

Medieval castles, picturesque coastal villages and the scenic Sicilian countryside serve as the backdrop to many of the Godfather film scenes, making it the ideal place for movie buffs to embark on a Godfather tour of Sicily. 

Any Godfather tour in Catania includes some of Sicily’s most heart-stopping locations, so even if you’re not a Godfather fan, it would still be an excellent excuse to explore some enchanting Sicilian hilltop towns. In fact, it would be an offer you can’t refuse.

Post Contents

Highlights of a Sicily Godfather Tour

What’s included, departure location and time, forza d’agró , fiume freddo, so, ready to embark.

On any private Godfather tour in Sicily , you’ll learn all about how fact and fiction collide, visiting the real-life Godfather Sicily filming locations from some of the most iconic scenes in the trilogy. These movie set spots vary from a Godfather tour in Taormina, the province of Messina or Palermo.

Walk in the footsteps of Michael Corleone and discover the gorgeous medieval villages of Savoca and Fiume Freddo to set the scene. Drink a lemon granita in the famous Bar Vitelli and relive the famous wedding scene in the Cathedral of Forza d’Agrò . These are all important locations in any iconic Godfather tour.

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Medieval beauty, iconic landscapes and so much more await you. On a typical Godfather Tour you’ll:

• Visit some of the most captivating Godfather Sicily filming locations
• Learn about the story, plot and characters behind each spot
• Enjoy beautiful Sicilian hill towns such as Forza d’Agrò and Savoca, two of the main places where Francis Coppola shot Godfather scenes in Sicily
• Indulge in a drink in the famous Bar Vitelli
• Take in breathtaking Mediterranean architecture in Taormina
• See the notorious house where Vito Corleone was born
• Delve into the history of Sicily and the origins of the Sicilian Mafia

At Designer Journeys, we understand that not everyone likes to travel in the same way. Many of our Godfather tours will include similar elements, but you can also fully tailor this to your own taste to make it the best Godfather tour in Sicily in your eyes! Take some inspiration from this 10-day trip to Sicily that includes:

• Private transport to all of the Godfather Sicily scene locations
• Visits to Taormina, Corleone, Savoca and Forza d’Agrò
• Accommodation in Sicily
• A Sicilian guide that is well versed in the Godfather movies and their relation to the island
• Stopovers in other beautiful Sicilian destinations such as Palermo, Mount Etna and Agrigento
• Entrance fees when required

Since Francis Ford Coppola’s films have become somewhat of a cult classic, the variation of Godfather tours in Sicily and where they all depart from can be overwhelming: whether that be a Godfather tour from Palermo , a hop on hop off Godfather Tour in Taormina or a Palermo Godfather tour, the options are endless!

As Sicily is a relatively small island, most Godfather tours will visit many of the same locations, all of which are walking distance or a short drive away, so you won’t miss out on any of the key film locations when travelling to Italy. 

To give you an idea of what a Godfather tour can look like, this 10 day trip to Sicily includes a Sicily Godfather day tour which departs from Taormina at 10:30 am where you will visit some of the most iconic film locations in Savoca and Forza d’Agrò. Depending on where you are staying in Sicily, you can choose a different departure location or starting time for your private Godfather tour – the choice is yours!

Many of these tours range from three to four hours. However, another alternative is dedicating a whole holiday to visiting the Godfather movie set locations and Sicilian towns that feature in the films. This 6-Day Godfather Trip to Sicily encompasses a Godfather tour from Catania and visits the towns of Palermo, Taormina and Fiume Freddo, where you will be able to breathe life into the trilogy’s most memorable scenes.

Sicily Godfather Tour Travel Itinerary

As nearly all of the Sicily scenes in The Godfather were filmed within 15 miles from this coastal village, a Taormina Italy Godfather tour is undoubtedly a must-do when visiting the island. In recent years, the relation between Taormina and The Godfather has transformed it into somewhat of a resort town, with film buffs flocking to the area to recollect their favourite scenes. Despite its increasing popularity, it is a fantastic starting point to reach nearby villages where much of the trilogy was filmed, such as Savoca and Forza d’Agró.

Many of the best Godfather tours from Taormina will choose Savoca as their first stop, an unspoiled town just north of Taormina that stood in for Corleone, which was too developed at the time to depict a 1940s Sicily. When you approach Savoca, you may recall the scene where Michael and his two companions are walking in the hills and see this quaint village in the distance. 

Of course, a Savoca Godfather tour wouldn’t be complete without sipping on a lemon granita in the iconic Bar Vitelli, where Micheal asks for Signore Vitelli’s daughter’s hand in marriage and threatens him with an untimely death in the same breath. Eagle-eyed cinephiles will also connect the church of Santa Lucia with the emblematic wedding between Michael and Apollonia.

Many Godfather tours in Messina   will then continue to Forza D’Agró, another gorgeous Sicilian hilltop town with more Godfather connections. If you haven’t seen the films in a while, think tiny charming lanes and historic churches that are just as cinematic in real life as they are on screen. 

In front of Forza d’Agró’s cream-coloured cathedral is where a young Vito Corleone escaped to America by hiding in a mule’s pack, in hot pursuit by Don Ciccio’s men. It is also where the older Michael, played by Al Pacino, shows his American wife the Corleone family house (which we now know is actually on the other side of the island).

Although many flock to the bigger Godfather movie towns, this Godfather tour from Catania also includes a visit to the lesser-known village of Fiume Freddo, where the newlywed Corleone couple lived and the tragic death of Apollonia occurred. The splendid Castello Degli Schiavi here was popularised because of the movies but is a delightful sight to visit in its own right too.

A small medieval village just above Taormina, Castelmola is a stone’s throw away from other popular Sicily Godfather locations, which is why many Godfather tours in Sicily  will be sure to make a stop here. Built around the ruins of Norman castles, this old hamlet offers visitors winding streets, aristocratic buildings and an enchanting ancient atmosphere.

For those looking for a truly memorable experience in Sicily, it doesn’t get more unique than a this. It also helps that the Sicilian countryside and its coastal towns are spectacularly gorgeous, with or without Marlon Brando in them. 

The best Sic ily Godfather tours will be accompanied by enthusiastic Sicilian guides that will be eager to tell you the tales behind one of the greatest films of all time, as well as the equally captivating history of the island that inspired it.

With a plethora of incredible Sicily Tours you can choose from, one of Designer Journeys’s expert Local Designers will be on hand to help you in customising your trip to Italy and deciding which Godfather tour in Sicily is the best fit for you. 

With the Local Designers taking out all of the legwork in planning your trip, all you have to do is hop on a plane, bring your camera and start remembering your favourite Godfather movie lines!

Julia Solervicens

Wordsmith, traveller and enthusiastic cat-petter. A nomad by nature, wandering has always been baked into my blood. Born in the UK to Spanish parents, I’ve moved to a new country every couple of years since, which is probably why I love writing about faraway destinations so much. I’ve lived in Scotland, Barcelona, Vietnam (just to name a few) and finally landed in Bali, where I now happily reside amongst tropical palm trees and an endless supply of coconuts. When I’m not stringing pretty sentences together, you’ll usually find me snapping photos, chasing sunsets on my scooter or napping at the beach with my nose in a book.

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Godfather Tour

Visit of savoca and forza d agrò.

Discovery the Sicilian scenes set of the most popular movie “The Godfather” by Francis F. Coppola, tour with departure from Taormina, Messina or Catania.  

With our guide to discover the places of the movie. Scenic driving throughout a typical Sicilian countryside, reaching the town of Savoca , guided walking tour, on the foot steps of the young Michael Corleone, to find the spot of the scene filmed by F.F. Coppola, such as the church of the wedding and the famous Bar Vitelli, where you can take a refreshment with the local Sicilian “Granita al limone” enjoing some local pastries.

We will continue the tour to  the village of Forza D’Agrò  located on the lower peak of a small mountain, while on the higher peak that overlooks the town are the remains of Norman castle. It is obvious to the eyes of those who visit for the first time these places, that the love of the past is rich of glory, history, culture and tradition, which restrains the tendency to the frantic innovation. In this corner of the earth, you will find a fantastic place, between the provinces of Messina and Catania.

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• Oct 6, 2020

Godfather Tour of Filming Locations in Sicily

Updated: Mar 4, 2021

For many, thoughts of Sicily inextricably bring to mind scenes from The Godfather . A vision of Marlon Brando as Don Corleone sitting in a dimly lit room, leaning back in his leather chair uttering the words, “You come into my house on the day my daughter is to be married…”

The Godfather, or Il Padrino in Italian, is arguably one of the most revered movies of all time. The story of a young boy who escaped death at the hands of the Italian mafia, made the journey from the hills of Sicily to the streets of New York, and then became the head of one of the most powerful crime families in America. And finally, the son who ironically returns to Sicily to escape his own death in New York. The second and third films follow him as he walks in his father’s footsteps and embraces his Sicilian heritage. The story is, of course, fictional. But even so, it has won the hearts of millions of people and is considered a film-making masterpiece even 50 years later.

I typically like to travel “free style”; on my own time and at my own pace. I like to research a place and make my own itinerary. Sometimes I like to just show up in a town and wander around until I’m delightfully lost. You can go where you want, when you want. You don’t have to feel like a “tourist” following a pack leader with 20 other people wearing headsets and waiting to be told where to go next. But there are some places that are made so much more special with a guide. And this was one of them. When your guide feels more like an old friend telling you stories about a place they love, that’s when you know it’s truly magical.

We began our journey driving north from Catania, along the eastern coast of Sicily. Always with Mount Etna puffing away just over our left shoulders. In this region the volcanic rock is extremely porous, which allows it to absorb so much of the rain water that the vegetation is lush and green. We drive past vineyards, olive groves, and citrus tree farms, while palm trees, agave, and prickly pear cactus lining the roadside happily remind us that we are in a tropical paradise.

As we cross over the Alcantara River into the province of Messina, there is a distinct difference in the terrain. Sedimentary rock formations and grassy hillsides, with trees that remind you more of a pine forest than a tropical island. Cliffside villages built during medieval times, with fortified walls and watch towers to warn of incoming enemies. It was among these cliffs that Francis Ford Coppola chose to film the Sicilian locations in The Godfather II and III.

Our guide tells us that this area was actually the second choice for filming the movies. The first and most logical choice was the town of Corleone, near Palermo on the western side of the island. However, in a comical twist of fate, the real life mafia families of that area kindly suggested to Mr. Coppola that he find an alternative filming location.

Just after passing the seaside city of Taormina, we begin to catch glimpses of the breathtaking Valle d'Agrò . We slowly wind along the switchback road that hugs the hillside, as the valley opens up before our eyes. Our first stop is Forza d'Agrò , a medieval village perched on the smaller of the two mountains that form this valley.

We park along a street at the edge of the village, where the views of the valley and coastline below are so spectacular I almost forget why we’re here.

As we walk along the cobblestoned streets, our guide becomes more of a storyteller than a tour guide, and I imagine what this quiet Sicilian town must have been like in its prime. It’s sad and beautiful at the same time. The people we see are friendly, and they welcome us with a smile and a nod, but there is also a look in their eyes that seems as if they are unaware of how special this place is.

We make our way through the narrow streets to the house that was used as Vito Corleone’s childhood home. A small marker and a picture from the film identify the door that was used in The Godfather II, when Michael Corleone goes to visit the town his father lived in as a child. As he stands at the door a woman walks by and says, “No one lives there anymore.” And as if we are visiting in some magical parallel universe, a man walks past and tells us that the people who own the house have moved away, and that the house is empty. He then tells us that so many houses have fallen victim to this same fate. As young people grow up they move away to bigger cities on the mainland, and it has left this cliffside village with very few permanent residents.

We continue our journey to the Chiesa di Maria S. Annunziata e Assunta , the church used for two different filming scenes. The first of these is the scene from The Godfather II where a young Vito Corleone escapes as he hides in the basket being carried by a donkey ridden across the front of the church. The second scene, from The Godfather III , shows an older Michael Corleone back in the town with his second wife Kay as they happen upon a wedding taking place at the same church.

As the bride and groom come out of the church, the small stone courtyard in front of the church is filled with wedding guests, towns people, and a band. There are no scenes filmed inside the church; however, a peek inside reveals an exquisite nave framed by stone pillars, and elegant archways with crystal chandeliers.

This leads us to the next filming location, in front of the Chiesa della SS Trinità e Convento Agostiniano . The wedding celebration continues here with a puppet show, music and dancing. As the movie scene scans the crowd, you can see the puppet show taking place underneath a stone archway. The arch is at the top of a stairway that opens up to incredible views of the surrounding valley. It is one of few remnants left from the time when Southern Italy was ruled by the Spanish.

Finally, we find ourselves back at the car, where we have parked in almost the exact location as the scene from the third movie where Michael Corleone stood next to his car with Kay as a man on a bicycle rode past and handed her a bouquet of flowers. A fitting end to a picture perfect visit!

We wind back down into the valley and up the other side to the town of Savoca . Even smaller than Forza d'Agro, there are less than 50 residents here. The town is everything you would imagine a small, Sicilian hilltop town to be. Charming, quiet, and timeless; complete with the ruins of a thousand year old castle.

Our first stop in Savoca is Bar Vitelli , the restaurant made famous by the second Godfather film. It was here that Michael Corleone met Apollonia's father, who he subsequently convinced to let him court and marry her.

The restaurant has changed in the 50 years since the filming, and so has the town; however, you can't help but feel the presence of Il Padrino here.

The outdoor patio area, now surrounded by trees, still has the Bar Vitelli sign over the doorway. As we step inside, we find a small room just inside the front door with props and pictures from the movie. This is sacred ground for any true Godfather fan!

Outside the restaurant, across a small outdoor terrace, a mirrored sculpture of Francis Ford Coppola stands to commemorate the filming of the movie and the influence it's had on the town.

On to the final filming location of the tour, the Chiesa di San Nicolò . To reach the church where Michael and Apollonia knelt in the doorway to be married, our storyteller leads us up the the winding, uneven cobblestoned walkway to the pinnacle of the town. Along the way, our guide, and now friend, points out the parts of the castle that remain and tells us the story of clay carvings on the old city walls.

The path we take was the same one that Michael and Apollonia took after their marriage ceremony, back down to the Bar Vitelli and the stone courtyard for the wedding celebration. I swear I heard the sweet sound of violins playing as we walked!

To complete our tour, we walk past the church and take the path around the back side of the city. As we pass the remnants of the crumbling castle set among modern day stone houses, I get the feeling that this quaint little town overlooking the Ionian sea has many more stories to tell.

I hope you enjoyed reading about my experience on The Godfather film locations tour! If you are interested in taking the tour, I HIGHLY recommend using Etna Sicily Tours .

Planning a visit to Sicily? Read all about the lessons I've learned while living here! Driving, eating, coffee drinking, and more! Check out Living in Sicily: First Impressions

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3 commentaires

This tour is a must, and I hope I can make it back to Sicily next year. Having a coffee at Bar Vitelli and taking in the atmosphere must be amazing for any Godfather movie fan.

The Godfather is one of my husband’s favorite movies and I love visiting filming locations. And in Sicily? I’m there!

It’s not something I ever thought of doing in Sicily back in 2014. I did use Taormina train station and that was my sole set experience. This tour does sound rather lovely.

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The Godfather movie locations in Sicily

Last updated on March 22nd, 2024.

Alongside its history, striking architecture and incredible food culture, there’s a darker side that Sicily is also known for: the Mafia.

A criminal organization that has been around since the late 19th century, the mafia has always been a controversial topic.

And, when discussing the mafia in popular culture, there’s no reference more famous than The Godfather trilogy.

The series has amassed a cult following since the first movie was released in 1972. Consistently drawing in new fans, popularity surrounding the classic movie trilogy has only continued to grow.

Which is why in this post, I’ll be guiding you to The Godfather movie locations in Sicily.

One of the best free things to do in Sicily I’ll show you where The Godfather was filmed in Sicily. I’ll also show you how to organize your own Godfather tour.

A fun addition to your Italy bucket list , bookmark this post for later.

We return to our home in Sicily every summer, and it’s close to many of the locations in this post.

Included is also a helpful map that will help you plan your visit. For more general travel advice on planning a trip to Italy , my Sicily travel tips are worth a read.

The Godfather basics

The movie trilogy is based on the book by American author Mario Puzo. His bestselling novel was published in 1969 followed 3 years later by the first movie.

The Godfather tells the story of a fictional Mafia family headed by Don Vito Corleone. Part I focuses on the years 1945 to 1955, with the youngest son, Michael, eventually taking over his father’s role.

Part II is both a prequel and sequel to the first movie, taking place in the late 1950s. The prequel takes place in early 20th century Sicily. Part II retells the tale of Vito Corleone’s childhood and how he came to be head of the family.

The last in the trilogy, The Godfather Part III begins in 1979. Michael Corleone has mostly succeeded in legitimizing the family’s business interests and a new successor is on the scene. The movie ends with Michael sitting alone in his estate, in the town of Corleone in Sicily.

A topic not discussed

During the many years I’ve visited Sicily, the subject of the Mafia is something rarely spoken about. It’s not something that’s taboo, but people are aware they exist and say nothing more.

The most discussed reference to the Mafia are the anniversaries of Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino. Both judges were assassinated by the Mafia in 1992 due to their efforts to overthrow the organization.

Cosa Nostra (as the Mafia is known by) is very much active today. Around Sicily, there are many areas in which Mafia families are known to operate. Some of these include:

• Trapani (west)
• Mazara del Vallo (west)
• Gela (south)
• Santa Elisabetta (south)
• Catania (east)
• Calatabiano (east)
• Castelbuono (north)
• Corleone (north)

As a visitor, it’s safe to travel around these areas in Sicily. We visited Mazara del Vallo on our Sicily road trip and really enjoyed our time here.

But, if you want to learn more about the Mafia, and in a group setting, consider booking a guided tour. Some of my favorites include:

• The Godfather Private Tour (pickup from Taormina, Messina or Catania)
• Mafia guided tour with Sicilian lunch (pickup from Taormina, Giardini Naxos or Letojanni)
• Mafia guided tour of Corleone

Map: The Godfather movie locations in Sicily

Savoca, Messina

I never miss the chance to visit Savoca. Just 10 minutes’ drive from our home in north-east Sicily, there’s plenty of things to do in Savoca to fill up a day trip.

I go into greater detail as to what a borgo is in the following posts:

• 1 day in Asolo
• Discovering Orta San Giulio
• Visiting Arquà Petrarca
• Exploring Montemerano

Sicily is home to several borghi including Savoca, Castelmola and Palazzolo Acreide . Each unique in their own way, they also hold the title of ‘the most beautiful borghi in Italy’.

More than a movie set

While the movie is supposed to be set in Corleone, many of the scenes were filmed elsewhere in Sicily. One of these locations is Savoca.

Corleone is a real town in Sicily, located in the province of Palermo . Why they didn’t film here, I honestly don’t know.

Fun fact: scenes from The Godfather are also referenced in The White Lotus TV show that was also filmed in Sicily.

The right choice

Dating to the 12th century, it’s clear to see why director Francis Ford Coppola chose Savoca. A series of winding roads take you up towards the medieval town, the view becoming more spectacular around every bend.

The moment you enter the small main square of Piazza Fossia, there’s an immediate sign of the movie’s presence.

A metal statue of Francis Ford Coppola pointing his camera is a fitting tribute to the movie. Because, just opposite is Bar Vitelli, one of The Godfather movie locations in Sicily that Coppola named himself.

Where Michael meets Signor Vitelli

A rustic bar with a retro entryway paves the way to Bar Vitelli. The location serves several scenes in the Godfather Part I. They are:

• When Michael and his men are sitting outside at Bar Vitelli speaking to the owner about his daughter, Apollonia. After pacifying an angry Signor Vitelli, Michael proposes the idea of marriage to Apollonia.
• A family lunch with Signor Vitelli, Apollonia and Michael
• The wedding celebration (after the church) in the town’s piazza

Inside Bar Vitelli is an area whose walls are adorned with Godfather memorabilia. While here, be sure to try the famous granita al limone , accompanied by a sip of Zibibbo wine.

Bar Vitelli may be most renowned for its movie association but the location is so much more. The building was once part of Palazzo Trimarchi, a palace dating to the 1400s.

Today, alongside the bar, it also houses a beautiful boutique hotel called Vitelli Charming Suites . In true boutique hotel style, it offers just 5 suites and the chance to stay somewhere iconic in Sicily.

Bar Vitelli/Vitelli Charming Suites, Piazza Fossia, 7, Savoca

The wedding of Michael and Apollonia

A traditional Sicilian wedding requires a historic church, and that’s what Coppola found in Savoca.

The 13th century Chiesa di San Nicolò was where they filmed the wedding of Michael and Apollonia.

Its early architecture followed a Norman Sicilian style but this changed over time. Personally, I prefer the Chiesa Santa Lucia or the Chiesa di San Michele, both just a short walk away.

The former’s the namesake church of the Patron Saint of Savoca, and is of great importance in the town. Every year on the second Sunday in August, visitors arrive to see the Festa di Santa Lucia. A full day of festivities, re-enactments and music, it’s authentic, memorable and a festival completely unique to Savoca.

Chiesa di Santa Lucia (St Lucy’s Church), Via S. Nicolò, 1 Chiesa di San Michele (St Michael’s Church), Via S. Michele

While in Savoca…

Make the most out of your visit to Savoca, by adding the following sights to your list:

• Castello di Pentefur (Pentefur Castle fortress), Via Chiesa Madre, 5
• Convento dei Cappuccini (Cappuccini Convent), Via Cappuccini
• Chiesa Madre di Savoca (‘Mother’s Church’ 12th century church), Via Chiesa Madre, 5
• Porta della Città di Savoca (City gate of Savoca), Via S. Michele

Where to stay in Savoca

Should you choose to spend a night or 2 in Savoca, consider checking into Resort Borgo San Rocco .

A stunning hotel that blends in perfectly with Savoca’s medieval origins, it’s really one of a kind. What’s more, guests are invited to dine outdoors, where your meal will be accompanied by a perfect Sicilian skyline.

Resort Borgo San Rocco, Via S. Rocco

Watch: The Godfather film locations in Sicily

Forza d’Agrò, Messina

Alongside Savoca, I’ve visited Forza d’Agrò at least a dozen times.

The small hilltop borgo blends a mix of old and renovated houses, and the potential here is immense. Uneven stone paths, medieval buildings and historic churches are what you’ll find here.

And, when speaking about The Godfather movie locations in Sicily, Forza d’Agrò is a name synonymous with the cult classic.

The Godfather filming locations in Forza d’Agrò

The borgo was again used to film a few scenes in the town of ‘Corleone’. These include:

• When Michael and his men are walking through the streets of Corleone. The street they’re passing through is Via Roma in Forza d’Agrò. When they stop and pause, you can spot the Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata in the background.
• Dating to the 15th century, its exterior reflects a classic Sicilian Baroque architectural style. The church makes another appearance in Part III. Kay and Michael are walking through the town when they see a wedding taking place.
• On Via Roma is the ‘Casa de Il Padrino.’ Michael tells Kay that the house is where his father was born (Part III). In reality, the home’s privately owned so there’s no chance of entering. You’re in the right place once you see a tile next to the door with a print of the scene from the movie.
• Via Belvedere: the main road surrounding Forza d’Agrò was used to film the car scenes.

Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata, Via SS Annunziata, 8 Casa de Il Padrino, Vico I Roma, 5

Taormina, Messina

The beautiful town of Taormina (read things to know about Taormina ) features in Parts II and III, but for not the areas you might expect.

Instead, it features Taormina train station (platform), which so happens to be my favorite on this side of Sicily. Like above, the following scenes are supposed to take place in Bagheria, a real commune located east of Palermo.

• Don Corleone (younger) returns to Sicily to visit his family (Part II)
• Michael and Kay waiting at the train station (Part III)

Fiumefreddo di Sicilia, Catania

In the commune of Fiumefreddo di Sicilia in north-east Sicily is the Castello degli Schiavi. The villa features a few times in The Godfather Part I. We first see it as the entrance to Signor Vitelli’s home, which later becomes Michael and Apollonia’s villa.

The estate is again featured in Part II and III. In Part II, the family are dining together along with (a younger) Don Corleone’s extended family. In the final movie, the home provides the backdrop of the meeting Michael holds with several politicians.

Castello degli Schiavi today

Today, the Castello degli Schiavi is hired out for private events and functions. Sources online say that you can book an appointment through your hotel concierge to visit. However, I’m not sure this information is up to date, so check before visiting.

Castello degli Schiavi (Castle of the Slaves), Via Badalà, Fiumefreddo di Sicilia

Motta Camastra, Messina

Another of The Godfather movie locations in Sicily is Motta Camastra, situated in the province of Messina. The scene sees Michael and his men approaching ‘Corleone’, with one of his men pointing out their destination.

A fitting cameo in The Godfather trilogy, the grand Teatro Massimo in Palermo features in Part III. The family are in attendance to watch Michael’s son, Anthony, perform Cavelleria Rusticana.

The film’s dramatic finale takes place on the theater’s grand staircase, where daughter Mary is shot and killed.

Teatro Massimo, Piazza Verdi, Palermo

Acireale, Catania

Castello Scammacca dei baroni Pennisi di Floristella features in Part III. Dating to the end of the 18th century, it once belonged to the noble Pennisi di Floristella family.

Piazza Agostino Pennisi, 11, Acireale

Segesta, Trapani

The Tempio di Segesta makes a cameo appearance in The Godfather Part II. You see a shot of the Ancient Greek temple in the background as Don Corleone is driving with his men.

Tempio di Segesta (Segesta Temple), Contrada Barbaro

Slopes of Mount Etna, Catania

The (unnamed) villa of Don Ciccio (Part II) is located on the slopes of Mount Etna . Its exact location is unknown, but the house is still present, but it appears empty.

What are your thoughts on The Godfather movie locations in Sicily? Did you discover something new about the movie, or would you like to create your own Godfather tour? Let me know in the comments below.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.

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Grazie mille! Welcome to the Italy travel tribe

Welcome to my site. I'm Lisa, an Italy-based travel and lifestyle blogger behind Following the Rivera. Find out more about me and my story.

Where was The Godfather filmed in Sicily?

1. Savoca 2. Forza d’Agrò 3. Taorminae 4. Fiumefreddo di Sicilia 5. Motta Camastra 6. Palermo 7. Acireale 8. Segesta 9. Slopes of Mount Etna

Is there a real town of Corleone in Sicily?

The town of Corleone is real and is located in the Province of Palermo. It is around 1 hour 15 minutes’ drive from the capital.

Where is the Castello degli Schiavi in Sicily located?

The Castello degli Schiavi in The Godfather movies is located in Fiumefreddo di Sicilia in north-east Sicily.

66 thoughts on “ The Godfather movie locations in Sicily ”

Wow, I had no idea there were so many Godfather movie locations in Sicily! As a fan of both the film and Italy, I’m definitely adding these places to my bucket list. It’s amazing to think that I can walk in the footsteps of such iconic characters as Don Vito Corleone and Michael Campbell. Thank you for sharing these hidden gems with us!

You definitely can here! It’s a really fun way to see different parts of Sicily too

On our first visit to Sicily we actually did a Godfather tour. I actually have a photo of that Francis Ford Coppola statue. Before we leave this time, we are re-watching the Godfather movies. And with this post will identify some places we need to visit. I was interested to see Trapani on the list of places where the Mafia are still operating since we will have several days there. Good to be reminded that many of the scenes were actually shot outside of Corleone. This will be a post we keep handy as we head to Sicily soon.

Thanks Linda. Trapania has some pretty spots and while the mafia are still around they’re very much hidden. I know you will enjoy your time here!

The Taormina/Giardini station featured in Godfather 3 is NOT the same as the one in GF2 – which is the Stazione Sparagogna (discontinued) at Catenanouvo.

Thank you for letting me know, I will look into that.

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Godfather tour Sicily: Savoca-Forza d’Agrò

• From 5 Hours

The Godfather tour Sicily is made for the fans of the Godfather Movie:  it is a day trip from Messina that takes you to explore the medieval towns of Savoca Sicily and Forza d’Agrò.

The first stop of the Godfather tour Sicily  is in the medieval town of Savoca, inserted in the circuit of the most beautiful Italian villages. Here you will have the opportunity to visit the places selected by Francis Ford Coppola for the scenes of the Godfather Movie: the Bar Vitelli and the Church of St. Lucy. You will be enchanted by the history and traditions of this ancient village surrounded by nature. 

Another town included in the Godfather tour Sicily is Forza d’Agrò . Here, after a short visit, you will have time to have lunch in a typical restaurant enjoying the wonderful view above the Ionian coast from its terrace.

Our day trip will end with a quick visit of Messina, in particular the panoramic point from where you will admire the beauty of the historical centre, the port and the mainland. 

Hey there! It’s Chiara, Katia, Mariarita and Sara! If you like the Godfather trilogy you can’t miss this Godfather tour: it is our offer and you can’t refuse!

Savoca and Forza D’Agrò: the two towns that you are going to visit -Savoca and Forza d’Agrò, were made famous when Francis Ford Coppola decided to film there some of the scenes of the Godfather movie. The town of Savoca is popoluar for hosting the Bar Vitelli and the Church of St. Nicolò, where Michael Corleone and Apollonia Vitelli got married in the first movie. As Savoca, Forza D’Agrò is a beautiful mountain town with its panoramic view and ancient churches, especially the Trinity Church and the Annunziata Church, featured in the movie.

The Etno-anthropological Museum: with an interesting visit to this small museum in the town of Savoca you are going to discover the ancient tools used by peasants and farmers during their work days. Inside you can find also ancient home furnitures and especially the original ciak used in the Godfather movie.

Guided walking tour: with your local and professional guide you are going to visit the two lovely towns of Savoca and Forza D’Agrò. In Savoca you will see the famous Bar Vitelli (it wouldn’t be a real Godfather tour Sicily without it), the Church of Saint Nicolò and the Church of Saint Michael. Then with your guide you will stop at the local Historical and Etno-Anthropological museum where you can admire many ancient agricultural tools and furnitures.

Godfather Movie: the Bar Vitelli in Savoca was used in 1972 by Francis Ford Coppola to film the scene of Micheal Corleone asking for the hand of Apollonia Vitelli to her father. With our God you can visit the bar and taste a typical “granita with nzuddi” inside. There are also many original pictures taken on set during the filming sessions.

History: the two towns of Savoca and Forza D’Agrò were made famous by the Godfather movie, but they are also worth a visit because of their ancient history and their architectonical beauties, old churches, medieval alleyways and splendid views on the Ionian coast.

Starting of the Godfather tour Sicily: the town of Savoca

Forza d'agrò.

The departure of the Godfather tour Sicily will be set according to your needs. The first stop of the tour is going to be the town of Savoca, where you will have a guided tour along the narrow streets of the medieval village, visiting the places of the Godfather: the famous bar Vitelli, Saint Micheal’s Church, Saint Lucy’s church and the etno-anthropological museum.

After Savoca we will move to Forza d'Agrò. Here you will visit the historical centre, the Church of Trinity and the Church of Annunziata. 

General information

Tour languade.

Italian, English, Spanish, French, Romanian

What's Included

• Transport by air conditioning minibus or van
• Professional tour guide
• Walking tour
• Entrance ticket to the Etno-Anthropological Museum
• Live commentary 
• Discover Messina Travel Assistance
• Liability Insurance

Not Included

• Gratuities (optional) 
• Private expenses
• Anything not expressly specified under the heading “Inclusions”

Starting location

Our Sicily experiences will be only assured for the accommodation located in North Eastern Sicily.

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