Godfather Filming Locations Half-Day Tour from Taormina
Walk Savoca’s ancient streets, visit Bar Vitelli, and see panoramic views from Forza d’Agrò
Anyone who enjoys behind-the-scenes stories or slow-paced village streets will love this half-day tour from Taormina. Savoca comes first, with narrow alleys, the simple façade of Santa Maria degli Angeli, and the chance to sit at Bar Vitelli like an extra. Afterward, Forza d’Agrò offers sweeping coastal views and small squares used for several moody scenes. With easy pickup in Taormina and comfortable bus transport, it’s the perfect way to experience Sicily’s Godfather filming locations.
What You Get With This Tour
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Expert, English-speaking guide
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Round-trip transport from Taormina
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Walking tour in Savoca
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Bar Vitelli visit
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Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli visit
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Time in Forza d’Agrò
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Guide tips
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Entry fee to the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli
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Food and drinks
Tour Itinerary
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1
Your tour begins in Taormina
Hop aboard a comfortable bus marked with the orange Godfather sign at your selected stop around the Taormina area. As you make your way into the Sicilian countryside, your guide shares a quick overview of the day ahead and the intriguing story of how director Francis Ford Coppola chose these remote villages for his film locations. -
2
Savoca and Bar Vitelli
Around 40 minutes later, you’ll arrive in Savoca. Step off the bus and into a quiet stone piazza that still mirrors its 1970s film appearance. Bar Vitelli sits right on the corner, filled with old production photos and the low wooden chairs made famous onscreen. You have time to look around, order a drink if you like, and take in the slow rhythm of this hillside village. -
3
Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli (Savoca)
A short climb from the bar brings you to Santa Maria degli Angeli, the seventeenth-century church used for Michael and Apollonia’s wedding scene. Your guide points out filming angles and the simple façade that anchors the sequence. From the terrace, the valley drops away toward the Ionian Sea, giving you a sense of how remote these villages once felt. -
4
Savoca alleys and historic center
Then, follow narrow lanes edged with stone arches, small chapels, and quiet courtyards. Each turn reveals another spot tied to daily life in rural Sicily, which helped Coppola create an authentic backdrop. The guide adds context about local traditions as you walk, connecting film moments with real village history. -
5
Forza d’Agrò village overlook
Next, you drive to Forza d’Agrò, a medieval village perched high above the Strait of Messina. Its steep lanes and small squares appear in several sequences, and you’ll recognize the atmosphere right away. Free time lets you explore at your own pace, take photos from the panoramic terrace, or wander up to the church at the crest of the hill. -
6
Your tour finishes at your original pickup point
The ride back to the Taormina area gives you a moment to replay your favorite scenes in your head. Hop off and bid farewell to your guide at the same stop where you began, now armed with real-life context behind the film’s most memorable moments. It’s a light, satisfying end to an afternoon spent wandering through Sicily’s cinematic scenery.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Accessibility: This tour involves uneven streets and uphill lanes. It is unfortunately not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
Please note: Entrance to Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli costs €2 in high season and must be paid in cash on site.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early at your selected pickup point so the group can depart on time.
Your 5-hour tour includes:
Expert, English-speaking guide
Round-trip transport from Taormina
Transport between villages
Guided walking tour in Savoca
Visit to Bar Vitelli
Free time in Forza d’Agrò
Small group size of max 12 guests
What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Cash
Camera
Light layer in cooler months
Water bottle
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Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring cash for entrance to the Savoca Cathedral (in high season) and for food and drink.
What to bring?
Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring cash for entrance to the Savoca Cathedral (in high season) and for food and drink.
Is this tour operated by The Tour Guy?
No, this tour is run by one of our local trusted partners.
Can we be dropped of where we are picked up?
Yes, plan to be dropped off at the same location where you were picked up. The options are: Interbus fermata "Hotel Antares", Interbus chiesa san giovanni, Recanati Bus Terminal, Via Nazionale, 230, or Terminal Interbus Taormina.
Will there be time to grab a drink at Bar Vitelli?
Yes, you will have time to visit and have a quick beverage at the legendary Bar Vitelli.
