Best Shore Excursion in one day: Etna – Taormina – Godfather with food

An All-Inclusive Day Trip to Experience Sicily’s Volcano, Coast, and Cinema

This private tour costs $498.68 per person and offers a full day of exploring Sicily’s highlights. With 7 to 8 hours of experiences, it combines volcano adventures, charming towns, and famous film locations. The tour departs from Messina or Catania, with hotel or port pickup, ensuring a smooth start. It is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Sicily without the hassle of planning multiple trips, and it’s most suitable for those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing.

We like how this tour offers express transportation so that more time is spent exploring rather than sitting in traffic. The entry to Mount Etna is included, along with a traditional lunch, and wine and food tastings in Savoca. The guides are noted for their knowledge and friendly manner, making the experience both informative and engaging. A potential consideration is the long day’s pace, which might be tiring for some, especially if they prefer a more relaxed schedule.

Key Points

• Private, all-inclusive full-day tour covering Mount Etna, Taormina, and Savoca
• Round-trip transportation from Messina or Catania ensures convenience
• Visit Mount Etna’s Silvestri Craters at 2000 meters altitude with stunning views
• Explore Taormina’s streets, with free time to shop and admire the scenery
• Discover “The Godfather” filming locations in Savoca, including Bar Vitelli
• Sample local Sicilian foods, wines, and delicacies during a traditional lunch in Savoca

Starting with Mount Etna: An Up-Close Volcano Adventure

The journey begins with a private transfer to Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. The English-speaking guide provides detailed explanations of how the volcano was formed, its eruptions, and its significance to Sicily’s landscape and culture. This personalized approach keeps the experience engaging and informative.

Traveling in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, visitors pass through small mountain villages, surrounded by orange, lemon, olive, and almond plantations. The ascent reaches the Rifugio Sapienza station at 2000 meters, where guests can see the famous Silvestri Craters and enjoy panoramic views. Here, visitors have time to visit souvenir shops, buy lava gifts, and relax in local cafes or restaurants.

The admission to Mount Etna’s crater area is included, so there’s no need to worry about extra costs. The option to ascend further to 3000 meters by cable car and jeep is available at an additional cost of 65 euros, appealing to those eager for a higher vantage point. The four-hour exploration is well-paced, offering a good balance of sightseeing and leisure.

Exploring Taormina: A Clifftop Resort with Breathtaking Views

Following the volcano, the tour heads to Taormina, a renowned resort perched on a hillside overlooking the Ionian Sea. The guide leads you through the charming streets of the town, where the blend of Greek, Roman, and Norman architecture creates a captivating atmosphere.

The free time in Taormina is ideal for wandering at your own pace, shopping in local boutiques, or simply soaking in the views of Mount Etna and the coastline. Visitors appreciate how the town provides a relaxing contrast to the rugged volcano and offers plenty of photo opportunities. The town’s panoramic vistas make it a highlight of the day.

Savoca: The “Godfather” Village and Its Food Tasting

The tour continues to Savoca, a hilltop village made famous by “The Godfather” movies. A knowledgeable guide shares fascinating stories about the film and its Sicilian backdrop, along with trivia about the real Sicilian Mafia history associated with the area.

Walking through unchanged streets, visitors visit Church of Santa Lucia, where the wedding scene was filmed, and Bar Vitelli, where Michael Corleone spoke to his future father-in-law. Meeting some local residents who appeared in the film adds an authentic touch to the experience.

The lunch in Savoca is a traditional meal with panoramic views, giving guests a taste of regional cuisine. During the two-hour stop, the focus is on food and wine tasting, with local specialties like olive oil, honey, jams, and liqueurs. The setting makes this stop a memorable combination of scenery, culture, and culinary delight.

Convenience and Comfort with Round-Trip Transportation

This tour ensures easy logistics through hotel or port pickup and drop-off in Messina or Catania. The comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle ensures a smooth journey between stops, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery.

The express transportation aspect is a major advantage, as it simplifies the itinerary, freeing up more time at each location for exploration and enjoyment. This setup suits travelers who prefer a comprehensive experience in one day without the stress of coordinating multiple bookings.

Personalized Experience with a Knowledgeable Guide

The private nature of this tour means only your group participates, providing a customized experience. The English-speaking guides are praised for their informative and friendly manner—they share stories, answer questions, and create an engaging atmosphere.

Based on reviews, guides like Omar, Marco, and Elena excel at storytelling and making guests feel welcomed. They also handle unexpected issues professionally, such as communication hiccups, offering full refunds when needed.

Food, Wine, and Local Specialties in Savoca

A key feature of this tour is the culinary experience during the visit to Savoca. The lunch includes local dishes served at a restaurant with a panoramic view, alongside wines, liqueurs, honey, jams, and olive oil tastings.

Guests consistently mention the quality of the food and the generosity of the tastings, which add a flavorful dimension to the adventure. The local wine and food selections highlight Sicily’s culinary richness, complementing the sightseeing.

Pacing and Physical Considerations

While the day is filled with captivating sights, it is a long, energetic schedule. The pacing is brisk, with only limited free time at each stop. This tour is best suited for those comfortable with a full day of activity and walking, especially since it involves walking in Savoca and potentially up to 2000 meters at Mount Etna.

The availability of protective gear like masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer enhances safety, especially considering ongoing health concerns. The tour’s private setup helps minimize crowds and provides a safer environment.

Comparing This Tour to Similar Offerings

This private excursion stands out for its comprehensive itinerary, combining geological, cultural, and cinematic highlights. The inclusion of local tastings and a traditional lunch further enriches the experience. While some similar tours may offer just one or two stops, this package maximizes value by covering Mount Etna, Taormina, and Savoca in a single day.

The price point reflects the personalized service, private transport, and all-inclusiveness. The high overall rating (5.0 based on 8 reviews) indicates consistent satisfaction, especially for guides and the quality of sites visited.

The Sum Up: A Rich Sicilian Day in Comfort and Style

This full-day private tour from Messina offers a balanced blend of nature, history, film culture, and gastronomy. The expert guides and careful planning ensure a smooth experience, making it ideal for those who want a deep dive into Sicily’s attractions without the hassle of independent travel.

While the schedule is packed, the personalized touch and engaging storytelling make the long day worthwhile. The food and wine tastings in Savoca provide a flavorful touch that complements the sightseeing. This tour suits active travelers who appreciate guided exploration, breathtaking scenery, and local culinary delights.

For anyone eager to experience Sicily’s volcano, coast, and cinematic history in one day, this tour delivers a well-rounded, memorable adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The private tour includes round-trip transportation, private English-speaking guide, Mount Etna visit, Savoca locations and lunch, and food and wine tastings.

How long is the total tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, with 4 hours at Mount Etna, 1 hour in Taormina, and 2 hours in Savoca.

Can I ascend Mount Etna higher than 2000 meters?
Yes, for an additional 65 euros, you can take a cable car and jeep to reach 3000 meters with a licensed Alpine guide.

Is the tour suitable for children or those with limited mobility?
The tour involves walking in Savoca and some altitude at Mount Etna, so it may not be ideal for those with mobility issues. Travelers should assess their comfort with a full day of activity.

What languages are guides available in?
The guides are English-speaking, ensuring clear explanations and storytelling.

Is lunch included?
Yes, the traditional Sicilian lunch in Savoca is part of the tour, with local dishes and tastings.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 47 days in advance, but early reservations are recommended to secure preferred times.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours before the tour.

Are masks and sanitizers provided?
Yes, each guest receives a mask, gloves, and hand sanitizer for safety measures.

Who operates this tour?
The experience is provided by Prestelli Sicily Tours, known for their private, tailored excursions in Sicily.