Explore the captivating regions of Savoca, Taormina, and Messina on this private small group tour offered at $201.30 per person. With a duration of approximately 5 to 6 hours, this tour provides an excellent balance of sightseeing, culture, and comfortable transportation in a luxury vehicle. The tour features hotel pickup and drop-off, WiFi onboard, and bottled water, making it a convenient and enjoyable way to experience some of Sicily’s most iconic locations. It is designed for travelers seeking a personalized experience with a knowledgeable guide and a flexible, intimate group size of up to 20 people.

While not including certain admission fees like the Greek-Roman Theatre or Isola Bella, the tour’s highlights—such as the famous filming locations in Savoca, the spectacular Greco-Roman theater in Taormina, and the panoramic Sanctuary of Christ the King in Messina—offer genuine value. The positive reviews praise the organized nature of the tour, attentive staff, and beautiful scenery, making it an appealing choice for travelers wanting a well-rounded, engaging day in Sicily.

Key Points

Private small group tour with up to 20 participants, ensuring personalized attention
Includes hotel pickup, drop-off, WiFi, and bottled water for convenience
Duration of 5 to 6 hours offers a compact yet comprehensive experience
Visits Savoca, Taormina, and Messina, each offering unique sights and cultural highlights
Guides are knowledgeable and attentive, with reviews highlighting their ability to listen to guest preferences
Highlights include filming locations, scenic views, and historic sites, with free admission at stops

Visiting Savoca: The Village of Films and History

The tour begins with a visit to Savoca, a town celebrated as one of “The most beautiful villages in Italy.” This location is famous for its film connections to “The Godfather”, especially the Bar Vitelli, where the story’s iconic scenes unfold. The town’s lava stone buildings and cobblestone streets evoke a sense of timeless charm, set against the spectacular Gulf of Taormina in the background.

In just one hour, visitors can stroll through these ancient streets, taking in the artistic atmosphere and film history. Since no admission fee applies at this stop, there’s flexibility to explore at a comfortable pace. The focus here is on the authentic ambiance and spectacular views, perfect for photo opportunities.

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The Charm of Taormina’s Historic Center

Next, the tour travels to Taormina, often called “The Pearl of the Strait”. Here, visitors enjoy four hours exploring the historic center, famous for its medieval streets, shops, and cafes. The spectacular Greco-Roman theater is the highlight, offering stunning panoramic views of the sea and Calabria’s coast.

The theater is free to visit and provides a real sense of ancient architecture combined with breathtaking scenery. The time allocated allows for walking through cobbled streets, browsing local shops, and soaking in the lively yet charming atmosphere. The views from the theater are considered one of the most striking parts of the visit, making it a must-see stop.

Messina’s Sanctuary of Christ the King and Its Clock

The final stop takes place in Messina, focusing on two key landmarks. First, the Sanctuary of Christ the King offers incredible views over the Strait of Messina. The panoramic setting makes it a favorite for photos and appreciating Sicily’s geography.

Next, the Cathedral of Messina impresses with its large, complex astronomical and astrological mechanical clock, renowned as the largest of its kind in the world. Visitors spend about an hour at this stop, admiring both the historic architecture and the technological marvel of the clock. No entrance fee is required, allowing the focus to remain on viewing and appreciating these spectacular sights.

Comfortable Transportation and Practical Details

Transportation is a key feature of this tour, with air-conditioned luxury vehicles ensuring a comfortable journey. The tour includes WiFi onboard, so guests can share their experience or plan their next destination. The pickup and drop-off service simplifies logistics, and the small group size fosters an intimate atmosphere.

The tour operates daily from 7:00 AM to 11:30 PM, providing flexibility for travelers. The meeting point is close to public transportation, making it easy to join from various locations around Sicily.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the price are hotel pickup and drop-off, WiFi, bottled water, and luxury transportation. The tour can be shared with up to 20 people, making it more personal than large bus trips. However, some notable attractions, such as Isola Bella and the Greek-Roman Theatre, require additional admission fees if visitors wish to explore them further.

Since guides are not explicitly mentioned in the provided data, it’s understood that the experience is guided but without a specific tour guide fee included in the price. The reviews, however, highlight guides as knowledgeable and attentive.

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The Experience as Reflected in Reviews

The top reviews praise how well-organized the tour is, with guides listening to guest preferences. The scenic views and film-related sites in Savoca earn special mention, along with professional staff who are attentive and helpful. Travelers also appreciate the beautiful scenery of the Ionian Riviera and the spectacular sites in Taormina.

Since the tour is highly rated at 5.0 based on 3 reviews, it indicates a consistent level of satisfaction. Reviewers emphasize the expertise of staff and the unique experience provided by visiting both famous landmarks and lesser-known spots.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private small group tour suits travelers who want a personalized experience with a keen interest in film history, architecture, and scenic views. It’s ideal for those who prefer comfortable transportation and flexibility in their sightseeing schedule. The tour is mostly accessible and suitable for most travelers, given the limited physical demands.

While the duration is manageable for a half-day adventure, visitors should note that some stops involve walking on cobblestone streets, and additional fees may apply for attractions not included in the base price.

Final Thoughts on the Sicily Small Group Tour

This Savoca, Taormina, and Messina tour offers a balanced mix of history, culture, and stunning scenery in a private setting. The luxury transportation, personalized service, and free time at each stop make it a practical choice for those wanting to explore Sicily in comfort.

The tour’s highlighted sites—from Savoca’s film fame to Taormina’s ancient theater and Messina’s panoramic landmarks—are authentic and memorable. The positive reviews reflect satisfaction with the guides’ knowledge and the scenic beauty of the locations.

This tour is particularly recommended for travelers who value small-group intimacy, flexibility, and quality experience without sacrificing the chance to see key Sicilian sites in a single day.

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Private small group tour Savoca, Taormina and Messina

5.0

100% 5-star

“The tour was very well organized. We were a group of 18. Our guide was very knowledgeable and listened to the groups wants for the tour. Would be h…”

— A Tripadvisor Reviewer, Jun 2024