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Our most recommended Messina Architecture

Sicily: The Godfather Filming Locations Tour

1. Sicily: The Godfather Filming Locations Tour

On this informative tour, follow in the footsteps of Michael Corleone in The Godfather. Discover the beautiful medieval villages of Savoca and Forza d’Agrò nestled on 2 beautiful hills where Francis Ford Coppola shot the famous movies. Explore the splendid hidden corners of Sicily as you go off the beaten path. Visit St. Lucy Church where Michael married Apollonia and the Cathedral of Forza d'Agrò where another wedding scene was shot. Enjoy a drink or lemon granita at Bar Vitelli where Michael Corleone asked Mr. Vitelli if he could marry his daughter. Then, explore the beautiful Castello Degli Schiavi (subject to availability).

From Taormina: The Godfather Movie Tour of Sicily Villages

2. From Taormina: The Godfather Movie Tour of Sicily Villages

Depart from Taormina to visit the Sicilian hill towns of Savoca and Forza D’Agrò. Explore the sets of the popular movie The Godfather. See the famous Bar Vitelli and wedding venue, among other places you’ll recognize from the films. Hear stories about the movies and Sicily from a local guide. Enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside. Take a pleasant stroll in the villages. Easily find filming locations of the movie. Visit the Trimarchi building, the venue for the famous Bar Vitelli. Then, see the location of the wedding shoot, the Church of Santa Lucia. Learn about tales behind the great film, and the equally captivating history of the island that inspired this masterpiece by Francis Ford Coppola. Many scenes of village life were filmed on the cobblestone streets and traditional houses of Forzà d'Agrò. Explore SS. Annunziata Square, Church of SS. Annunziata, and the birthplace of Vito Corleone. Admire the charm of the Sicilian countryside in this amazing place, nestled between the provinces of Messina and Catania.

Mount Etna and Taormina Full-Day Excursion from Palermo

3. Mount Etna and Taormina Full-Day Excursion from Palermo

Europe’s highest active volcano is studied extensively by scientists and is popular with trekkers and nature lovers as well. Visit Mount Etna and the clifftop village of Taormina on this 11-hour excursion from Palermo. From Crateri Silvestri you’ll take the funicular (ticket not included) with a local mountain guide all the way up to 2,500 meters above sea level. From this point you’ll experience unforgettable panoramic views. Just south of Taormina is the nature reserve of Isola Bella, and further south you’ll see the popular seaside resort of Giardini Naxos. Visit the village of Taormina, a 45-minute drive from Mount Etna. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, the village features an ancient Greek theater, many old churches, antique shops, lively bars and fine restaurants.

Messina: Guided City Highlights Walking Tour

4. Messina: Guided City Highlights Walking Tour

Explore Messina on a guided walking tour. Stroll through magnificent buildings and landscapes. Hear about the history and aesthetics of this facinating city. Learn about how the citizens rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1908. Meet your guide and pass by the neoclassical city council building of Palazzo Zanca. Find out the legend behind the Sanctuary of Madonna di Montalto and take in views of Messina from its elevated vantage point. Continuing to the second largest cathedral in Sicily to see the marble façade, mosaics, and painted ceilings. Admire the Bell Tower, which contains the largest and most complex mechanical and astronomical clock in the world. View a stunning mix of Sicilian and Norman architecture at the 12th century Church of S.S. Annunziata dei Catalani. Finish your tour with taste of something sweet at a local pastry shop.

Sicily: Best of Taormina and Castelmola Private Tour

5. Sicily: Best of Taormina and Castelmola Private Tour

Following a convenient pickup at a time of your choosing, enjoy a quick observation of Messina’s main streets as your head for the highway. Taormina is where you’ll focus first, with a stop at a glorious balcony from which to admire the view of the cliffs and Isola Bella island. Embrace the views and take some beautiful photos to remember the moment.   Next, arrive in the heart of Taormina, passing through the famous Corso Umberto street before reaching the main attractions including the Greek theater, shops, delicious restaurants, and monuments. After 1 or 2 hours spent here, head for Castelmola at 450 meters above sea level offering splendid views over the bay of Giardini Naxos and a unique view of Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. For those who want to have lunch while admiring the beautiful view of the volcano, there are typical restaurants where you can taste local specialties of fish or meat, or simply sip the region's excellent almond wine. After this, take in views of Messina and see the Sanctuary of Christ the King church and Messina Cathedral containing the biggest and most complex mechanical and astronomical clock in the world. End the day by tasting an excellent Sicilian cannoli at one of the most famous pastry shops in Messina before returning to the starting point of the tour.

From Catania: Day Trip to Giardini Naxos and Taormina

6. From Catania: Day Trip to Giardini Naxos and Taormina

Discover some of Sicily’s most stunning villages: Giardini Naxos, Castelmola, and Taormina. Travel along the island’s eastern coast, and visit the scenic Isola Bella and taking in the spectacular vistas of Castelmola and Taormina. Start the tour by visiting the seaside town of Giardini Naxos, the first Greek colony in Sicily and an ancient fishing village. Take the opportunity to enjoy walking along its beautiful promenade.  Next, take a short break to enjoy the Isola Bella Natural Reserve, considered the pearl of the Ionian Sea for its wild beauty. The high walls around Cape St. Andrew protect this famous bay and are home to the Blue Grotto and Cape Taormina.  From Isola Bella continue your tour to scenic Castelmola and walk through the characteristic streets of this ancient town, admiring the ruins of its Norman walls. Once there, discover Piazza Duomo, with its Mother Church, rebuilt between 1934 and 1935 and dedicated to St. Nicholas of Bari. After that, gaze upon the Sicilian landscape and Mediterranean sea through the Ancient Roman Arch. Finally, visit picturesque Taormina overlooking the sea. Wander along Corso Umberto and observe its most important monuments like the Ancient Theatre, Palazzo Corvaja, and the Clock Tower. Wrap up by indulging in some shopping in the fashionable characteristic craft shops of the city.

3-Hour Messina Segway PT Authorized Tour

7. 3-Hour Messina Segway PT Authorized Tour

On this fun, informative Segway tour, discover the city of Messina, which was entirely rebuilt after the terrible earthquake destroyed it in 1908. Starting from Via Castellammare, near Via Garibaldi, next to the Catalani Church, you will go to the city's commercial center - Piazza Cairoli - and on to Piazza Pugliatti where there the Court of Justice and university are located. Next, move on to Piazza Duomo to admire the fountain of Orion and the Cathedral with its bell tower, famous for its astronomical clock unveiled in 1933 when the reconstruction of the Christian temple was finished. You will see the church S.S. Annunziata dei Catalani, with its beautiful baroque fountains in front. Nearby in Via Lepanto, see the monument dedicated to Don Juan of Austria before proceeding to Piazza Antonello, enclosed by neoclassical palaces. On the way to the medieval church San Francesco d’Assisi, admire the baroque palace Monte di Pietà. Continue through the public gardens to reach Piazza Unità d'Italia, where you will see the Palace of the Government and the fountain of Neptune by Montorsoli. From here, you will ride back to Piazza Municipio, observing the statue of Ferdinand de Bourbon and the Teatro Vittorio Emanuele along the way. Tour itinerary can be modified on-site with your guide to include, for example, shopping at Viale San Martino; a panoramic view from Montalto Church, or the North Coast Museum.

Messina: 2-Hour Walking Tour with a Private Guide

8. Messina: 2-Hour Walking Tour with a Private Guide

Your tour starts from Piazza del Duomo, where you can admire the Fountain of Orion which was built in 1500 by a disciple and collaborator of Michelangelo Buonarroti. Represented within it are the four rivers, and the upper basin is decorated with verses in Latin. Afterwards, you will visit the magnificent cathedral dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta. Built in the Byzantine era and expanded at the time of Swabians, it was destroyed in 1254 during the funeral of King Corrado IV (son of Frederick II Hohenstaufen), before being later rebuilt in 1908. You will encounter Renaissance decorations, Baroque decorations, and finally those of the 1900s. You will also view various statues, marbles and mosaics, copies of the original versions which are now lost. The façade is decorated with multi-colored bands and embellished with marble and 14th century reliefs. The outside of the 90-meter-high and 10-meter-wide bell tower has the largest and most complex mechanical and astronomical clock in the world. Everyday at noon, the various statues move to the sound of the Hail Mary of Schubert. The figures of the bell tower recall the War of the Vespers of 1282, in which the Sicilians stood victorious over Charles of Anjou. Your tour will continue with a view of the port, the largest in Sicily and one of the largest in Italy, before ending with views of the Belvedere skyline.

From Messina: Private Guided Day Tour of Savoca and Taormina

9. From Messina: Private Guided Day Tour of Savoca and Taormina

On this private tour, you'll get to explore two picturesque towns on the eastern coast of Sicily. Starting from your hotel or cruise port in Messina, you'll be taken to Savoca, a charming medieval village famous for its appearance in The Godfather movies. You'll get to see the famous Bar Vitelli where Michael Corleone met his future wife, as well as the Chiesa di San Nicolò, where they got married in the movie. Next, you'll head to Taormina, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sicily. Known for its beautiful beaches, stunning views of the sea and Mount Etna, and ancient Greek ruins, Taormina is a must-see on any trip to Sicily. You'll explore the town's main attractions, including the Teatro Greco, a well-preserved ancient Greek amphitheater, and the Corso Umberto, Taormina's main street lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants. Throughout the tour, your expert guide will share fascinating stories and historical information about the places you visit, making this an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a fan of The Godfather movies or just looking to explore the beauty of Sicily, this private tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.

2-Hour Private Walking Tour of Messina

10. 2-Hour Private Walking Tour of Messina

Discover the enchanting city of Messina on a 2-hour private walking tour, personalized to your interests and preferences. With a knowledgeable guide, explore the beautiful architecture, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture of this Italian gem. Your tour may include stops at the Cathedral of Messina, the Fountain of Orion, and the Annunziata dei Catalani Church, among other iconic sights. Your guide will share fascinating historical facts and stories as you stroll through the charming streets of this coastal city. The tour will end in a central location, giving you the freedom to continue exploring Messina on your own or head back to your hotel. This private walking tour is the perfect way to experience the best of Messina in a short amount of time.

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What people are saying about Messina

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 1 reviews

11/10 Experience! Highly recommended for ALL fans! Had an absolutely fantastic day on the Godfather tour. Visiting these sites has been on my bucket list for a long time and this tour was a fantastic way to accomplish this. Alessio is a friendly, enthusiastic and expert guide and provided us with an exceptional experience. Given Alessio’s extensive knowledge and palpable enthusiasm for the films, this is a tour run by a fan, for fans. That said, anyone who has seen the Godfather films will get a lot out of this tour, from casual moviegoer to film zealot. The places you visit (Savoca and Forza d'Agro) are also beautiful in their own right and it was a great way to see Sicily. Visiting Castello Degli Schiavi (an optional extra) was another highlight and great privilege that Alessio organises with the owner of the mansion (The Baron, an extremely welcoming, friendly and polite host). Thank you so much, Alessio! We had a truly spectacular and holiday-defining experience.

Claudio was an excellent guide, showed us around and gave us an excellent overview of the history of the area and the influences that impacted the political sphere. It was a pleasure to spend a few hours with Claudio and to learn all he had to offer.

The tour was amazing, Alessio is such a passionate and great guide ! Do not hesitate to book this activity, it’s really worth it. Thanks to Isabella also who is a really kind person :)

Alessio was fantastic: knowledgeable, entertaining, friendly. This was a really great day. His local knowledge is exceptional and our driver was wonderful!

Alessio was a great tour guide and it was a great tour highly recommend!