The bestselling novel, "The Godfather", by Mario Puzo spawned a successful, Oscar-winning movie series. The book and the movies each have scenes set on the Italian island of Sicily. Fans of the novel and the movies who visit Sicily may be interested in a Godfather or Mafia-themed tour. You can book such a tour with one of the various tourist agencies on the island.
Sicily TravelNet will take you on a seven-hour journey from your hotel or port into "Godfather" country. Your first destination is the village of Savoca. Various scenes were filmed in this village, including the wedding of Michael Corleone and Apollonia. You'll visit the Bar Vitelli and see the actual table where Michael asked Apollonia's father for her hand in marriage. After an optional lunch at a winery, the tour continues in the village of Forza d'Agrò where scenes from the Godfather 3 were filmed. Sicily TravelNet can arrange to pick you up at hotels in Taormina, Catania and Messina. If you are part of a cruise on a shore trip, Sicily TravelNet can arrange to pick you up from the ports of Messina, Giardini Naxos and Catania.
Best of Sicily tour agency's full-day excursion will also take you to visit the "Godfather" sights of Savoca and Forza d'Agrò. The journey then continues on to the resort town of Taormina, where you'll have time to stroll through the streets, enjoy the view of Mount Etna and explore the sights at your leisure. Attractions include the Teatro Greco, the ruins of an ancient Greek amphitheater. This tour leaves from the port of Messina, but arrangements can be made to pick you up from your hotel.
"Godfather" fans may also be interested in Best of Sicily's full-day tour to Corleone and Palermo. Though the name 'Corleone' is associated with "The Godfather's" fictional crime family, the village of Corleone is the real-life birthplace of the Mafia. The town's infamy began in the 1960s when it became the headquarters of well-known crime families. After taking in the village, the tour continues on to Palermo, the capital of Sicily, and also known for Mafia activities. You'll have the opportunity to wander through the open-air Capo Market and view baroque palaces of the Piazza Pretoria. This tour leaves from the port of Palermo, but arrangements can be made to pick you up from your hotel.
In Italy, there is a difference between a driver guide and a licensed tour guide. A driver guide is a local, knowledgeable driver. While they can provide you with interesting information, by law they cannot escort you into historic sites. Licensed tour guides can escort you into these sites but usually cost extra. When booking your tour, discuss with the agency what type of guide best suits your needs.
