Package of 2 private tours in one day: Etna-Godfather with Lunch

If you’re eyeing a way to get a full taste of Sicily in just one day, this private tour offering visits to Mount Etna and Savoca’s Godfather filming sites could be just what you need. While we haven’t done it ourselves, the consistent glowing reviews suggest it’s a thoughtfully curated experience that packs a lot into roughly 7 to 8 hours.

What we love about this tour is how it combines natural beauty with cinematic history— mountain landscapes meet classic film scenes. Plus, the inclusion of food and wine tastings makes it feel like a true local experience. However, it’s worth noting that the tour’s pace might be tight for those who prefer a more relaxed or slow exploration.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want an all-in-one Sicilian adventure—especially if you’re interested in geology, film, or local flavors. It’s a good fit for those who appreciate private, personalized service, and don’t mind a full day of sightseeing with comfortable transportation.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience blending natural landscapes with cinematic history.
• Private tour ensures personalized attention and flexible pacing.
• Includes tastings of local honey, olive oil, wines, and liquors, adding flavor to your day.
• Comfortable transportation with hotel or port pickup and drop-off.
• Guides are knowledgeable, often with a background in geology or history.
• Duration is roughly 7 to 8 hours, so be prepared for a busy day.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

This tour is designed to give you a thorough taste of what Sicily has to offer, without rushing from place to place. Starting with pickup from your hotel or port in Taormina, you’ll immediately feel taken care of with door-to-door service and air-conditioned comfort.

First Stop: Mount Etna

Your day begins with a visit to Mount Etna, one of Europe’s most active volcanoes. The guide will share insights into how this impressive natural formation was created, along with stories about its eruptions and the folklore surrounding Mamma Etna. We loved how guides like Roberto and Omar bring the landscape to life with their stories, making geology feel fascinating rather than just scientific.

Once at Rifugio Sapienza at 2000 meters, you’ll get the chance to walk around the Silvestri Craters—a highlight for many. If weather permits, you might choose to ascend further via cable car and jeep (additional fee applies), which is ideal if you’re eager for a closer look at the summit. Keep in mind, weather can impact this part of the trip; one reviewer noted overcast conditions prevented further ascent, but still found the experience valuable thanks to a passionate guide.

Tasting Local Flavors

A standout aspect of this tour is the wine and food tastings at a local restaurant with panoramic views. You’ll sample DOC wines, honey, olive oils, and liquors, giving you a genuine taste of the region’s produce. Multiple reviewers, including Joel and Michaela, praised the quality of the tastings, with Joel highlighting how the tour exceeded expectations in value and experience.

Next Stop: Savoca and “The Godfather” Film Spots

After Etna, the journey continues to Savoca, a hilltop village unchanged since the filming of The Godfather. Your guide will share interesting tidbits about the movie’s production and its enduring influence on the town. Walking through Savoca’s narrow streets, you’ll see the Bar Vitelli—a must-visit for film buffs—and visit historic churches and scenic viewpoints.

Michaela called her guide “lovely, informative, funny, and charming,” emphasizing the personalized attention and her learning experience about the film and local history. The stops here give you a perfect blend of cinematic nostalgia and authentic Sicilian life.

Logistics and Comfort

Throughout the day, you’ll travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle, with bottled water provided. The tour is exclusive to your group, ensuring a quiet, tailored experience. The guide adapts the pace based on weather and your interests, which many reviewers appreciated, noting Omar and Bruno’s friendly, accommodating style.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour ticks many boxes with all key experiences included: private visits to Mount Etna and Savoca, tastings of local products, and hotel/port pickup/drop-off. The price of approximately $390 per person reflects a well-rounded experience, especially considering the personalized nature and the high-quality guide service.

However, if you’re eager to go further up Mount Etna or want the thrill of an off-road adventure, you can opt for an additional cable car and jeep ascent at about $80 per person. This is optional and not included in the base price but could be worth considering for an extra dose of adventure.

Practical Considerations

• The tour typically requires a minimum of 2 people to book.
• Most travelers seem to find the pace suitable, but if you prefer a very slow, leisurely day, it’s good to note this is a fairly full schedule.
• It’s suitable for travelers aged 18 and above due to alcohol tastings.
• The tour operates year-round, with most travelers booking about 117 days in advance, indicating its popularity.

What the Reviews Tell Us

From authentic guest feedback, guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and friendliness. Joel described Roberto as “amazing,” appreciating the mix of history, geography, and geology lessons. Michaela spoke highly of her guide Bruno, particularly noting his personality, charm, and careful driving.

Despite some weather limitations—like fog or rain—the overall sentiment is very positive. Barney mentioned that fog prevented further crater exploration but still praised the guide’s expertise and the overall experience. This suggests that even if conditions are less than ideal, the guiding quality and the experience remain worthwhile.

Customers also emphasize the exceptional value of the food and wine tastings, which many felt added a luxurious touch to the day, making the cost more reasonable.

This private Etna and Godfather tour offers a well-balanced day of natural wonders, cinematic nostalgia, and local tastings. It’s best suited for travelers who want an immersive, personalized experience and are comfortable with a packed itinerary. If you’re keen on exploring Mount Etna’s volcanic landscapes without a strenuous hike, this tour is a fantastic option. For film fans, the chance to walk through The Godfather’s iconic locations makes it even more special.

The inclusion of food and wine tastings at a scenic restaurant, combined with the expertise of guides who are both knowledgeable and friendly, helps justify the price. It’s a smart choice for those wanting a comprehensive, hassle-free day that covers Sicily’s highlights without sacrificing comfort or authenticity.

While weather can influence some parts of the trip, the overall experience appears flexible, personalized, and highly rated by past travelers. If you’re curious about Sicily’s volcanoes, history, and film culture—and you like the idea of a private tour—this could be a memorable way to see the island.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While the tour is primarily geared toward adult travelers, it might be suitable for older children with an interest in volcanoes and movies. Keep in mind the tasting elements and the full day schedule.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers private tours of Mount Etna and Savoca, tastings of honey, olive oil, wines, and liquors, hotel or port pickup and drop-off, round-trip transportation, and bottled water.

Can I do the optional ascent to 3000 meters?
Yes, for an additional fee of about $80 per person, you can ascend further via cable car and jeep, but it depends on weather conditions and availability.

How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, so expect a full day of sightseeing and tasting.

Is the tour private?
Yes, this is a private experience, meaning only your group will participate, ensuring a more personalized and flexible trip.

What if the weather is foggy or rainy?
Guides will adapt the itinerary as needed. For example, fog may prevent further crater exploration, but the guide’s insights and the scenic drive still deliver value.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 117 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. Early booking is recommended to secure your preferred date.

Is there an age restriction?
The minimum drinking age is 18 due to alcohol tastings. Most travelers can participate, but check if children are suitable based on your preferences.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially for the crater walk, and bring layers for variable mountain weather.

If Sicily is calling, this tour offers an informative, tasty, and cinematic adventure that hits many highlights in just one day. Whether you’re a geology buff, film enthusiast, or just looking to soak up Sicilian charm comfortably, it’s worth considering.