Taormina and Mount Etna from Cefalù

I Gudfarens fotspor på Sicilia

"We're going to make you an offer you can't refuse". Dette var tross alt mafilandet tidligere. Filmtrilogien The Godfather satte Sicilia på filmkartet da Hollywood bestemte seg for å filme historien om Corleone-familien her. På denne utflukten besøker vi to fjellandsbyer som presenteres på det hvite lerretet, for å gjenoppleve noen av filmens mest kjente scener.Selv om de ikke er ekte spøkelsesbyer, så er disse landsbyene nesten forlatt i dag. Vi starter i Little Savoca, med kirken der Michael Corleone, Al Pacino, giftet seg. Vi går bokstavelig talt i de samme fotsporene mens vi utforske de svingete bakgatene, og du kan til og med prøve å sitte i stolen på Bar Vitelli.Etter en tur gjennom det vakre landskapet kommer vi til middelalderlandsbyen Forza d'Agro, en liten fjellby hvor du kan se på Annunciationkirken, også den berømt fra Gudfaren-filmene. Omgivelsene byr på fin utsikt over landsbyene som kroner fjelltoppene, så denne utflukten har mye å gi selv om du ikke er Gudfaren-fan.

Taormina by med See Bus-billett – blå eller rød linje

Se severdighetene rundt Taormina med friheten til å hoppe på og av hele dagen med bare én billett. Reis mellom Taormina, Giardini Naxos, Isola Bella, Letojanni og Castelmola på både den røde og den blå linjen. Det er en flerspråklig lydkommentar om bord, og frekvensen er hver time for begge linjer. På Castelmola-stoppet kan du nyte en smak av mandelvin uten kostnad.

Øyene Stromboli og Panarea med båt fra Taormina

De vulkanske øyene Stromboli og Panarea er høydepunktene på denne heldagsutflukten. Vi utforsker disse vakre øyene som ligger like utenfor kysten av Sicilia, det blir god tid til sightseeing i eget tempo og vi blir vitner til den berømte aktive lavastrømmen om natten.Vi drar ut fra havnen i Milazzo og setter kursen mot øya Panarea, men først får passerer vi de vakre buktene Cala Junco og Cala Zimmari hvorfra vi ser ut over de eoliske øyer. Vel fremme på tørt land i Panarea, får du to timer på egen hånd til å utforske øya – nyt et bad eller besøk den forhistoriske landsbyen Capo Milazzese ved å gå eller ta en taxi.Deretter setter vi kursen mot neste stopp – Stromboli. Her legger vi til i havnen i Scari, og du får tre timer på egen hånd til å rusle rundt, stikke innom en restaurant eller nyte en aperitiff når solen går ned. Til slutt får du oppleve en fantastisk finale av Moder Jord når båten kjører oss ut for å se den aktive lavastrømmen, 'Sciara del Fuoco'.

Taormina and Mount Etna from Cefalù

Set off from Cefalù on a full-day tour to two of Sicily's must-see treasures – Mount Etna and Taormina. At Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano, you can check out the Silvestri Craters, shops and cafes at 1,900 metres above sea level, or ride the cable car and 4x4 up to 2,900 metres for jaw-dropping views across the island. Then, it's off to Taormina, a charming hilltop town with winding Medieval streets, boutiques, cozy cafes and a historic Greek theatre overlooking the sea.

Mount Etna tour from Taormina

Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe and a true icon of Sicily. This is your chance to venture either 1,900 or 2,900 metres above sea level to check out the lunar-like landscapes of the volcano's craters. You'll be driven from Taormina to Rifugio Sapienza, where – if you've chosen to go up to 2,900 metres – you'll switch to a cable car and 4x4 vehicle to reach the main crater for a guided walk and some epic views. If you opt to stay at 1,900 metres, there's free time to explore the nature trails around the Silvestri Craters, along with souvenir shops, cafés and a small museum that tells the story of the mountain's past. Either way, you'll want your camera for this one.

Alcantara Gorge and Mount Etna from Taormina

Head out on an adventure to two of Sicily's most jaw-dropping spots – Alcantara Gorge and Mount Etna. You'll start at the gorge to see its striking basalt walls and lava-carved formations, which have been shaped over millennia. Then, it's on to Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano. Once you reach Rifugio Sapienza 1,900 metres up, you can explore the Silvestri Craters, shops, café and paths. Or, take a cable car and 4x4 to the upper craters at 2,900 metres for a guided walk that serves up epic views across Sicily.

Guided trekking adventure on Stromboli volcano

Embark on a thrilling trek up Stromboli volcano with an expert guide. Witness the power of nature as you experience explosive eruptions at night.

Cruise Taormina Bay in Sicily with an aperitif

Feel the warm, salty breeze on your skin as you sail away on a two-hour boat tour exploring the Sicilian coast. Glide through clear waters, past towering limestone hills and discover Taormina's hidden bays and caves – plus you can cool off with a swim and snorkel in one of them. Then listen to local tales about the area from your skipper as you relax with snacks and a refreshing aperitif, and soak up the awe-inspiring coastal views.

Guided Corleone mafia resistance tour with lunch

Corleone was once a town once infamous for its mafia ties, but today it is a beacon of resistance and justice. The panoramic drive through the mountains sets the stage for an enlightening day ahead. Vincenzo, one of our expert local guides says, “This fascinating, insightful tour is designed to educate and debunk Hollywood's glamorised portrayal of mafia life, offering instead a genuine glimpse into the courageous fight against organised crime. This is an important tour for our town." First up is The Godfather's House Museum, a grand 19th-century residence that takes you on a journey through time, exploring the birth of both the mafia and anti-mafia movements. Next, delve deeper into this complex history at the CIDMA Antimafia Museum, home to an extensive collection of documents and exhibits chronicling the dark past and brave resistance against the mafia. After a walking tour of Corleone's historic streets, you'll be whisked off to a local restaurant near the Royal Palace of Ficuzza for a classic Italian lunch, surrounded by natural beauty. Finally, sit back and relax on your return journey to Cefalù, taking with you a deeper understanding of Corleone's transformation from a mafia stronghold to a place that local people are proud to call home, a place with a future free from the clutches of organized crime.

Evening transfer to Palermo from Cefalu

Hop aboard this transfer service and spend an evening in Palermo. Once you arrive, your guide will give you a quick orientation of the city, before sharing their favourite spots and recommendations. Then, you'll have three hours of free time in the Sicilian capital before your transfer back to your hotel – whether you fancy seeing the city's most iconic sights, sampling local dishes or soaking up the bustling atmosphere, there's something for everyone.You can head over to Vucciria Market, which comes alive with street food vendors, music, and dancing, offering a taste of local nightlife. Iconic squares like Piazza Rivoluzione and Piazza Sant'Anna buzz with activity, perfect for enjoying a drink and people-watching. The area around Teatro Massimo is filled with lively bars and cafés, making it a great spot to start your evening. For a more relaxed vibe, head to Mondello Beach and enjoy the serene seaside under the stars.