Catania to Messina and Savoca: Private day trip

Messina blends views of the strait, cathedral wonders, and maritime spirit with history, art, and authentic Sicilian flavor. A gateway city with a seafaring soul, Messina strikes a balance between maritime charm and grand piazzas, offering sweeping views of the strait. Begin in Piazza del Duomo, where the soaring cathedral and its Astronomical Clock come alive at noon with roaring lions and chiming angels. Admire the Fountain of Orion, then step inside Messina Cathedral, rebuilt with resilience after multiple disasters. For art lovers, the Regional Museum houses Caravaggio masterpieces, while Viale Italia or the Sanctuary of Montalto offers panoramic views over Calabria across the Strait. Conclude with a stroll along the Passeggiata a Mare and savor local specialties, such as swordfish rolls or sweet almond granita.

Savoca captivates with its cinematic history, being the home of The Godfather, featuring medieval lanes, beautiful vistas, and traditional flavors in a timeless hilltop setting. A cinematic medieval village perched high above the Ionian coast, Savoca enchants with timeless Sicilian character. Start at Bar Vitelli, where The Godfather’s legacy lingers beneath its vine-covered terrace. Wander cobblestone lanes to the Church of San Nicolò, immortalized as Michael Corleone’s wedding church. Continue through quiet alleys lined with stone houses, pausing for panoramic views over tiled rooftops, mountains, and sea. Visit the haunting Capuchin Monastery, where mummified friars rest in open coffins. For a true taste of the village, try almond wine, cannoli, or lemon granita at a family-run trattoria before returning to your driver.