CEFALU' and MONREALE Private Tour with Guide Driver starts from Palermo

Palermo , Italy

CEFALU' and MONREALE Private Tour with Guide Driver starts from Palermo

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(4 reviews)

6h - 7h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover top attractions including the Norman-style Cefalù Cathedral and Monreale UNESCO–listed Norman-Byzantine cathedral, and see the best of Sicily with ease.

• Exclusive Tour led by a LOCAL GUIDE for personalized attention
• Comfortable Private Transport from your hotel by Luxury Mercedes vehicle
• Discover Arab, Norman and Byzantine Architecture in Cefalù and Monreale

This trip takes you out of the city driving east on the north coast for a private tour to the town of CEFALU'. This lovely city is part of the Madonie National Park. Included also is a visit of the Duomo in MONREALE. This structure features both Sicilian and Byzantine craftsmen. The highlight point of the Cathedral is its interior, incandescent with the gold of the mosaics, covering the walls of the nave, aisles, transept, and apse. A total of 81800 square feet.

Available options

Private Cefalù and Monreale from Palermo

Duration: 7 hours<br/>Premium Mercedes<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Exclusive Private tour

English speaking Guide Driver

Hotel pickup/drop-off

Transportation by Premium Mercedes

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Pick up by your private Guide Driver at your hotel. Board a Premium Mercedes vehicle and head to MONREALE for a PRIVATER GUIDED tour of the Cathedral which is the apotheosis of Norman architecture in Sicily. Featuring a cathedral with its splendid mosaics from the 12th century, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Arab Norman Period, built under William II. It rivals Saint Sophia in Istanbul and Saint Mark's in Venice in its use of decorative mosaics. While it is Romanesque style largely, the cathedral combines aspects of Arab, Byzantine and Norman architecture.

Next drive towards the Madonie National Park and reach the town of CEFALU’. Once a typical fishing village, now a major destination for tourists in the area.

During a stroll (on your own) through the characteristic streets, visit the old town and the Norman-style Cefalu Cathedral built in the 12th century. This Arab-Norman architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mosaics inside the cathedral are remarkable examples of the Byzantine art of the period. The sturdy Norman lines of the Cathedral are softened by palm trees, and tourists fill the city hall piazza before it.

Enjoy a lunch break at one of the many restaurants in town.

At the end of the tour, you will be brought back to your hotel in Palermo.

What's not included

Lunch

Gratuities

Entrance Fees

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

No infants allowed

Tours are only for Non-Smokers

Eating and/or the use of suncreams inside the vehicle is not allowed

No pets allowed

No shorts allowed inside churches

Important notes

• A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women.

About Palermo

Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily, is a city of rich history, stunning architecture, and a unique cultural blend. Known for its Norman-Arab-Byzantine influences, Palermo offers a mix of grand palaces, bustling markets, and delicious street food that will captivate any traveler.

Top Attractions

Palermo Cathedral

A stunning example of Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture, Palermo Cathedral is a must-visit for its historical significance and beautiful interior.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours €7 for the cathedral and cloister

Palermo Cathedral

This grand palace was the seat of the Norman kings of Sicily. It houses the Palatine Chapel, known for its stunning mosaics and Arabic-Norman architecture.

Historical/Architectural 1.5-2 hours €12 for the palace and chapel

Ballarò Market

One of Palermo's most famous street markets, Ballarò offers a vibrant atmosphere with fresh produce, street food, and local crafts.

Cultural/Shopping 1-2 hours Free to explore

Monreale Cathedral

Located just outside Palermo, Monreale Cathedral is famous for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Historical/Religious 2-3 hours including travel €6 for the cathedral and cloister

Teatro Massimo

The largest opera house in Italy and one of the most famous in the world, Teatro Massimo is a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture.

Architectural/Entertainment 1 hour for a tour €7 for a guided tour

Must-Try Local Dishes

Arancini

Fried rice balls stuffed with ragù, mozzarella, and peas.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Panelle

Chickpea fritters, a popular street food in Palermo.

Snack Vegan

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta with tomato sauce, fried eggplant, ricotta salata, and basil.

Main Course Vegetarian

Cannoli

Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby mountains Swimming and snorkeling at Mondello Beach Beach lounging at Mondello Beach Enjoying a leisurely meal at a seaside restaurant Visiting museums and historical sites Attending local festivals and events Boat tours to the nearby islands Swimming and water sports at the beach

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. It's ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: Sicilian, English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time), GMT+2 during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Palermo is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you

Getting there

By air

Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport • 32 km from city center

By train

Palermo Centrale

By bus

Palermo Centrale Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is the primary mode of public transport in Palermo. It's affordable but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: FreeNow, ItTaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kalsa Vigàta Mondello

Day trips

Monreale

7 km • Half day

Monreale is famous for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and the Benedictine Abbey.

Cefalù

70 km • Full day

A charming coastal town known for its beautiful beach and medieval cathedral.

Erice

120 km • Full day

A medieval hilltop town with stunning views and well-preserved architecture.

Festivals

Festa di Santa Rosalia • July 10-15 Sagra del Mandarino • January to February Palermo Pride • June

Pro tips

Visit the markets early in the morning for the best selection and freshest produce
Learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Take a food tour to discover the best street food and local specialties
Explore the city on foot to discover hidden gems and charming streets
Visit the cathedral and other religious sites early in the morning to avoid crowds