Palermo Day Tour to Cefalù and Monreale with Optional Boat Trip

Sicily , Italy

Palermo Day Tour to Cefalù and Monreale with Optional Boat Trip

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About this experience

Leave Palermo behind for a full-day small-group tour combining Sicily’s sea, culture, and UNESCO heritage. Travel in comfort along the coast to Cefalù, a medieval seaside town of winding alleys, sandy beaches, and a stunning Norman cathedral.

Here you can choose your own experience: join an optional 3-hour boat trip with swimming, snorkeling, and a Sicilian aperitivo on board (weather permitting), or enjoy free time exploring Cefalù’s historic center and relaxing on the beach.

In the afternoon, continue to Monreale, home to one of Sicily’s greatest treasures. Visit the Monreale Cathedral with your included audioguide and admire its golden Arab-Norman mosaics that glitter in the light.

Return to Palermo in the evening with memories of turquoise waters, medieval streets, and dazzling art. This tour offers the perfect mix of relaxation, exploration, and cultural discovery.

Available options

Cefalù Free Time Option

ONCE IN CEFALU': Prefer to stay on land? Explore Cefalù’s medieval center, visit the UNESCO-listed Cathedral, or relax on its sandy beach.

Cafalù Boat Trip Option

ONCE IN CEFALU': 3-hour coastal cruise with swimming, snorkeling in hidden coves, and a refreshing aperitivo under the Sicilian sun.

What's included

Water bottle

English-speaking driver/tour leader

Round-trip transportation from Palermo by luxury Mercedes minivan/minibus

Free time to explore Cefalù

Monreale Cathedral entry ticket with audioguide

Optional 3-hour boat trip with aperitivo and snorkeling stops (if selected at check out)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Trasfer on luxury Mercedes Minivan/Minibus to Cefalù.

Explore the medieval seaside town of Cefalù with its charming historic center and panoramic views. Visit the UNESCO-listed Cefalù Cathedral, an outstanding example of Norman architecture, swim in the crystal-clear waters, relax on the sandy beach, and enjoy lunch at your leisure.

Boat Trip Option (optional): At 10:00 AM, set off on a 3-hour boat excursion along the beautiful Cefalù coastline. Stop at hidden coves to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, then relax on board while enjoying a refreshing aperitivo with local flavors. This optional activity offers an alternative way to experience Cefalù from the sea.

Trasfer on a luxury Mercedes Minivan/Minibus to Monreale.

Discover the hilltop town of Monreale, famous for its stunning cathedral. Visit the UNESCO-listed Monreale Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Nuova), a masterpiece of Arab-Norman architecture decorated with dazzling golden mosaics. The visit includes an informative audio guide to help you explore this extraordinary monument at your own pace.

Trasfer on a luxury Mercedes Minivan/Minibus to Palermo.

What's not included

Lunch and extra drinks

Hotel pickup/drop-off

Tips

Available languages

Audio guide

Guide guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

TOWNS OF ITALY TOURIST HUB & COOKING SCHOOL | PALERMO
Located at Via Volturno, 44, 90138 Palermo.
We kindly request your arrival at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure. Regrettably, we cannot accommodate latecomers.

About Sicily

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its rich Greek and Roman heritage, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine, Sicily offers a unique travel experience that captivates visitors with its diverse attractions and warm hospitality.

Top Attractions

Valley of the Temples

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the most well-preserved ancient Greek temples outside of Greece. The site is a testament to Sicily's rich Greek heritage and offers a glimpse into the island's ancient past.

Historical 2-3 hours €10

Mount Etna

Europe's highest and most active volcano, offering stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and the opportunity to witness volcanic activity up close. Mount Etna is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Nature Half day to full day €30-€100 (depending on the tour and activities)

Palermo Cathedral

A stunning example of Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture, Palermo Cathedral is a masterpiece of religious art and history. The cathedral's interior is adorned with beautiful mosaics, sculptures, and tombs of notable historical figures.

Architectural 1-2 hours €7

Taormina

A charming hilltop town known for its stunning views of the Ionian Sea and the iconic Greek Theatre. Taormina is a popular tourist destination offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore, €10 for the Greek Theatre

Cefalù

A picturesque coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and charming medieval streets. Cefalù is a popular destination for both relaxation and cultural exploration.

Beach Half day to full day Free to explore, €5 for La Rocca

Must-Try Local Dishes

Arancini

Fried rice balls filled with ragù, mozzarella, and peas, often shaped like small oranges.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Cannoli

Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese, often garnished with pistachios or chocolate chips.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta with a sauce made from tomatoes, fried eggplant, ricotta cheese, and basil.

Main Course Vegetarian

Granita

A semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavors, typically served with a brioche for breakfast.

Dessert Vegan and gluten-free options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Madonie Regional Park Volcano trekking on Mount Etna Beach lounging in Cefalù Spa treatments in Taormina Visiting the Valley of the Temples Exploring the historic center of Palermo Snorkeling and diving in the Aeolian Islands Boat tours along the coast

Best Time to Visit

May to June, September to October

The peak seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for exploring Sicily's attractions. The sea is warm enough for swimming, and the countryside is lush and green.

20-28°C 68-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: Sicilian, English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

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

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution

Sicily is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and scams can occur in tourist areas, and some regions may have higher crime rates.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting your journey.
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions, distractions, or overly friendly advances.

Getting there

By air

Palermo Airport • 32 km (20 miles) from Palermo city center
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport • 7 km (4.3 miles) from Catania city center

By train

Palermo Centrale, Catania Centrale

By bus

Palermo Bus Terminal, Catania Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Sicily, with regular services connecting major cities and towns. The network can be complex, but it is affordable and convenient.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Palermo Centro Storico Taormina Catania Centro Agrigento

Day trips

Aeolian Islands

25-50 km (16-31 miles) from Milazzo • Full day to overnight

A group of seven volcanic islands known for their stunning landscapes, hot springs, and unique geological features. The islands offer a variety of activities, including hiking, swimming, and relaxing in natural hot springs.

Erice

100 km (62 miles) from Palermo • Half day to full day

A medieval hilltop town known for its stunning views, historic landmarks, and charming streets. Erice is a popular destination for those interested in history, culture, and panoramic views.

Noto

90 km (56 miles) from Syracuse • Half day to full day

A picturesque Baroque town known for its stunning architecture, charming streets, and rich history. Noto is a popular destination for those interested in art, history, and culture.

Festivals

Infiorata di Noto • May Taormina Film Fest • June Sagra del Miele • September

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Italian or Sicilian phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
Visit local markets and try street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience.
Explore the island's hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, such as the Aeolian Islands, the Madonie Regional Park, and the Zingaro Nature Reserve.
Rent a car for flexibility and access to remote areas, but be prepared for narrow roads, aggressive drivers, and limited parking.
Visit during the shoulder or off-peak seasons (April-June, September-October) for better prices, fewer crowds, and pleasant weather.