Palermo, a tour of unique monuments and colorful markets
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Take an extraordinary journey to discover the main monuments of the center of Palermo on this convenient guided tour. I will accompany you to discover fascinating history, monuments and legends but also facts about the daily life of Palermo and the Sicilians. We will meet a stone's throw from the Teatro Massimo, the largest in Italy, symbol of the Palermo of the Florios and you will hear the mysterious legend of its ghost. We will take a look inside the Cathedral of Palermo, a UNESCO heritage site, where the glorious kingdom of Sicily was born. We will stroll through the lively Mercato del "Capo" of Arab origin where it will be possible to make a free stop to taste the delicacies of the Palermo street food. We will stop in front of the incredible Fontana della Vergogna a few steps from the markets of Ballarò and Vucciria. You will be able to enjoy the beautiful monasteries, churches and palaces that have made Palermo so famous. The tour ends in the scenic Piazza dei Quattro Canti, right in the center.
Available options
Palermo, a tour of unique monuments and colorful markets
What's included
Assistance and information for further visits, transport, gastronomy etc..
Free entry to the Cathedral (if there are no religious services)
Professional, authorized and certified guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Scenic baroque square with the church of Sant'Ignazio and the National Archaeological Museum
2
Stop 2
The most famous Puppet Opera theatre, a UNESCO heritage site
3
Overview of the square where the largest opera house in Italy stands out. We will tell the story of Palermo's belle époque and the events of the Florio family
4
We will see a glimpse of the ancient walls built in Palermo in 1500 and one of the ancient city gates that will allow us to enter the Capo market
5
Stop 5
Ancient Arab market in the city. Here it is possible to taste the typical dishes of Palermitan street cuisine, one of the most renowned in the world
6
The places of the ancient secret sect of the Beati Paoli who avenged the wrongs suffered by poor people in past centuries
7
Stop 7
Unesco world heritage site, built in Norman Arab style in 1185. Place of foundation of the kingdom of Sicily, it houses the tombs of the first kings of Sicily
8
The oldest street in Palermo, rich in monuments, art and history.
9
The center of the ancient city of Palermo, a bright and scenic square full of symbols
10
Stop 10
Scenic square in Palermo, with its extraordinary Renaissance fountain, entirely surrounded by historic buildings including the famous convent of Santa Caterina where many of the most famous Sicilian desserts were born
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Audio guide
IT
Guide guide
IT
Written guide
IT
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
242 reviews
5★
235
4★
6
3★
0
2★
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1★
1
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Piazza Giuseppe Verdi, corner with Via Cavour (Ribaudo kiosk)
The guide will present himself with the red card identifying an authorized guide
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
