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ShoreTrips logo Shore Excursions - City Tours - Day Activities

HIGHLIGHTS OF PALERMO AND MONREALE

Private Tour for up to 2 (Not a per person rate.) $1121 USD
Private Tour for up to 4 (Not a per person rate.) $1218 USD
Private Tour for up to 6 (Not a per person rate.) $1529 USD
Private Tour for up to 8 (Not a per person rate.) $1585 USD
*Selections and optional choices will be made during checkout

HIGHLIGHTS OF PALERMO AND MONREALE

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ShoreTrips says...

Palermo's monuments reflect the magnificence of two worlds (East and West) that come together in clashing contrast.

After docking in Palermo you will head straight to beautiful Monreale for an opportunity to scope out the famous Arab-Norman architecture which is best manifested in “The Dome.” This national monument of Italy is considered to be one of the must-see attractions in Sicily and is reason enough to visit this incredible town on the slopes of Monte Caputo. If you are this close to Monreale make sure you don’t pass it up!

You will then take a short drive back to Palermo to explore the fascinating Capuchin Catacombs. When the catacombs outgrew their original cemetery in the 16th century Monks started clearing out the crypts below making it perfect for exploration. To preserve the bodies they were dehydrated on racks of ceramic pipes and at times even washed with vinegar. The Monks to be buried were left in their everyday clothing with ropes worn as a penance. 8,000 mummies line the Catacombs with halls dividing the buried into the following categories: Men, Women, Virgins, Children, Priests, Monks and Professionals.

After your time in the Catacombs you will head over to the energizing Capo Market and the bustling part of the city. Much of this area is protected by pedestrian streets so you will be joined by your guide who will walk and talk about the city, history, and the sights. The open air street market is a gathering point for locals and tourists alike and does a perfect job capturing Palermo’s Saracen Arab past. What looks like chaos is just a day in the life of a vendor as locals flock back and forth on the winding road that leads to the old city wall, Porta Carini. From the market you will make your way to the stunning Piazza Pretoria which takes you to what is known as Palermo's “four corners” where baroque palaces converge showcasing the areas growth during Spanish rule in the 1500s.

Your guide as well as your driver will have great stories to tell you about their life and the folk tales. Additionally your guide will direct you to all of the important sights within the city center before you head back to your starting point.

Make sure your guide takes you to a surviving piece of Palermo's city wall. With all the beauty of Sicily this unique project often goes overlooked.

  • This Tour Includes:
  • Round trip transportation from the cruise ship pier
  • English speaking driver/escort
  • English-speaking licensed guide for half day sightseeing in Palermo
  • Panoramic drive to and around Monreale
  • Palermo City tour
  • Visit the Capuchin Catacombs, admissions not included
  • Walk the pedestrian streets of the Capital
  • Capo Market
  • Piazza Pretoria
  • Additional Languages Available
  • French
  • German
  • Spanish($)
  • *Possible upcharge at checkout for languages denoted with ($) symbol.

Days of Operation

Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Mon - yes
Tue - yes
Wed - yes
Thu - yes
Fri - yes
Sat - yes
Sun - yes

Departures (local time)

  • 8:30 AM (8 hrs)
  • 9:30 AM (8 hrs)
  • 10:30 AM (8 hrs)

Transfer / Meeting Instructions

No Taxi Required Specific pick up or taxi instructions will appear on your voucher after you purchase your trip.

Special Instructions

• Please pick the departure time starting 30 minutes after you dock.
• Entrance fees are not included in this tour. Capuchin Catacombs entrance fee is 3€ per person.
We do not personally recommend a visit to the catacombs for children under 16 years old. If you wish to enter other sites, additional entrance fees will apply.
• You will walk through the city center of Palermo so please dress comfortably and accordingly.

Restrictions

• Please contact ShoreTrips if you are traveling with a wheelchair.