Top 10 Historical & Heritage Tours in Palermo, Sicily

September 6, 2021 Weston Hennigan

Palermo is an urban melting pot characterized by history and culture so diverse that it often feels conflicted. Discover an intriguing range of architectural styles, from Arabian domes to baroque buildings, and enjoy delicious cuisine that spans a variety of origins. Be sure to visit the Palace of the Normans, the Palatine Chapel and the church of St. John of the Hermits. Art and music lovers won’t want to miss the Galleria d’Arte Moderna (the “GAM”), the Salinas or an opera or ballet at the Teatro Massimo.
Restaurants in Palermo

1. Palermo Shore Excursion: City Segway Tour

SEGWAY PALERMO, Via Francesco Crispi, 230, 90139 Palermo PA, Italy CSTRents - Palermo Segway PT Authorized Tour
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

• 3-hour Segway tour lead by an expert local guide • See top Palermo attractions including: Politeama, Teatro Massimo, Quattro Canti, Cattedrale, Palazzo dei Normanni, Chiesa della Martorana, Fontana della Vergogna, Piazza Marina, Chiesa di Santa Maria della Catena, Cala. • Hear tales of colorful history from a knowledgeable guide • Enjoy a Segway sightseeing tour that’s suitable for all fitness levels • Small-group tour with a maximum of eight people ensures a personalized experience

Inclusions: Segway tour, 30-minute orientation session, Guide, Use of helmet (optional), Ponchos (in case of rain)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Port pickup and drop-off, Biglietti d'ingresso

Reviewed By barbara b

I enjoy very much. Visit fantastic. Very easy to use and to learn even if I have never been before. For all ages...

2. Private 8 Days Tour of Sicily: Highlights

Sicily Activities
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Discover Sicily in a  Private Tour. 8 Days / 7 Nights visiting Taormina, Godfather Villages, Mt. Etna, Noto, Syracuse, Agrigento and Palermo. Enjoy the best highlights of Sicily: Greek Theatre, Temples Valley, Baroque Towns, Cathedrals Discover Sicilian Culture, History, Lifestyle, Food & Wine. 7 Tours/Activities with Licensed Local Guide. Accommodation options in 3* 4* or 5* Hotels.  Overnights in Taormina, Syracuse & Palermo. All ground Transfers in 8 seats A/C Mercedes Minivan or Mercedes Car and licensed driver, including Pick up and drop off to Airport. 24 hours coordination from arrival to departure.

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, 7 NIGHTS IN 4 STARS HOTEL, PRIVATE DRIVER FOR EVERY TRANSFER INCL. AIRPORT TRANSFERS, 8 BREAKFASTS IN HOTEL, 4 LUNCHES DURING ACTIVITIES, ALL OTHER FOOD AND WINE TASTINGS MENTIONED IN ITINERARY, TAORMINA WALKING TOUR & GREEK THEATRE VISIT, GODFATHER VS MAFIA TOUR WITH LIGHT LUNCH , ETNA TRIP UNTIL 1900MT WITH LUNCH IN ETNA WINERY, NOTO WALKING TOUR WITH LUNCH , ORTIGIA WALKING TOUR, TRIP TO AGRIGENTO, GUIDED VISIT OF TEMPLE VALLEY AND LUNCH, PALERMO WALKING TOUR

Exclusions: OPTIONAL ETNA ASCENT UNTIL 3000MT;, ENTRANCE FEES TO MONUMENTS;, CITY TAX (2-3€ per person per night) TO BE PAID IN HOTEL;

Reviewed By Lulu8London

2020 was a difficult year to travel, but if you can make it, it is all worth it! Given the various restrictions imposed on tourism during this period, Activity Sicily still delivered a rich and smooth programme: food was great, tours are interesting, hotels are comfortable and in great locations, and the cooking class is particularly fun. We focused on the food and wine aspects in this tour, the knowledge behind the food provided great insight into Sicilian people, history and culture. Massimo was hands-on all way through the tour to make sure everything went well, and all the guides are professional, knowledgable, and helped us to make the most of the trip during this difficult time. That said, the bonus is -- with hardly any tourists around, we really got to see the place as it is! Thanks Activity Sicily.

3. 3 Days TREASURES OF THE EAST - with Local Guide -Private Excursions from Catania

Mimmo Sicily Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

- Exclusive Tours for personalized itineraries and flexibility - Led by a licensed LOCAL GUIDE for undivided attention - Comfortable Transport from your hotel by Top Class Mercedes Minivan - Customizable tours according to your interests - Available also starting from Taormina - SYRACUSE - NOTO - AGRIGENTO - TAORMINA - CYCLOPS COAST - CATANIA - ETNA  Visiting Sicily is exciting and enriches the soul. The central position of the island in the Mediterranean has for centuries made it the ideal place for the integration of Mediterranean culture. Just think of the Carthaginian, Greek and Roman colonizations, when usages and customs of the Siculi, Elimi, and of the Sicani blended with those of the peoples who came from beyond the sea.

Inclusions: Private Guided Tours in archeological areas and towns, Transportation by Mercedes V-Class Minivan, Bottled water, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Winery Visit & Tasting, Food and drinks, Accommodation in Catania (booked by traveler), Gratuities, Entrance fees

Reviewed By amongthecastelli

Mimmo is a superb driver and guide. Informed, considerate and kind, he drove us across Sicily and revealed the character and mystery of Sicily to us along the way with intelligence, good cheer and humor. His English is impeccable. When we return, we will certainly use his services again. We loved Sicily, and Mimmo was a big part of the experience.

4. Mount Etna and Taormina Tour fom Palermo

Mondello Palace Hotel, Viale Principe di Scalea, 90151 Palermo PA, Italy Tour of Sicily - Day Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Multilanguage tour who will take you to Mount Etna up to 1900 meters. Short stop on the way climbing up the Volcano. Continuing our climb we will reach the ski resort Rifugio Sapienza (1900 meters a.s.l.). Here you will have free time to walk on the Silvester Craters, to explore the area and to relax. Lunch and ascent to the top (over 1900 meters) are not included, to purchase on your own. To ascent to the top (optional) you can buy cable car tickets directly on the spot, weather and volcanic conditions permitting. After your independent ascent to the top or hiking around Rifugio Sapienza, meet again your Driver and transfer to Taormina, the most glamorous town in Sicily. Here time at leisure to stroll around or visit on your own the Greek Theatre. At the end of the tour get back to Palermo. Please Note: this is a very long day tour (approx. 11vhours and half) which involves the team to drive for around 3 hours each way.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Multilingual tour escort or driver-escort, Pick-up & Drop-off at meeting point in Palermo, Visits as per itinerary

Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Gratuities, Etna ascent fees (if you wish to climb above 1900 meters), Entrance fees

Reviewed By person1987

Great sites and tour - enough time to explore sites at own pace. Driver / guide very nice and helpful. I was on a tour with just one other person, and our driver was flexible in light of small group size. Everyone wore masks.

5. Full day excursion to Castelbuono and Cefalù

Adriana Viaggi
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

The tour is organized to admire the beauty of the enchanting seafaring village of Cefalù with its marvelous UNESCO heritage cathedral, continuation to Castelbuono with a visit to the Ventimiglia Castle and the chance to taste the famous Fiasconaro panettone

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, English language hostess

Exclusions: Lunch, museum ticket

Reviewed By E9924IFnataliae

Excellent! 5 stars. Very comfortable journey. Would definitely use again. Arrived on time. Thank you

6. Monreale, Cefalù and Castelbuono from Palermo, Private Tour

Panormus Autoservizi
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Enjoy this tour from Palermo. Meet your driver at any address in Palermo and leave for a unique experience. The tour starts with Monreale, the famous Arab-Norman village. Located on the Rocca Di Monreale, from here you can also admire the entire Conca d'Oro. The main attraction is its Cathedral, built by William II of Altavilla. The driver will provide you with information on Cefalù during the 60-minute journey to the city. Visit the historic city of Cefalù and stroll through its narrow, typically medieval streets. Visit local attractions such as the Mandralisca Museum, the Duomo, the Lavatoio and more. Then we will head to Castelbuono, a small but beautiful village set in a wooded landscape. Entering the old center you can breathe the air of a past time, with the fourteenth century castle that dominates the city and the typical flavors of the place, such as the manna and the delicious Panettone of Fiasconaro, famous all over the world.

Inclusions: WiFi on board, Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, Pick-up service from the hotel / port, Bilingual Italian-English driver, Child seats (on request)

Exclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Tourist guide, Gratuities

Reviewed By Atara R

My husband and i returned from Sicily and used Panormus on several occasions to help us explore the island. Our driver was Mimmo and he was an absolute delight...he was so accomodating, pleasant, interesting and spoke very good English! We loved being with him and would recommend anyone ask to have him as your driver! Panormus is an excellent company...they respond quickly to inquiries and make the process of arrangements flawless...don't consider using any other company. Their prices are comparable with everyone else so you are not overpaying when using them. We felt completely taken care of and we are so happy that they were the company we used! And, as an extra bonus, Mimmo and Marcus went to the trouble of picking up some magnets that I wanted and did not buy enough of in the market in Palermo and gave them to me as a parting gift...it doesn't get better than that!!

7. The Real Deal of Palermo: Private Kalsa District Tourwith a Local

Piazza Marina, 89, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy ►► Withlocals™ - Local Private Tours ????????
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

For a glimpse into Palermo’s historical past, look no further than the medieval Kalsa District. Formed over a thousand years ago during the time of Arab rule, numerous kingdoms have left their mark on this remarkable section of Palermo. The result is one of the most culturally unique places to explore in Palermo with beautiful architecture, tasty cuisine, and a charm all its own. On this private tour, you’ll see its resilience for yourself by visiting its lively squares forming hubs of local entertainment. That classic aperitivo culture is in full effect in Piazza Rivoluzione and Piazza Sant’Anna, and you’ll see it firsthand. The Norman era produced iconic pieces of architecture, including two UNESCO World Heritage Sites that your local host will show you. From Arab-Norman times to Baroque and Gothic styles, you’ll be amazed at the beautiful palaces and churches on display!

Inclusions: Private tour, Local guide, Local Sicilian snack

Exclusions: Food and beverages not listed as inclusions, Hotel pick-up and drop off

Reviewed By Tielemanis

This tour was truly outstanding. The food was delicious, and our guide Dario was very engaging, informative, and fun! The tour was very customized to our needs. An unexpected addition to our tour were the historic insights we got of the area of Palermo we walked through during our tour. I would highly recommend this tour and definitely Dario as your guide.

8. Private 4-hour Walking Tour of Palermo with official tour guide

Palazzo Di Rudinì, Via Maqueda, 182, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy Tour Travel & More Italy
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Enjoy Palermo’s great architecture and wonderful sights during this walking private tour with your own private official tour guide. Your official tour guide will be waiting for you at your hotel lobby, in front of your apartment building or in a fixed encounter point. Palermo is known as the city of delights, for it’s beautiful mosques, palaces and gardens. The city has been home of many different cultures during all it’s history. Palermo is Sicily’s touristic and economic capital, offers beautiful weather all year round and a fantastic gastronomy. During this private walking tour you will get to know the most emblematic sites of the city. Amongst other monuments and sights you can get to know during this private tour of Palermo: Quattro Canti Historical Market of Palermo Teatro Massimo Church “Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio Martorana” Norman Palace Duomo (Cathedral of Palermo) San Giovanni degli Eremiti Church of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio Martorana - SAVE COVID-19 SAFE

Inclusions: Private official tour guide for 4 hours, Hotel/apartment pick-up and drop-off (if hotel is centrally located), Private Tour, Local Taxes, SAVE COVID-19 SAFE

Exclusions: Private vehicle for transportation during the tour, Entrances Fees, Food and Drinks

Reviewed By Fady1958

We booked the Santa Margherita and Portofino tour during the same cruise where we also booked Roma, Marseilles and Palermo. We have decided to do that at that time because we wanted to take advantage of the opportunities a cruise can give you, which is having dinner and sleep on the boat then wake up the next day in a different city and discover that city, and boy we were right: Especially that we were advised and served by Tour Travel and More, which have been proving, once again to us, that they are so passionate about their business that they oversees your expectations. The tour was excellent and our guide again was very passionate and knowledgeable together with the comfort and cleanliness of the car. Inclusive at a point in time, the road was closed because of a small landslide, and the driver together with our guide proposed a different activity in order not having to wait. We had a wonderful time and felt at all times overwhelmed by all the attention and the kindness of the staff. Thank you again

9. Discover Palermo

Massimo Theater, Piazza Verdi, 90138 Palermo PA, Italy
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4.9 based on 58 reviews

Walking tour in the heart of the city of Palermo, discovering historical markets, churches and squares. A journey through the history and culture of a unique city in the world.

Inclusions: Walking tour, Certified guide

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10. The Godfather Origins, Corleone, Ficuzza,Portella della Ginestra from Palermo

Ape Tour

This is a private and exclusive tour, you will only be in the group, there will be no other people. We will be out of the normal tourist circuits, we will visit isolated, peaceful and safe places. in countryside areas away from the city. program: meeting with your driver at your hotel, B & B, cruise ship in the morning at 08.30 am, departure with New and comfortable van from Palermo first stop Portella della Ginestra visit places of the massacre, second stage Piana degli Albanesi where you can taste the famous typical Sicilian sweet Cannoli and visit the village, after departure for the Ficuzza forest reserve, lunch in the area . After lunch, visit the village of Corleone, the Mafia Museum if is open (ticket not included cost about 8€) and the places that gave rise to the protagonist of the famous novel "The Godfather don Vito Corleone".

Inclusions: Professional English speaking Driver, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Exclusive Private tour, only for your Group, Transport by licensed air-conditioned minivan or car

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Tickets

Reviewed By remyacb

We had the most wonderful time in Sicily. Our tour company Ape Tour Cinisi led by the knowledgeable Umberto were excellent. We were taken to the best spots for the best cannoli and other delights. The trip to Erice and Trapani was simply breathtaking. We will be back and we will most certainly use this tour company again.

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