What to do and see in Palermo, Sicily: The Best Cultural Tours

October 21, 2021 Esmeralda Fenner

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. 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.

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

Panormus Autoservizi
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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!!

3. 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.

4. 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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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

5. 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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6. Palermo and Monreale historical centre

Piazza Verdi, Palermo PA, Italy Bluexpress Autoservizi
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4.3 based on 3 reviews

Excursion Palermo and Monreale Elegant trip  with professional and personal Driver /Excellent overview of Palermo /Discover the beautiful cathedral of Monreale-Half-day excursion full of emotions legends and tradition, history and tradition in Palermo and in Monreale.  You can moove  around the centre of Palermo and Monreale by private minivan starting Square Verdi-Theatre Massimo at 10.30 am. On request PickUp from the Harbour Palermo or from your Hotel/B&b/Apartment in Palermo. During the excursion  YOU can admire the monuments and the typical streets in the centre, the best of Palermo with the UNESCO-listed mosaics of Monreale with this half-day transfer with a friendly Driver. By the minivan air conditioned around  the historical centre in Palermo and Monreale with the Cathedral and the Cloister with the golden  mosaics. Return to Palermo by private vehicle .

Inclusions: Excursion by minivan to discover Palermo centre and Monreale, Excursion to discover the main monuments, Excursion to discover History Tradition and Culture, Friendly Driver and elegant minivan with air conditioning, Hotel pickup, Port pickup , Transport by private vehicle, Bottle of water, Candies, scented wipes

Exclusions: Entrance fees Excluded, Food and drinks excluded, Excess luggage charges (where applicable), Gratuities, Guide excluded, Entry/Admission in the monuments are excluded

Reviewed By KevinSunshineCoast

We arrived at the airport in Palermo and after two hours of waiting and two phone calls by the tourist company supposedly providing the service another driver arrived. My advice to future travellers do not book this service with with Viator through Bluexpress. A vary poor service Viator you are only as good as your weakest link. We are usually great fans of Viator

7. Palermo 2-Hour Private Guided Tour

Piazza Verdi, 1, 90138 Palermo PA, Italy Palermo Faberest

Explore Palermo, an authentic gem of Sicily on a 2-hour private guided walking tour. Discover the monuments, the buildings and the stories that made of Catania one of the most important and beautiful Italian cities in the past and today.

Inclusions: Private tour led by an expert guide

Exclusions: Food & drinks, Tickets to enter churches/monuments/attractions (in case you want to visit the interiors)

8. MARSALA WINERY, ERICE and SALT FLAT COAST - Private Trapani Shore Excursion

Mimmo Sicily Tours

• Private Shore Excursion led by licensed LOCAL GUIDE • Taste the famous Marsala wines and local almond pastries • Stunning views in Erice and photo opportunities • Comfortable transport by Luxury Mercedes Minivan • Hassle-free round-trip travel from the port in Trapani The island is renowned for the many outstanding wines, some of them produced in the wine capital of MARSALA, which gives the name to the world-famous wine. The nearby SALT PANS with its characteristic old windmills, are inside a beautiful area protected by the WWF, right on the coast between Trapani and Marsala. The salt produced in this area is part of Slow Food Italian Presidia. ERICE, with its unique location, just about 2500 feet above sea level, it overlooks nearby Trapani and the salt flats, and is surrounded by a lush park and hilltop castles, which offer charming old stone streets to stroll and several medieval churches to investigate.

Inclusions: Local guide/driver, Wine tasting, Port pickup and drop-off, Almond Pastry Tasting, Exclusive Private tour, Transportation by Mercedes V-Class Minivan, Bottled water

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

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.

9. 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.

10. Island of Mozia and Saline (Marsala) - Full Day Tour

Find Sicily

We will go to the island of Mozia, where an old Cartagena city is surrounded by the Stagnone Nature Reserve and visit the "Baglio Anselmi" museum.

Inclusions: Boarding for Mozia A/R with the “ Mozia lines” ship;, Guided tour in Mozia;, Lunch in agreed restauran, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Lunch

Exclusions: DVD (available to purchase)

Reviewed By jillh551

My husband and I went on the "Mysteries of Palermo" walking tour. Our tour guide, Ester, made our whole trip to Palermo so much more interesting and exciting! Her English is excellent and she took us places we would not have found ourselves. We are so glad we decided to do the tour. We would recommend it to anyone who is interested in Italian history and culture.

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