Embark on a private 4-hour tour of Palermo’s historic landmarks, including the Duomo, Quattro Canti, and Palazzo dei Normanni. Explore the city’s magical streets and capture beautiful photos along the way. Customizable and perfect for cruise passengers!
- Teatro Politeama Garibaldi - After departing from the port, we head to Piazza Castelnuovo, also known as Piazza Politeama, named after the theater that dominates the square. The Politeama Garibaldi Theater, initiated in 1867 by Giuseppe Damiani Almeyda and inaugurated in 1874, though incomplete and without a roof, was designed to enhance the social role of the theater as the “People’s Theater.” The horseshoe-shaped hall in 1874 could accommodate 5,000 spectators, featuring a double row of boxes and a gallery divided into two tiers. Today, it serves as the prestigious home of the Sicilian Symphony Orchestra.
Piazza Castelnuovo is one of the most renowned and frequented squares in Palermo. Together with Piazza Ruggero Settimo, it is known as Piazza Politeama and also features several statues by Civiletti and a finely crafted music platform, built in 1875 by the Florio family to prevent the construction of additional houses in the square, complementing their grand villa.
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Capo Street Market - The Capo Market in Palermo is still situated in the upper part of the ancient Arab quarter of Schiavoni, known for pirates and slave traders. This popular neighborhood, formed during the Muslim era, is nestled between baroque churches and iconic street food stalls. The main entrance to the market is marked by the 14th-century Porta Carini. A narrow street that widens and narrows between the stalls, bustling with people stopping to observe, taste, and purchase. It is an ideal place to find culinary souvenirs, including typical vacuum-packed products like dried tomatoes, capers, spices, and anchovies in oil, as well as sardines in salt. It is also considered the quintessential fish market. Bright colors and intoxicating aromas blend with typical specialties and the voices of merchants, known as “abbanniate,” inviting you to buy their goods. This makes the market a must-visit place.
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Teatro Massimo - The Teatro Massimo is one of the most iconic landmarks of Palermo, a symbol of the city. With its grand Art Nouveau facade inspired by Greek temples and classical buildings, the two massive bronze statues of lions flanking the entrance staircase, and the frieze at the top bearing the inscription: “Art renews peoples and reveals their lives. The beloved is in the scene where you do not aim to prepare the future,” it dominates Piazza Verdi, becoming a gathering spot for both locals and tourists. The Teatro Massimo in Palermo is also the largest opera house in Italy and one of the largest in Europe. The theater is open for visits daily from 10:00 to 14:30. Full price: €8.00, Reduced price: €5.00 (under 26), Free for children under six.
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Mercato Ballaro - With over a millennium of history, the Ballarò market is one of the oldest surviving markets in Palermo. Located in the vibrant Albergheria district, it has evolved over the years while maintaining its distinctive style. Among the stalls and small shops of Ballarò, you can buy meat, fresh fish, and locally sourced fruits and vegetables, as well as cheeses, typical products, and sweets. In addition to the traditional stalls, there are many places where you can sit and enjoy typical dishes at very affordable prices. Ballarò is also known for its many prestigious monuments, such as the Tower of S. Nicolò, which offers a 360° panoramic view of Palermo, the Church of Carmine Maggiore, and the Chamber of Wonders.
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Norman Palace - One of the most visited buildings in Sicily, the Palazzo dei Normanni in Palermo is the oldest royal residence in Europe and currently houses the Sicilian regional assembly. Inside, there are several courtyards, including the Cortile Maqueda and the Cortile della Fontana. The patio leads to the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, while the first level houses the Palatine Chapel. The palace contains numerous works of art, including masterpieces from the 19th and 20th centuries by Francesco Lojacono, Antonino Leto, Joan Mirò, and Renato Guttuso.
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Cattedrale di Palermo - The Cathedral of Palermo is the most iconic building in the city. Its construction began in 1184 at the behest of Archbishop Gualtiero Offamilio, in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed into Heaven. Since July 3, 2015, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Quattro Canti - You will be dropped off at Piazza Pretoria, from where you can admire the main churches, including the La Martorana church, San Cataldo church, San Giuseppe dei Teatini church, the Fontana della Vergogna, and the four corners.
- The tour includes private transportation for a comfortable journey.
- Stay hydrated with complimentary bottled water.
- On-board WiFi to stay connected at all times.
- Convenient departure from the port of Palermo.
- Benefit from a bilingual Italian-English driver for easy communication.
- Child seats available upon request to ensure the safety of young travelers.
- Enjoy a concise 4-hour excursion, perfect for those on a tight schedule.
- No extra stress about parking fees – they’re already covered.
- Guide
Embark on a journey to unravel the rich history of Palermo and marvel at its enchanting streets! With this offering, you’ll get the opportunity to witness all the key sights of Palermo, like its historic markets, the majestic Duomo or Cathedral of Palermo, the spirit of Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria (also known as Piazza della Vergogna), the sublime church of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio (Martorana), the tranquil church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti, the regal Palazzo dei Normanni, the exalted Massimo theater, and many more.
- A private city tour of Palermo, spanning 4 hours.
- Enjoy the service of a guide fluent in English, French, or German.
- Travel in comfort with a private car, driven by a professional.
- Pick-up and drop-off conveniences from the port.
The excursion accommodates for numerous stops for capturing picturesque photographs. The itinerary can be personalized to cater to your preferences.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.