back to: Palermo (province) Italy
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Duration:
Location: Palermo, Sicily Italy | Palermo, Italy
Category: Day Trips & Excursio
Highlights:
Vibrant urban energy of lively Palermo—Sicily's largest city
Glittering gilded mosaics of the splendid Monreale cathedral
Visits to the Ballaro market & the eerie Capuchin Catacombs
Architectural landmarks Palermo Cathedral & Casa Professa
Free time to shop, stroll & enjoy lunch in Piazza Politeama
Inclusions:
Guided tour of Palermo and Monreale
Roundtrip transportation to and from central Taormina
Live tour commentary provided in English, Italian, German, and French
Description:
Spend a day immersed in the urban energy of Palermo, absorbing the faded grandeur of its historic sites and eclectic architecture. Visit catacombs, churches, and open-air markets, and stop in the town of Monreale to take in the dazzling splendor of its gilded and mosaicked 12th-century cathedral.
Grab a seat on a comfortable coach and admire the coastal scenery on your way to Monreale. Set in the hills above Palermo, this jewel of a village is famed for its 12th-century Norman cathedral. Step into the nave, where every surface is covered in gilded, gleaming tiles. Marvel at shimmering mosaics that depict tales from the Old Testament, walk through the elegant Arabic arches of the courtyard, and spend some free time grabbing coffee in town or taking in the views from the gardens.
From there, head down into Palermo itself, a colorful metropolitan melting pot and Sicily’s largest city. Scope out its mix of Byzantine, Latin, and Arabic architectural styles as you learn about the various invaders and conquerors who have left their mark on the city through the centuries. Roam through the attentive chaos of Ballaro’s open-air market, check out the 16th-century fountain in Piazza Pretoria, and admire the ornate interior of the Baroque church of Casa Professa.
Break off from the group in Piazza Politeama to shop the boutiques, grab a seat at a sidewalk café for lunch, or seek out tasty Palermo street food like panelle (fried chickpea pancakes). Regroup for the afternoon and stroll the sun-baked streets to the regal Teatro Massimo opera house and the massive Palermo Cathedral, which was built over the course of 700 years. Your final stop is the creepily captivating Capuchin Catacombs, where you explore this macabre underground world before your return ride to Taormina.
Cancellation Policy: 48 hours
Know before you book:
Children 2 and younger are complimentary.,
This tour departs from the Taormina Bus Terminal on Via Luigi Pirandello. Pickup may also take place at Giardini Naxos, Recanati, or Letojanni; you will confirm your exact pick-up location when you call to confirm your reservation.,
At least 8 people are required for this activity to take place.,
Check-in is 15 minutes prior to the booked tour start time.
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