Marco is extremely personable and knowledgeable. He has excellent communication skills. Made the history understandable and relatable. Brought the past to life and explained its impact on the present. One of the best tour guides ever!!! Also gave terrific recommendations for further exploration. Highly recommend!!!!
Sites & Insights: Palermo City Tour
Unpack Palermo’s Arab-Norman layers and modern challenges
The Finer Details
Palermo, Sicily's largest city, is a layered metropolis with centuries of Arab, Norman, Byzantine, and Mediterranean influences. In the company of a local expert, learn about the city's history, art, and architecture in this 3-hour tour, as we traverse a diverse range of topics from Norman religiosity to contemporary challenges affecting the city.
Sites Visited
- Cathedral of Palermo
- La Martorana
- Piazza Pretoria
- Casa Professa
- San Cataldo
Itinerary
Your tour will begin with an overview of Palermo’s history, art, and architecture, as you explore the vibrant streets, analyze the exterior of the magnificent Cathedral of Palermo, and enjoy the picturesque Piazze such as Piazza Verdi, Piazza Pretoria, and Piazza Bellini.
You'll then visit the Norman churches of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio, called "La Martorana" by the locals, with its famous 12th-century mosaics, and San Cataldo church, known for its famous red onion-shaped domes, and one of the finest blends of architectural and artistic styles.
You will also learn about contemporary Palermo, its current issues, challenges, and the influence of the Mafia in this multifaceted city.
At the end of the tour, you will visit one of the most splendid examples of the Sicilian Baroque: the church of Casa Professa, and you will gain a deep understanding of this fascinating, yet complex city.
You'll then visit the Norman churches of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio, called "La Martorana" by the locals, with its famous 12th-century mosaics, and San Cataldo church, known for its famous red onion-shaped domes, and one of the finest blends of architectural and artistic styles.
You will also learn about contemporary Palermo, its current issues, challenges, and the influence of the Mafia in this multifaceted city.
At the end of the tour, you will visit one of the most splendid examples of the Sicilian Baroque: the church of Casa Professa, and you will gain a deep understanding of this fascinating, yet complex city.
Logistics
If your tour takes place in the afternoon, the visit to the La Martorana church will be replaced with the church of Santa Caterina.
Tickets
Tickets
The tour includes entrances to churches and sites. There might be some extra fees to be paid on-site. It is a good idea to have some cash with you for those.
Dress Code
This tour visits several churches. Visitors must dress modestly, covering their shoulders and knees for both men and women. It's also advisable to wear comfortable footwear.
FAQ
Where do we meet? Where does it end?
You will meet your guide in front of the Bar Marocco, via Vittorio Emanuele. Your route and end location may differ according to your guide. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map.
What if it’s raining?
Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your expert will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to be prepared; we encourage keeping an eye on the weather and bringing along an umbrella, sunscreen, water, or a hat as needed.
Is this tour walking-intensive, and/or wheelchair accessible?
We do cover quite a bit of ground on this tour, and therefore we recommend contacting us with any mobility questions; we will be happy to advise if the itinerary will be appropriate for you or propose modifications where necessary. Please feel free to contact us.
Do we visit the Cathedral of Palermo and the Palatine Chapel?
This tour does not include access to the interior of the Cathedral or the Palatine Chapel. Your guide will provide explanations about these sites from the outside, and you are welcome to visit them on your own after the tour.
Can we walk on the terraces of the Cathedral?
If you are interested, and it is available, you might be able to access the terraces (it's about 100 steps) by paying a 5 euro ticket on-site, not included in the price of the tour.
Do we visit the Cathedral of Palermo and the Palatine Chapel?
This tour does not include access to the interior of the Cathedral or the Palatine Chapel. Your guide will provide explanations about these sites from the outside, and you are welcome to visit them on your own after the tour.
Can we walk on the terraces of the Cathedral?
If you are interested, and it is available, you might be able to access the terraces (it's about 100 steps) by paying a 5 euro ticket on-site, not included in the price of the tour.
Meet the Experts
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
-
Porta Carini
-
La Martorana
-
Palermo Cathedral
-
San Cataldo Church
-
Casa Professa
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
-
English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
-
Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
-
Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
-
HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Not Included
-
Food and drinkUnless booking a Food & Drink tour or tasting experience, refreshments are not included.
-
Transportation to and from the meeting pointUnless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
-
GratuitiesTips aren’t included, but we encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
-
Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Don’t just take our word for it
Erica was a knowledgeable and passionate guide who fashioned the afternoon according to my specific interest in Arab Norman (and Byzantine) churches. She is also a born and bred proud native of Palemo and I enjoyed hearing about the city through her experiences. She set me up well to appreciate Monreale on my own the following day.
Gabriella was awesome!!
Book a Tour
Let Your Curiosity Shape Your Journey
Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.
Structured, never scripted
Your interests guide your Expert, leading to stories and perspectives that matter to you.
Crafted for conversation
With 12 or fewer guests, ask questions, engage with your Expert, and fully immerse yourself.
Experts, not guides
Explore with 1,200+ Experts—from historians and architects to archaeologists and chefs.
