Palermo, Monreale and Cefalu

This private shore tour visits the charming town of Cefalu, the famous cathedral in Monreale, and the important port city of Palermo. Combined, these three places are among the most important sites in Sicily's tourism.

After meeting your private licensed guide you depart for Cefalu, a picturesque fishing village tucked between the sea and a rocky promontory. This town has a population of only 14,000, but its charm makes it a major tourism attraction in Sicily. You enjoy a walking tour of the old town, which is mainly for pedestrians and lined with boutiques and good restaurants. The old town center is dominated by the cathedral, with the rock rising in the background.

Cefalu's checkered history reflects the different peoples who governed it, including the Arabs, the Greeks and the Normans. You visit the cathedral, founded in 1131 at the behest of the Norman King Roger II, a synthesis of several cultures designed by Norman architects with Arab craftsmen and incorporating Byzantine liturgical elements. The interior is dominated by the image of Christ Pantokrator in the apse, and the side walls carry mosaics from the late 1200s depicting prophets, saints and patriarchs.

You also visit the town's famous washing place. Because of its cool running water, this space was used by women to wash laundry until only a few decades ago. A flight of stairs made of lava stone leads down to a room covered by a low ceiling, giving it the look of a cave, where an underground river emerges from numerous openings in the walls. You have time to enjoy lunch, not included, in the beautiful old town before departing for Monreale.

In Monreale's beautiful old town you find the world famous Norman Cathedral, another major attraction in Sicily. Construction of this masterpiece of Norman art began under William II in 1174 and was finished a few years later. On the outside you can admire the beautiful doors, the 16th century portico by Gagini, and the richly decorated apse. Inside you will see the amazing set of mosaics on a golden background, created between the 12th and 13th century, representing stories from the Old and New Testament, the largest complete cycle of Byzantine mosaic art anywhere. The 11th century Benedictine cloister, with its oriental fountain and four sided colonnade, is also remarkable.

After visiting Monreale you drive to Palermo, where you enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town. Palermo reflects the diverse history of the region, with masterpieces from many periods, including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The Norman Palace, home to the Sicilian parliament, and the Palatine Chapel from 1132, covered in glittering mosaics, are perfect examples. The city also hosts a rich vegetation of palm trees, prickly pears, bananas and lemon trees, noticed by the German writer Goethe, who visited the newly opened botanical gardens in April 1787 and described them as "the most beautiful place on earth." A favorite for many visitors is the Vucciria, a maze of small streets where vendors sell fresh fruits, vegetables and seafood.

At the end of your excursion you return to the port.

If you cannot find what you are looking for, our Sicily Palermo tours and Sicily Palermo Shore Excursions can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer you a private Sicily Palermo tour using a mid-size bus or full size coach. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a customized quote.