Cattedrale di Monreale

Escape the hustle and bustle of Palermo city center on a half-day tour to Monreale and Cefalù. Marvel at a Norman cathedral on the slopes of Monte Caputo, and learn the Greek and Medieval history of one of Sicily’s most beautiful towns. Following a pick-up from your hotel or the port of Palermo, transfer to Monreale where you will have approximately 1-hour to tour the Duomo. An official audio guide is included to learn the history of the 12th-century building, considered one of the greatest landmarks of medieval ecclesiastical architecture in the south of Italy. Then, drive along the north coast of Sicily, on route to the beautiful town of Cefalù. Sit back and relax on the 1.5-hour journey, and on arrival go to the 12th-century Duomo. See traces of the Middle Ages at the Osterio Magno. Get panoramic views from the Porta Terra. Discover Greek and Arabic pottery in the Mandralisca Museum, and walk down some curving stone steps to a picturesque cluster of 16th-century wash basins at the Lavatoio.

Hop aboard a shuttle bus from Palermo, conveniently located near major hotels, for a direct transfer to Monreale. Experience a secure and comfortable service, avoiding long waits in lines. Upon arrival in Monreale, get free to explore the beautiful town and visit the Cathedral, one of the richest and most beautiful churches in Italy, combining Norman, Byzantine, Italian, and Saracen styles. DEPARTURE TIMES FROM PALERMO: H. 08:45 am Presentation, 09.00 Departure by VAN or Bus. ARRIVAL AT THE BUS PARKING IN MONREALE ALTA at 09.30 approximately and free time to visit the Cathedral and the Abbey route. PLACE OF PRESENTATION, DEPARTURE FROM MONREALE: Bus Parking in MONREALE ALTA Amat Terminus or Tourist Buses (Near at Teste di Moro) DEPARTURE TIMES FROM MONREALE ALTA AMAT BUS PARKING. AM. H. 12:15 am Departure by Bus. ARRIVAL AT THE TERMINUS PIAZZA VERDI TEATRO MASSIMO in Palermo AT APPROXIMATELY 12:45 AND END OF SERVICE.

Explore the ghoulish remains of friars and luminaries at Palermo’s Capuchin Catacombs on a 3-hour sightseeing tour. Wander along dank corridors through a vast human library of mummified bodies. Inaugurated in 1599, when Capuchin monks discovered that their catacombs contained a mysterious preservative that could mummify the dead, the goal of the site is to reflect on the fragility of life and consider the pettiness of worldly goods. Some 8,000 bodies of men and women were ultimately buried in the catacombs, including the mummy of friar Silvestro of Gubbio, the first body to be buried in the catacombs. The corpses are divided into categories, such as friars, virgins, and professors, and often recognizable by their decaying clothing. As you walk through the corridors, you will see ghastly bodies that include the mummified corpse of the painter Velazquez. Emerge from the gruesome catacombs and travel to Monreale, 6 miles (10 kilometers) from Palermo. Here you will swap corpses for gold and marble as you visit the 12th-century Arab-Norman Cathedral, one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in the world. End your tour at the Benedictine Cloister, completed at the turn of the 13th century. Wander around the beautiful garden, surrounded by delicate arches and white marble columns.

You'll take a guided tour of Monreale, which is just 5 kilometers from Palermo, at 310 meters above sea level on the hill of Mount Caputo. The visit will start from the cathedral, the symbol of the town, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage monument in 2012. The cathedral is undoubtedly an architectural masterpiece of the 12th-century, in which different styles are linked together: the architecture of northern Europe, Romanesque art and Arabic art. Outside, it is richly decorated by two bronze doors, the first from Bonanno da Pisa and the second by Barisano di Trani, who also sculpted the doors of the cathedrals of Ravello and Trani. The interior is illuminated by magnificent gold mosaics that culminate in the Christ Pantocrator in the apsidal basin as the highest expression of figurative art. Your tour continues with the visit to the ancient Benedictine monastery and cloister, which flank the cathedral, and a look at the beautiful sight overlooking the valley and the golden basin of orange and citrus groves.

Dive into the heart of Sicily with our CruiserCar tour, a meticulously designed experience that blends luxury, history, and the breathtaking landscapes of Palermo and Monreale. Your adventure begins in the vibrant streets of Palermo's historic center, where the past and present merge in a symphony of colors, aromas, and sounds. From the intricate facades of ancient buildings to the bustling local markets, every turn reveals a new layer of the city's rich heritage. As we navigate through the cobblestone lanes, your expert guide will unveil the stories behind Palermo's most iconic landmarks. The majestic Cathedral, a testament to centuries of art and architecture, and the Quattro Canti, where the four historic districts of Palermo meet, are just the beginning. The CruiserCar allows for an intimate exploration, offering unparalleled views and the flexibility to absorb the atmosphere without the constraints of traditional tours. The journey then delves into the mysterious Catacombs, where corridors lined with the silent guardians of Palermo's past offer a unique glimpse into the city's history and cultural traditions. This hidden world beneath the bustling streets provides a stark contrast and a moment of reflection on the cycles of life and legacy. Next, we ascend to Monreale, a treasure perched above Palermo, offering panoramic views that stretch to the sea. The Cathedral of Monreale, famous for its stunning mosaics and intricate gold leaf work, stands as a monument to Norman architecture and the island's diverse cultural influences. Here, amidst the serene beauty and the whispers of history, you'll feel the soul of Sicily. Throughout this journey, the comfort and style of our CruiserCar ensure an experience of unparalleled luxury. With options for 1, 3, or 6-hour tours, you have the flexibility to immerse yourself in the beauty of Sicily at your own pace. Each moment is tailored to provide an intimate encounter with the island's rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. This tour is more than just a sightseeing trip; it's an invitation to experience the essence of Sicily through the eyes of those who know and love it. Join us for an unforgettable adventure where every detail is crafted with passion and every path leads to discovery.

After departing from Cefalù, you will make your way to the village of Monreale. Once there you will begin by visiting its cathedral, whose interior is completely covered with marble and splendid mosaics. You will then visit the cloister of the Benedictines, which are located on the south side of the cathedral. Each side has 26 arches resting on columns, and include narrative cycles from both the Old and New Testaments. Following that, you'll continue your excursion to Palermo, where you will visit the cathedral. It was formerly a mosque in Islamic times, before being converted into a cathedral church by Roberto the Guiscardo after the conquest of Palermo. You'll then wander through the old town along the typical "Capo" market and the Quattro Canti and Pretoria squares. Free time for lunch and leisure will then follow in the famous Piazza Verdi, the square of the Massimo Theatre. In the afternoon, you'll enjoy a panoramic tour by bus for an optional visit to the Capuchin catacombs, before your tour concludes with your return to Cefalù.

Your private guide and driver will lead you to Monreale, just outside Palermo city, on the hill Caputo to admire the magnificient Cathedral, with its 3 km squares of byzantine mosaics, the charming medieval Capuchine Cloister, and finally . After the visit of the Cathedral and Cloister a breif pit stop by a local bakery to taste the authentic sicilian pizza and then a tour and visit of one of the most beautiful and creative artists of ceramics works in his laboratory to discover the secrets and stories of the authentic sicilian ceramics.

The tour starts in the morning to drive to Monreale Cathedral and the beautiful benedectines Cloister, then driving on to Mondello beach, the charming sea area around Palermo for a break to taste the sicilian streetfood and a relaxing walking by the sea before going up to mountain Pellegrino and admiring an amazing view over all Palemo. On Mountain Pellegrino we will visit the Shrine dedicated to the Saint Patroness of Palermo: Saint Rosalie and will know the history why she is the saint Patroness of the town.

All our Bike Tours are private, to ensure the best indiviual experience without the need to get mixed up with other clients! Discover the territories of Albanian language and culture in Sicily on a full-day bike tour. Visit Sicily's Albanian-origin town, learn about the flows of Albanian immigration centuries ago, and how a handful of towns have preserved their ancestors' language, food, and traditions. Meet your guide in Palermo and set off on a bike ride to the town of Piana degli Albanesi, famous for its "cannoli," the typical Sicilian sweets filled with ricotta cheese. The itinerary includes the visit of Monreale, famous for the cathedral with its precious gold mosaics. Then, take a ride along the route of a fascinating old disused railway, initially designed to house a train at the beginning of last century; through this itinerary the ascent to Santa Cristina Gela is way easier and less tiring. We will visit a portion of the Lake of Piana, an area of naturalistic value entrusted to WWF Italy. Having reached the town of Piana degli Albanesi and having had the chance to taste its famous "cannoli" filled on the spot by a master pastry chef, begin the long, spectacular descent to Palermo, where the tour ends.

On this full-day tour visit the magnificent sights in the city of Palermo before moving on to the town of Monreale, where you will visit the fabulous cathedral. Finish off the day with a visit to the beach resort of Mondello. During tour sightseeing of the interesting sights in Palermo, the guide will give all historical informations about the town. After driving for about 20 km you will visit the town of Monreale. Here you can admire the magnificent cathedral and cloister, one of the most stunning Norman churches.  Following Monreale your next visit will be Mondello, a popular beach resort near Palermo which was originally a small fishing village. Here you can enjoy the sight of the small fishing boats before returning to Palermo port, train station, or city center in the late afternoon. This tour will introduce you to some of Palermo's renowned and treet food.