Monreale

Tours

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.

IMPORTANT NOTE: by participating in this tour you are aware that there may be other participants and therefore the tour may be in multiple languages depending on the nationality of the participants. If you want the tour to be in 1 language you can book a private one! Enjoy a guided walking tour of the small town of Monreale. Admire the most beautiful panoramas of the town, learn about its history, and taste some of its typical food. Meet your guide and follow me on a relaxing walk through the most important monuments of Cefalù. See corners and narrow streets you won't be able to find on your own. In the meantime, listen to your guide as I will tell you all the history of the village enriched by local legends that you won't find on the tourist guides. At the end of your walk, enjoy a typical food of the area. In the summer, enjoy a good ice cream or granita. In the winter, taste a typical "sfincione" in a local bakery. IMPORTANT WE WON’ T COVER LA ROCCA HIKING IN THE TOUR

Explore the Monreale Cathedral and its cloister with a combined ticket and audio guide. Admire the cathedral's stunning mosaics and the cloister's beautiful fountain and lush vegetation. Built during the 12th century by William II of Sicily, Monreale Cathedral is one of the most important examples of Norman architecture in the world. The cathedral is decorated with stunning mosaics, which depict scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints. The cathedral is also home to a beautiful cloister, which is considered one of the finest in Italy. With four sides of 26 arches long and supported by 228 columns, the Benedictine Cloister speaks of the prowess of Arab and Byzantine artisans. Explore each pillar of the cloister as it unfolds scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints. The cloister is also home to a beautiful fountain, which is surrounded by lush vegetation, ideal for a leisure stroll.

Enjoy a Half-day shore excursion to Corleone, a small town that has had its history and culture shaped by the Mafia. Visit the museum in Corleone and admire the breathtaking scenery of Sicily as you journey through green valleys, cornfields and vineyards. Corleone is a small town and commune of approximately 12,000 inhabitants in the province of Palermo in Sicily, Italy. Several Mafia bosses have come from Corleone, including Tommy Gagliano, Jack Dragna, Giuseppe Morello, Michele Navarra, Luciano Leggio, Leoluca Bagarella, Salvatore Riina and Bernardo Provenzano. It is also the birthplace of several fictional characters in The Godfather, including the eponymous Vito (Andolini) Corleone. The local mafia clan, the Corleonesi, led the Mafia in the 1980s and 1990s, and were the most violent and ruthless Mafia clan ever to take control of the organization. The Corleone municipality has an area of 22,912 hectares (56,620 acres) with a population density of 49 inhabitants per square kilometer. Located in an inland area of the mountain, in a valley between the Rocca di Maschi, the Castello Soprano and the Castello Sottano. Corleone is located at 542 meters (1,778 feet) above sea level. Many interesting sights of nature include the Gorges of the Dragon in the vicinity of the Ficuzza forest and the Due Rocche Waterfalls. 

Get into the driver's seat and experience the Italian Dolce Vita like never before with a vintage Fiat 500 city sightseeing tour. Cruise the historic streets of Palermo in a colorful and classic Fiat 500, winding through ancient alleyways and bustling markets. Decide if you want to drive or let your guide take the wheel, and choose to visit either the town of Mondello or Monreale. Begin at the iconic Porta di Palermo, the historic gateway to the city that sets the tone for your adventure. Pay homage to the heroes of Palermo at the Murale Falcone e Borsellino, a striking mural honoring the two judges who bravely fought against the Mafia. Drive through Porta Felice, the historic city gate that opens onto the Foro Italico with stunning views of the waterfront and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Continue to the tranquil square of Piazza Marina and see one of Europe’s largest and oldest trees. Then, soak up the lively atmosphere of Mercato Ballarò, where locals shop for fresh produce and traditional Sicilian delicacies. Admire the intricate details of Baroque architecture, sculptures, and fountains of Chiesa del Gesù, Chiesa di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria, and Fontana Pretoria, and be enchanted by the heart of Palermo in Quattro Canti, a true testament to Palermo’s rich history and culture. Marvel at the majestic Palermo Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that showcases a mix of Arab, Norman, and Baroque influences, before completing the tour at Teatro Massimo, Italy's largest opera house and a symbol of Palermo's cultural vitality. Depending on the option chosen, you will visit the town of Mondello or Monreale. If you chose Mondello, visit this iconic seaside town, renowned for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Take in the dramatic views of Monte Pellegrino in the background as you explore. If you chose Monreale, get swept away by the panoramic views and timeless beauty of this hillside gem. With panoramic views overlooking Palermo, experience the perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and local culture.

Travelling with CruiserCar in Palermo is an experience unlike any other. The elegance and grandeur of the CruiserCar, the first 9-seater cabriolet, sets the stage for an unforgettable journey of this beautiful city. Experience the city like never before, our expert drivers and Cicerones will guide you through the city's rich culture and history, taking you to top landmarks and hidden gems. CruiserCar's city sightseeing tours are designed to showcase the best of Palermo, from the historic Capo Market to the Cathedral, from the panoramic Mount Pellegrino to hidden gems that are off the beaten path. We also offer pick-up and drop-off services, ensuring a seamless, luxurious journey. CruiserCar is the perfect choice for those looking for royalty transportation and an unforgettable experience. Book your tour today and discover why CruiserCar's city sightseeing tours in Palermo are truly one of a kind. Only one tour available per session. Book now to secure your exclusive seat!

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.

Excursion program: meeting with your driver at your hotel, B&B, cruise ship in the morning at 08.30 am, departure with New and comfortable van from Palermo. Corleone, arrival scheduled for 10:00 am, visit to the Anti-Mafia Museum and to the places that inspired the protagonist of the famous novel by Mario Puzzo and the film Don Vito Corleone. The museum guide will explain everything from the birth of "Cosa Nostra" in America to the present day, you will see a part of the museum dedicated to the Maxi Trial and to the judges Heroes Falcone and Borsellino. You will have lunch if you want in a local restaurant or bar. If possible you will assist to the preparation of ricotta and sheep cheeses in a local dairy. After departure to Monreale , visit of the Cathedral . Return to the hotel in the afternoon around 15:30.

Explore the charms of the Arab-Norman route with a 6-hour tour from Palermo. First stop: Monreale, with its extraordinary cathedral, a jewel of golden mosaics. Continue to Cefalù, an enchanting seaside village where history and natural beauty meet. Stroll through the medieval streets and relax on the famous beach of *The White Lotus*, set of the series, admiring the turquoise sea. An experience that combines art, culture and relaxation, perfect for discovering authentic Sicily. In Cefalù you will also have time to enjoy a delicious lunch overlooking the sea, savoring typical Sicilian dishes, and to explore the waterfront or shop in local boutiques. A time to fully immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this enchanting place.