Quattro Canti

Discover Palermo, the chief town of Sicily, on an open-top, hop-on hop-off bus tour! Start from the terminal outside the Politeama Theater, cruise past the Massimo Theatre, and continue towards Piazza Quattro Canti and the nearby Vucciria Market. The tour continues towards the botanical gardens, passing near Palazzo Steri. After a quick glance of the central station, you'll find yourself in the vicinity of the Royal Palace, the Flea Market, and the Cathedral. Then return to the terminal along the ancient via Roma. The second route takes you to the beautiful villas of Palermo. Starting from the terminal outside the Politeama Theatre, admire the gorgeous English Garden and then continue towards Villa Malfitano and the wonderful Zisa Castle. The tour passes near the Mercato del Capo and the Massimo Theatre, towards the port, and then returns to the terminal in Politeama Square.

Meet us at h 2.30PM at the i Quattro Canti, the famous Pretoria (A.k.a Shame) fountain will be a scenario of popular stories. In Piazza Bellini you will admire the domes of San Cataldo from the 12th century of the Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher, of the Martorana and of Santa Caterina and you will travel the alleys of the Corporations of the artisans and of the Judges who accompanied the Inquiries to the Death. You will be introduced to the stories of Gattopardo admiring the terrace of the Gangi palace, location of the famous film by Visconti, to reach the square decorated by the splendid Gothic rose window of the church of San Francesco D’Assisi. From there you will discover the richest and darkest centuries of Hispanic Sicily with a visit to the oratory of San Lorenzo, decorated by the stuccos of the Serpotta and admire the ancient furnishings, stables and treasures in the Historical House of the Mirto Palace. In the shadow of the centuries-old ficus magnolioides of the sea square, a Surprise Visit in the footsteps of the “Santa Inquisition” will end your walk through traditional ice-creams and cannoli in the district of the old port of the Cala.

Discover Palermo on a guided walking tour of this charming city, including a cannolo tasting. See iconic sights including the U Capu historical market, the Norman Cathedral, and the ancient fortifications of the city. Marvel at the varied architectural styles around you: baroque, Spanish facades and courtyards, and more. Meet us at h 9AM at Piazza Verdi at the foot of Teatro Massimo staircase to admire the imposing structure of the largest opera house in Italy. A few steps you will enter the heart of the historical market "U Capu" where history, tradition and street food mix with the voices and faces of the people of Palermo. There is a newly restored baroque jewel, the church of the Immaculate Conception. Through alleys and ancient buildings you are at the Norman cathedral where the remains of Frederick II of Swabia and the silver "Vara" of Santa Rosalia are located. Between the gardens of Villa Bonanno and the ancient Roman ruins of the Paleopoli you will be at the Royal or Norman Palace which houses 3000 years of our history and the splendid mosaics of the Palatine chapel where Arabs, Byzantines and Normans shared knowledge, esoteric secrets, life and customs in great tolerance. Skirting the ancient fortifications you will photograph San Giovanni degli Eremiti, an evocative Arab-Norman architecture with its particular domes. Discovering medieval quarters, Spanish facades and courtyards of historic houses, you will walk through the "Cassaro" to end your tour at the Quattro Canti or Teatro del Sole, an elegant baroque structure.

Palermo is especially suited for a walking tour, considering its Arabic-influenced urban structure and narrow streets and lanes. Get acquainted with this beautiful Sicilian city on this half-day walking tour. Start by crossing Politeama Square, the main square of Palermo, where the main city avenues meet. Continue along Ruggero VII Street, which is considered the “lounge of Palermo” and pass the Church of St. Lucia before arriving at Theater Massimo, the largest theater in Europe. Continue along Via Maqueda, an ancient commercial street full of churches and historic buildings, to Candelai, which is at the heart of Palermo's nightlife. See Quattro Canti, meaning "four corners," which divides the city exactly into four parts. See the beautiful church, St. Joseph of Theatine and tour the iconic Cathedral of Palermo. The Royal Palace awaits afterward, where you can visit a Jewel of Arab Norman art and also the most visited monument in Sicily: the Palatine Chapel. Throughout the tour, you will see old Arab quarters hidden among the narrow lanes of the inner city, including the community of St. Clare. Admire the nude statues in the Square of Shame and the red Arabic-style domes atop the Church of the Martorana. Shop around the historic market, Vucciria and Saint Dominic Square before lunch. Inside a 16th-century Spanish building, enjoy a rich Sicilian buffet, including panelle, sfincione, anelletti al forno, caponata and cassatelle, along with a traditional Sicilian wine and a dessert of almond biscuits and mocha espresso.

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. Your private chauffeur will first take you into the center of Palermo to explore its magnificent sights. Here you will visit Ruggiero VII Square (Piazza Politeama), the Theater Massimo, Quattro Canti (Piazza Vigliena), the Royal Palace and the Palatine Chapel – a beautiful chapel representing the best example of Arab-Norman art. After seeing the interesting sights in Palermo, visit the town of Monreale. Here you can admire the magnificent cathedral and cloister, one of the most stunning Norman churches.  Also visit 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 diverse, local street food.