Top Palermo Historical Tours

Capital of Sicily, Palermo is a city of rich history and impressive architecture—with hidden secrets round every corner. On this bike tour, hop onto the saddle, escape the tourist trail with your guide, and see sides of Palermo many visitors miss. Spin along peaceful back-streets and through pretty squares, sample Sicilian street food, and experience life in Palermo away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist traps.

Explore Palermo’s key sights on foot on this walking tour of the Sicilian capital. Meet your guide in a convenient location in central Palermo, and set off. Visit popular landmarks ranging from the Palermo Cathedral and Palazzo Pretorio to the Massimo Theater. Learn about the city’s long entanglement with the mafia, and meet the shopkeepers and other individuals who have pioneered a local anti-mafia movement.

Walking tour in the heart of the city of Palermo, discovering historical markets, churches and squares. A journey through the history and culture of a unique city in the world.

See two of northern Sicily’s most characterful destinations when you embark on this full-day trip from Palermo. In the morning, your guide picks you up from your accommodation; board an air-conditioned minivan and head to the medieval village of Castelbuono, located in the Madonie Mountains. See the Castle of Ventimiglia and visit a local pastry shop before continuing to Cefalù, home to a UNESCO-listed cathedral and impeccable seaside views.

Discover two of Palermo’s most distinctive landmarks on this immersive, private tour. Set off from your accommodation—hotel pickup and drop-off are included—and venture first to the Capuchin Catacombs: a macabre destination home to thousands of mummified bodies, many of them priests. Next, discover the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of Monreale, famous for its fusion of Norman and Arabic architecture. A break for Sicilian coffee and nibbles is also included.

Spend half a day exploring Monreale and Palermo. Begin with an hour-long tour of the Monreale Cathedral, beloved for its mosaics dating back to the 12th century. Head to Palermo’s historic center to see the Palazzo de Normanni and its lovely gardens, the historic Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the elaborate fountain in the Piazza Pretoria, and more. Return to your hotel or port after a morning of incredible architecture and history.

Although Sicily is an island, crossing distances between the capital and destinations along the coast—especially along the south and west sides—can be tiring and time-consuming. With this tour to Agrigento from Palermo, let a guide take care of the roughly 2-hour drive between coasts, and then take you on a private tour of the strikingly well-preserved Valley of the Temples archeological site.

Cover three of Sicily’s most iconic locations in this full-day tour of Monte Etna, Taormina, and Castelmola. Explore the slopes and lava fields of the UNESCO-listed volcanic crater, with optional cable car or all-terrain drives to the top. Then, organize a visit to the famed Greek-Roman Theatre or simply relax in a cafe, topped off by a stop at Castelmola village.

Discover a number of western Sicily’s most popular destinations on this full-day tour from Palermo. Meet your guide at your accommodation, climb aboard a climate-controlled minivan, and head first to Segesta, where you’ll explore the ancient Greek amphitheater and temple (entry own expense). Then, discover the medieval town of Erice, enjoy a traditional Sicilian lunch (own expense) in Saline, and finish with a walking tour of the elegant city of Trapani.

Discover ancient ruins left over from the Greeks on this private excursion. Enjoy pickup from the Palermo area and head to Agrigento where you can find the UNESCO-listed Temple Valley. Learn about its ancient history and explore its many sites before heading to the seaside to see the white cliffs dubbed as the ‘Turkish Stairway.”

Maximize your time in Palermo with this sightseeing tour, which showcases the best of the city and the surrounding region. Visit the hillside town of Monreale, known for its Norman cathedral and 12th-century mosaics, and explore Palermo’s historic center. Enjoy beach time at the seaside resort of Mondello and venture up Monte Pellegrino to view the 17th-century Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia cave shrine.

Discover the ancient origins of Sicily during this private sightseeing tour from the Palermo region. Visit the town of Erice, famous for its sweet confections and for being associated with the goddess of fertility. Then, see ancient Greek ruins in the towns of Segesta and Selinunte and learn about the indigenous people of Sicily. This is not a guided tour but a private, English-speaking driver is included.

On this full-day tour from Palermo, you’ll be driven to three of Sicily’s most stunning and history-packed destinations. Enjoy free time to explore the castle town of Castelbuono, the hillside town of Monreale, and the originally Greek seaside hub of Cefalu. Discover the region’s Arab-Norman roots with optional visits to the opulent Cappella Palatina and 14th-century Castelbuono.

On this two-for-one, full-day private tour, you’ll discover top historical sights in both Monreale—famous for its mosaic-filled 12th-century cathedral—and stunning, seaside Cefalù. Travel comfortably by air-conditioned minivan, with bottled water and hotel transfers included. You’ll also enjoy free time to browse local boutiques.

Enjoy the freedom and flexibility to explore Santo Stefano di Camastra, Corleone, and Cefalù on your own during this full-day self-guided tour from Palermo. All transportation from your hotel and between towns is included.