Palermo was an important capital of "Kingdom of Sicily" for centuries. Founded by the Phoenicians, who named it Ziz, Palermo was settled in the 18th century BC as a port. Its development paralleled that of Solunto and Motia. The Greeks called the city Panormos, meaning "all port." Panormus (the Latin name) was part of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire from 535 until 831, when it fell to the invading Saracen Arabs ("Moors"), who turned many of the churches into mosques and it became one of the Muslim world's most splendid cities, surpassed only by Baghdad.

The exotic mixture of Moorish, Norman and Spanish Baroque styles makes this city special. It is rich in monuments, royal palaces and churches and remains a great fascination up to now. Amidst the bustle of 21st-century life, you will be led to tucked-away churches, ancient mosaics and lively street markets, where innumerable reminders of history are woven within the modern city splendor. The most important monuments are: the Cathedral, Martorana Church, St. John of the Hermits and the Norman Palace with the Palatine Chapel in Norman-Arab style; the "Quattro Canti", Piazza Pretoria, St. Joseph of the Theatines and other ones in Baroque style.

Also view the Palace of the Normans, La Martorana Church, and the Cathedral, which houses the imperial crown of Constance of Aragon in its treasury. No trip to Palermo is truly complete without a visit to Monreale about 7 kilometers south of Palermo's center. Monreale overlooks the "Conca d'Oro," the beautiful valley beyond Palermo. The beautiful mosaics in Monreale Cathedral are said to be one of the world's largest displays of this art. The splendid cloister of the Benedictine abbey alone would make Monreale famous. Located next to the cathedral, these 228 columns, some with mosaic inlay, each with a meticulously stone carved capital, enclose the gardens of the cloister.

Schedule Details

Departure Dates:

Daily

Unavailable Dates:

• December 25 (Christmas Day)
• December 31 (New Years Eve)

Departure Point:

The tour departs from your selected hotel. The following pick ups are available. Please select the appropriate option at time of booking:

• GROUP A pick up from Catania or Taormina
• GROUP B pick up from Cefalu
• GROUP C pick up from Palermo or Monreale

Departure Time:

Tour departs between 9:00am and 10:00am

Return details:

Tour returns to original point of departure

Hotel Pickup:

Tour departs from most centrally located hotels. Please include the details of your hotel at the time of booking. You MUST call the supplier at least 24 hours prior to tour commencement to reconfirm all tour and departure details. If the supplier does not pickup from your hotel, they will advise you of the meeting point when you call. The contact details will be listed on your voucher.

Additional Information

Inclusions:

• English speaking driver
• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Air conditioned transportation

Exclusions:

• Food and drinks
• Optional gratuity
• Authorized tourist guide service (optional extra on request)
• Entrance fees at monuments, archaeological sites, museums and other possible activities

Additional Info:

• This tour must be booked at least 48 hours in advance of your travel date
• Confirmation for this product will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
• Tour is operated in English unless otherwise stated

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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