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Palermo Private tours

Our most recommended Palermo Private tours

Palermo: Private Mount Etna, Taormina, and Castelmola Tour

1. Palermo: Private Mount Etna, Taormina, and Castelmola Tour

Enjoy a pickup from your accommodation in Palermo, Cefalù, or the Port of Palermo and embark on an exploration of the region's stunning attractions. First, visit the slopes of Mount Etna to experience the lava fields and the incredible landscape view from Europe's highest and most active volcano.   The Etna volcano is one of Sicily's main tourist attractions with thousands of visitors every year. The most common route is through the road leading to Sapienza Refuge, lying at the south of the crater at elevation of 1,910m. It hosts a large parking area, several bars, a hotel, and is a starting point for the cable car. From the refuge, you can take the cable car uphill to an elevation of 2,500m. From there, you can take a drive with special terrain vehicles, or enjoy a long walk to the designated crater area at 2,920m.   The next stop will be in Taormina where you’ll have leisure time for an independent tour of the town, ideal for strolling and window-shopping. The core of the town is pedestrianized and walking through its streets will indulge you in the Taormina atmosphere. You’ll have time to relax in a café and taste a granita (semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavorings). You can also enjoy an independent visit to the famed Greek theater or the several minor sites to be discovered around Taormina.   The last stop will be at Castelmola which offers a balcony over Taormina and the bay of Giardini Naxos framed by the mysterious and beautiful active volcano, Mount Etna. Marvel at the spectacular panoramas, narrow winding streets, and old-world charm of this fascinating comune before being dropped back at your accommodation or at the port.

Palermo: Guided City Walking Tour w/Customizable Itinerary

2. Palermo: Guided City Walking Tour w/Customizable Itinerary

Transform the way you travel and make it as much about the people you meet as the places you see. Get a welcome to Palermo from a local guide eager to share all the tips to help you make the most of your stay. Meet at your hotel or accommodation and get familiar with the neighborhood. Learn insider tips, such as the best places to eat, buy groceries and the easiest ways to get around. Alternatively, arrange to meet at a central landmark or intersection to start your walking tour. Hear about the top things to do, customized to your interests. By the end, you will feel more comfortable navigating the city with all the information you need.

Palermo: Cooking and Limoncello Class

3. Palermo: Cooking and Limoncello Class

Your tour will begin as you travel to a beautiful market to buy your ingredients. From there, you will travel to your host's kitchen where you will take part in a class to create a Sicilian menu of three dishes, plus the famous Sicilian Limoncello. Once having arrived back home, a glass of cold Sicilian white wine will be your welcoming pass to begin your amazing experience. Your lunch will consist of the plates you prepare together with your group, which will be comprised of 3 courses, a great selection of Sicilian wines, and of course Limoncello. You will discover the secret to making the best Limoncello, and at the conclusion of your experience you will receive a bottle to take home. All the recipes belong to your host's family, which your chef will share with your group, providing recipes as well as secrets.

Capuchin Catacombs and Monreale Cathedral Private Tour

4. Capuchin Catacombs and Monreale Cathedral Private Tour

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.

Palermo: Vintage Fiat 500 Sightseeing Tour

5. Palermo: Vintage Fiat 500 Sightseeing Tour

Explore the sights of Palermo in style on this guided tour in a vintage Fiat 500. Learn more about the vehicle, then set out to see historic sights, local markets, beaches, and characteristic neighborhoods. Drive along the coast and make stops to explore on foot. After meeting your guide for the day, work together to plan a customized tour. Before starting, learn all the technical specifications of the car you'll be riding in. After you've gotten to know the Fiat 500, hop in and start your adventure around Palermo. Drive around the historical museum of the city. See Quattro Canti, the cathedral, and Teatro Massimo. Take a walk inside the three historical markets (Ballarò, Vucciria, and Capo). Continue the tour around the coast by the old port of La Cala to the beach of Mondello. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the Norman Cathedral of Monreale (entry tickets not included). During the tour, choose to stop to taste some of Palermo's famous street food or buy a souvenir handmade in Palermo (costs not included). Immerse yourself in all the sounds, colors, and different neighborhoods of the city, giving you an authentic adventure with locals. Enrich your day around Palermo by adding on extra experiences. Choose to add a sunset boat aperitivo experience or see the city from the sky on an old piper flight.

Palermo Lunch or Dinner at Home & Private Chef

6. Palermo Lunch or Dinner at Home & Private Chef

Far from the concept of a cold restaurant, lunch or dinner at home means having an authentic experience around food, in a very fascinating home, eating with a view of Piazza San Domenico Church. You will taste 4 courses, from appetizer to dessert, all with seasonal and fresh ingredients, made with passion by a professional chef.  You will be welcomed with a glass of Sicilian cold white wine, and while you appreciate the view from the balcony the chef will prepare the meal in a open space kitchen. The menu is based on Sicilian dishes: appetizer, primo or secondo dish with fish, seafood vegetables (all according to the seasonal availability) and a dessert to finish.  During the lunch or dinner, a selection of very good Sicilian wines will be provided, with sweet wine for the end. This tour will always be in small groups and in an intimate atmosphere. It is possible to request a menu based on fish or beef or vegetarian and gluten free.

From Palermo: Prestige Tour in CruiserCar

7. From Palermo: Prestige Tour in CruiserCar

Welcome to CruiserCar, the Premier Tour Company in Palermo. We offer a unique and personalized experience that combines the best of both worlds - a luxurious and exclusive Cabriolet Tour with an expertly guided exploration of Palermo's most famous landmarks and hidden gems. Our world-first 9-seater cabriolet ensures a panoramic view of the city and the sea as we take you on a journey that you will never forget. ich history, culture, and cuisine. Our knowledgeable local guides are passionate about their city and are committed to providing you with an unforgettable tour experience. We are dedicated to ensuring that you get the most out of your time in Palermo and are happy to answer any questions that you may have. During the tour, we'll take you to the Quattro Canti, one of Palermo's most famous landmarks, a Baroque square located at the intersection of two main streets in the historic center of Palermo. Each of the four corners of the square is adorned with a statue representing one of the four seasons, the four Spanish kings of Sicily, and the patron saints of Palermo. We'll also take you to the Cattedrale, a magnificent cathedral that is located in the heart of Palermo. The cathedral was built in the 12th century and features a mix of architectural styles, including Norman, Gothic, and Baroque. Inside the cathedral, you can admire the stunning mosaics and frescoes that depict scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints. Our tour also includes a visit to Mondello, a charming seaside town just outside Palermo. Mondello is famous for its beautiful beach, which is one of the most popular destinations in Sicily. During the tour, you'll have the opportunity to relax on the beach and enjoy the stunning views of the sea and the mountains. We'll also take you to the famous markets of Capo, Vucciria, and Ballarò, where you can immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of Palermo's vibrant street life. The markets are a feast for the senses, with stalls selling everything from fresh produce to local handicrafts. If you're interested in exploring the surrounding areas, we also offer transportation to other towns and cities outside of Palermo, such as Cefalù and Monreale. Our personalized service means that we can customize the tour to your preferences, ensuring that you get the most out of your time in Sicily. One of the unique features of CruiserCar is the complimentary selection of food and beverages that we offer during the tour. This allows you to sample some of Palermo's finest local cuisine while taking in the sights and sounds of the city. Our knowledgeable local guides will provide you with valuable information about the history and culture of Palermo, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of the city. Our drivers are licensed, experienced, and passionate about sharing their love of Palermo with visitors from around the world. Book now and discover the beauty of Palermo with CruiserCar!

From Palermo: Guided Mafia Tour of Corleone & Hotel Pickup

8. From Palermo: Guided Mafia Tour of Corleone & Hotel Pickup

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. First stop Portella della Ginestra: visit places of the first Mafia massacre by the bandit Giuliano. Second stop Piana degli Albanesi where you can taste the famous Sicilian typical sweet Cannoli. Afterwards we will continue to Corleone, arrival scheduled for 11:30 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 lunch departure for the Ficuzza wood reserve, visit of the reserve. Return to the hotel in the afternoon around 16:30.

Palermo: Art and Architecture Walking Tour

9. Palermo: Art and Architecture Walking Tour

Discover the historical monuments of Palermo on a small group half-day tour, and learn the fascinating history of the city, from its birth under the Phoenicians through the Roman Republic and the Byzantine Empire to the modern day. Wander the winding streets of the Politeama sestiere (district) to see iconic buildings such as the Teatro Politeama and Teatro Massimo, one of the largest opera houses in Europe. Learn about the Arab-Norman era and religious rites at sites such as the 12th-century Cappella Palatina (Palatine Chapel) in the Palazzo Reale. Look in wonder at the splendid façade of Palermo Cathedral, characterized by different architectural styles, from the Gothic through the early Renaissance and Baroque. Learn more about the hidden treasures of the historical center and hear amazing stories that take you on a journey through time.

Palermo: Private Pasta-Making Class at a Local's Home

10. Palermo: Private Pasta-Making Class at a Local's Home

Immerse yourself in a private pasta-making class at the Cesarina's home, learn the secrets of the region's most famous pasta dishes and taste the fruits of your labor accompanied by a glass of local wine. During the lesson the Cesarina will reveal the tricks of the trade for three authentic regional pasta recipes. Have fun putting your cooking skills to the test.  Each participant will have a workstation equipped with utensils and all the ingredients to make the dishes. Taste everything you have prepared with a selection of red and white local wines.

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Frequently asked questions about Palermo

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The best day trips and excursions from Palermo are:

Agrigento

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Other Sightseeing Options in Palermo

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What people are saying about Palermo

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 8 reviews

This was an incredible experience. Our guide, Deborah, is a local to Palermo and so knowledgeable of her city. My mother and I were lucky to be on a private tour, and she met us even though it was a rainy day. She showed us so many great areas, churches, palaces, and bakeries around Palermo and told us lore of the Testa di Moro and origins of marzipan. Any questions we had Deborah had deep knowledge about and was an absolute joy to be with - it felt like hanging out strolling the city with a family friend - she is wonderful. We then went to Chef Patrizia's home for lunch that her cooking class (4 people) had prepared. It was truly mouthwatering and her home is gorgeous. I couldn't believe we were invited into someone's living room for the meal - she was so hospitable, kind, and fun, and she will soon be offering cooking classes in the countryside. I bought her cookbook and can't wait to go back to Palermo.

We had a wonderful dinner with Rosalia and her husband. Her dinner was delicious but most important was their warm welcome which made our new year’s eve evenning even more delighful. Her pasta and the Canolo dessert was spectacular! Thank you Rosalia for letting us to share with you such wonderful evenning together

Our guide, Umberto, was knowledgeable and shared many interesting details with us about story of Corleone and the Mafia. Great guide and great tour! Book the private tour; it is worth it!

Very good, insightful!!! Highly recommend if you would like to understand the island and the city. Karim is very nice!

We absolutely loved our guide and the many things we were able to see in a short half-day.