Small Group Palermo Highlights Walking Tour

A highlight of your Palermo walking tour is sure to be a visit to the Cathedral of Palermo, where you'll head inside to marvel at its Royal Tombs and artistic elements. However, with a stop by a local shop to enjoy a well-earned Sicilian cannoli, you'll have your work cut out for you deciding which is more grand–Palermo's fascinating history or delectable cuisine.

Small Group Palermo Highlights Walking Tour

Your 3-hour tour includes:

• Guided walking tour through Palermo's historic center

• Entrance ticket to Cathedral of Palermo

• Admire Norman-Arab and Baroque architecture

• Learn about Praetorian Square, the Sicilian Royal Palace, and more

• Indulge in an authentic Sicilian cannolo

• Professional English-speaking guide for the entire tour

• Enjoy a small group size

Welcome to Palermo!

Whether you've just arrived or have already enjoyed time in Sicily's largest city, there's always something new to learn about Palermo's rich history. Today, with the help of a local guide, you'll delve into intriguing stories from the city's past and admire eight UNESCO-listed sites.

To avoid the midday heat, your tour begins at 9 am at Teatro Massimo in Piazza Giuseppe Verdi. Look for your guide and fellow group members in front of the gate next to the stairs, and spend the first moments of your walking tour admiring the grandeur of Italy's largest opera house. Opened in 1897, Teatro Massimo is famous for its intricate architecture and world-class performances of opera, ballet, and music.

Explore Piazza Pretoria and Sicilian Royal Palace

While one could gaze at the magnificent opera house all day, this is a walking tour, so after capturing some iconic photos, it's time to continue on to Piazza Pretoria (Praetorian Square). You may have also heard it called by another name, the Square of Shame, thanks to its abundance of nude statues. Admire its majestic Pretoria Fountain, featuring detailed gods and mythological creatures, and take in the grandeur of City Hall housed inside the Praetorian Palace.

After another short but Norman-Arab and Baroque architecture-filled walk, you'll find yourself in the Palazoo dei Normanni, more widely known as the Sicilian Royal Palace. Dating back to the 11th century, this is the oldest royal residence in Europe and belongs to a time when the Normans conquered Sicily. A century later, the Palatine Chapel was added, and today, it's home to the Regional Parliament of Sicily.

Visit Cathedral of Palermo

Next on your Palermo walking tour is a stop by the Martorana Church. Deemed the most beautiful monument in the world by an Arab traveler in the 12th century, you'll no doubt be blown away by its Byzantine mosaics paired uniquely with Islamic elements. Yet, the nearby Cathedral of Palermo is equally as breathtaking, and with entry included in this Palermo walking tour, you can head inside and check out the stunning royal tombs and beautiful chapels.

End on a Sweet Note

There's no doubt you've worked up an appetite by now, so last but certainly not least, you'll visit a local shop to try a Sicilian cannolo. Opt for a classic cannolo filled with sweetened ricotta cheese, or choose between one of the many delicious flavors, including chocolate, pistachio, and hazelnut. Filled with delicious food and even better memories, it'll be time to say your goodbyes and enjoy the rest of your day at your leisure.