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Type: Architecture, Charming Town, Culture, Free Time, Heritage
Length: 10 Hours
Walking: Difficult
Mobility: Folding wheelchair OK, some sites may be inaccessible (advance notice required)
Guide: Licensed Guide
Language: English
Palermo Shore Excursion - This private shore tour visits the charming town of Cefalu, the famous Cathedral in Monreale and of course the important port city of Palermo. Combined, these three places are very important sites in Sicily's tourism and you will soon see why.
After meeting your private licensed guide you immediately depart for Cefalu, a picturesque fishing village tucked between the sea and a rocky promontory. This town only has a population of 14,000 people, but due to its charm, it is a major tourism attraction in Sicily.
Upon arrival you enjoy a walking tour of the old town which is mainly for pedestrians and has many little boutiques and good restaurants. The old town center is dominated by the cathedral and the Rock rising in the background. The town's history is checkered because of the different people who have governed it including the Arabs, the Greeks and the Normans.
On your tour in Cefalu you will visit the cathedral which was founded in 1131 at the behest of the Norman King Roger II. It is a synthesis of several cultures, being designed by Norman architects with Arabic craftsmen and including Byzantine liturgical prescriptions. The interior is dominated by the image of Christ Pantokrator in the apse bowl. On the side walls are mosaics from the late 1200s depicting prophets, the saints and the patriarchs.
You will also enjoy the famous washing place. Because of its cool running water, this charming place was used by women who wanted to wash until only a few decades ago. You go down a picturesque flight of stairs made of lava stones to a room covered by a low ceiling, which makes the washing place look like a cave. Out of numerous mouths in three walls there comes an imposing quantity of water from an underground river.
You have time to enjoy lunch (not included) in the beautiful old town before you depart for Monreale.
In Monreale's beautiful old town you find the world famous Norman Cathedral, which is another major attraction in Sicily. Construction of this magnificent masterpiece of Norman art kicked off under William II in 1174 and was finished a few years later. It is said that the Norman building was commissioned to undermined the power of the Archdiocese of Palermo.
On the outside, you can admire the beautiful doors, the elegant 16th century portico by Gagini and the richly decorated apse, covered in intertwined arches and polychrome lava and limestone inlays. On the inside, you will see its amazing set of mosaics on a golden background. The mosaics, climaxing in the large Christ Pantokrator image, were created between the 12th and 13th century and represent stories from the Old and New Testament. It is the largest complete cycle of the Byzantine tradition.
The 11th century Benedictine cloister is also amazing. Inside you will marvel at the oriental fountain, surrounded by a four-sided colonnade.
After visiting Monreale you drive to Palermo where you enjoy a walking tour of the old town. Palermo reflects the diverse history of the region in that the city contains many masterpieces from different periods, including Romanesque, Gothic, renaissance and baroque architecture as well as examples of modern art. Perfect examples are the Norman Palace which is home to the Sicilian parliament and the Palatine Chapel from 1132, which is covered with glittering mosaics.
The city also hosts a rich vegetation of palm trees, prickly pears, bananas, lemon trees and so on. The abundance of exotic species was also noticed by the world famous German writer Goethe who in April 1787 visited the newly opened botanical gardens, describing them as "the most beautiful place on earth".
A favorite for many visitors is the Vucciria, which is a maze of small streets where vendors sell fresh fruits, vegetables and seafood.
At the end of your excursion you will return to the port.
If you cannot find what you are looking for, our Sicily -Palermo tours and Sicily -Palermo Shore Excursions can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer you a private Sicily -Palermo tour using a mid-size bus or full size coach. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a customized quote.
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Shore Trip Timing is approximate based on your interests & traffic
- Meet Guide and Drive to Cefalu - 1 Hour and 15 Minutes
- Visit Cefalu - 2 Hours
- Free time for Lunch - 1.5 Hours
- Drive to Monreale - 1 Hour and 15 Minutes
- Visit Monreale Cathedral - 1.5 Hours
- Drive to Palermo - 30 Minutes
- Palermo tour - 1 Hour and 45 Minutes
- Return to the Port - 15 Minutes
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