Embark on a private tour from Palermo to Monreale, Bagheria, and Cefalù. Explore the Arab-Norman village of Monreale, visit the City of Villas in Bagheria, and get lost in the medieval streets of Cefalù.
- Cattedrale di Monreale - Your driver will drop you off at Piazza Guglielmo II, where you can explore the stunning Monreale Cathedral. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands as one of the world’s most significant medieval churches. The cathedral’s mosaics are exceptionally unique and flawless, covering an area of over 6,000 square meters with more than 130 Byzantine mosaics. For an additional fee, you can access various parts of the cathedral, including the terraces. Next to the cathedral is the San Benedetto Monastery. The monastery’s cloister features a Romanesque square layout with over 90 columns adorned with mosaics and Romanesque capitals. At the center lies a garden with a palm-shaped fountain from which water flows. Nearby, the Diocesan Museum showcases collections of paintings, sacred vestments, and liturgical objects, along with a beautiful series of 18th-century frescoes. From Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, you can view the Duomo and admire the garden with the renowned marble fountain, Fontana del Tritone. Another must-see is the Belvedere, located a few steps from the Palazzo del Municipio, offering breathtaking views of the Conca d’Oro and the Palermo hills. - Villa Palagonia - Known as the Villa of the Monsters of Bagheria, Villa Palagonia is a significant Sicilian landmark. The entrance avenue, crowned by a triumphal arch, is lined with eerie statues of monsters and animals. Originally numbering two hundred, sixty-two statues remain today, serving as a major attraction. Legends claim these statues had a malevolent influence on people, yet the villa’s allure captivated writers like Goethe and artists such as Salvador Dalì, who expressed a desire to purchase it for holidays. Renato Guttuso, a native of Bagheria, referred to it as “the place of my childhood games” and created three artworks dedicated to the villa. Villa Palagonia also featured in films like Alberto Lattuada’s “Il Mafioso” (1962), Marco Bellocchio’s “The Wedding Director” (2006), and Giuseppe Tornatore’s “Baarìa” (2009). Admission is 5 euros, with visiting hours from Monday to Sunday, 9 AM to 1 PM and 4 PM to 7 PM. - Cefalù - Cefalù is a well-preserved medieval village, considered one of Italy’s most beautiful. Stroll through its narrow streets, ancient houses, shops, restaurants, and ice cream parlors. Midway along Via Vittorio Emanuele, you’ll find the medieval washhouse, accessible via a lava stone staircase. The washhouse is fed by the Cefalino river. Beyond the washhouse, you’ll reach Porta Pescara, an opening with a sea view. Shortly after Porta della Pescara, on your left, is Piazza Marina with the old port’s pier. From here, you can see Cefalù’s most enchanting feature: houses with balconies over the sea. A few meters further, you’ll arrive at the town hall square, facing the Cathedral of Cefalù. Besides its medieval charm, Cefalù boasts one of Sicily’s most beautiful beaches, with white sand and crystal-clear waters.
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Pick-up service from / to hotel / port
- Bilingual Italian-English driver
- Child seats (on request)
- Tourist guide
- Gratuities
- Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Embark on this captivating tour from Palermo. Your driver will meet you at any designated location in Palermo to commence this unique journey.
The tour kicks off with a visit to Monreale, a renowned Arab-Norman hamlet situated on Rocca Di Monreale, offering a breathtaking view of the entire Conca d’Oro. The primary highlight of this place is its magnificent Cathedral, a Norman-era architectural wonder, reflecting a blend of Islamic, Byzantine, and Romanesque influences and representing one of the finest legacies of the Italian Middle Ages.
Next, we venture towards Bagheria, often referred to as the ‘City of Villas’. Bagheria is home to an abundance of splendid villas, all showcasing typical Baroque design.
The final stop on our tour is Cefalù, a city steeped in centuries of history with a predominantly medieval character. In Cefalù, explore its quaint, narrow lanes, uncovering scenic spots, ancient churches, and historic buildings along the Corso Ruggero, the main street.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
