Discover Palermo in an authentic way, like a true Palermitan, with a unique experience that will take you to explore its historic markets, taste Sicilian street food, and live the city like a local who gets around by public transport. During your 3-night stay, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the thousand-year history of Palermo, rich in UNESCO World Heritage monuments.
The Ape tour through the historic markets: Begin your adventure with a fascinating tour aboard an Ape calessino, which will take you through the city’s most famous historic markets, such as Ballarò, Vucciria, and Capo. Here, among colorful and fragrant stalls, you can experience the lively and authentic atmosphere of Palermo as it once was. You will discover anecdotes and curiosities about Sicilian gastronomic tradition while tasting some typical dishes such as panelle, arancine, and sfincione.
Sicilian street food: There is nothing more Sicilian than street food, and during your stay, you will have the opportunity to enjoy it in every corner of the city. In addition to the markets, you will discover the best “tavole calde” and kiosks offering the most iconic dishes, all prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Do not miss the chance to taste cannoli and cassata, typical desserts that are the heart of Palermitan pastry-making.
A stay to discover: The 3-night stay will allow you to explore the city at a relaxed pace and with curiosity. You will also have time to get lost among historic alleys, visit majestic palaces and churches, or simply stroll along the sea to enjoy the beauty of the city. There will be many opportunities to visit the Teatro Massimo, the Cathedral of Palermo, the Palatine Chapel, and the Palazzo dei Normanni, extraordinary examples of art and architecture that tell the rich history of the city.
Your journey to Palermo: End your days with a walk through the historic center, letting yourself be enchanted by the life that flows among lively squares, characteristic shops, and hidden corners. A journey that is not just an opportunity to see, but to truly experience Palermo, feeling part of a thousand-year tradition that is still alive today.
Discover Palermo in an authentic way, like a true Palermitan, with a unique experience that will take you to explore its historic markets, taste Sicilian street food, and live the city like a local who gets around by public transport. During your 3-night stay, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the thousand-year history of Palermo, rich in UNESCO World Heritage monuments.
The Ape tour through the historic markets: Begin your adventure with a fascinating tour aboard an Ape calessino, which will take you through the city’s most famous historic markets, such as Ballarò, Vucciria, and Capo. Here, among colorful and fragrant stalls, you can experience the lively and authentic atmosphere of Palermo as it once was. You will discover anecdotes and curiosities about Sicilian gastronomic tradition while tasting some typical dishes such as panelle, arancine, and sfincione.
Sicilian street food: There is nothing more Sicilian than street food, and during your stay, you will have the opportunity to enjoy it in every corner of the city. In addition to the markets, you will discover the best “tavole calde” and kiosks offering the most iconic dishes, all prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Do not miss the chance to taste cannoli and cassata, typical desserts that are the heart of Palermitan pastry-making.
A stay to discover: The 3-night stay will allow you to explore the city at a relaxed pace and with curiosity. You will also have time to get lost among historic alleys, visit majestic palaces and churches, or simply stroll along the sea to enjoy the beauty of the city. There will be many opportunities to visit the Teatro Massimo, the Cathedral of Palermo, the Palatine Chapel, and the Palazzo dei Normanni, extraordinary examples of art and architecture that tell the rich history of the city.
Your journey to Palermo: End your days with a walk through the historic center, letting yourself be enchanted by the life that flows among lively squares, characteristic shops, and hidden corners. A journey that is not just an opportunity to see, but to truly experience Palermo, feeling part of a thousand-year tradition that is still alive today.
Day 1: ARRIVAL IN PALERMO
DAY 2: WALKING TOUR OF THE PALERMO UNESCO ITINERARY
Breakfast at the hotel.
Suggested excursion: Walking tour of the historic center of Palermo. The city was dominated by the Arabs from the 9th to the 11th century. In the 11th and 12th centuries they were replaced by the Normans; from the union of these two peoples the architectural style “Arab-Norman,” which is found only in Sicily. was born. In 2017 some of these monuments were included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the hotel you walk to the Cathedral (inside are the tombs of Emperor Frederick II and some Norman kings). You can also enjoy the splendid view of the cathedral from the balconies of Palazzo Asmundo, an 18th-century aristocratic palace, a “museum of itself.” Continue (through a palm garden) to the Royal Palace (also called Palazzo dei Normanni), seat of the Sicilian kings and viceroys from the 11th to the 19th century; here you will admire some rooms in different styles and the Palatine Chapel, with its multicolored marbles and variegated mosaics on a golden background. The visit ends in front of Porta Nuova, erected in the 16th century. Overnight.
DAY 3: MONREALE & APETOUR
Breakfast at the hotel.
Suggested excursion: Not far from the hotel, enter the popular “Il Capo” market, which recalls an Arab souk, in a mix of colors, flavors, and smells. At the end of the market, you reach Piazza Indipendenza, where you will take the public bus that will take you to Monreale, a town 7 km from Palermo, world-famous for its magnificent Cathedral (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site), in Arab-Norman style with its 3,500 square meters of multicolored mosaics on a golden background, depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Near the cathedral (which also houses the tombs of other Norman kings) visit the cloister, with its 80 pairs of twin columns, each one different from the other. In one corner of the cloister is the Arab fountain. Return by public bus to Palermo. You can continue the visit and we suggest the Flea Market, the Christian Catacombs, and the Arab-Norman church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti. During the day you can do a 1-hour Apetour in Palermo, wandering through the narrow streets to discover the true “old” Palermo and the famous markets such as Capo, Ballarò, San Giovanni degli Eremiti, and the Vucciria Market.
DAY 4: DEPARTURE
3 nights with breakfast included, in a double room in a central 4-star hotel in Palermo
(*) The indicated hotels may be replaced with others of the same category. The accommodations are located in the indicated locations or in different cities where the program can be carried out. The name of the hotel will be sent to you 21 days before arrival.
