Back to

Things to do & places to see

The island has dramatic landscapes and equally dramatic people.

The city, with all its cosmopoltan hustle and bustle, really captures the individual spirit of the Sicilians. It is not short on places to visit either, what with the Piazza Marina, Villa Malfitano and Teatro Politeama.

There is much to see and do, including great beaches and enticing fishing villages.  We just ask that you sample the famous Sicillian ice cream!

The ship is moored in port.

Example shore excursions

When you hit dry land, you can trust us to offer a choice of experiences that really gives you a close-up view. See some featured excursions at this port below.

See all shore excursions from Palermo

Cefalu

The journey to Cefalu follows the Sicilian coastline to give fantastic sea views. A laid-back visit to the quaint fishing port of Cefalu where we take you to the Cathedral and medieval Wash House before your free time to stroll along the beautiful narrow streets in search of the famous Sicilian ice creams and cakes, or perhaps an afternoon of sun, sea and sand. Before rejoining the ship there is a short panoramic tour of Palermo.

Sights of Palermo

 We drive along the sea promenade to reach Porta Felice, the impressive Old Gates to the City. Here you will enter into the historical centre of Palermo. The first stop is Piazza Bologni, where a short walk will bring you to Quattro Canti,the intersection of the original 4 streets of Palermo, the City Hall square and the Martorana Church which is a beautiful Greek Orthodox Church in Arab-Norman style. A short visit into the church will reveal beautiful gold and coloured mosaics which decorate the walls and altar area. Your next  visit  is to the Cathedral built in the second half of the 12th century. It houses a very interesting collection of artistic works from the Middle Ages onwards. Afterwards a visit will be paid to the Catacombs of the Cappuccini, an historical curiosity of the past where it is possible still today to see the 8.000 mummified corpses of monks, nobles and commoners dressed in original clothing and dating back to the XVIth century

.

Palermo Panoramic Tour

This tour starts with a panoramic drive up to Monte Pellegrino to enjoy a beautiful view of the city and visit the Santa Rosalia Sanctuary. This is located in a natural cave and has always been the destination of many devout people presenting the Saint with votive offerings in wax, silver and gold. Some short free time will be given. Drive back down to cross the Favorita Park, the Bourbon's royal estate that stretches to Mondello, a seaside resort and small fishing centre. There the bright colours of the sea shine on the long beach and passengers will be able to see the Art Nouveau villas. We will then drive back to the city through via Libertà, Teatro Politeama, via Ruggero Settimo, Teatro Massimo, via Maqueda, Quattro Canti, Cattedrale, Piazza Indipendenza. Then a little break for an ice drink refreshment. The panoramic tour will then proceed to admire Palazzo Reale, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Piazza Marina, Foro Italico, before reaching back the pier and the ship.

Walking Tour of Palermo

A guide will meet you at the ship and from here you will begin an interesting walk through the streets of Palermo giving you an historical insight into this old town. You will first see and visit the S.Agostino Church built in the 13th century with its incredible 'Rosone' and 'Chiostro' whilst here your guide will explain the history of this church and area. You will then proceed through 'Via Maqueda, Quattro Canti and Pretoria Square' to the Cathedral. Throughout this time your guide will be explaining areas of interest and significance. There is a visit into the Cathedral before leaving and walking through the historical market known as 'del Capo' which is brimming with folklore and tradition. Your final stop will be at the Teatro Massimo from where you will begin your walk back to the ship.