Palatine Chapel: Private Walking Tour & Sicilian Lunch – Sicily, Italy

EXPERIENCE:

Palermo is especially suited for a walking tour, considering its Arabic-influenced urban structure and narrow streets and lanes. Get acquainted with this beautiful Sicilian city on this half-day walking tour.

Start by crossing Politeama Square, the main square of Palermo, where the main city avenues meet. Continue along Ruggero VII Street, which is considered the “lounge of Palermo” and pass the Church of St. Lucia before arriving at Theater Massimo, the largest theater in Europe.

Continue along Via Maqueda, an ancient commercial street full of churches and historic buildings, to Candelai, which is at the heart of Palermo’s nightlife. See Quattro Canti, meaning “four corners,” which divides the city exactly into four parts.

See the beautiful church, St. Joseph of Theatine and tour the iconic Cathedral of Palermo. The Royal Palace awaits afterward, where you can visit a Jewel of Arab Norman art and also the most visited monument in Sicily: the Palatine Chapel.

Throughout the tour, you will see old Arab quarters hidden among the narrow lanes of the inner city, including the community of St. Clare. Admire the nude statues in the Square of Shame and the red Arabic-style domes atop the Church of the Martorana.

Shop around the historic market, Vucciria and Saint Dominic Square before lunch. Inside a 16th-century Spanish building, enjoy a rich Sicilian buffet, including panelle, sfincione, anelletti al forno, caponata and cassatelle, along with a traditional Sicilian wine and a dessert of almond biscuits and mocha espresso.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Experience the Arabic neighborhoods and subculture of Palermo
Shop in the historic Vucciria market
Visit the Palatine Chapel, the jewel of Arab and Norman art, inside the Royal Palace
Tour Theater Massimo, the largest theater in Europe
Enjoy a traditional Sicilian lunch, dessert and wine inside a 16th-century Spanish building

Discover top places to stay, exciting tours, and unforgettable events in Italy, and popular cities like Amalfi, Florence, Milan, Naples, Pompei, and Rome.