This largely panoramic tour of Palermo offers an excellent overview of the capital city by presenting its key landmarks, including theaters, churches and market places.
Starting off from the pier, it's a leisurely drive around Palermo, Sicily's architecturally rich capital. Conquered repeatedly over the centuries, Palermo still bears the influence of its past rulers. The capital's artistic side comes to light in the Politeama Theater through Roman and Greek features such as its circular design and Doric columns. Similarly, there are Greek elements in the Massimo Theater, Palermo's exquisite opera house, which is distinguished as Italy's largest theater.
The Four Corners, usually referred to as the "Quattro Canti," represents the heart of historic Palermo and is surrounded by ornate architecture. Another center of activity, the famed Piazza Pretoria, is known for its spectacular fountain, which is adorned with dozens of white marble figures from mythology. You'll experience Palermo's vitality firsthand during your free time at the bustling Capo Market, a wonderfully atmospheric street market.
The city's churches also reveal much about the past. The Church of Martorana is celebrated for its mosaics, which are still brightly colored more than eight centuries after they were created. You'll also visit the Church of the Immaculate Conception, which was built in 1612 with a Roman Baroque façade and a highly decorative interior that took more than a century to complete.
Following your comprehensive overview of Palermo's landmarks, you'll return to the pier where your tour concludes.
Please note: This tour includes approximately1-hour of moderate walking. There are some uneven surfaces and steps to negotiate. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests and not considered suitable for those with mobility concerns. Weather appropriate clothing; sun caps; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The order of the sites viewed or visited can vary.