Sicily is the stuff of legends: at one time Europe's grandest city, Palermo is linked to the great histories of Norman Kingdoms and the Middle East. Unlike the more heavily touristed Italian cities of Florence or Rome, many of Palermo's most stunning treasures are the hidden ones - discover them with a private Palermo tour! A knowledgeable local guide will help you explore the city's ancient palaces, castles and churches, with their unique architectural fusion of Byzantine, Arab, Norman, Renaissance and Baroque styles.

Explore the meandering backstreet markets in Palermo's old quarter, with their evocative Middle Eastern feel. Your guide will show you the city's quiet, shady piazzas and bustling shopping streets, all the while explaining the history of the many cultures who have made Palermo their home throughout the ages.

Take a private Palermo tour in western Sicily and see the best parts of this exciting, eclectic region!

Palermo

Cefalu Private Tour - Half Day Trip from Palermo

We will visit one of the most beautiful Sicilian coastal town, rich with art and culture, from the point of view of a Sicilian economist who loves promoting the best sites of his island. I have been running this tour for 10 years and I am quite confident that you will quickly understand why it is always a pleasure to visit Cefalu!

Cefalu is charming: narrow and clean streets paved with stone, with lovely shops, restaurants and pubs. We stroll in the Medieval neighborhood, watch the beautiful city coastline from the pier, stop at some interesting viewpoints, have drinks and cookies at the main square in front of the majestic Cathedral, the first built by the first Norman king of Sicily, Roger II, in 1131!

After some free time for shopping or just window-shopping (but you will be tempted to buy some souvenirs!), lunch by the sea: it is literally by the sea, at one of the best restaurants in Cefalu. They mainly serve fresh fish but other options may also be available!

Coffee, tea or other non-alcoholic drink, with cookies. In Cefalù, before visiting the cathedral.

Cefalu, a beautiful fishing village in Sicily.

Monreale & Cefalù Tour - A full day tour with your personal driver-guide

You will be accompanied by your personal Driver-Guide to explore Monreale and Cefalù, a knowledgeable companion at your side with advanced skills in Art history, Sicilian culture for a perfect day to spend together.

Visit the impressive mosaic surface inside the Cathedral of Monreale, depicting stories from both the Old and New Testament and walk into the cloister. Move to Cefalù: enjoy the picturesque streets of the little town, visit the famous Mandralisca Museum and discover the stupendous Norman church with its cloister. End your tour wandering around the shops along a beautiful sandy beach in front the Mediterranean sea.

Come with me to the discover of these two major cities, take advantage of your personal local guide, very knowledgeable about this area!

An exclusive excursion to discover the treasures of Arab-Norman art in Sicily.

Private Sicilian ROOTS TOUR - starts from PALERMO

Discover the streets your great grandfather walked, or see the places where your grandmother was born. Visit the places that have shaped the history of your ancestors.

Find out the towns of your ancestors and discover places that have shaped the history of your ancestors

The Leopard: The most stunning Baroque Private Palace in Sicily Private Tour W/Transportation

This is the sentence that sums up the aristocratic vision of the Prince Giuseppe Tomasi of Lampedusa in his literary masterpiece The Leopard. This novel became later a great movie, directed by Luchino Visconti in 1963.

Our tour will take you into the inaccessible world of Sicilian aristocracy. We will first see the house where the writer prince of Lampedusa was born, destroyed during World War II. Then they will open for us the doors of Palazzo Valguarnera Gangi, the most important princely palace in Palermo, where the ball scene from The Leopard was filmed.

Claudia Cardinale (the heiress Angelica) dances with the Prince of Salina (Burt Lancaster): the old world of aristocracy and the new world of rising wealth meet. This palazzo is an exceptional example in the panorama of Palermo, because it is still preserved intact in its size of more than 80000 square feet and its furniture. Everything is still in place and shows us the pomp and luxury of the Sicilian aristocracy.

Everything must change for everything to remain the same

This is a full day tour for those of you who hope to find more information about their family tree in Sicily.

I will contact the municipal registry office of your home town. If there is the chance, I will also contact the one alive who are still related to your family.

Through the past years I lived incredible and emotional experiences with my guests. It will be a trip back in time and a tour that will be fully customized for any of you.

I will analyze your requests and describe the kind of work, as well as possible results, that I think I can provide in your particular case. That's why I always need do a check before you can process this booking!

Travel back to your ancestral origins! Available in all the island.

Heritage Tour- Find your Roots in Sicily

Agrigento Private Tour - Full Day Trip from Palermo

With this full-day private guided tour you will see some splendid Ancient Greek temples and get to know the wonderful histories behind Agrigento, the second most important Ancient Greek city in Sicily. But there's more! The reason because you will enjoy the tour with me. . . keep reading!

Agrigento's Valley of the Temples is not very distant from Palermo but, as there is no highway, it takes about 2. 5 hours. The view is splendid as we will be driving through Sicily inland and along the coastline, so just fasten the seat-belt and enjoy the various landscapes before getting to the temples, whose view makes everybody stare in awe after 2, 500 years.

And here we are: after lunch at one of the best restaurants in the area I will take you to visit one ruined though still impressive 'secret' temple in order to better understand how big and important the sacred area of Agrigento was. You know, the behind-the-scene is as much important as what is in plain view. . .

Agrigento's Valley of the Temples is the most visited archaeological site in Sicily

Erice, Custonaci and West Sicily Full Day Tour starting from Palermo

Leaving the Mediterranean Sea for the hilltop of Mount San Giuliano, headed for Erice. House of a picturesque medieval village with its typical pebble-stones alleys. A city tour to visit the beautiful Mother Church and the Norman Castle, famous pastry shops, boasting dramatic views of the coast.

After moving to the seaside borough of Custonaci, visit the famous prehistoric cave with a picturesque open-air museum.

An exclusive full day tour, travelling on a modern, authorized and full optional vehicle. Discover the intrinsic nature of these places and spots with your very local guide off the beaten tracks and tourist traps!

What makes interesting this tour is the possibility to know the real and true splendors of the hidden part of West Sicily, this is what happened to me, back in the day and I want now to share with you! Join the experience!

View of The Norman Castle and Little Pepoli Tower

A picturesque pebblestone street of Erice

A journey to discover Erice's Medieval village and Custonaci's Cave overlooking the entire province of Trapani.

Full Day MONREALE - CEFALU’ - SEGESTA • Private Tour starting from PALERMO

This customizable tour gives you a choice to visit some of the great sights of Sicily. 

MONREALE - The apotheosis of Norman architecture in Sicily. It combines in one project employment of both Sicilian and Byzantine craftsmen. The highlight of the Cathedral is its interior, incandescent with the gold of the mosaics, covering the walls of the nave, transept and apse - 81800 square feet.

SEGESTA - The heritage of the Greeks in this singular archeological area. Temple and Theater built in the late 5th century BC are embedded in a wonderful countryside. A cycle of events and concerts are held at sunset during the summer months.

CEFALU' - Once a typical fishing village, is a medieval town full of charm. Located in an enchanting area which is covered with many woodland areas. The sturdy Norman lines of Cefalu's Cathedral, 12th century Arab-Norman monument are softened by palm trees, and tourist's shirts are filling the city hall piazza before it.

Dazzling Mosaics and Classical Heritages with a private Guide Driver

The Palermo Guilded Age: Private TourW/Private Transportation

The tour will take you to discover the Arab district Kalsa, built by the emirs in the 10th century AD and today rich in places of interest. We will start from the impressive Palazzo Butera, which belonged to the princes Branciforte, the kingdom&#39;s first title, recently purchased by Milanese collectors and patrons of the arts Massimo and Francesca Valsecchi, who restored it to house their contemporary art collection.

We will go, then, crossing the narrow streets of the neighborhood, to Piazza Marina, site of the former tribunal of the Holy Inquisition, to admire Europe's largest ficus macrophylla, a green monument with its aerial roots.

We will end with a walk to the Marina, Palermo's historic harbor, the Cala, with its sailboats, the newly recovered trapezoidal pier with its restaurants, bars and fountains, and, finally, the large mural of Judges Falcone and Borsellino, killed in the fight against the Mafia.

Half day Tour around Palazzo Butera, Piazza Marina and Kalsa District

Corleone Private Tour - Full Day Trip from Palermo

With this full-day private guided tour you will experience the real Corleone. Not just the city whose name is related to don Vito, the main character of Coppola's masterpiece, but the reality of a city that, for decades until the 1990s, was the headquarters of the Mafia. You will hear from me, as I have experienced it personally being Siciian, what happened in the late 1980s in Sicily. As an economist, I will tell you the history of the Mafia from its origins and its connections with Medieval times.

The first stop is the Royal Hunting Lodge near Corleone, a splendid Royal Palace Being the Palace located inside the Ficuzza Woods. If you like, we may also go for a walk in the woods, one of the best in Sicily!

In Corleone we will have a drink and delicious cookies before visiting the town, then lunch at one of the local restaurants.

All about the Sicilian Mafia

Highlights of Palermo W/Private Transportation

Palermo is a multifaceted city, made up of many layers, faces, identities. Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans and Spaniards. Every person who has passed through has left something behind. A city of contrasts, splendid palaces and buildings in need of restoration, but also a city undergoing a new Renaissance: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, young people starting new businesses, wonderful monuments.
Our tour aims to tell the story of all this!
We will visit the main spots, such as the square of the shame, with its monumental Renaissance fountain, the Martorana church (a mix of Arab, Norman, Byzantine, Baroque. . . ), the Four Corners and the majestic cathedral.
But Palermo is not only about monuments but also about food and people. They make the difference! We will go to some places to meet local artisans and merchants, to see their artifacts and taste specialties, such as freshly roasted coffee or cannoli prepared in the traditional way. And then, the Arab market: a riot of colors, sounds, flavors.

Martorana Church skip the line tickets
Saint Catherine Church and rooftop skip the line tickets

Half day Private Tour of the Multifaceted City of Palermo

I will give you a unique experience in the land of your ancestors and I will be very happy to get in return your good emotions! This is a very special tour for those who have Sicilian or Italian heritage!

I have been running this experience for several years, knowing not only Sicily and how to organize an heritage tour, but especially what it takes to get the relevant data from the various offices in Sicily in order to collect and provide all the necessary information to make your dream come true: connecting to your Sicilian roots.

This is not just a tour, it is also about feeling your roots and what being a Sicilian really means!

IMPORTANT NOTICE: the research takes from 1 to 3 months, sometimes longer. Please contact me before booking to make sure there is enough time.

Look for your Italian heritage and visit the places where your ancestors were born

Genealogy Services and Tours in Palermo

Palermo, Monreale & Mondello Full Day Tour

Fantastic day tour to visit Monreale and its magnificent Cathedral, famous for its 24-karat gold mosaics and artistic ceramics.

In Palermo, only with me you will be able to see the best of the historic center. With my car we will reach the narrow streets of the city center, we will see the historic market of Ballarò and we will have a good overview of the most important monuments of the old city.
Since 2008 I have been organizing these tours by car, explaining the most important aspects of our culture and traditions.

Mondello will be our final destination. We will have a seafood lunch in a seaside restaurant and finish with a walk near the fine sandy beach.

Enjoy the beauty of the surraunding areas in one day!

SEGESTA, ERICE, SALT PANS - Private Full Day Tour from PALERMO

According to the traditional legend Segesta had a Trojan origin. The well preserved temple and the greek theater were built in the late 5th century BC. - The high-stepped, semicircular theatre opens onto a breathtaking panorama over the surrounding countryside with the sea in the distance.

Erice, just about 2400 feet above sea level, cool even in a hot Sicilian summer, offers on clear days magnificent views. It is not just the views, however that brings people here since the quaint cobblestone streets have their own unique appeal.

Stunning Views and Amazing Locations, Greek and Medieval Heritage. Experience several panoramic sceneries which are incomparable combined with a visit of a unique archeological area.

Explore this singular Greek heritage in Segesta and the medieval hilltop town Erice with a PRIVATE GUIDE

Segesta is a true archaeological marvel of Sicily that is not to be missed if your itinerary will allow for it. The sight of the dominant and pristine Greek temple rising up from the surrounding green hills is one that will stick with you long after your Sicilian voyage is over.

This tour allows you to visit the archaeological park of Segesta (Admission fee: not included).

Segesta is a true archaeological marvel of Sicily.

Segesta Private Guided Tour

Palermo, Mount Pellegrino and Monreale Private Tour - Full Day Trip from Palermo

You will get to see and know a lot about the city and its culture, its food, its past and future, from the point of view of a Palermo citizen who loves his city and the different stories related to its ancient history.
I have been running this tour for 10 years and, being an economist, you will get some fundamental insights to understand the evolution of the city, its culture and its people.

The shrine of Saint Rosalie, on top of Mount Pellegrino, is our first stop. It is unique as built in a cave.

In Palermo old town we will visit important landmarks part of our incredible history. Just consider that Teatro Massimo, the largest opera house in Italy, when build in 1897 was the largest in the world!

After a delicious street-food tasting or a proper lunch at a top restaurant, we visit the Cathedral of Monreale, with its breath-taking Byzantine-style mosaics: a perfect ending for an incredible tour.

Monreale tours

Explore with 31 tours and 11 guides.

Giorgio D.

$ 786 (USD)

Gianluca G.

$ 810 (USD)

Mimmo

$ 752 (USD)

Giorgio F.

$ 2,529 (USD)

Valentina M.

$ 984 (USD)

Giorgio D.

$ 1,042 (USD)

Gianluca G.

$ 810 (USD)

Mimmo

$ 781 (USD)

Giorgio F.

$ 835 (USD)

Giorgio D.

$ 909 (USD)

Giorgio F.

$ 835 (USD)

Giorgio D.

$ 1,736 (USD)

Bartolomeo A.

$ 541 (USD)

Mimmo

$ 810 (USD)

Clara S.

$ 405 (USD)

Giorgio D.

$ 984 (USD)

Customize your tour