Discover Palermo on a tour that combines authentic flavours with great artistic masterpieces, starting from the beating heart of the city: the historic Ballarò market. Amid the colours, smells, and voices of the vendors, you will enjoy a unique experience of Sicily’s most famous street food, sampling some of Palermo’s most popular traditional specialities.
As you stroll through the market, you'll get to sample crocchè and panelle, traditional fried dishes made from potatoes and chickpeas; sfincione, Palermo's “pizza” topped with onion, tomato, and anchovies; the iconic arancine, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside; and, to round it all off, the incredibly sweet Sicilian cannoli, freshly filled with ricotta cheese.
After this culinary experience, the tour continues among the iconic monuments of the historic centre, one of the largest in Europe. You will marvel at the majestic Palermo Cathedral, a masterpiece that recounts centuries of history through its various architectural styles, from Norman to Gothic, and from Baroque to Neoclassical. You will then continue to Porta Nuova, the city’s historic monumental gateway, located next to the Palace of the Normans, which is perfect for a photo stop. We'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Giovanni degli Eremiti and take in the most beautiful view of Palermo from the bell tower of San Giuseppe Cafasso.
You will then stroll through the streets of the historic centre, past stately palaces, churches, and lively alleyways, until you reach the famous Quattro Canti, the spectacular Baroque crossroads that divides Palermo into its four historic districts. From here, you will make your way to Piazza Pretoria, which is dominated by the spectacular Pretoria Fountain, also known as the “Fountain of Shame” due to its numerous nude statues, and is surrounded by historic buildings such as the Pretorio Palace and the Church of Santa Caterina.
The tour also includes a stop in front of the Teatro dei Pupi, where you can learn about the tradition of the Opera dei Pupi, recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and a symbol of Sicilian popular culture and the epic stories of the paladins.
This experience is designed for those who want to get to know Palermo in a comprehensive way: not only by visiting its most famous sites, but also by experiencing its soul through its food, history, and traditions. This tour is ideal for cruise passengers and travellers with limited time who want to experience the best of the city in just a few hours, accompanied by a local guide who will share interesting facts, legends, and anecdotes along the way.
A journey through flavour and beauty, perfect for falling in love with Palermo at first bite.
