4 Sicily History Tours Worth Booking

1.Palermo Historic Center Walking Tour by Palermo Wonders

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 138 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $157Our pick

Explore Palermo’s historic center with a private English-speaking guide, often Mauro, at your group’s pace. Walk from the Teatro Massimo through Mercato del Capo, the Norman Palace, Palatine Chapel, Cathedral, Quattro Canti, and Santa Caterina. The route can change to suit your interests, with entry tickets purchased separately.

“Lovely afternoon with city tour that will stay with us as a beautiful memory of our vacation in Palermo. All kudos to Mauro, our tour guide, who put a life and stories into all awesome sites we visit. Warmly recommended.”

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2.Palermo in 2 hours Main monuments and historic markets

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 136 reviews · from $23Best value

Walk Palermo with a licensed local guide, often Maurizio or Fabrizio, from Teatro Massimo through the Capo Market and historic Cassaro. Expect stories about Santa Rosalia, the Beati Paoli, street food, and Sicilian sweets, followed by entry into Palermo Cathedral. The tour starts at 10:30 am and ends at the Cathedral.

“Maurizio truly loved his job, and you can feel. The tour lasted 3 hours and it was impossible not to pay attention. He told us a lot of amazing details as about the city’s history and present. He is not a dry tour guide type - he shared his opinion about the city’s politics and taught me how to haggle with local merchants properly.”

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3.Bike tour of the historic center of Palermo with tasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 91 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $53

Ride through Palermo with Social Bike Palermo on a three-hour morning tour limited to 15 people. Guides such as Deborah, Elena, Paolo, Catarina, and Fabio have led routes past the cathedral, Ballarò, Teatro Massimo, La Cala, and more, with a tasting of local street food along the way.

“Our guide, Paulo, is also a middle school teacher and had a treasure trove of information on the city of Palermo - history and architecture. The starting point was easy to find. The terrain was manageable by all. The shop seems to have a place to store luggage during the tour. One bicycle broke down, but the shop responded quickly. We waited about 10 minutes in the flower market where it was heartening to see a couple of local men with with tools were willing to help. Even with all the unexpected excitement, we still returned on time.”

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4.Ancient Syracuse: private guided tour of the Neapolis archaeological park

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 88 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $108

Walk through Syracuse’s Neapolis Archaeological Park with a private English-speaking guide such as Eva or Martina. You’ll see the Greek theater, Ear of Dionysius, ancient quarries, and Roman amphitheater while hearing the stories behind them. The tour lasts about 90 minutes, with morning and afternoon departures. Park admission is extra.

“Eva was an Excellent guide Very knowledgeable, accommodating friendly and patient Most pleased with our experience”

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