Located in Italy's Southern region, Palermo was for many years the crossroads of civilization, where Byzantine and Arabic cultures met and intermingled. Today, as the capital of Sicily it is a thriving city and increasingly a must-see on any visitor to Italy's itinerary and a sure stop on any Mediterranean cruise. Costa Cruises offers its passengers a variety of excursions that are ideal for anyone looking to get to know the real Palermo:
A Walk to Discover Palermo and Its Flavors: Take a walking tour of the city's historic center and discover its famed squares and architectural masterpieces, including the eighth-century Chiesa di Sant'Agostino, Cattedrale, Mercato del Capo and Teatro Massimo.
Hidden Palermo - Premium Tour. Designed for elite tourists, this tour takes in the highlights. Visitors will visit the Palatine Chapel. From there, it's off to Kalsa, an ancient city district built during the Islamic dominion. There, guests will tour the Magione Church with its cloister and the Spasimo Church. The tour concludes with a visit to Teatro Massimo.
The Flavours and Splendour of the City of Palermo. This tour allows visitors to explore daily life in Palermo, with visits to the medieval church of Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio, known as Martorana, and the famed Ballaro market, considered to be the oldest in the city. Other stops include the Chiesa della Martorana, Palazzo Conte Federico and the opportunity to taste some Palermo specialties.
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Historic Palermo and Monrealea. This panoramic walking tour takes tourists to two of the most famous religious buildings in the province--the Cattedrale di Palermo and the Duomo di Monreale.
Visit to Cefalù: Village and Beach. Cefalu is both a medieval village and a famous beach resort. Here, guests can explore the important sights before relaxing on the beach. Other sites include the Duomo, Palazzo Osterio Magno and Lavatoio medioevale.
The Valley of Temples of Agrigento. This tour introduces visitors to the famous archeological park, a prime example of classic Greek civilization.
Mysterious Palermo. This tours takes visitors through the city's best-known sites, including the Cappuccini catacombs, the Zisa Castle and the Cattedrale do Palermo.
A Panorama of Palermo and the Wonders of Cefalù. This tour offers visitors the best of both worlds, taking in the city's historic center and the beach resort of Cefalu. Visitors will see the restored Lavatoio medioevale, or medieval washhouse, and the historic 14th-century fortified palace of Osterio Magno.
Dive in the Sea of Sicily. The famous city of Mondello is the focus of this tour. Guests can tour the quaint fishing village popular among local and international tourists alike, before heading off to a reserved beach, where they can relax and enjoy the clear waters and stunning beaches.
Mondello Beach. Spend the day in the outskirts of Palermo at Mondell Beach, before exploring some of the most important sites in Palermo, including the Teatro Politeama (the city's main theater, built in the 19th century), Via Ruggero Settimo (named in honor of admiral and senator Ruggero Settimo, and known as Palermo's 'sitting room' due to the elegance of its shops) and the Teatro Massimo (Palermo's Operatic Theatre, built at the end of the 19th century in the neoclassical style).
San Vito Lo Capo: Riserva Dello Zingaro and the Beach. Take a walk on the wild side and explore the region's flora and fauna in the exploration of a Mediterranean ecosystem.
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