Our offers for shore excursions in and around Palermo
Book your best private and shared cruise shore exursions in Palermo, Sicily with us for your cruise trip below!
Small groups
Excursions in a family atmosphereGreat service
Pick up directly at the harborHigh reliability
On-time-back-to-ship warrantyEffective time management
Book your activities in advanceCheap shore excursion
Save money by self organisingHigh individuality
Arrange activities and times freelyUseful information for your cruise excursions in Palermo
Things you should know about your cruise port, attractions as well as other useful facts and tips for the best shore excursions in Palermo are down below.
The most beautiful attractions in Palermo
The city of Palermo, located on the 606-meters high (1,988 ft) Mount Pellegrino offers a variety of cultural attractions. The central harbor also makes it easy to take a cruise shore excursion on foot.
Palermo Cathedral
Where the Cathedral of Maria Santissima Assunta is today was once a Christian church in the 6th century. In the meantime, however, it was converted into a mosque. In 1185 it was completely rebuilt under Archbishop Walter as a Christian cathedral. Since then, countless conversions and extensions have taken place. It was not until the 18th century that it got its current appearance. Highlights of the cathedral are the imperial and royal tombs, in which among others Frederick II and Henry VI. rest.
Imperial Crypt
In 1599 a crypt was dug under the Capuchin monastery, which today is home to the largest collection of mummies in Europe. Fans of horror as well as archaeologically interested visitors will definitely get their money’s worth when visiting here. Around 2,000 mummies can be observed from 9 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 6 pm. The entrance fee is absolutely affordable with only 3 euros. Moreover, the Capuchin Crypt can be easily reached by public transport.
Botanical Garden Palermo
If you love nature and are looking for a place in greeneries, Orto Botanico is the place for you. The more than 200-year-old botanical garden houses plants of all kinds and invites you to relax under its palm trees. It serves as a teaching and research facility for the University of Palermo as well as a tourist attraction. Orto Botanico can also be reached with the Red Hop On-Hop Off Bus.
Teatro Massimo
Completed in 1897, Teatro Massimo is Italy’s largest opera house and the third largest in Europe, which can host over 3,200 guests. However due to some shortcomings, it was closed in 1974. It was said that the renovations was hindered because of complications with the mafia. Luckily for the 100th anniversary in 1997, the opera house was then reopened. Teatro Massimo is centrally located and can also be easily reached on foot from the harbor.
Temple of Segesta
About 75 km (47 miles) west of Palermo is the 430 BC-built temple in the city of Segesta. It is today one of the best preserved temples in the world. The impressive, never completely finished building is surrounded by idyllic landscape and hence offers an extremely fascinating view. If you decide to take a trip to Segesta, take your time and visit the theatre, which is still used for events in summer.
Map of cruise port in Palermo
The cruise port of Palermo lies directly at the city center, therefore famous and beautiful attractions in Palermo can be easily reached on foot.
Things to know about excursions in and around Palermo
Shipping companies and routes
P&O, MSC, Cunard, Princess, Carnival and Costa cruise lines also have regular cruise trips with a stop at Palermo during their Mediterranean programs
Immigration and visa
U.S. citizens may enter Italy for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. For more accurate and up-to-date information about the entry requirements, please contact your cruise operator before the trip.
Cruise terminals
The berths of cruise ships are directly at the city center, that’s why there is no necessity for a port shuttle service.
Taxi and other public transports
Taxis are usually found right on the quayside. If you prefer public transport, you can start your shore excursion at the train station Giachery, which is closest to the port. From here take line B to station Notarbartolo. With line A you can reach other stations, including the Palermo Centrale (Central Station). The tickets cost 1.20 euros and are valid for 90 minutes.
It is also possible to explore the city by bus. Please note that you have to buy different tickets than the metro ones. These tickets will be validated on the bus. You can buy the tickets in kiosks. For sightseeing tours you can find a stop for Hop On – Hop Off Buses right at the harbour entrance.
Currency
Sicily is a region in Italy, where the euro is used (1 dollar = 0.86 euro and 1 pound = 1.11 euro). At ATMs you can also conveniently withdraw money. Please note that charges may apply.
Travel time
Basically, you can travel to Sicily all year round as the winter is usually very mild. The bathing season starts in July through August until September. In August, it can be extremely hot and the beaches are overcrowded by holidaymakers. The warm months of May and June are ideal for a stay in Sicily. At temperatures of about 23 °C / 73 °F, it is definitely worthwhile to make a shore excursion in September and October.
Websites of the port and tourist organizations
- Port operator: Autorità Portuale di Palermo
- Official website: City of Palermo
- Online tour guide: Wikitravel
Video: Impressions of Palermo
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