The 4 Best Sicily History Tours

1.Palermo Historic Center Walking Tour by Palermo Wonders

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

Explore Palermo’s historic center on a private, customizable 3-hour walk with a guide such as Mauro. Start near the opera house, pass through the Capo market, visit the Cathedral, and choose optional entries to the Norman Palace, Palatine Chapel, and Santa Caterina. Expect history, architecture, local stories, and a few sweet stops.

“The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable, very friendly and very thorough. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and would highly recommend it.”

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2.Palermo in 2 hours Main monuments and historic markets

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

Start near Teatro Massimo and walk through Palermo’s old center with a licensed guide, possibly Maurizio or Fabrizio. See opera, puppet theater, Piazza Pretoria, Capo Market, the Cassaro, and Palermo Cathedral. Expect local legends, a short street-food tasting, and a small group of up to 20 people.

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

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

Start at Social Bike Palermo at 9:30 am for a three-hour English-language ride through Palermo’s old center, Ballarò, the Cathedral, Teatro Massimo, and the waterfront. Guides such as Deborah, Fabio, Elena, and Paulo have led tours, with local street food, child seats, and a maximum of 15 people included.

“Wonderful cycling tour of the city of Palermo with our guide Deborah. She provided us with a lot of information about the history (including the Mafia) and buildings of the city. She had good English and was a lot of fun. I would highly recommend because it is a great way to enjoy your stay in Palermo”

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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. See the Greek theater, Roman amphitheater, ancient quarries, and Ear of Dionysius. The tour lasts about 90 minutes to two hours. Park admission is extra, and the Greek theater may be partly covered during performances.

“Great tour, even in the summer heat. Knowledgeable tour guide who answered all of our questions. If you do take the tour in the summer, bring an umbrella. You'll thank me later.”

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