Palermo (Monreale), Italy

Important Information: this tour operates from June until middle of September and is subject to weather conditions. We warn participants that there may be algae in the sea and-or on the beach. Two sunbeds and one parasol each couple are included. We recommend bringing a towel, sunscreen and a hat. Access to the swimming pool is not included.<-p>

Discover Palermo through the peoples who made it unique: walk among the Quattro Canti, the Cathedral and the mosaics of the Martorana, taste Sicilian specialties for lunch and then climb Monte Pellegrino to admire the city from above, just like its patron saint, Santa Rosalia. A journey through cultures, traditions and unforgettable views.

• Palermo Cathedral: internal visit
• Walking tour of the historic center: Cassaro; Piazza dei Quattro Canti; Fountain of Shame; Piazza Bellini;
• Church of the Martorana: internal visit
• Lunch with various Sicilian specialties
• Sightseeing bus tour to Monte Pellegrino
• Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia: free time

• 2700 years of history in a hustle and bustle of people: welcome to Palermo. With a tour of the center and an exclusive Costa guide, the city's multicultural history can be yours too.
• A few examples are: The Norman Palace, originally built by the Romans and then passed into the hands of other peoples, as well as the Cathedral, built on the foundations of an ancient mosque.
• Just think: the inscription over the doorway is in Arabic, but the welcome is universal! Meanwhile, inside, Saint Rosalia is the patron saint who unites the entire city.
• Elsewhere, all of Palermo comes together in Piazza Quattro Canti, at the crossroads between four historic districts, and then again in front of the Fountain of Shame, which brings together scandal and beauty, and in the Church of the Martorana, a true patchwork of religions.
• This blend of influences is also the special ingredient in your lunch: caponata, Beccafico sardines and sfincionello bread. Before today, could you ever have imagined such flavor combinations?
• Now, climb aboard the coach for a trip to Monte Pellegrino, where the Sanctuary of “la Santuzza” stands: from here, you can admire all of Palermo's fascinating contrasts at a glance, just like the saint herself.

• Before booking the excursion or once on board, contact the excursion office to check the availability of vegetarian or gluten-free dishes and to report any food intolerances.

A day in Mondello beach. We'll arrange the beach lounger and umbrella, you just focus on the essential: the sea and your tan. 

• Favorita Park panoramic
• Mondello beach

• Originally a fishing village, Mondello, or Munneddu in Sicilian, has become a well-known beach resort, and is just a couple of miles from downtown Palermo.   
• Getting there is a pleasure in itself: along coastal roads and through the Favorita Park, an ancient hunting reserve of the Bourbon King Ferdinand III and now part of the Mount Pellegrino Nature Reserve. 
• After passing through Palermo's "green lung", you'll arrive at Mondello beach, with its iconic pastel-colored wooden beach cabins. Your reserved beach lounger and umbrella will be there waiting for you, all you need to do is decide how you want to have fun.

• Slight changes may be made to itineraries and the length of excursions to protect your health and to comply with regulations and the safety protocol.
• This is one of the most popular excursions so book early.
• We provide umbrellas and beach loungers for adults. Children will share their parents' beach lounger.
• During the tour, a local guide will provide assistance and information in English and Italian.

Corleone is so much more than just a name linked to the Mafia: it's a place of history, resistance and change. In the lush Ficuzza forest, you'll wander past murals and small stone blocks, tributes to those who challenged the illegal activities here, and visit the center of documentation which gathers together stories of courage and justice. Lunch will have a special significance: you'll be eating in a place which was confiscated from criminal groups.

• Corleone, beyond the stereotypes.
• From murals to “stumbling blocks”.
• The CIDMA: the heart of the battle against the Mafia.
• Lunch in a restaurant confiscated from the Mafia.

Forget the glamor of the big screen: Corleone isn't a film set, but the site of a real battle. We'll leave Palermo and enter a land marked by courage and the desire for redemption.

Wandering among the streets of Corleone, we'll come across murals that tell the story of the fight against the Mafia, and “stumbling blocks” that honor the sacrifice of those who dared to stand up to their illegal activities.

Then, to the beating heart of Corleone: The CIDMA – Centro Internazionale di Documentazione sulla Mafia e del Movimento Antimafia (the International Center of Documentation on the Mafia and the Anti-Mafia Movement). Here, among the documents and testimonies, the past finds its voice, and the names Dalla Chiesa, Falcone and Borsellino are not just memories, but a legacy that continues to inspire today.

After a pause for reflection, we conclude with an experience that speaks for itself: lunch in a restaurant confiscated from the Mafia, today a tangible symbol of justice and rebirth.

Corleone is much more than you could imagine. Are you ready to see it with new eyes?

• Before booking the excursion or once on board, contact the excursion office to check the availability of vegetarian or gluten-free dishes and to report any food intolerances.

Experience the coast of Palermo from a unique perspective aboard the elegant vintage sailing boat 'Eden'. Sail among ancient tuna fisheries, historic villas and hidden coves, stopping to swim in the crystal-clear waters of Cala Vergine Maria, and the Grotte della Regina. On board, relax on the deck cushions and savor the best of Sicilian tradition with bruschetta, white wine and an authentic artisanal gelato.

• Trip in an old-fashioned boat along the coast of Palermo: Palazzina dei Quattro Pizzi; Arenella tuna fishery; Vergine Maria beach
• Vergine Maria beach; Grotte della Regina caves: stops for swimming and tastings of Sicilian specialties on board

• Climb aboard the “Eden”, a vintage boat from 1971, which has recently been refurbished with all modern comforts. From the comfortable sun deck, you'll immediately see the Palermo coastline pass by: monuments, the odd marina and Arenella beach.
• That neo-Gothic building you see is the Palazzina dei Quattro Pizzi: the crew will tell you about the Florio family, and how they transformed this 14th-century tuna fishery into a villa envied even by the Tsars, who built an identical hall in their St Petersburg residence.
• Set sail for Cala Vergine Maria, the bay of white sand that bears the name of the chapel on the cliff. This will be your first stop, for a dip in its clear waters and a snack break.
• Then, satisfy your palate on board, with a tasting of bruschette and a glass of authentic Sicilian white wine.
• And now that you've recharged your batteries, take a last dip in the Grotte della Regina caves. Did you know that in these parts, even the aperitifs are refreshing? Get comfortable with a delicious homemade ice cream or a Messina-style granita accompanied by a typical brioche with 'tuppo': the fresh taste of the island is reflected in this truly exclusive experience.

• Minimum age: 6 years.
• Bring just the essentials with you, not forgetting your swimming suit, a backpack with beach towel, hat and sunscreen.
• The itinerary is subject to sea conditions.

Admire Palermo at your own pace with a panoramic bus tour that takes you through its most iconic landmarks. From the spectacular view of Monte Pellegrino and the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia to the symbolic monuments of the historic center, such as Piazza dell’Indipendenza, Porta Nuova and the majestic Cathedral. Relax, take photos and be amazed by the beauty of the city as Palermo unfolds before your eyes.

• Sightseeing bus tour climbing Monte Pellegrino
• Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia: photo stop
• Old town: Piazza Indipendenza; Porta Nuova; Piazza Verdi
• Palermo Cathedral
• Free time

• Your trip starts on Monte Pellegrino, at the shrine of Santa Rosalia: the “Santuzza”, as she is affectionately known by the people of Palermo.
• Take some souvenir photos of the headland that Goethe described as “the most beautiful in the world”: on one side is the bay of Mondello and Femmine island, on the other the Gulf of Palermo as far as Bagheria and Cefalù.
• You’ll have your fill of views also in Piazza Indipendenza, passing in front of the Palazzo Reale. The final click is in Piazza Verdi, where you’ll see the Teatro Massimo.
• And if you're looking for full immersion into the art and history of Palermo, the Cathedral awaits you. Enter to discover the details of its various architectural styles up close, without missing the solar meridian with its zodiac signs along the central nave.

• The “Adagio Tour” was born from the collaboration between Costa Crociere Foundation and AISM, with the aim of offering land experiences at a “slower” pace and itineraries with fewer architectural barriers, designed for people with accessibility needs.
• The “Adagio Tour” version of this excursion is available on all ships.
• The places available for the "Adagio Tour" version are limited
• If you use a wheelchair, the reservation of the "Adagio Tour" must necessarily be made through your cruise representative or through the contact channels of the Customer Center.
• Accessible rest rooms are available in the square.
• Wear suitable clothing for the places of worship you will be visiting.

Ready to become explorers? With a special pirate kit, little ones will uncover the secrets of Palermo, among iconic landmarks like the Politeama Theater and the Mercato del Capo. Between puzzles to solve, tests of courage and tastings of typical sweets. Who will find the hidden treasure?

• Walk through Palermo old town: Rosa dei Venti in Via Amari, Politeama theater, Massimo theater, Capo market
• Local food tasting
• Preparation of a typical dessert

• Crew, your adventure with your guide starts below deck. Little ones will receive a kit to explore the city like real pirates and make a note of the juiciest details!
• First stop: the Rosa dei Venti. From there, head towards the Politeama theater. Can you find it? The majestic triumphal arch at the entrance certainly makes an impression. And who knows who the figures are on the equestrian statues that adorn its summit!
• Having solved the mystery, make your way to the equally famous and imposing Massimo theater. Did you know that it's the biggest in Italy?
• Now let your nose lead you to the stalls full of local delicacies at the Capo street market and then to a tasting that includes... a "sweet encounter" .... And since Sicily is home to so many delicious delicacies, discover the secret ingredients of another famous Sicilian pastry. What is it?
• With that in mind, it's time to head back to the ship, but first there's one last challenge for the little pirates: finding the hidden treasure! Happy hunting!

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the experience and take a hat and sunscreen with you to protect yourself during the hottest hours of the day.

A tour that takes you through all the symbolic places of Palermo, narrated by the women who shaped its history. From the ghost nun of the Teatro Massimo to the saints of Piazza Quattro Canti, to the majestic Cathedral and the traditions preserved in the Mercato del Capo. Stroll among the most iconic monuments, taste a real Palermo-style arancina and end on a sweet note with a Sicilian cannolo in a historic café.

• Teatro Massimo: external visit

• walking tour of the historic center: Via Maqueda; Cassaro; Piazza Bellini and the three churches

• Piazza dei Quattro Canti

• Piazza Pretoria with the Fountain of Shame

• Palermo Cathedral: external visit

• Capo market: tasting of typical Palermitan arancine (fried rice balls)

• Historical café: artisan Sicilian cannoli tasting

• In Palermo, an exclusive Costa experience awaits you, with a guide who will tell you about both real and imaginary women: the female "pillars" of the city.
• The first is legendary: the "monachella" of Teatro Massimo, the ghost of a nun who has been amusing herself by sabotaging the artists here for more than 100 years.
• Meanwhile, the saints who keep watch over Piazza Quattro Canti are good and wise * each of them protects one of the city's historical districts. But the square is also linked to two ancient assassins: ask your guide to tell you the story!
• At the Fountain of Shame, surrounded by nude statues, the inhabitants of the nearby nunnery are the stars of the show, as inventors of sweet treats such as “minne di vergine” and the “biancomangiare” cream. Guess what they're inspired by?
• Meanwhile, the figure who inspires the devotion of all Palermo inhabitants is Santa Rosalia, "la Santuzza", who rejected earthly wealth for its spiritual equivalent. She awaits you in the Cathedral.
• Finally, the flavors: at the Capo market, you can taste Palermitan arancine * strictly feminine * while at a historic café, you will be served Sicilian cannoli, an ancient gift from Muslim women to their Christian "sisters".

• Slight changes may be made to itineraries and the length of excursions in order to protect your health and to comply with regulations and the safety protocol.
• This is one of the most popular experiences so book early.
• The excursion is reserved for guests not disembarking in Palermo.
• Wear suitable clothing for the places of worship you will be visiting.
• The excursion takes place on foot.

Discover Palermo through its most authentic flavors! Stroll among the colorful stalls of the Mercato del Capo and Ballarò, let an expert chef guide you through the secrets of Sicilian cuisine and taste arancine, the best local products and the inimitable Sicilian cannolo. A journey through aromas, colors and traditions that make Palermo a true capital of taste.

• Walking tour of the historic center: Teatro Massimo; Palermo Cathedral; Via Maqueda; Piazza Bellini; Fountain of Shame
• Capo market: tasting of Palermitan arancine (fried rice balls)
• Ballarò market: tasting of sweet and savory products
• Sicilian cannolo tasting in the cloister of Santa Caterina church (or granita during the summer)

• Fancy a real taste of Sicily? That's what's on the menu during this exclusive Costa experience, as you discover the street food of Palermo.
• Because the link between Palermitans and their food is something special. You'll realize this right away as your start your experience with your guide: at Teatro Massimo, there is talk of food for the soul, while at the Cathedral, the multicultural mix lends a unique flavor to the city.
• Now let's spice up your day: at the Capo market, among the scents of fennel and herbs, an expert chef will reveal the tricks of the shopping here, and encourage you to taste authentic Sicilian arancine.
• Meanwhile, at the Ballarò market, the chef will introduce you to two trusted suppliers who will show you their Sicilian gastronomic specialties, before letting you have a taste: first, dried fruit and nuts plus chocolate of the highest quality, then cheeses and local olives, accompanied by stories from farmers who have been cultivating the olive groves for generations.
• Now, it's time to taste a real Sicilian cannolo: in an exceptional setting, you'll have fun getting into the swing of tasting, before trying the king of the island's desserts.
• And the cherry on the cake? A surprise from the chef, just for you.

• Before booking the excursion or once on board, contact the excursion office to check the availability of vegetarian or gluten-free dishes and to report any food intolerances.
• In summer a Sicilian granita will be offered instead of the cannolo.

Mondello is Palermo's chic seaside resort. Enjoy it for a whole day, on the beach, like a true Palermitan. We'll provide you with a private area with all the facilities you need, in one of the most exclusive bathing establishments.

• Mondello bathing establishment

• Travel to Mondello, at the heart of the bay of the same name, overlooked by the rocky Mount Gallo and Mount Pellegrino. The most beautiful headland in the world, according to Goethe.
• The old fishing village has been a fashionable seaside resort for many years, a real institution for the people of Palermo. Sand, sea and Liberty-style villas that are among the best examples of Italian and European Art Nouveau.
• In one of the most exclusive bathing establishments, you'll have your own sun lounger and umbrella to spend a day enjoying the white sandy beach and transparent waters. 

• During the tour, a local guide will provide you with assistance and information.
• We provide umbrellas and beach loungers for adults. Children will share their parents' beach lounger.
• Slight changes may be made to itineraries and the length of excursions to protect your health and to comply with regulations and the safety protocol.
• This is one of the most popular excursions so book early.
• Lunch is not included and can be paid for directly on site.

A picturesque little harbor, a dreamy coastline and turquoise waters that need no filters.
On board a dinghy, amidst the vibrant colors of Mondello and the nature of Isola delle Femmine, experience a day that’s all about Sicily: radiant, relaxed, irresistible.

• A boat trip along Palermo’s most iconic coastline
• Arrival and stop for a swim in Mondello Bay
• A stop at the Isola delle Femmine Nature Reserve
• Time for swimming, relaxation and a snack with a sea view

Set off from the little harbor of Cala, a place where the scent of the sea is strong and the boats seem ready to tell you a story.
The dinghies await you, smiling and raring to go, and as soon as the moorings are cast off, you know it’s going to be one of those days where you just think, "Nobody’s going to stress me out today".

The ride is smooth, almost like an embrace.
You'll set off for Mondello, with its turquoise sea that calls out to you, almost shouting: “Come on, take a dip!”.
And you, of course, plunge right in. Because to resist would be the act of a saint, not of a human being.

Then it's off again to the Isola delle Femmine Nature Reserve, a little paradise where the colors are so vivid that it looks as though they’ve spent the morning being tweaked in Photoshop.
Here there’s time for another dip, another smile and a snack that tastes of sunshine, salt… and vacations!

Every route, every stop, every dip is a little gift from the sea.
And when the boat heads back towards the cove, you'll realize it for yourself: this is one of those days that stays with you, like salt on your skin.

• Only bring what you need: a swimming costume, a backpack with beach towel, a hat, suncream and a bottle of water.
• The tour may be canceled in bad weather.

A tour through the most fascinating sides of Palermo. From the Politeama Theater and the Teatro Massimo, guardians of unexpected stories, to the majestic Cathedral, every stop hides a secret. The most evocative moment? The descent into the Capuchin Catacombs, where hundreds of mummified bodies, dressed in full attire, including the famous Rosalia Lombardo, tell the most enigmatic side of the city.

• Main monuments: Politeama Theater, Massimo Theater, Royal Palace (external visit)
• Capuchin Catacombs
• Palermo Cathedral

• The most beautiful monuments of Palermo on a panoramic tour * From the Politeama Theater, which has hosted boxing matches, a cinema and even a circus, to the Massimo Theater, which now hosts the city's opera season.
• You'll also pass in front of the Royal Palace, the most ancient royal residence in Europe. And then the Capuchin Catacombs, where you'll see the mummified bodies of monks, noblemen and citizens who died between the 17th and 19th centuries. The last corpse was received here in 1920. It is the body of the young Rosalia Lombardo, now known as the most beautiful mummy in the world.
• The last stop is Palermo Cathedral.

• The visit to the Capuchin Catacombs is not suitable for children and anyone who is impressionable.

Discover Cefalù through its most fascinating stories, between love myths and dreamlike panoramas. From the romantic bay and the bastions, to the tales of kings and nymphs at the medieval wash house, to the majestic Cathedral of Roger II. Walk through breathtaking views, let yourself be captivated by the charm of this town and end the experience with an authentic Sicilian cannolo, because here love is also tasted!

• Walk through Cefalù: bay; ramparts; wash house
• Cathedral of Cefalù: internal visit
• Tasting of typical Sicilian sweet

• Everyone loves Cefalù for its sea and its views, but only an exclusive Costa experience can reveal the hidden corners and key figures of a city that has been struck by Cupid's bow.
• As soon as you arrive, you'll be met with views of the bay and the first love story…which doesn't end well. Listen to your guide: they'll tell you about the shepherd Daphnis, the husband of a nymph tricked by an enamored queen.
• And up on the ramparts, you'll discover that nobody loved this corner of Sicily more than Roger II, who landed here having escaped a storm thanks to his prayers.
• The romantic tales continue at the wash house, with its pure crystal waters from the Cefalino river. Dip your hands in: you won't get the chance to bathe them in the "tears" of a broken-hearted nymph again!
• Do you remember the story of Roger II? Praying for salvation, he promised to create a temple at the place where he landed: this is how the cathedral of Cefalù came to be, with its quirky Arab and Norman decorations.
• And at the end, you too will fall in love with the authentic taste of Sicilian sweet. Apparently, the recipe was passed on from the bored women of a harem to their Christian sisters. That's love, too!

• Slight changes may be made to itineraries and the length of excursions in order to protect your health and to comply with regulations and the safety protocol.
• Wear suitable clothing for the places of worship you will be visiting.
• Due to work in progress in Piazza Duomo, the wash house is closed and therefore cannot be visited.

Head to the Zingaro Nature Reserve by dinghy, an untouched corner of Sicily that is only accessible from the sea. Make your way along the stunning coastline, with its wild cliffs, hidden caves and dreamy coves. Take your first dip facing the historical Tonnara di Scopello, with its majestic rock stacks, and dive into the azure waters of the nature reserve, a biodiversity sanctuary. And on board, relax with a typical Sicilian lunch.

• The Zingaro Nature Reserve.
• Sailing trip with cliffs, caves and crystal clear waters.
• Exclusive swimming at the Tonnara di Scopello in the bays in the nature reserve.
• Relaxation on board and Sicilian snack.

Forget the crowded beach clubs and packed beaches. Here, it's a whole other story! We set off from Palermo, traveling the coastline of a Sicily that is still authentic, rugged and spectacular.In front of the Tonnara di Scopello, with its picture-postcard rock stacks, we'll make our first stop: turquoise waters, history and a dip that tastes like freedom.Then we set sail again to the Zingaro Nature Reserve, a paradise that only reveals itself to those who approach from the sea, with hidden bays and crystal-clear waters. Another dip? Of course!And when the sun starts really heating up, don't worry: a Sicilian snack awaits you on board, as tradition dictates. A last toast, a final glimpse at this natural spectacle, and then we set off back to Palermo, with salty skin and full hearts.Sea, adventure, flavor. Are you with us, or are you staying ashore?

• Only bring what you need: a swimming costume, a backpack with beach towel, a hat, suncream and bottle of water.
• Before booking the excursion or once on board, contact the excursion office to check the availability of vegetarian or gluten-free dishes and to report any food intolerances.
• Guests must be in good physical health, this excursion is not recommended to guests with mobility or back problems. 

An absolute novelty from Costa – as of today, you can discover the city's most iconic sites with total flexibility. A brand-new, shorter experience to be enjoyed in small groups and with a dedicated guide. Meet the guide in front of the Garraffo Fountain: Here, start discovering Palermo's most ancient area: The Cassaro, that is, Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Start at the monumental Porta Felice gate, and discover the legends surround the fountain on Piazza Pretoria and those about the women protecting the Quattro Canti square. At the end, you decide whether to continue on your own independent tour or go back to the ship. Live the city at your own pace!

• Walk along Palermo's Cassaro – meeting point in front of the Garraffo Fountain on Piazza Marina: Porta Felice gate, Piazza Pretoria, Quattro Canti square, Cathedral

• Transfer not included.
• Arrive 10 minutes before your appointment in Piazza Marina.
• This experience is available at various time slots: Please refer to the excursion desk should you wish to change the time proposed by the system and choose the one you prefer, to visit the city independently and at your own pace.