Cefalù and Monreale Day Trip from Palermo with Optional Boat

Duration

9 hours

Group Size

Semi-private (Up to 8 people)

Languages

English

Cancellation

Free cancellation

A full-day Cefalù and Monreale day trip from Palermo for up to 8 guests — combining Sicily's most beautiful seaside town with its greatest UNESCO cathedral. Includes round-trip transfer, optional 3-hour boat excursion with snorkeling and aperitivo, and a guided visit to Monreale Cathedral with audioguide.

Included Description Meeting Point Important Info Faq Reviews

Included

Round-trip transportation from/to Palermo by luxury Mercedes minivan or minibus

English-speaking driver/tour leader

Optional boat excursion with snorkeling and aperitivo on board

Free time to explore Cefalù

Opportunity to swim in the Sicilian sea

Monreale Cathedral entrance ticket with audioguide

Complimentary bottled water

Highlights

Explore Cefalù, one of Sicily’s most charming seaside towns
Choose between free time in Cefalù or an optional 3-hour boat tour with swimming, snorkeling, and aperitivo on board
Enjoy free time for lunch and exploration at your own pace
Visit Monreale Cathedral with audioguide and admire its golden mosaics
Travel comfortably in a small group with round-trip transfers from Palermo

Description

Set off on the best day trip from Palermo to two of Sicily's most iconic destinations: the sun-drenched coastal town of Cefalù and the golden-mosaic cathedral of Monreale, both UNESCO World Heritage sites and masterpieces of Arab-Norman art. Travel in a semi-private group of up to 8 people in a luxury Mercedes minivan, and choose your own Cefalù experience — a leisurely afternoon on the beach and in the historic centre, or an optional 3-hour boat excursion with swimming stops, snorkeling, and an aperitivo served on the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Cefalù: Sicily's most beautiful seaside town

Your day begins with the drive from Palermo to Cefalù — a picturesque medieval town perched between a dramatic rocky headland and a long golden beach. Upon arrival, the choice is yours: spend the morning exploring the Norman Cathedral (a UNESCO site in its own right), wandering the honey-coloured alleyways, and swimming at the beach — or join the optional 3-hour boat trip along the coast. The boat excursion includes three open-water swimming stops, time for snorkeling in crystal-clear Tyrrhenian waters, and a chilled aperitivo served on board. Either way, Cefalù delivers one of the most memorable mornings you'll have in Sicily.

Enjoy Cefalù: streets, beaches, and local life

After your morning at sea or in town, enjoy free time in Cefalù to have lunch at your own pace. The seafront is lined with traditional trattorias serving freshly caught fish and classic Sicilian pasta — the arancino and granita at a local bar are highly recommended. Browse the artisan boutiques in the medieval centre, or simply sit with a coffee and watch Sicilian life go by before the group heads inland to Monreale.

Monreale Cathedral: Sicily's greatest UNESCO monument

In the afternoon, the minivan climbs the hillside to Monreale, a small town overlooking the Conca d'Oro valley and home to one of the most extraordinary cathedrals in Europe. The Monreale Cathedral — a UNESCO World Heritage site — was built in the 12th century under King William II and represents the peak of Arab-Norman architecture: a breathtaking fusion of Byzantine mosaics, Islamic geometric decoration, and Norman stonework. Your included audioguide brings the 6,340 square metres of golden mosaics to life, telling the biblical stories depicted in stunning detail across every wall and ceiling. Allow time for the cloister courtyard, one of Sicily's hidden gems, before the return drive to Palermo in the early evening.

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Meeting Point

The meeting point is at our TOURIST HUB & COOKING SCHOOL in Palermo.

Important Information

We strongly suggest to bring hat and sunscreen, swimwear and towel.

The boat option is subject to weather conditions. In case the boat will not operate due to adverse weather or sea contitions, a partial refund will be provided.

We regret to inform that this tour is not suitable for guests with wheelchairs or with impaired mobility.

Please inform us in advance about any food allergy or dietary requirements.

Please note that this tour might be run on Mercedes luxury 8-seater vans or Mercedes luxury minibuses according to the tour occupancy and always providing the highest possible quality.

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Rain policy

This tour runs rain or shine. Boat option is subject to weather conditions. In case the boat will not operate due to adverse weather or sea conditions, a partial refund will be provided.

Faq

Is lunch included in this tour?

No, lunch is not included. You'll have free time in Cefalù to have lunch independently at one of the many seafront trattorias or local restaurants. Budget approximately €15–25 per person for a sit-down meal. If you choose the boat option in the morning, a light aperitivo will be served.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour runs rain or shine. However, the optional boat excursion is subject to sea and weather conditions. If the boat cannot operate, a partial refund will be provided for that add-on. We will notify you in advance if conditions make the boat option unavailable.

What's the difference between the semi-private and private tour?

The semi-private tour runs in a group of up to 8 people and starts from €79 per person. The private version of this tour is exclusively for your group, departs on your schedule, and starts from €347 per person — ideal for families or those who prefer a more personalised pace.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, the tour is family-friendly. Children will enjoy the beach time in Cefalù and the impressive mosaics in Monreale Cathedral. Please note the tour is not suitable for guests with wheelchairs or significantly impaired mobility.

Cefalù and Monreale Day Trip from Palermo