Palermo Private Half-Day Monreale & Capuchin’s Catacombs Excursion

Description

Private round-trip transportation from your Palermo Cruise pier!
Private English-speaking driver!
Private English-speaking Shore Excursion guide!
Cultural and historical commentary during the shore excursion!
Visit to the Monreale Cathedral and its gold mosaics and architectural features!
Admission fees!

Upon arrival at the Port of Palermo, meet your expert guide and set off on a scenic drive to the hilltop town of Monreale, home to one of the most magnificent architectural treasures in Sicily. The Cathedral of Santa Maria la Nuova, along with its Benedictine cloister, forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedrals of Cefalù and Monreale. Commissioned by King William II of Sicily, also known as William the Good, between 1174 and 1176, the cathedral was inspired by a legendary dream of the Virgin Mary revealing a hidden treasure meant for a sacred purpose. Historically, the construction was likely a political and cultural statement intended to rival the achievements of his royal ancestors and to leave a lasting mark on Sicilian history.

The Cathedral itself is a remarkable fusion of Western, Byzantine, and Islamic artistic traditions. Islamic architects skilled in Fatimid art were invited to contribute to its design, bringing with them architectural styles and decorative elements typically seen in palatial Middle Eastern buildings, but adapted to suit Christian religious functions. Inside, you'll be awestruck by the dazzling gold mosaics that depict biblical scenes, stretching across the cathedral’s vast interior, while the cloister, peaceful and intricate, is a masterpiece of medieval stonework and symbolism. This visit offers not only a journey through religious devotion and royal ambition but also a vivid example of Sicily’s multicultural past.

After exploring Monreale, return to Palermo and stop for a one-hour visit to one of the city’s most haunting and fascinating sites: the Capuchin Catacombs. Beneath the Capuchin Convent lies a unique and macabre display of preserved bodies, dressed in their finest garments and arranged by status, age, and profession. These remains, some centuries old, offer a striking window into the funerary customs and societal structures of Palermo from the 17th to 19th centuries. This chilling yet deeply cultural experience has captivated travelers, writers, and historians for generations. At the end of the tour, you may choose to return directly to the Port of Palermo or be dropped off in the city center for some free time to explore. Your guide will provide easy directions for getting back to the port on your own (approximately a 20-minute walk).

For groups larger than 15, please contact us to get a quote.

What is included?

Private round-trip transportation from your Palermo Cruise pier.
Private English-speaking driver.
Private English-speaking Shore Excursion guide.
Cultural and historical commentary during the shore excursion.
Visit to the Monreale Cathedral and its gold mosaics and architectural features.
Admission fees.

Excursion Notes

Excursion prices shown are quoted/displayed in US dollars, however, the balance must be paid in Euros only. The total amount in Euros will be shown on your E-Ticket.
We suggest you have cash (Euros) for the entrance fee, refreshments, excursion staff gratuities, shopping, etc.
Sensible, rubber-soled walking shoes are highly recommended along with sun protection.
As you may be visiting a religious or memorial site, shoulders and knees must be covered for men and women.
Please pay attention to the restrictions and requirements for this excursion; if the shore excursion's requirements are not met, no refund will be granted.

Where we meet

For this Palermo Private Half-Day Monreale & Capuchin’s Catacombs Excursion, you will meet your local driver/guide outside your Palermo cruise port. All necessary details will be printed on your Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket.

Excursion Restrictions

This excursion is not wheelchair accessible.
Guests must be able to step in and out of the transportation.
This excursion is not recommended for guests with mobility issues.

Excursion FAQ

Will they cancel the Palermo Private Half-Day Monreale & Capuchin’s Catacombs Excursion if it is raining?

This Palermo Shore Excursion operates rain or shine, within safety guidelines. The local cruise excursion operator will decide to postpone or cancel the excursion based on the weather conditions at the time of departure.

Will there be restrooms?

Restrooms are located at each stop. In Europe, a small package of tissues is suggested as public restrooms may or may not have toilet paper. Most public restrooms require a small fee. Having a few local coins is highly recommended, as they do not always make change.

Can I use US dollars?

Most large stores and restaurants will take major credit cards, and some may take other currencies besides the Euro. Small stores, restaurants, or sidewalk vendors will usually only take local currency. The best exchange rates for currency are usually at major bank ATMs. The worst exchange rates can be found at locations such as airports, train stations, and tourist hotspots. Before leaving home, please check with your credit card companies and banks on what transaction or other fees they may apply if you use a debit or credit card abroad. These fees are in addition to any fees applied by the vendor or host bank where you use the card.

Would we have time for lunch?

Yes, you can decide where to stop for lunch (at your own expense).

Do I need to take my passport with me on the Palermo Private Half-Day Monreale & Capuchin’s Catacombs Excursion to show with my Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket?

No, it is not necessary to take along your passport unless noted by your cruise line or listed in the Restrictions or Notes tab for the excursion. Your local operator has your booking noted. Please arrive with a printed copy of your eticket or digital copy if applicable.

Cancellation

For the Palermo Private Half-Day Monreale & Capuchin’s Catacombs Excursion, we issue full refund for your deposit or full payment to us if: Canceled by client prior to excursion date with a minimum of 48 hours prior notice by email to reservations@shoreexcursioneer.com.

For cancellation reasons below, you must contact us via email within 14 days after your excursion:

Your ship arrives into port late and you cannot make it in time to the meeting location (we will verify with the tour operator).
Your ship skips/misses the port.
Weather conditions or equipment failure prevents the operator from running the excursion.
A medical problem prevents you from safely participating in the excursion (we will verify with the excursion operator and the guest may send doctor's note). This applies to individuals only and not the remainder of the group.
Cancellations/deposit refund requests that do not comply with the above may not be subject to refund.
Refunds may be subject to a service charge fee as determined by the payment processor, please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information.

Palermo Private Half-Day Monreale & Capuchin’s Catacombs Excursion

Palermo, Italy (Excursion ID S6413)

Description

What is included?

Excursion Notes

Where we meet

Excursion Restrictions

Excursion FAQ

Cancellation

Excursion out of stock

Palermo Private Half-Day Monreale & Capuchin’s Catacombs Excursion Experiences

This excursion is available to everybody and specially designed to accommodate passengers of the following cruise lines

Palermo Private Half-Day Monreale & Capuchin’s Catacombs Excursion Reviews