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Things to do in Palermo

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Paint a traditional tambourine in a Sicilian studio

Join me, a Sicilian artist, in painting a traditional Sicilian tambourine, a vibrant symbol of local culture, in this hands-on creative workshop at my Palermo painting studio. • I’ll welcome you and give you a tour of my cozy studio, so you can draw inspiration from the works I’ve created over the past 30-plus years. • You’ll learn how to sketch a personalized pattern onto your tambourine, while sharing insights into the musical instrument’s folklore and significance. • Paint traditional motifs using acrylic watercolors, bringing the design on your tambourine to life as a personal keepsake. Everything you need to create your art is provided. You’ll take home your own unique creation as a lasting memento of your artistic Sicilian adventure, as well as unforgettable memories of our creative practice together.

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Discover Palermo's spiritual heritage with an anthropologist

Join me, an anthropologist and ethnologist, on a journey through Palermo’s spiritual heritage. We’ll dive deep into the city’s devotional iconography as we explore traditional markets and ancient churches. • We’ll start at the entrance of the vibrant and historic Il Capo market, a place deeply woven into my own upbringing. Here, you’ll experience the vibrant energy and warm hospitality of the market’s vendors. • I’ll introduce you to the traditional ways Sicilians honor specific Madonnas and holy women such as Santa Rosalia, along with figures who carry a more mystical significance in the local devotion. • As we navigate through the market and its surroundings, we’ll visit lesser-known churches and devotional spots cherished by the local community. Highlights include Madonna della Miccè, Madonna del Lume, Sant’Onofrio, and San Giuseppe dei Teatini. • We’ll stop in a small shop for coffee, traditional Sicilian biscotti reginelle, and fresh pomegranate juice, which carries important devotional symbology. You’ll walk away with firsthand experience of Palermo’s spiritual traditions and the people who keep them alive.

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Tour a centuries-old palace with a residing prince

Step into the grandeur of the Palermo aristocracy with a private tour of my home, Palazzo Raffadali. You’ll take an intimate journey through six centuries of art and culture, as well as the personal stories of my noble Sicilian family. • We’ll start with a warm welcome from Akhi, the palace’s butler, and me. You’ll hear the history of the Tortorici Montaperto di Raffadali family and the palace itself, from its 15th-century origins onward. • Next, you’ll explore rooms adorned with original frescoes, ornate chandeliers, and a priceless collection of Sicilian ceramics. Highlights include doors depicting scenes from The Odyssey and a ballroom that has hosted centuries of aristocratic events. • In the majestic dining room, featured on Stanley's Tucci ''Searching For Italy'' show we’ll enjoy an aperitivo while I answer your questions, share more stories of my family’s legacy, and provide tips for discovering other hidden gems of Palermo. You’ll leave with a personal connection to Sicily’s noble heritage and the wealth of treasures and stories it contains.

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4.88 out of 5 average rating, 846 reviews

Discovering the anti-mafia rebellion

You will walk with me or one of my fellow team members through the main roads and the back streets of the picturesque old town. You will learn about the Mafia, its brutal violence and its business, as well as about the people who stood up against the power of the organised crime. We will stop in front of monuments, memorials and shops, each is connected with a particular aspect of our story. Sometimes a small detail, that seems unsignificant at first glance, has a story behind it that is worth to be told. An example: Addiopizzo stickers on the shops windows we will see along the walking tour. They belongs to shopkeepers who have said NO to the protection money! You will also have the chance to support them, just buying a gelato, some local products or a souvenir of Palermo. Other things to note: You can recognize me because at the meeting point I will have a "No Mafia" backpack on my shoulder. IMPORTANT! The tour is offered in English, Italian or French, depending from the dates. Please scroll down this page and choose the correct date/language in the section "SEE MORE DATES".

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 1975 reviews

Palermo Unfiltered Street Food Tour and Market Exploration

If you want to taste authentic Sicilian street food and catch the real soul of Palermo, this is the right choice! We will walk you around the Capo and Vucciria markets to enjoy the best local street food. In the morning you will try the original arancini recipe at the only place that still makes it! We will take you to family-run bakeries, delis and old inns to sample traditional street food and sip some regional wine. We will unveil the secrets of Sicilian cuisine, and discuss the history of local recipes. You'll meet market vendors and funny street characters. Try this out if you want to experience real Palermo and leave your comfort zone. Not only food! During the walk, we will also discuss other topics like history, traditions and social issues (eg. mafia). We will also share with you the best tips to enjoy the rest of your stay like a real local. MUST KNOW: traditional street food is super tasty and regulated by the "3 F" rule: Fried, Fat, Full of carbs. MORNING TOUR: explore the local markets of Capo and Vucciria. Choose the morning option to experience the colorful and lively markets. EVENING TOUR: let us take you around the intricate alleys of the modern port of La Cala and the busy nightlife area of La Vucciria. Choose the night tour to skip summer heat and try some unique night-time bites. If there are any vegetarians or pescatarians, please inform us previously.

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 1297 reviews

Walking Tour & street food tour Palermo, History and food

My name is Domenico Aronica and i m the founder of the website palermowalkingtour(com). My group tour is not just a food tour, but it's a mix of history, culture, architecture, monuments and street food. The MORNING GROUP WALKING TOUR starts at 9.30 am, with me or with my team of official Tour Guides and we will walk for 3 hours / 4 km. In the first part of the Walking Tour we will visit monuments and churches and talk about the history of the city and in the second part of the Walking Tour we will explore the big outdoor food market and we will eat the famous street food of Palermo (food included). At the end of the tour I will give you many suggestions of what you can do on your own in Palermo. You will understand Palermo and its old history! This group tour is not suggested for children under 7 years old, the group tour is in english. Other things to note: Street food tastings like arancini, focaccia, fresh juice, cannoli, etc (it’s like a lunch! food included, no fish) and entrances fees in the churches that we will visit are included. Before book a private tour please send me a message to check my availability.

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 609 reviews

The Sicilian Pantry - Cooking Class & Market Tour

On a typical lesson day we meet in the morning at one of Palermo’s oldest markets, shop around for any items we will need for the lesson and then stroll to the air-conditioned kitchen in The Sicilian Pantry cookery school where we prepare a 4 course Sicilian meal, learning the techniques and tricks needed to recreate it when you return home. Meals are made up of a starter, pasta course, main course and desert (changes can be made for individuals with specific dietary requirements where appropriate). After the lesson we can sit down together to enjoy the fruits of our labour along with a selection of Sicilian wines rounded off with some homemade liqueurs and coffee. We believe that the true expression of Sicilian cuisine comes from the quality of its fresh seasonal produce so we strive to always ensure that we have the best of what Sicily has to offer in order to share this with our guests. This is an entertaining and informative day out, recommended for cooks of all levels. Other things to note Please let us know as soon as possible if you (or any in your party) have any dietary requirements, intolerances etc.

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 202 reviews

Photoshoot per Instagram nel cuore di Palermo

This is a photo tour adapted to anyone! Solo travelers, Couples, Families, Friends, Models, Influencers, or people just tired of selfies! Great for groups! Photo memories in the authentic Historic Center: We will hit the old streets of Palermo, seeking out its landmarks and secret squares, I will share with you my favorite spots and of course we will walk through the most iconic locations of the city, while capturing the moment for you with my camera. First time having a photoshoot? There is no need to worry. Even if this is the first time you take a photoshoot it's going to be easy since I will tell you everything of how to pose. And whether you want a photo shoot with your partner, family or friends, this will be a very fun experience. It will be a good walk so you should be prepared to have fun on the way. If you care about fashion and stylish stuff, I recommend you to bring some clothes more, in this way you will have photos with different outfits. Sounds good? If you want know more about me and my photo style check my 2 ig pages @chiarafantauzza and @chiaraswalks *I will send all your best photos (100 or more photos for 10 spots) in 2 days max* ** From MAY, I will have a collaborator trained by me, that, of course, will respect my style of photos. Mainly I will always be there with you, but it could happen that sometimes he will do the tour on my behalf**

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 299 reviews

Palermo Bike Tour with Tasting

Discover Palermo like never before with a unique and authentic 3-hour bike tour that will make you fall in love with the city! Ride through streets steeped in history, culture, and vibrant colors, guided by someone who knows and lives Palermo every day. You’ll uncover breathtaking views, hidden gems, and enchanting corners that tell the timeless story of this Mediterranean treasure. Every turn of the pedal brings you closer to the heart and soul of the city, far from the usual tourist paths. But this is more than just a tour – it’s a sensory journey. Along the way, you’ll indulge in Palermo’s famous street food, a burst of flavors that reveals the true essence of the city. Savor every bite as you immerse yourself in the local culinary tradition, because there’s no better way to understand Palermo than through its food. Let the beauty, flavors, and stories of Palermo captivate you. Get ready to create unforgettable memories and experience the city in a way that will stay with you forever. Are you ready to ride?

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 166 reviews

Private boat excursions

How to make your holiday in Palermo unique? Private boat tour lasting about 4 hours and 30/5 with departure (in the morning at 9:30 am or at an agreed time and in the afternoon at 2:00 pm or always at an agreed time according to the availability of the boat). addaura or if you prefer from the port of Mondello equipped with underwater camera to capture your most beautiful moments in which we will visit the spectacular Gulf of Mondello away from the chaos of the beach where we will make the first swim, then we will go into the spectacular Capo Nature Reserve Gallo making two stops where you can make excellent snorkeling swimming among the fish to continue up to the islet of the females an enchanting island in front of the Palermo coast.Finally on the way back you will pass in front of the fishing village of barcarello to make a last bath stop in the coasts of the addaura. All will be accompanied by an aperitif based on fruit to make the most c your experience is as satisfactory as possible. The boat is equipped with stereo, hand shower and awning / 5 Other things to note The boat is 7 meters long with ample sunbathing front and rear with hand shower, stereo and all safety equipment

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 52 reviews

Full Meal Five Stops Palermo Street Food

ALL FOOD IS INCLUDED! At least 5 food stops (food choice depending on season and availability): - Sfincione - Panino ca meuza - Sandwich with panelle and crocchè - Rice arancina - Sicilian cannoli - Sicilian granita What this tour IS about: - Great Food - Great company with a local - Curiosities and anecdotes - Nice walk in the historical center - Fun and smiles - New friends from all around the world What this tour is NOT about: - An historical tour - Boring long speeches PLEASE NOTICE THAT THE TOUR WILL BE HELD IN ITALIAN/ENGLISH. CONTACT US FOR OTHER LANGUAGES CONTACT US FOR PRIVATE EXPERIENCE Do Eat Better Experience tours are a mix of high-quality gastronomy as a way for showing Italian culture and lifestyle and a walking experience together with a local friend. You'll be guided by a "Foodie", a local "buddy" able to explain every detail of the selected restaurants, their preparations, and the relevant curiosities. We accept only small groups because we want to focus on a genuine exchange and give each person the highest attention possible.

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 388 reviews

TO HOUSE OF CILLA

We will begin our early morning experience by meeting at "Porta Carini", the gateway to one of the most famous markets of the city, il Capo. We will go along the alleys of the market, full of merchandise, and here we will buy everything we need to make together the menu you have chosen. Among the stalls full of goods, between colors and voices you will have the impression of being in one of the souks of any Muslim city. Visiting a market in Palermo is a multicultural experience, they fully express the multifaceted and cosmopolitan culture of Palermo. After our purchases, we will move towards my house, which is just a few minutes from Piazza Politeama. Here our experience will continue with the preparation of the dishes. Under my supervision my kitchen will become the scenery of your culinary creations. Sicilian cuisine, considered one of the most creative and spectacular in the world, is closely linked to the historical, cultural and religious events of the island. From the appetizer to the dessert I will tell you the origin and the history of each dish, and this will be a reason for comparison and exchange between our cultures.

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 43 reviews

Anti-mafia bike tour in Palermo

We will ride through the pedestrian areas of the old town center of Palermo and along the cycle lanes that connect it with the outskirts, to discover how Palermo is changing 'inside and outside', healing from the wounds inflicted by the violence of the Mafia which reached its peak with the massacres of 1992. This tour is a tribute to the memory of heroes like the prosecutors Falcone and Borsellino, whose murders pushed the Sicilian people to react against the Mafia and inspired collective action of a whole generation of antimafia campaigners. We will ride about 12 km, mainly flat: piece of cake! Other things to note The bike tour is 12 km long. It is easy: you do not need a high training.

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Things to do in Palermo

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