Monreale: Day Trips and Tours from Palermo

Monreale is a charming hilltop town located just outside of Palermo. Its rich history and stunning architecture make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the region.

The town is famous for its magnificent cathedral, which boasts some of the most intricate and stunning mosaics in the world. A guided tour of Monreale will take you on a journey through the town's fascinating history and cultural heritage, giving you the opportunity to explore the town's picturesque streets and stunning landscapes, as well as tuck into some of the region's delicious cuisine.

With so much to see and do in this underrated town, a day trip to Monreale from Palermo is the perfect way to experience all that this beautiful region has to offer.

Here's all you need to know about Monreale, one of the most enriching day trips from Palermo.

How to get to Monreale from Palermo?

Monreale is located just a short distance from Palermo, the capital city of Sicily, Italy. Situated approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) southwest of Palermo, Monreale is easily accessible and makes for a convenient day trip from the bustling city.

From Palermo to Monreale by car

To get from Palermo to Monreale by car, take the Corso Calatafimi out of the city, making your way up the hill. The journey takes around 15 to 25 minutes, depending on your particular Palermo starting point.

From Palermo to Monreale by bus

To get from Palermo to Monreale by bus, take the 389P bus, which departs from Piazza Indipendenza in Palermo city center. The journey takes about 40 minutes, and buses run every 20 minutes. The bus stop in Monreale is located about a 10-minute walk from the center of Montreale and the entrance to the cathedral.

Guided tour to Monreale from Palermo

Taking a guided tour to Monreale from Palermo allows you to learn about the history and culture of the town from an expert guide and ensures that you don't miss any of the must-see attractions.

All of these tours include transportation, making it easy and stress-free to get to and from Monreale without the hassle of figuring out public transportation or renting a car. Depending on your tour, you may also get to visit other nearby towns as a bonus.

What is the typical itinerary?

A typical guided tour to Monreale from Palermo starts with hotel pickup. The scenic drive in an air-conditioned vehicle from Palermo to Monreale takes about 20 minutes and offers stunning views of the Sicilian landscape.

Once in Monreale, you'll visit the town's star attraction, the Monreale Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its glittering mosaics and intricate architecture.

The cathedral is located on a hill overlooking the town, and the tour typically includes a guided visit to the interior, where you can admire the Byzantine-influenced mosaics depicting biblical scenes. Afterward, you may have time to explore the charming town center, which boasts a number of shops and restaurants selling traditional Sicilian goods.

Depending on your tour, you might also get to visit other towns like Cefalù, Castelbuono or the eerie Capuchin Catacombs.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Monreale?

There are a few different kinds of tours available to go to Monreale from Palermo, including small group tours, private day trips and combination excursions that allow you to visit multiple towns in Sicily in the one day. Let’s take a look at the most popular options.

Capuchin Catacombs and Monreale Cathedral private tour

The Capuchin Catacombs and Monreale Cathedral private tour is a unique experience that combines the macabre with the divine. You'll visit the Capuchin Catacombs, an eerie underground cemetery where thousands of mummified bodies are displayed in various poses and clothing.

Afterward, you will visit the stunning Monreale Cathedral, renowned for its exquisite Byzantine mosaics, Norman architecture and panoramic views of the surrounding valley.

This private tour is perfect for those who want a customized itinerary and the flexibility to go at their own pace. The tour includes transportation, an expert guide and all entrance fees.

Private Monreale, Cefalù and Castelbuono tour

An exclusive experience that allows visitors to explore multiple beautiful towns in Sicily, this multi-city tour includes a visit to the Monreale Cathedral, renowned for its stunning mosaics, followed by a stroll through the medieval streets of Cefalù.

After that, visitors can taste the delicious local cuisine of Castelbuono and visit the imposing Castle of Ventimiglia. The tour includes private transportation, an expert guide and all entrance fees.

Private Palermo and Monreale historical tour

The private Palermo and Monreale historical tour is an exclusive and customized experience that takes you on a journey through the rich history and culture of these neighboring towns. The tour includes a visit to the magnificent Monreale Cathedral, all necessary transport and a guided stroll through the charming streets of Palermo.

Along the way, you’ll learn all about the fascinating history and legends of these two cities from an expert guide.

3-day private tour to Monreale, Etna, Taormina and Agrigento

The most comprehensive option, this multi-day excursion promises a unique opportunity to explore the best of Sicily’s many different faces. Starting in Palermo, you will visit Monreale Cathedral, with its stunning mosaics, before heading to Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano.

Then, you will visit Taormina, a picturesque town overlooking the sea, and Agrigento, with its incredible Valley of the Temples — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour includes private transportation and accommodation in a 4-star hotel, as well as the services of a knowledgeable guide.

Small-group tour to Cefalù and Monreale

Lasting around 6 hours, this two-in-one excursion starts from Palermo and escorts you up to the stunning Monreale Cathedral. From there, you'll head to the picturesque town of Cefalù, known for its beautiful beaches, narrow streets and impressive Cathedral of Cefalù.

How much does a day trip to Monreale from Palermo cost?

Guided tours to Monreale can vary in cost depending on what kind of tour you choose but typically start at around €60. A small group tour to Monreale and Cefalù costs around €60-€70 per person, while a Capuchin Catacombs and Monreale Cathedral private tour costs between €140 and €160 per person.

Private tours that visit multiple cities, such as Palermo and Monreale, or Monreale, Cefalú and Castelbuono typically range from €150 to €250 per person. However, these prices may change slightly, depending on the number of people in your group.

Finally, a 3-day private tour to Monreale, Etna, Taormina and Agrigento will set you back between €900 and €1,800, depending on the number of people in your group.

What will you see and do?

A guided tour to Monreale offers visitors the opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful and historic towns in Sicily. Here are some of the top attractions that you can expect to see on a typical guided tour.

Monreale Cathedral

The highlight of any visit to Monreale is the stunning Monreale Cathedral, a masterpiece of Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture. The cathedral is renowned for its stunning golden mosaics, which cover the walls and ceilings of the interior.

The Benedictine Cloister

Adjacent to the cathedral is the beautiful cloister, a peaceful and serene space with ornate arches and columns. The cloister features intricate carvings and mosaics.

Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II

The central square of Monreale is a charming spot to take a break and people-watch. You can admire the fountain in the center of the square, which dates back to the 18th century.

Belvedere del Convento

For breathtaking views of Monreale and the surrounding countryside, head to the Belvedere del Convento. This lookout point offers panoramic views of the town and the sea beyond.

When is the best time to visit Monreale?

The best time to visit Monreale is during the months of April to June or September to November. The weather is mild and comfortable for exploring the town and its attractions. Additionally, the peak tourist season of July and August can be rather crowded and hot, making it a little less enjoyable for some.

Are there any tours to Monreale from other cities in Sicily?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Sicily:

• Day Trips to Monreale from Cefalù

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.
• Bring sunscreen and a hat in summer as it can get hot and sunny.
• For the best bang for your buck, consider booking a combination tour that also visits nearby towns like Cefalù or Mondello.
• Book your tour online and in advance. This will ensure you get a spot and don't miss out!