Palermo walking tour and Monreale Cathedral visit in Sicily

Sicily's beaches are some of the best in Europe, but there's more to this stylish island than its standout shorelines. Its history and architecture for example, in typical Italian fashion, are showstoppers in their own right. This tour shows off this side of Sicily by ticking off a pair of particularly pretty spots – the capital, Palermo, and the town of Monreale. One of our expert local guides, Rosaria, says “Palermo is the biggest city on the island, so you get to see Sicily's bustling side. But Monreale is a smaller mountain town, so you get to experience a nice mix of atmospheres while visiting some really incredible landmarks.”

Your first stop is the town of Monreale, which is nestled on the slopes of Monte Caputo, a 764-metre-tall peak not far from Palermo. The town looks out over the Conca d'Oro Valley, which is known around Sicily for its orange, olive and almond groves – you'll be able to see them all from Monreale's vantage point. The star of the town is Monreale Cathedral, a 900-year-old temple that's decked out with bronze doors, a gold-painted interior and a Norman exterior. Entry to the cathedral is included, and your guide will tell you a bit about its history.

From here, you'll head to Palermo, where you'll follow your guide around the city's winding streets during a walking tour. Pretty public squares, temples, fountains – you'll see the lot during your laidback tour. There's some free time scheduled here, too, so you can branch off on your own for a bit before regrouping and returning to your accommodation.