In a nutshell

A tour that takes you through all the symbolic places of Palermo, narrated by the women who shaped its history. From the ghost nun of the Teatro Massimo to the saints of Piazza Quattro Canti, to the majestic Cathedral and the traditions preserved in the Mercato del Capo. Stroll among the most iconic monuments, taste a real Palermo-style arancina and end on a sweet note with a Sicilian cannolo in a historic café.

Main stops

Teatro Massimo: external visit
walking tour of the historic center: Via Maqueda; Cassaro; Piazza Bellini and the three churches
Piazza dei Quattro Canti
Piazza Pretoria with the Fountain of Shame
Palermo Cathedral: external visit
Capo market: tasting of typical Palermitan arancine (fried rice balls)
Historical café: artisan Sicilian cannoli tasting

The programme

In Palermo, an exclusive Costa experience awaits you, with a guide who will tell you about both real and imaginary women: the female "pillars" of the city.
The first is legendary: the "monachella" of Teatro Massimo, the ghost of a nun who has been amusing herself by sabotaging the artists here for more than 100 years.
Meanwhile, the saints who keep watch over Piazza Quattro Canti are good and wise * each of them protects one of the city's historical districts. But the square is also linked to two ancient assassins: ask your guide to tell you the story!
At the Fountain of Shame, surrounded by nude statues, the inhabitants of the nearby nunnery are the stars of the show, as inventors of sweet treats such as “minne di vergine” and the “biancomangiare” cream. Guess what they're inspired by?
Meanwhile, the figure who inspires the devotion of all Palermo inhabitants is Santa Rosalia, "la Santuzza", who rejected earthly wealth for its spiritual equivalent. She awaits you in the Cathedral.
Finally, the flavors: at the Capo market, you can taste Palermitan arancine * strictly feminine * while at a historic café, you will be served Sicilian cannoli, an ancient gift from Muslim women to their Christian "sisters".

Good to know

Slight changes may be made to itineraries and the length of excursions in order to protect your health and to comply with regulations and the safety protocol.
This is one of the most popular experiences so book early.
The excursion is reserved for guests not disembarking in Palermo.
Wear suitable clothing for the places of worship you will be visiting.
The excursion takes place on foot.