Palermo - Cappella Palatina

You should see the Palatine Chapel but do not need to take a tour. If you want , you can rent an audio guide. It has stunning mosaics like Monreale but it is different, much smaller. beautiful.

We went on our own and it was spectacular. Also very crowded. Someone will probably be able to help you with the tour question; I'm just chiming in to say it's well worth the time.

Many thanks for the replies. We'll be sure to include seeing it during our free time in Palermo.

I too saw the Norman Palace and Cappella Palatina on my own before the RS Sicily tour started, and that worked out just fine. I spent at least 2 hours viewing both plus a small special exhibit that was open at that time. The chapel hours are shorter than the palace hours, so check the chapel hours carefully and plan your visit accordingly so as not to miss it.

Thanks, Frank, for your recent thoughts and to Jane and Suki for your earlier comments. Looking forward to our visit to Sicily. The Palace and Chapel will be a definite stop.

Good! I was surprised by how many people on our Sicily tour didn't bother to go to the Palazzo and Cappella. In fact, most of them didn't even know about them.

If you have 3-4 hours, you can do this self-guided walking tour. It begins at the San Giovanni degli Eremiti church, whose existent ruins go back to the 6th century. Even if you don't do the tour, it's worth allowing half an hour to see the church, which is just a short walk from the Palatine Chapel.

I am going on the sicily tour in june. I am surprised that the Cappella Palatina is not visited by the group during our time in Palermo. It is such an important site. Does anyone who has taken this tour know if there would be enough time on the second day to see this on our own? Thanks for your help.

Chani, grazie for the information on the self-guided tour. And the Eremiti church looks like it would be a wonderful stop. Very helpful.

Martha, I had similar thoughts about being sure to see the Palace and Chapel. Our plans are to see it on the Sunday before our tour begins. I'm not sure if there's enough time on the second day. Perhaps someone who's already been on the tour can reply?

Regarding your comment about why the RS tour does not include the site, perhaps other tour destinations that are included will have comparable or even more impressive mosaics. Either way, we're looking forward to the trip.

We shall be on the RS tour just prior to yours (over Easter, from 4/16 to 4/26). We are arriving just one day prior, but scheduled to arrive early in the day. Thanks to this post & replies, we shall check out these sites. I regret that I shall not have time to give you our impressions.

Dear OldBeachBoy - hope your trip goes well. Save some of the special Easter Cassata cakes for us and watch out for any processions weaving through the narrow streets. Enjoy.