Best of Sicily -- extra days in Palermo before tour?

Haven’t taken that tour, but I can tell you it depends. If you’re 1-2hr train or car ride away? Yes I’d just come in day off. If it requires a plane or a long travel day I’d arrive at least day before and relax/settle in before starting to allow a buffer in case of issues.

I am taking this tour in April. Will be in Munich several days prior to tour and have booked direct flight from Munich to Palermo arriving at 11am on day tour starts. That should allow plenty of time to check in at tour hotel before the afternoon tour meeting. I always arrive in Europe a few days before tour starts but sometimes travel to the starting city on tour start date. Never had a problem.

Yes, I have taken this tour and in fact I enjoyed it so much, I actually took it twice (slightly different itineraries). Both times we arrived 2-3 days early as we found a lot to do in Palermo that was not included with the tours. One of the tours included a stay in Cefalù but the other did not. I would suggest a day trip to this lovely little beach town if your tour doesn’t include a visit or overnight. This won’t be necessary for you as you’re already in Italy but I always allow for erratic flights as well as time for just out and about jet lag recovery and acclimation to Palermo. One of the highlights of those extra days was a Streetfood food tour that was a whole lot of fun, nevermind having plenty of “interesting” food and drink.

We took the tour last fall and had 3 extra days in Palermo before the tour started. We felt Palermo deserved more days than the tour provided.

Reading what the tour includes in Palermo, I would arrive several days early to see the many important historic and religious sites not included in the tour itinerary.

We did this tour last spring and had 3 extra days in Palermo before the day the tour started. We found lots to do that wasn’t on the tour and it allowed us to absorb things more fully since we had a slower pace. We also did the Streaty Food tour and loved it, as well as trying food we wouldn’t have been brave enough to try on our own. The tour hotel was full, so we spent extra days at a different hotel which actually turned out to be a real treat. The tour itinerary fills the first day with the visit to the markets, the private home and group dinner. The one full day is filled with the visit to Monreale in the morning and then you’re free after lunch, so that afternoon is really your only time to explore Palermo. While we were there we visited the churches at the 4 corners, did a tour of Teatro Massimo, did the HOHO bus, visited the Norman Palace and the Cathedral, did the Streaty Food tour and the No Mafia tour, etc.. it was easy to fill the time and we didn’t even get to Cefalu.

I took the tour in Oct 2018. I enjoyed my early arrival and would definitely recommend doing so. I went to a puppet museum, took an evening street food tour, discovered a parade of sorts - probably protesting something but had lots of groups who were chanting, and walked to see the preserved humans underneath a church. And had time to get over some of my jet lag as a nine-hour time change is rough for me. Lots to do that's not on the tour.

Definitely a few days before. We loved Palermo more then we thought we would. We were there for 4 days before a private genealogy tour with family member started. We were glad we did. So much to see and do.

I too recommend a day trip to Cefalu where the cannolis don’t get any better than what you’ll eat there and the elderly men still dress up for their early evening passeggiata (stroll). Do enjoy eating a delicious meal over-looking its coast.

You can take a direct train from Palermo's central station to Cefalu and back (1h).

Yes, I have taken this tour and in fact I enjoyed it so much, I actually took it twice (slightly different itineraries). Both times we arrived 2-3 days early as we found a lot to do in Palermo that was not included with the tours. One of the tours included a stay in Cefalù but the other did not. I would suggest a day trip to this lovely little beach town if your tour doesn’t include a visit or overnight. This won’t be necessary for you as you’re already in Italy but I always allow for erratic flights as well as time for just out and about jet lag recovery and acclimation to Palermo. One of the highlights of those extra days was a Streetfood food tour that was a whole lot of fun, nevermind having plenty of “interesting” food and drink.

Wow, Andi's response is so much what I would have written that for a moment, I thought I had! We also did the tour twice, back when there were two different itineraries, and arrived in Palermo early.

The first time we went about 4 days early, and had a wonderful time. We didn't do the Street food tour she mentioned, but found wonderful places to eat anyway. The second time we took the tour, we arrived a couple of days early, but because of illness (mine) were not able to enjoy the time as much.

I definitely recommend going early. It's a great city with lots to offer.

Thanks to everyone who's taken the time to reply. Looks like I'll be going to Palermo a day or two in advance!