Palermo Experiences

Guided visit of Palazzo Butera

Enjoy an exclusive guided visit inside Palazzo Butera, an eighteenth century purchased by Massimo and Francesca Valsecchi in 2016 in the city centre of Palermo. After a full refurbishment, Palazzo Butera has reopened its doors in 2021 to the public with the first complete installation of the collection. All the rooms of the building, restored and transformed into exhibition spaces, house works from the collection. Along the exhibition path you will encounter contemporary works of art, ancient paintings, monochrome porcelain, furniture and English objects from the era of the Industrial Revolution.

Palea Exhibition by Jean Boghossian

Discover Jean Boghossian’s captivating solo exhibition, Palea, at the Cloister of the Church of San Domenico. In collaboration with Fondazione Sebastiano Tusa, this exhibition invites guests to explore Palermo’s rich heritage through the lens of contemporary art. A selection of these striking works will be displayed in Villa Igiea’s Foyer.

Celebrating Picasso in Palermo

Hosted amidst the storied setting of Palazzo dei Normanni, Europe’s oldest royal residence, comes an exhibition dedicated to Pablo Picasso, one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. Organised by Fondazione Federico II and in collaboration with the Pablo Picasso Art Museum in Münster, this special exhibition explores the intrinsic connection between the artist’s life and work and his continuou drive to reinvent himself. The exhibit’s 84 pieces, including ceramics, paintings, etchings, and aquatints, offer a unique insight into the autobiographical legacy of his art, and the complexities and contradictions this entails.

A Night at the Theatre with Villa Igiea

For a magical evening in the Sicilian capital, combine a trip to Teatro Massimo with a stylish culinary experience at Villa Igiea. Teatro Massimo is Italy’s largest opera house, famous for its Greek temple-inspired architecture and incredible acoustics. Enjoy an aperitivo at Villa Igiea before the 8pm curtain, or catch the 6pm performance and follow with a romantic three-course dinner with paired wines at Florio. We’ll arrange transport to and from the theatre, so all you need to do is sit back and watch the city lights rush past you.

Your experience includes:

• Return transfer from the theatre
• Aperitivo or dinner for two
• €95 per two people, with aperitivo
• €190 per two people, with dinner
• Tickets to a performance to be added (please refer to Teatro Massimo’s calendar)

Discover Teatro Massimo

With its grand dome, Grecian style columns and imposing staircase flanked by bronze lions, Teatro Massimo has been Palermo’s star attraction ever since its opening in 1897. Europe’s third largest opera house, the grand theatre reveals its secrets on a guided tour. Admire the golden stuccoes and the Stately Royal Box. Marvel at resonance of the Pompeian Room, dubbed the ‘echo room’ for its remarkable acoustics. While examining the frescoes in the Coat of Arms Hall, you’ll also be treated to a wonderful view right across the city.

Be enchanted by a calendar of classic performances, or step behind the curtainduring a private tour arranged by our concierge team.

• Faust (Opera): March
• L’elisir d’amore (Opera): April
• Anna (Ballet): May
• Salome (Opera): Maggio

A Sicilian Feast

Experience Palermo’s culinary delights in a 5-hour adventure. Start with a private transfer in a Mercedes to the city’s lively open-air market. Explore the stalls with your chef, tasting street foods like panelle and pane con la milza, before selecting fresh ingredients for your cooking class. In a traditional Sicilian home, learn to prepare classic dishes, then enjoy your creations with local wine and desserts. This hands-on experience connects you to Palermo’s food culture, leaving you with skills and memories to savor.

Your experience includes: 

• 5-hour private Mercedes vehicle with English speaker
• Market visit with food tasting
• Private cooking class
• Lunch or dinner with wine and dessert included

Hunting for Treasure

Designed for families with children aged from five to twelve, our three trails across Palermo are filled with clues and riddles to be solved. From the cathedral to the historic district’s Quattro Canti square, you will meet artisans in their studios, join a workshop and hone your artistic skills. Wander around outdoor markets and through Porta Carini near Italy’s largest theatre, Teatro Massimo, or stroll through Favorita, a 400-hectare nature reserve, and admire a 19th century Chinese Palace.