Driving to western part of Sicily from Palermo, the first stop will be the medieval town of Erice, situated 2600 ft above the sea level and surrounded by ancient walls. Two castles make for a spectacular skyline to this town: Pepoli Castle, with foundations dating from Saracen times, and Venus Castle, dating from the Norman era but built on ruins of the ancient Temple of Venus. The view from the castle towers is breathtaking.
You may also visit the Cathedral built in the 1300 in Gothic Catalan style with amazing decorations, one of them being the picture of the famous black Virgin venerated in the area. Don't forget to taste the famous almond pastries made by the famous shop "Maria Grammatico".
After traveling through the Saltpans to see the historic salt flats works, where the ancient tradition of harvesting salt from the sea is still practiced, you will reach an olive oil farm. Here you will enjoy a light lunch including a tasting of local products such as cheese, cold cuts, olives, local bread and olive oil.
Then move on to the magnificent Temple of Segesta. It was built by the Elimian, an old population whose origins were perhaps Turkish and was later colonized by the Greeks. It is the first Greek Temple built in Doric style and has 36 columns, still intact despite the several earthquakes which affected this area in the history. Also visit the theater, which is a typical example of the Greek semicircular theater style.
Exact time will be provided in final documents. Pick up at your hotel.
- Transportation
- Light lunch at a local olive oil farm,
- Private English-speaking guide at disposal for 2 hours in Segesta
- Gratuities (optional)
- Tour guide in Erice
- Tasting of almond pastries
- Entrance Fees: Erice's Venus Castle: 4 euros per person, Temple of Segesta - 6 euros per person
- Round-trip shuttle to one of Segesta temples - 2 euros per person
Visit the magnificent Norman Cathedral in Monreale with its impressive Byzantine mosaics from the 12th century and the enchanted cloister of the former Benedictine Monastery. Then return to Palermo and enjoy a private, guided tour of the major sights in Palermo (like the Palatine Chapel in the Royal Palace, the Norman Cathedral and the picturesque Ballaro' market.
Exact time will be provided in final documents. Pick up at your hotel.
Transfer by taxi to Monreale and visit the magnificent Norman Cathedral with its impressive Byzantine mosaics from the 12th century and the enchanted cloister of the former Benedictine Monastery. Then return to Palermo and enjoy a private, guided tour of the major sights in Palermo (the Norman Cathedral, PIazza Pretoria, Via Maqueda and the picturesque Ballaro' or Capo fresh food market). The tour ends in Piazza Verdi (Massimo Opera Theater square) or in Piazza Ruggero Settimo (Politeama Theater square). Independent transfer back to your hotel.
This tour is available at 8:30am, 9am, 2pm or 2:30pm. Please request your preferred time slot at the time of booking.
Exact time will be provided in final documents. Pick up at your hotel.
Discover two gems in Northern Sicily with a tour to Castelbuono and Cefalu' and savor some local dishes at a winery.
Your private driver will greet you at your hotel in Palermo and take you to Castlbuono, a small medieval village in the Park of Madonie with a delightful, still well preserved old town. This village develops around the castle of Ventimiglia and will captivate you from the very first moment. Walk through its narrow street and stop at one of the typical cafes to taste a pastry made with the Sicilian “manna”, a natural sugar that comes from a special ash tree.
Enjoy lunch at a local winery before heading to Cefalu'. This charming resort is dominated by a monumental rock known as “promontory of Hercules” on which the Temple of Diana stands. The historic center lies in the shadow of this bastion and clings around the Duomo, a gigantic cathedral built by Roger II, the Norman.
Exact time will be provided in final documents. Pick up at your hotel.
