Availability: Daily
Duration: 7 hours
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