Duration : 8 Hours
Starting From:There are so many cool things on this private shore excursion to Segesta, Erice & Marsala from Palermo! Ancient Greek ruins, Medieval castles, sea salt flats, celebrated wine, Sicilian sweets.
Features of this day trip to Segesta, Erice & Marsala from Palermo:
SEGESTA
To reach the archeological site of Segesta, we’ll drive along the Gulf of Castellammare, an undeveloped stretch of coastline with unspoiled beaches and simple villages.
The foundings of Segesta are sketchy. Some say that refugees from Troy came here after the Trojan War (so we’re talking more than 1000 years before Christ). For sure the ancient Greeks were here at some point, imparting their culture, as is most brilliantly seen in the Doric temple at the Greek theatre of Segesta.
The temple, which is very stately and extremely well preserved, dates to the 5th Century BC but was probably never finished. Its location, with the green landscape around it, is truly enchanting.
An equally impressive part of the archeological site is the Greek amphitheater, where 4000 spectators could enjoy theatrical performances with beautiful views. The amphitheater has amazing acoustics and is still used for summer performing arts events.
ERICE
When you walk around Erice it’s kind of like walking around in a fairy tale, especially if the town is shrouded in mist. Surrounded by cyclopean walls, the village rises almost 2500 feet above sea level. On a clear day, you can see pretty much forever, and the view is spectacular.
Like so many places in Sicily the history of Erice goes way back, in this case to indigenous Sicilian peoples, then the Phoenicians, and then the usual cast of conquerors. Thanks to Erice’s magical location it was a sacred site in ancient times, with a temple to Venus (or the equivalent thereof). On the site of the temple now stands the Castle of Venus, built by the Normans between the 12th and 13th Centuries.
Clearly, the sacred vibe was infectious; there are 60 churches in Erice! The most interesting is the Chiesa Madre (Mother Church), a simple and elegantly somber Gothic structure built 1314, and San Giovanni Battista (church of St. John the Baptist).
Got a sweet tooth? Erice is famous for its pastries, especially cookies made from almost paste. The most famous of these is Maria Grammatico, not only for the deliciousness but also for the great story that goes along with it.
NOT INCLUDED
1. Is this tour private?
Yes, the tour is private, for your group only.
2. Is the driver also a guide?
As you're driving around, our drivers will share facts and history of the places and monuments to be visited. Note that drivers in Italy are not permitted to share information once you have exited the vehicle, nor can they accompany you on foot. You will have the opportunity to stop in each area listed on the itinerary to explore on your own after being given an introductory explanation by your driver. We can arrange a private guide for you if you wish to be accompanied inside churches, archeological sites, and other points of interest (additional expense; refer to the Optional Items section, if present, or contact us for details).
3. Does the driver go with us inside the monuments?
No, only a licensed guide is authorized to accompany you inside archeological site, museums, galleries, churches, and other points of interest. We can arrange a private guide at your request.
4. Does this tour include lunch and admission fees to sites?
No tickets or lunch are included in the rate. Please contact our office for pricing and reservations.
5. Does the tour include a guide?
A local guide is not included in the rate. We'd be happy to arrange one at your request. Please contact the office for pricing.
There will be a full charge made to your credit card for no-shows and bookings canceled with less than 72 hours' notice, including the cost of any pre-purchased tickets. Pre-purchased tickets are not refundable under any circumstances.
Please keep us apprised of any problems or changes during your travels (flight delays and changes, missed connections, port changes, etc.) and we will do our best to adapt. If you are on a cruise ship and it does not come into port, your service will be annulled and no penalty will apply (with the exception of skip-the-line tickets; you will owe us for any entrance fees we have pre-paid on your behalf, regardless of circumstances.)
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