Luckily theres is a golf-cart shuttle bus that operates inside the site and takes visitors between the major sights in the park if you want to take a break from walking! There is the opportunity to buy combined tickets which enable you to enter the archaeological museum or Kolymbetra Gardens as well. With citrus orchards, olive trees and sugar cane plants, the garden delivers rest bite to all those who enter. The operator whose product is featured here may pay Viator more. The tour is a full day and definitely worth checking out check prices now! This post may contain compensated links. This stage is characterized by the rural inclination that animates these two towns, Bivona and Santo Stefano Quisquina, set in the heart of the Sicani Mountains and characterized both by their strong rural imprint and by their interest in art and spirituality in various forms. Llegamos a las 11:45 y nos dijeron que entre 1:15 a 1:30 pm tenamos que estar en el punto de encuentro. The highlight of Cefalu is the Norman cathedral which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage inscription which includes Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches ofCefaland Monreale. The Temple of Hercules:dedicated to the mythical hero, son of Jove, was built in the VIth century B.C. These are our 10 favorite Palermo day trips: The ancient archaeological site of Segesta is a very popular day trip from Palermo. Meeting Point Options: Hotel, Address or Intersection, Monument/Building, Premium Mercedes V-Class Minivan or Volvo SUV, Other: Guided Tour inside the Archeological Area. Visit local museums and learn about the country's rich history before being transferred back to Palermo. We recommend visiting Modello Beach in the mid-afternoon to enjoy the beach and then stay for some food as the sun sets across the sea. Let yourself be amazed. US$71.59 This includes the Temple of Juno and the Temple of Concordia. Valley of the Temples day trips from Palermo are easy and enjoyable for the whole family. The tours are a great way to see the various places and, as everything is taken care of, are a stress-free and fun way to travel. During the course of your family history research, you could at times (based on the amount of information provided on the records) find out where your ancestors lived, who with and what they did for a living. With this driving tour, cut hours off your travel time to visit three of Sicily's top sights in a single day. If time permits, you can continue your adventure with a winding drive into the mountains south of Cefalu to the town of Castelbuono, an ancient medieval Sicilian town. The Sicilian capital is within easy reach of some of the best sights on the island and there are some incredible Palermo day trip options. The site has deservedly earned its UNESCO World Heritage status for its deep connection with the Ancient Greeks. If you want to gain a well-rounded view of the island of Sicily, consider a 3-day tour from Palermo. We put together this list of the best day trips from Palermo: from beach days in Mondello to wandering the ancient ruins of Selinunte and the UNESCO temples of Agrigento there is a day trip from Palermo for everyone. The original dazzling polychromatic decoration, which used to act as a facing to the sandstone structural framework of the temple and completed, and perfected, its architectonic aspect, has all disappeared. Web address (URL) of this page: https://www.toursbylocals.com/Palermo-Agrigento-Private-Tour. For anyone interested in visiting the unique Palermo Catacombs this tour combines a visit to Monreale with the catacombs check prices now. After a landslide in the 12th Century, the decadent villa was buried under mud for over 700 years and the remarkable mosaics were unearthed when excavation work took place in the 1950s. Day trips from Palermo tip: LIike all churches and cathedrals in Sicily, visitors are required to follow a modest dress code to enter Monreale Cathedral. Questions? An oasis among the Greek ruins, Kolymbethra Gardens has been a part of the Valley of the Temples since the 15th century. Discover archeological marvels among the most important in the Mediterranean. European Union financial support | FEDER - EUR 153,381.10 Religious Heritage, Museums / Culture, Hiking and Walking, Day Trip / Out of Town, Kid Friendly: No. After marveling at the treasures that the museum holds, youll board your bus and finish your journey to the Valley of the Temples in Palermo. Segesta is the site of an ancient Greek city and is best known for its hilltop theatre which offers stunning panoramic views of the countryside and coast. Day trip from Palermo tip its a 2 hour drive from Palermo to Agrigento so we recommend leaving early in the morning. The Valley of the Temples is an outdoor attraction. It is around a 30-minute jaunt to the Valley of the Temples by foot. Just after Villarosa, youll exit the motorway and take the SS640 all the way down, following signs for the Valley of the Temples. Including some of the world's best-preserved Ancient Greek ruins. Youll follow along the coastline for part of your journey until you reach the A19 heading inland. The structure has sustained minimal damage since it was built in 440 B.C. They have the best selection and prices that weve found book your car now withRentalCars.com, Click here for the best rental car prices. Historically, however, its origins date back to 582 B.C. If you want to learn more than a guidebook can teach you, consider a private tour of the site. The beach is a magnet for tourists and locals in search of relaxation on the white sandy beach and its crystal clear waters. Discover the Dome in Monreale, famous for the gold mosaics representing scenes from the Old and New Testaments, and Segesta to visit the Doric Temple. Impossible to forget this magical place full of beauty. Most visitors to Sicily will know of its most famous volcano, Mount Etna, which is Europes most active volcano and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The setting not far from the coast offers an interesting view and never fail to fascinate each and every visitor. Youll start the day by visiting the archaeological park of the Valley of the Temples. Youll journey to the Valle dei Templi in an air-conditioned coach or minivan, and the tour lasts between eight and nine hours. These are inexpensive and cost between 13.50 and 17.50 per person, depending on the attractions you wish to visit. This tour is operated with English speaking Driver. Although its a little out of the way, we cannot recommend Villa Romana del Casale highly enough. The right choice for lovers of high quality products. We would definite hire him again.John Kessler. Again, this tour was excellent. With this tour to Agrigento from Palermo, let a guide take care of the roughly 2-hour drive between coasts, and then take you on a private tour of the strikingly well-preserved Valley of the Temples archeological site. Hotel pickup and drop off are also included in the price but entrance fees are at your own expense. The oldest ruin is traditionally named the Temple of Hercules.- From there to a nice seaside lunch, and drive back. The afternoon is spent in Taormina, known for its Greek theater and sweeping coastal views. Contact this guide with questions, or to create a custom itinerary for you and your travel companions. It rapidly increased in size, importance and military strength under Phalarides, the first tyrant, and later under Theron, who extended his sway over northern Sicily as far as Himera.Agrigento was a city of artists and illustrious personages, amongst whom the philosopher Empedocles. Were huge fans of road trips and have driven rental cars in over 45 countries so we have a lot of experience renting cars in foreign countries. Tours to Erice from Palermo: This is the same tour which includes Segesta. This beautiful stretch of coastline was designated as a nature reserve in 1981 and covers 7km along the coastline of the Gulf of Castellammare. Project code | LISBOA-02-0752-FEDER-047612 It's a long bus ride, without commentary, to and from Agrigento (about 2.5 hrs each way), with a utilitarian stop en route. Les recomendara dar a todos un pequeo mapa del lugar donde estn marcados los lugares de mayor inters as como los puntos de entrada, lugar de encuentro para que as las personas nos podamos mover sin depender 100% del telfono porque a mi, por ej. Tours to Villa Romana del Casale: this tour takes in two amazing archaeological sites, Villa Roman del Casale and the aforementioned Temples of Agrigento check prices now! The site at Segesta has two main buildings, the iconic Doric temple at its base and the Greek theatre located on the hill. Learning about the events that helped shape your ancestors' lives and the choices they have made can help paint a vivid picture of your past. 2022 All images and content on this website are subject to copyright by thewholeworldisaplayground.com, 25 Awesome Things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, 21 Best Things to do in Portland, Oregon (2022), 11 Best Things to do in Isla Holbox (2022). All Rights Reserved. Built in the second half of the Vth century B.C., it has 6 columns on the faade and 13 on either side and stands on a pedestal 4 steps high, 40 metres long and 17 metres wide. Search tours and activities you can do from home. Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve is one of Sicilys natural gems. This afternoon we then return to Palermo. He was an excellent driver and knew local restaurants that were exceptional. The towering volcano dominates the Sicilian landscape and it regularly rocks and lava in fact, there have been more than 50 eruptions in 2021 so far. It was named after the Roman goddess of harmony Concordia and is one of the best examples of Doric architecture in the world. Enjoy a piece of authentic Sicily and a homemade-style meal. The 12th Century walled village is a maze of cobblestone streets and boasts 60 churches, 2 castles, and magnificent views. National / regional public financial support | N.A. Search experiences that may have limited interaction with crowds. The temple is in exceptional condition considering it was built in the sixth century B.C., and is named after the Greek hero Heracles (Hercules). Enjoy pickup from the Palermo area and head to Agrigento where you can find the UNESCO-listed Temple Valley. The huge archeological park covers over 270 hectares and the main sights are relatively spread out. Pindar defines it as the most beautiful of mortal cities and, in fact, in the Vth century B.C., those famous temples, whose beauty we still admire today, were built. Day trips to the Valley of the Temples are mostly self-guided, with a guidebook provided for reference. Not seeing exactly what youre looking for? It is followed by a stop at the Agrigento Archaeology Museum. If youre not planning to visit eastern Sicily separately then Mount Etna is a relatively easy day trip from Palermo. The last admission is at 7 PM and you need to exit the premises by 8 PM. Monreale Cathedral is one of the best remaining examples of Norman architecture and is one of 9 Sicilian sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Nestled on the slopes of the hills west of Palermo is the beautiful town of Monreale. There is very little shade at the Valley of the Temples so bring a sunhat, sunscreen and plenty of water on your excursion. See more of the tours offered by this guide. Mondello Beach has a seaside village feel and is packed with restaurants. The trail is relatively flat unless you take a detour to the small coves and beaches that dot the coast along the way. Licensed local guide is not included. La gua y el chofer fueron excelentes, solo que me hubiera gustado que pudieramos tener la flexibilidad de tener 3 horas para disfrutar de la excursin, porque el rea es muy grande, hace demasiado calor y llegamos casi al medioda, prcticamente nos toc movernos de un punto al otro apurados son poder leer mucho sobre los lugares. As well as visiting the flagship of the area that thanks to its unique urban landscape with its narrow courtyards, the steep climbs and stairways of the Arab quarter and still other surprises that we do not reveal. Made A beautiful 1.5km stretch of beach, Mondello Beach is a 15-minute drive north along the coast of Palermo and is a perfect place to relax after a busy few days exploring the city. Visit the medieval town of Erice, then continue onto Segesta to visit the archaeological park and the Doric Temple. There is also the option to visit some of the places on this list via public transport (rail or bus). Full day Excursion to discover the medieval town of Castelbuono and the charming coastal town of Cefal, which boasts a massive Norman Cathedral. The Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi) is the defining cultural landmark of Sicily. We recommend climbing the stairs that lead to the roof (for a small additional charge) for the lovely views. Let yourself be amazed. A very unusual meal : a picnic in the nature awarded on several occasions as the best in Sicily. Day trips to Valley of the Temples depart between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM either from a central point in Palermo or from your hotel. In Agrigento visit the extraordinary Valley of Temples, UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a private tour guide. You can further explore the Hera, Concordia and Apollo temples and Hardcastle villa, with a guidebook that will provide more information about the sites. Arrive after driving approximately 2. These range from 20th century relics to prehistoric remains, and your tour of the museum will be self-guided. A visit to Scala dei turchi. The visit of the archaeological park, combined with the beauty of the landscapes visible from the hill of the Temples, will leave you fascinated. Persons with disabilities and their companions also enter the archaeological site for free. We booked our rental through Avis viaRentalCars.comand found a great price for an excellent car. Finally, the meats of sheep and beef origin, and a visit to the local market awaits us where we will buy the raw materials and then wear u fadali (apron) and put our hands in the dough together with the chef. I had enough time to see this and that for myself. Start date | 2021-01-01 By creating an account you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. It is listed as part of Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefal and Monreale UNESCO Heritage sites. Save your favorites. The stop at the store to grab something to eat was very good, the food was very good and the people there were very friendly. Explore Agrigentos Valley of the Temples and learn more about this fascinating historic site. Beneficiary entity | Nomad Celebration - Software, Unipessoal Lda. Once there, youll have the opportunity to stop for a quick cup of coffee before hopping back on board and journeying just a few miles to the Valley of the Temples. Contact any guide directly, or reach out to our customer support team at any time. Remember your swimwear if your day tour to the Valley of the Temples includes a stop at San Leone beach. Joshua took a different route on the way back, still down to the sea and back through a very beautiful area. Mapping your Sicilian family tree is the perfect way to bring your past to life. This is a great way of transportation from Western Sicily to Eastern Sicily with a sightseeing stop of Agrigento Valley of the Temples. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. As well as being packed with things to see and do, Palermo is a great base for exploring Sicily. Explore the amazing mosaics at the Roman Villa and the Valley of Temples, A delightful tour for culture and wine lovers, Customizable Private Transfer Tour with a Guide Driver, The Perfect Mix for First Timers - with a Local Guide Driver. The old town of Agrigento, packed with beautiful quiet streets and delicious food offerings, is also worth a stop if you have time before you head back to Palermo. The incredible mosaics, and the opportunity to visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site, make it more than worth the journey! The day will be spent in the alleys of medieval villages, a hermitage in the heart of the woods dedicated to the patron saint of Palermo, the location for an Oscar film with traditions that come from afar. Moving on to the Valley of the Temples, youll spend a few hours wandering the temples and villas on the UNESCO World Heritage site. Every year, in front of its western faade, on the first Sunday in February, folklore groups from many nations gather to celebrate the Festival of the Almond in Blossom, a festival in honour of friendship among peoples and the birth of spring. Following that, youll move on to the Agrigento Archaeology Museum which houses almost 6,000 artifacts. Find tickets & tours worldwide. This means wearing shorts that go below the knee and making sure to have no exposed shoulders. Were Elaine and Dave exploring the world one country at a time and inspiring others to do it too with detailed itineraries and trip ideas from our travels! Objectives, activities and expected/achieved results: This experience is showcased by Viator and has met our quality standards. La Rocca is a large rocky outcrop that overlooks the old town. It is one of the 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sicily. The admission fee is waived for all on the first Sunday of every month. It is also home to one of the best-preserved Doric structures in the world. The drive takes the E90 north out of the city. Villa Romana del Casale is an immaculately preserved 4th century AD roman villa located around 2 hours drive southeast of Palermo and a very popular day trip from Palermo. Mighty and massive, these columns are each made up of 4 drums and surmounted by Doric capitals with a sweeping curve. Youll have free time to decide on a place for lunch, before your driver takes you to the Agrigento Archaeology Museum. This will help to avoid both the crowds and the hottest part of the day as well as allowing time to stop at La Scala Dei Turchi. Enjoy stress-free pickup and a scenic drive to the Valley of the Temples to take in the ancient ruins on your own. A day trip that includes Scala dei Turchi is the perfect combination of culture and relaxation. Explore the Unmissable Sights with a private Sicily Guide Driver. With its sweeping bay of golden sand and bright azure waters, the beach is enchanting to all that visit. Explore the less known part of Sicily: taste local olive oil and visit, Wine and Panorama Lovers Delight Tour with local guide Mimmo, Selinunte and Segesta with Local Guide Mimmo, Discover the Arab-Norman Heritage in a City of Surprises, The Heritage of the Greeks in Western Sicily. Located on the south coast of Sicily, Selinunte is easily reached from Palermo via the motorway in around 90 minutes making it a perfect day trip from Palermo. We also recommend to avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm), especially during the summer months. End with a photo op at the dramatic Scala dei Turchi coastline. more. And again, we will learn about flour derivatives (bread, biscuits, pasta) from ancient grains (Tumminia, Russello, Perciasacchi). In its architecture, in fact, the temple departed from tradition and introduced an innovation for the period. This trip is also one of the highlights from Palermo. Visit temples to the gods built by Greek colonists and stop at the The scala dei turchi Beach Empedocle. - Pick up at your hotel in Palermo- Drive across the wonderful inner side of the natural scenery south of Palermo, with the Sicani Mountains and the hilly landscape. The cooking lesson but also the gastronomic tour par excellence, in the name of "slow-food" in the Sicani mountains, an apotheosis for the taste buds to discover high quality products such as "pecorino D.O.P." From door to door, we offer pick up at your accommodation in Palermo area visit Agrigento Valley and drop off at your accommodation in Catania, Discover ancient ruins left over from the Greeks on this private excursion. The largest Mount Etna eruption occurred in 1669 and resulted in the deaths of over 20,000 people. Selinunte is also home to some beautiful beaches that are great to chill at after a few hours of exploring the ruins. The best way to enjoy the reserve is to hike the 7km trail that runs parallel to the coast. The tour includes a lunch at Winery with tasting of several wines. Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and belongs to Italy. Mount Etna is a 3.5 hours drive from Palermo. Full Day Private Tour to Piazza Armerina and Valley of the Temples from Palermo, Full Day Tour to Castelbuono, Cefal and Winery from Palermo, Day Tour Corleone and Countryside from Palermo, Full Day Tour to Monreale and Segesta from Palermo, Olive Oil, Salt and Wine Tour from Palermo, Visit as per itinerary (independent without booking of guide). A private day tour to the Valley of the Temples includes a professional tour guide. The Temple of Olympic Jove:built in 480 B.C. How to get to Mondello Beach: If you drive, there are lots of paid private car parks located in the streets just off the beach so finding parking shouldnt be a problem. Alternatively, you could choose to take a taxi from the town to your destination. Hats should not be worn inside the church. Entrance fee 12 may be paid with credit card. It follows a picturesque drive through the Sicilian countryside to Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples site. Selinunte was an ancient Greek city and one of the most important settlements in Sicily. The medieval hilltop town of Erice sits perched upon Monte San Giuliano. Built in the fifth century B.C, the Temple of Heracles is identified by its Doric columns. See the temples of Hera, Concordia and Apollo. . Travel to Agrigento for a quick coffee break (own expense) before visiting the fascinating site for a 1-hour tour. We recommend renting a car in Sicily. The guides on ToursByLocals provide private tours tailored to your needs. Segesta is around 1 hour outside of Palermo and there is a small restaurant on-site for snacks and drinks. Discover the beautiful town of Corleone and its countryside and enjoy lunch in a local Farmhouse/Winery. Joshua is the perfect guide. THE VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES IS A UNESCO PATRIMONY. Youll have free time to explore the Greek ruins at your own leisure including the Temple of Heracles and Villa Aurea. Three day tours to Valley of the Temples are private and include round-trip transportation and a tour guide for the duration of the trip. Because of this, you may consider visiting the archaeological park during the shoulder months of May, June, September or October. The architect, in order to sustain the enormous weight of the trabeation to which the columns were submitted, resorted to the ingenious expedient of reinforcing them with these enormous figures of Atlases mounted on semi-columns erected in the intercolumnar spaces of the peristyle. It really comes to life after dark, with funfairs, great food, and a holiday atmosphere. 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It is, in fact, the best preserved example of Doric art in Italy and conveys a vivid impression of the stateliness and harmony of that art which reaches its loftiest form in western Hellenism. 996/VII/Tur - Sicily | IATA Tids 96 27583 0 | VAT: IT04943140824. Prices for this tour start at around 962. Towering over the rest of the island at 3,340 meters, the volcano is a UNESCO World Heritage site and youll have the opportunity to travel up to the summit via cable car. A day trip to Valley of the Temples by car takes just under 2.5 hours and covers just over 180 kilometers. Day two offers a different side of Sicily with a visit to Mount Etna which is the highest volcano in Europe. It takes a little under three hours to reach the Piazzetta Rosselli bus stop in the town of Agrigento. In the VIth century A.D. the temple was transformed into a Christian church and of this traces still remain. The Temple of Concordia is the best-preserved Greek building on the island of Sicily. When it was called Akragas, Pindaro considered it to be "The Most Beautiful Among Mortal Cities". Based on our booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, this experience is likely to sell out through Viator. The city was one of the first that settlers in Sicily established and it remains one of the best-preserved Greek temples in Sicily. We were very impressed and enjoyed her tour thoroughly. - Ancient Akragas was founded by colonists from Rhodes and Crete coming from nearby Gela and reached its maximum splendor in the V c. BC when the magnificent Doric temples were built on the southern hill. The view of the Mare Nostrum is incredible from the Temples.Mimmo enjoys visiting one of the most important archeological sites of Sicily due to its impressive heritage the Greeks left in this area. Enjoy free time to explore the Greek ruins in the Valle dei Templi, then sightsee in Agrigento. Questions about the tour? Located just outside the old town, the beach is long and narrow, with golden white sands and crystal clear water. Expect to pay upwards of 235. Day trips from Palermo: A shuttle bus runs from the car park to the temple and another from the temple to the theater. Agrigento, according to legend, was founded by Daedalus and his son Icarus after they had fled from Crete by air. Day tours start early in Palermo and travel in a comfortable vehicle to the town of Agrigento. There are lidos for rent at Lido Porta del Sole and the Acropolis is visible from the water. deposit ? War and natural disasters have caused damage to the temple but it still stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of the ancient Greeks. Cefal is also home to one of the best beaches in Sicily. But it's worth it. Once youve had your fill of the Hellenic architecture, youll have free time to choose a spot for lunch. The old town center is beautiful and simply wandering the streets is an adventure. Villa Romana del Casaleis thought to have been the country retreat of Marcus Aurelius Maximianus, a Roman co-emperor of Diocletian. Visit Sicilian high-spots of your choice from Agrigento to Palermo. Accommodation for the three days is at your own expense, as are meals and entry fees. It should be noted that the driver is not a tour guide and will not accompany you during the visits, he can only provide general information during the trip. It is home to the stunning Monreale Cathedral, or the Duomo di Monreale, and is a popular day trip from the city. It is included in the parking cost and makes it easy to reach the theatre at the top of the site. Take a midday break for lunch (own expense) before stopping at the archaeology museum for a 1-hour self-guided visit. Destroyed, it seems, together with the other temples of Agrigento and Selinunte, by an earthquake in the late post-classic age, it is at present a heap of ruins but, in recent years, 8 columns of the southern side have been re-erected. Passing by pleasant rural landscapes covered with vineyards, olive plantations and wheat fields.- Agrigento is located on the south coast. If you are lucky, you could stumble upon relatives you never knew you had. Youll be escorted around the most culturally significant sites in the archaeological park. Visit the Roman Villa in Piazza Armerina and the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. La Scala dei Turchi, or the Turkish Steps, is a sloping staircase of white rock leading to the ocean near Agrigento. He was extremely knowledgeable and had an excellent command of English. Continuing on with the tour, youll reach the San Leone beach in Agrigento which will no doubt leave you breathless.