This popular 8-hour itinerary takes you to see the most interesting sites of western Sicily. With your guide you’ll visit and explore Segesta, a Greek archaeological site. Travel to Nubia and the Salt Pans in Trapani, and admire the Sicilian coast and natural landscapes en route. You’ll also stop at Erice, a medieval hilltop town. Enjoy spectacular views throughout the day. All of the sites are relatively near Palermo, meaning that you’ll have plenty of time to explore each of them. This itinerary is also known as the Elimians's Road, named for the Elimians who were among the first inhabitants of this part of Sicily.

On the itinerary is the medieval hilltop town of Erice lunch and a wine and olive oil tasting at a winery or typical farm, and a panoramic tour along Marsala’ s Salt Route! Palermo, the Sicilian capital, is one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the whole of Italy. However, you might want to escape its hustle and bustle after a few days! And there's no better way to do that than a full day small group tour from Palermo to visit the fascinating town of Erice and to admire the unique panoramas of Marsala. You will depart from Palermo on a top notch minivan with an expert driver and tour leader. The first stop is the medieval hilltop village of Erice. Stroll through the narrow streets and find delightful little courtyards. Lookout for the viewpoints where you can see out to the Egadi Islands and over the city of Trapani. You will feel like travelling through times, surrounded by an ancient kind of beauty. Of course, when in Sicily, it’s always a good time for a snack and in Erice we will have a tasty break by tasting a local Sicilian granita. On some day trips, you might have to sort your own packed lunch, but not on this full day group tour from Palermo! After leaving Erice, you'll carry on along the west coast of Sicily to Marsala, a town famous for producing sweet wine and also, like the entire Sicily, an area where olive oil is a another special local product. You will have the chance to taste both of them, as we will stop for a full Sicilian lunch with a sample tasting of the best local wines and olive oil in a local winery or farm. The final stop on this full day group tour from Palermo is the natural and cultural site landscape which connects land and sea. Marvel at salt windmills and basins which are still in use today. The 30km road is one of the most evocative routes in Italy, and if you get out of your vehicle, you'll be able to feel the salt in the air! At the end of this unique and fantastic experience, you will return to Palermo.

Discover the history of Sicily from the Greeks to the Middle Ages with this day trip to Erice, the salt pans of Trapani, and Segesta. After pickup from selected locations in Palermo, drive to western Sicily to reach Erice. The ancient Elymian people founded this medieval town, once an important religious site associated with the goddess Venus. Continue to Trapani where the ancient tradition of harvesting salt from the sea is still practiced. In the afternoon, head to Segesta, another city founded by the Elymians. Visit the 5th-century Doric temple built on a hilltop just outside the ancient city. Admire the astonishing views, before returning to Palermo.

Enjoy a tour that visits multiple locations. This trip was created for those who have little time available and wish to see as many places as possible. Depart from Trapani port or hotel or the airport in Trapani. Arrive at Erice and stop to see the small medieval village. Erice is known for its ancient beauty, for breathtaking views and for the originality of its medieval charm. It is famous for the production of Ericini carpet, for waxing and for almond cakes. Then head to Scopello. Visit the tuna factory and take panoramic photos of the faraglions. Stop for a free lunch. (we recommend the bread "Cunzato" plate typical to the region). The next stop is Castellamare Del Golfo. Visit the harbor and take panoramic photos. The last stop is the Saline Reserve. Visit the Salt Museum and again you can take beautiful photos within the Saline Reserve. Then return to Trapani.

The guided tour of Erice will lead you to a village of timeless charm, built on Mount Erice, between alleys and architectural jewels that preserve the history of the peoples who have inhabited it over the centuries. It starts from Porta (gate) Trapani, one of the oldest gates of the city and its historic center, and arrives at the Cathedral of the Assumption. Commissioned by Frederick III of Aragon in the 1300s, as a thank you to the town, it is a typical example of Gothic architecture in Sicily and was originally enriched with mosaics destroyed due to the collapse of the roof. Inside, the church is covered with a white stucco lace in the style of the time. Next to the Cathedral with the facade enriched by an elegant rose window and a portico that give a unique and monumental aspect, stands the tower of King Federico, or the bell tower built on the ruins of an ancient military watchtower and always wanted by the king of Aragon. Our tour continues to discover the historic center, with its picturesque cobbled alleys, ceramic shops and historic pastry shops where you can taste the typical sweets of the area such as almond pastries and Genovesi, the most typical dessert of Erice , which consists of a delicious milk cream wrapped in a delicate shortcrust pastry. Walking through the village we can admire the Cyclopean walls, so called because the Phoenicians, for their construction, used very robust workers from a nearby population: the Cyclops. The ancient walls, made up of huge boulders on which you can still see the engravings of some letters of the Phoenician alphabet, were erected to protect the population from enemy attacks. The walk will also allow us to explore the English-style Balio Gardens built at the end of the 19th century by Count Pepoli, which surround the area where the suggestive Castle of Venus is located. The guided tour ends by exploring the remains of the fortress with panoramic terraces overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Trapani and the Egadi Islands, an enchanting view from the highest point of the village. From the castle, built near an ancient temple of the goddess Venus, you can also admire some watchtowers including the most beautiful Art Nouveau-style Torretta Pepoli.

Benefit from an easy private transfer from Trapani Birgi to Trapani city. You will travel in either an 8-seater black Renault Trafic Minivans or a 5-seat Mercedes E-Class car, all new, comfortable, and spacious vehicles. Transfers can be made from Trapani Birgi Airport, Palermo airport to all destinations in western Sicily. Feel comfortable, as your driver has been working in the industry for several years, and will take care of your transfer in a professional way. Your drivers are qualified and ready to give advice on locations. Service is quick, convenient and economical, moving easily and absolutely safe and comfortable. Should you need to make transfers to and from the Sicilian airports of Trapani and Palermo, this transfer service is the best choice. 

Excursion program Segesta: The departure is scheduled from your hotel or from our agency in Sciacca at 8:30 to reach the first stage of our excursion: Segesta to admire the ancient Doric style temple, the still intact Temple of Hera, the Greek theater , the temple and the sanctuary. Erice: then our tour will continue with a visit to Erice, a small medieval village rich in history and tradition which, with its narrow streets, courtyards and temples, seems to have remained stuck in time. Here you will find: the Castle of Venus, the Norman Castle, one of the most beautiful views of the city of Trapani and the Mother Church. Saline: The last stop of our excursion will be Marsala which is famous for the landing of Garibaldi's expedition of the Thousand, for the production of wine and for the famous Saline. The latter are very renowned for the "salt culture", a centuries-old tradition that has shaped the territory by creating salty marshes on the lagoon between Trapani and Marsala, such as the Sicilian Lagoon. Marsala: If time remains available, it will be possible to visit the historic center of Marsala which embraces Piazza della Repubblica dominated by the Mother Church, the Palazzo Senatorio and organize a short visit to one of the famous wine cellars of Marsala, Florio or Pellegrino, where you will be able to discover the techniques of wine production and their evolution.

Embark on a private guided walking tour in Erice and stroll around thismedieval town. Marvel at the Castle of Venus and its grounds, see the beautiful Balio Gardens, and admire the breathtaking view of Trapani and the salt pans from the belvedere. Meet your guide at the arch of the Porta Trapani to begin your tour. Walk around this historical town, through the cobbled streets and hidden courtyards, and listen as your guide tells you the history and culture.  Discover hidden gems in every corner you turn; your guide will take you to the San Martino church, the Church of Sant'Albertino Degli Abbati, the oldest church, and the Mother Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Walk around and discover the Spanish quarter, built to house Spanish soldiers during the Spanish domination. See the fairytale Castle of Venus and ensure you have your camera with you as you do not want to miss out on taking photos from the top. See the Chiesa Matrice, walk around the beautiful Garden of Balio, and explore this enchanting town, one of Italy's best-kept secrets.

A walk among breathtaking views, through the cobblestone streets of this small medieval village, but of much older history, expertly accompanied to discover with anecdotes and stories all the history of this enchanted village and the people who have made Erice, also called the city of 100 churches, great over the centuries. Visiting a workshop that is still in production, one will discover the ancient tradition of ceramics and Erice carpets, a typical artifact of Erice's hand-woven and decorated , one of a kind. All this while tasting the famous almond sweets.

Day 1 After getting picked up at Catania Airport, enjoy a welcome aperitif in the company of your local guide in Catania. Afterward, enjoy a walking tour of the city during which you will see iconic landmarks such as the Duomo Square, The cathedral fi Saint Agatha, Roman Amphitheatre, and Bellini Park. Day 2 Start your day with a light trek on Europe's most active volcano, Mount Etna. After your trek, re-energize with a traditional Italian lunch at a family-run restaurant. You will also be able to sample some local wines from the Etna region. After lunch, enjoy some free time to explore the town of Taormina at your own pace before heading up to Castelmola, where you can sample the region's famous almond wine served with delicious biscuits. Finish the day by watching the breathtaking sunset in the village of Savoca, one of Italy's prettiest villages and the setting for the Godfather movie. Day 3 Today, enjoy a guided tour of the city of Syracuse, including a visit to the island of Ortigia. Here, admire landmarks such as the Cathedral of Saint Lucy, Caravaggio, Archimedes Square, and the Fountain of Aretusa. Afterward, move onto Neapolis Archaeological Park where you can admire the Latomie del Paradiso, Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, and  The Ear of Dionysius. Stop for lunch in the town of Noto, a baroque-style town with elegant churches and sprawling palaces. In the afternoon, enjoy a chocolate-making masterclass in the oldest chocolate factory in Sicily before heading to the picture-perfect town of Ragusa Ibla, where you will spend the night. Day 4 Start your day at the Villa del Casale in Piazza Armerina, where one of the largest and richest collections of Roman mosaics in the world awaits you. Afterward, head to the Valley of Temples, where you will discover one of the greatest examples of Greater Greece's art and architecture. Enjoy some free time to explore this sprawling temple complex, with 7 ancient Greek temples. Day 5 In the morning, head to the coastal town of Marsala to sample the town's namesake wine. Learn how to differentiate this unique fortified wine by its amber color and unique scent. In the afternoon, head to the Trapani Salt Museum. Here, learn more about salt production methods in the area and admire a unique landscape dotted with over 100 mills, some of which are still in function. Finish the day with a stroll around the medieval town of Erice, a historic and charming town located in the Sicilian hills. Day 6 Today, you will be visiting the towns of Palermo and Monreale, both of which are famous for their Byzantine-style mosaics. In Palermo, visit the 12th-century cathedral and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant history and culture. In Monreale, admire the fine mosaics in the town's great Norman cathedral. Afterward, take in panoramic views of the surrounding valley, filled with orange, olive and almond trees. Day 7 Spend your last day in Sicily at the seaside town of Cefalu. Spend a few hours getting lost in a maze of tiny streets and ice-cream shops before heading Castelbuono, a picturesque village hidden in the Madonie Mountains. Get dropped off back at the airport at the end of your trip.