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Sicily Culture & history

Our most recommended Sicily Culture & history

Agrigento: Valley of the Temples Skip The Line & Guided Tour

1. Agrigento: Valley of the Temples Skip The Line & Guided Tour

Come to Agrigento and discover one of Sicily's most famous historical attractions, for its well-preserved Doric temples dedicated to Greek divinities, the famous Valley of the Temples. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Archaeological Park is located on a plateau close to the Strait of Sicily.  Follow your guide to explore this site where time seems to stand still, preserving an unprecedented historical charm. Start the tour from the temple of Hera, continuing on the sacred way to the remains of the surrounding wall. Inside the Valley, see 12 temples as well as some fortifications, the Lower and Upper Agora, an Olympian, and a Bouleuterion. Source of inspiration for poets, philosophers, and painters, it is one of the most emblematic parks in Sicily. Admire Doric temples from the Hellenic period, that correspond to the ancient Akragas, the original monumental nucleus of the city of Agrigento. Move onward to the Temple of Concord, the remains of the early Christian Necropolis, the Temple of Heracles, and the remains of the Temple of Zeus.

From Palermo: Monreale and Cefalù Half-Day Trip

2. From Palermo: Monreale and Cefalù Half-Day Trip

Escape the hustle and bustle of Palermo city center on a half-day tour to Monreale and Cefalù. Marvel at a Norman cathedral on the slopes of Monte Caputo, and learn the Greek and Medieval history of one of Sicily’s most beautiful towns. Following a pick-up from your hotel or the port of Palermo, transfer to Monreale where you will have approximately 1-hour to tour the Duomo. An official audio guide is included to learn the history of the 12th-century building, considered one of the greatest landmarks of medieval ecclesiastical architecture in the south of Italy. Then, drive along the north coast of Sicily, on route to the beautiful town of Cefalù. Sit back and relax on the 1.5-hour journey, and on arrival go to the 12th-century Duomo. See traces of the Middle Ages at the Osterio Magno. Get panoramic views from the Porta Terra. Discover Greek and Arabic pottery in the Mandralisca Museum, and walk down some curving stone steps to a picturesque cluster of 16th-century wash basins at the Lavatoio.

Agrigento: Valley of the Temples Entrance Ticket & Pemcards

3. Agrigento: Valley of the Temples Entrance Ticket & Pemcards

Take a stirring journey through the archaeological ruins at Agrigento with a skip-the-line entry to the Valley of the Temples. Immortalize your visit with Pemcards -- a digital photo that you can send as a real postcard to anywhere in the world.Discover the immense artistic and archaeological heritage of Sicily as you explore the site which extends over approximately 1,300 hectares. Learn about a millenary history that began in the 6th-century BC with the foundation of the ancient Greek colony of Akragas.See the terraced levels of the site that used to be a center of the public life of the ancient Greco-Romans and marvel at the aqueducts. Walkthrough the core of the archaeological site of Agrigento, passing magnificent temples such as the Temple to Zeus, Tempio della Concordia, and Tempio di Eracle.Lastly, admire the gymnasium, an ancient location for athletic, educational, and recreational activities.

Villa Romana del Casale Guided tour & skip the line

4. Villa Romana del Casale Guided tour & skip the line

On this guided tour, bear witness to the wealth and luxury of the daily lives of 4th-century patricians in the late Roman age. Dive into the culture and history of the late Roman Empire while you admire ancient mosaics. During your visit, see the baths, guest quarters, and private rooms. Begin your tour when you meet your guide outside the entrance to the villa and enjoy the convenience of fast entry with your skip-the-line ticket. Your first visit is to the thermal baths. Feel the enveloping warmth of the caldarium and cool off in the frigidarium, fed by the Gela River. Continue your tour while you appreciate the beauty and vividness of the intricate mosaics. Throughout the villa's rooms, gain insights into the cultural activities of ancient Rome. In the baths, imagine the shouts of the spectators at a quadriga race of four-horse chariots. Next, wander towards the guest apartment. Here, enjoy scenes of daily life, including fishing activities, hunting, and banquets. Feel the hunters’ anticipation in the “Little Hunt” mosaic. In the dining room, imaginethe enchanting sounds of Orpheus playing his lyre as animals gather around him. Venture further to explore the grand public halls where the villa received "clientes." Marvel at the mosaic known as the "Great Hunt," which shows a monumental map of the Roman Empire. Watch as a lioness attacks a hunter, as an elephant boards a ship, and a ship sails through the waves. Finally, enter the private rooms belonging to the "domina" and "dominus" of the villa. See how the wealthy owners slept, ate, and conducted daily business in this palatial complex. Learn more from your guide about who may have owned the villa before concluding your tour.

Agrigento: Valley of the Temples & Gardens Private Tour

5. Agrigento: Valley of the Temples & Gardens Private Tour

The guided tour of the oldest and most characteristic area of Agrigento, known as the Valley of the Temples, will take you to travel back in time among the Doric temples of the Hellenic period, visiting one of the largest and most spectacular archaeological areas in the world. We start immediately by visiting the Temple of Hera Lacinia or Juno erected 120 meters high in 450 BC. on the hill of the Rupe Atenea with Doric columns; the temple in which he used to celebrate the wedding is dedicated to Juno because inside it was kept a painting that probably depicted the goddess protector of women and fertility. A few steps away we find one of the symbols of Agrigento, the majestic Temple of Concordia, the second best preserved temple in the world after the Parthenon in Athens. Dating back to 430 BC. today it is in an excellent state of conservation thanks to the transformation of the temple into a Christian church. In the front part of the temple we can admire the suggestive bronze statue of Icarus, donated by the famous Polish sculptor Igor Mitoraj, representing the fall of Icarus who disobeying his father and flying too close to the sun, burned his wax wings and fell into the Mediterranean. We continue the guided tour exploring the oldest of the Doric temples of Agrigento, the Temple of Hercules or Heracles for the Greeks, which owes its name to a bronze statue of Hercules, the strongest and most valiant of the Gods, inside the temple . During the visit you will see prickly pear trees and breathtaking panoramic views over the valley. We then arrive at the Temple of Jupiter or Zeus, originally one of the largest temples of classical antiquity which over time was damaged due to earthquakes and therefore used as a quarry for the construction of the Porto Empedocle pier. Among the ruins of the temple we will see the reconstruction of one of the Telamons over 7 meters high, stone sculptures of giants placed outside the temple to protect the divinity, which with its majesty gives us an idea of the beauty of the temples originally. After a few steps the guided tour continues to the Temple of the Dioscuri, of which only a corner with four columns remains but which despite the few remains that have come down to the present day has become one of the most representative monuments of Agrigento. The guided tour ends by admiring the Kolymbetra Garden from the outside, an extensive citrus grove of orange and lemon trees where nature and silence make it a heavenly place in total harmony with the temples that surround it.

Syracuse: Ortigia and Neapolis Guided Walking Tour

6. Syracuse: Ortigia and Neapolis Guided Walking Tour

Explore ancient Syracuse on a 3-hour guided tour and learn about early Greek history through architecture and religious practices. The evidence of Syracuse as capital of the Mediterranean is ever-present, and seen in the glory of its Cathedral, the ancient Temple of Athena, the Greek Theater and the Roman Amphitheater. Admire the beauty of the Cathedral of Syracuse, which incorporates the pagan Temple of Athena. Learn about its various architectural styles from your guide. Continue to the Archeological Park to see the Paradise Latomia and the Ear of Dionysos. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Ionian Sea from the Greek Theater.

Agrigento: Valley of the Temples E-Scooter Tour

7. Agrigento: Valley of the Temples E-Scooter Tour

Explore the Valley of the Temples on an exclusive tour by modern electric scooters, which are ecological and easy to drive. Visit the entire archaeological area along the Via Sacra, admiring the ancient temples and many other interesting places along the way. Choose from a 1 or 2-hour tour to suit your schedule.  In addition, you will ride along green routes, specially designed so that you can experience the beautiful nature of the surrounding countryside, dotted with almond trees and ancient olive groves. Here you can explore ancient Roman roads such as Cardo I, the remains of the ancient Greek theater, and the ruins of the necropolis. On your adventurous experience, you will see the the Temple of Hera Lacinia, ancient fortifications and tombs, the Temple of Concordia, the Temple of Hercules Victor, and Girgentana goats.

Syracuse: Neapolis Archaeological Park Tour

8. Syracuse: Neapolis Archaeological Park Tour

Meet your certified guide at the entrance gate of the Neapolis Archaeological Park and visit the most important ancient Greek and Roman monuments in Syracuse. Discover the history and archaeological importance of this ancient Greek sight from your knowledgeable guide. During your walking tour, see the ancient Greek theatre, cut in the rock of the Yemenite Hill, and explore the "Latomie del Paradiso", an ancient stone quarry with beautiful local flora. Next, marvel at the legendary "Ear of Dionysius", located inside the quarries. Be amazed by this grotto famed for its shape and echoing sounds. Finish your tour with a visit to the altar of Hieron and the Roman amphitheater.

Catania: Valley of the Temples and Turkish Steps with Brunch

9. Catania: Valley of the Temples and Turkish Steps with Brunch

Begin the day with a pick-up from your accommodation in a comfortable minivan at around 8:30 AM. The first stop will be in Agrigento. This city used to be the richest of all the Greek colonies.  Admire the beautiful and impressive Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. See some of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world. Pindar, the Greek poet, and writer, described it as one of the most beautiful cities of those inhabited by mortals. The Valley of the Temples is famous for its well-preserved temples, seven in total.  The Temple of Concordia is one of the best preserved Greek temples in the world helping the site to gain the classic UNESCO world heritage award. At the site, visit the remains of many other temples dedicated to various divinities like Juno, Hercules, Hephaestus, and Athena. Next see one of the most amazing beaches in Sicily. A few kilometers away from Agrigento, find the Scala dei Turchi, literally translated to Turkish steps. Discover a dazzling white rock formation, rising from the clear blue sea-like giant steps. Walk this gentle slope, high above the sea on your feet, and enjoy a unique experience. Here, have free time to enjoy one of the most famous beaches in Sicily. Enjoy brunch made of typical Sicilian food with bottles of water, and red local wine. Arrive back in Catania in the early evening, at around 7:00 PM.

Selinunte: Archeological Park Entry Ticket and Pemcards

10. Selinunte: Archeological Park Entry Ticket and Pemcards

Pre-book your entry ticket for the Selinunte Archeological Park and skip the ticket lines. Discover the immense artistic and archaeological heritage of Sicily at the largest archaeological area in Europe with over 2,500 years of history. Capture your visit with a digital photo postcard. Founded by the colonists of Megara Hyblea, Selinunte takes its name from Selinon, the wild parsley. The archaeological site features sanctuaries, the necropolis, the caves of Cusa, seven temples, and more. Some of the sites are still in good condition, offering an opportunity to see examples of architecture built according to a strict Doric order, the oldest Greek architectural style. After your visit, send your friends or family a Pemcard (included), a digital photo that you can send just like a real postcard to anywhere in the world.

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What people are saying about Sicily

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 1,323 reviews

Fabrizio was the perfect guide. The food tour was a great introduction to Palermo, with a great balance of iconic sightseeing, exploring the street market, learning and eating. Being able to ask Fabrizio for recommendations both during and after the tour via text made our trip feel fulfilling, stress free and authentic.

This was a great half day trip from Palermo. Monreale had great views over the cities and a lovely church. Cefalu was beautiful on the water. It was during the holidays/off season, so my was closed, but it was fun to visit.

Great way to learn a bit of history and to sample the local street food!

Overall nice trup across several beautiful cities.

Very knowledgeable! Nice, Funny, good pace of tour