BestPrivateTours.com - Discovering Sicily's Ancient Origins-Shore Excursion

OVERVIEW

Travel back in time to Sicily’s ancient roots. You’ll visit the archaeological site of Segesta to see the ancient Doric temple and semi-circular theater in the Greek style. Afterwards, you’ll head to the medieval hilltop town of Erice, originally a sacred site with a temple to Aphrodite, its defensive walls, built by the Elymians and the Phoenicians are still found.

For this private shore excursion from Palermo, you’ll enjoy the services of an English-speaking drive who’ll pick you up at the port in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, escorting you to these intriguing sites for an exploration of Sicily’s ancient past.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Segesta, founded by the Elymians, a population indigenous to Sicily, was once an important trade center, minting its own coins. It’s significant historically for its alliances first with Athens and later Carthage which led to invasions that changed the course of Sicily’s history. Segesta flourished under Roman rule before fading into obscurity. All that remains of the town today are the theater and glorious ancient temple.

Erice, also Elymian, began as a sacred place with a temple dedicated to Aphrodite. Continuously occupied by various groups, including the Saracens and Normans, today this small cliff top village, with a castle and ancient protective walls, is predominantly medieval and offers sweeping views over Trapani and as far as Tunisia on clear days.