“It is often claimed that in contrast to the “Greek” Eastern side of the island, the West of Sicily is characterised by a predominantly “Arab” feel. And whilst this is not entirely false, it is something of an over-simplification and neglects the importance of the westernmost Greek colonies of Agrigento and Selinunte, the influence of the Phoenicians and, over a millenium later, the Normans. We would prefer to argue that the history of Western Sicily has been shaped by its agriculture and fishing: olives, vines, salt and tuna. Our Highlights of Western Sicily Tour is a fully escorted small group tour of Western Sicily.”
Full Itinerary
Arrival and onward to Agrigento
We rendezvous at Palermo airport in the early afternoon and transfer by minibus (3 hours) to our hotel in Agrigento.
Welcome aperitif, dinner and overnight in Agrigento.
Valley of the Temples, Agrigento
This morning we venture among some of the finest Greek temples in the whole of the Mediterranean. We walk the whole stretch of the Valle dei Templi, starting with the beautiful Temple of Hera, moving on to the breathtaking Temple of Concordia – perfectly preserved and beautifully sited with fine views over almond groves and the sea and onwards until we reach the Temple of Zeus – the largest Doric temple ever built.
We finish our visit with a visit to the Garden of Kolymbetra: originally built as a fish pond by the Romans, but later filled in after it was discovered that it attracted mosquitoes (and hence, malaria), it was later converted to a garden by the Arabs.
In the afternoon, there is an opportunity to visit the fine archaeological museum.
Evening meal. Overnight in Agrigento.
Selinunte and Marsala
We begin the morning with a short drive (1 hour) to Selinunte. Less famous than the temples we visited the previous day, Selinunte is arguably no less impressive. The so-called “Temple E”, though less complete than the Temple of Concordia, is possibly even more majestic.
After lunch we transfer to Marsala (1 hour), where we visit the fine archaeological museum and the museum of the Risorgimento.
We round the afternoon off with a tasting of the fine Marsala wine.
Dinner and overnight in Marsala.
The salt industry
It is easy to under-estimate the importance of salt production to Sicily’s economy in the past. As well as an export product in its own right, until the invention of canning, salt was the essential preservative of the tuna which once counted as one of Sicily’s biggest exports. Our word “salary” is a derivative of “salt” (in italian: sale) and in the middle ages, salt from Western Sicily was traded in the sub-Sahara for its weight in silver. We begin the day with a visit to the salt-pans and learn about the contribution of its harvest to the Sicilian economy’s past.
After lunch nearby, we drive to Segesta, where the unfinished temple is one of Sicily’s most unexpected charms.
Onward drive to Palermo
Evening meal and overnight in Palermo.
Palermo and Monreale
The Norman cathedral at Monreale is undoubtedly one of the most memorable sites in the whole of Sicily. Not only do its stunning Byzantine mosaics make an immediate impact, but they also recount the sub-text of a dark medieval narrative: the struggle between Sicily’s twefth century temporal and divine rulers – the Norman kings and the Roman church – leaving no doubt as to who was in charge.
It is hard to imagine anything more awe-inspiring that the fields of gold-leaf blazing on the walls of Monreale and entering the, by comparison, tiny Palatine chapel in the great Norman Palace of Palermo, one expects to be disappointed. Nothing can be further than the truth. Whilst the cathedral of Monreale impresses with its grandeur and scale, the Royal chapel astonishes with its intimacy and beauty. It is surely one of the jewels of the whole Mediterranean.
In the afternoon there is the opportunity to visit the cathedral and also the Martorana church.
Evening meal and overnight in Palermo.
Cefalù
An hour and a half’s drive from Palermo is the quiet fishing town of Cefalù. With its backdrop of history – from its Greek and Roman origins, through to its medieval Norman majesty, it is hardly surprising that the harbour of this quintessential Mediterranean fishing port was chosen as one of the locations for Tornatore’s Cinema Paradiso. Indeed it seems as if the whole town could be a cinema set. We have free time here – perhaps to go to the beach or perhaps to climb to the top of the Rocca.
Return to Palermo in the late afternoon
Evening meal and overnight in Palermo.
Onward and departure
For those departing on this day we will organise transfers to Palermo airport at the appropriate time.
For those who have booked on our Highlights of Eastern Sicily tour, we can organise for you stay in Palermo and you can have the day free in Palermo to explore further. The following morning we will organise a transfer to Piazza Armerina for the start of the Highlights of Eastern Sicily tour.
