The Temple of Segesta and the medieval village of Erice
Tour Overview
8h
Vehicle included
9.00/17.00
Culture Nature
General Information
A visit to Erice and the Temple of Segesta will introduce you to the rich history of Sicily, which includes 25 centuries of foreign domination by Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Normans. The result is an impressive cultural heritage. Experience that legacy first-hand with this full-day excursion to explore the Norman fortified town of Erice and the ruins of the ancient city of Segesta.
It will feel like stepping back in time when you arrive in the town of Erice. Perched 750 metres above the Mediterranean Sea and surrounded by ancient Elymian and Phoenician walls, this beautiful town overlooks the lower town of Trapani and the Egadi Islands. Strolling through the village streets is the best way to explore the stone streets, towers, churches and fortifications built during the Norman occupation of Sicily. Erice boasts more than 60 churches, but the most important is the 14th century Mother Church built from the stones of the Temple of Venus. Enjoy the views offered by Erice’s twin castles: the Pepoli Castle and the Castle of Venus. Be enchanted by the medieval character of these ancient hill fortresses surrounded by lush gardens. You will have free time for independent sightseeing, lunch, and shopping before departing for the next leg of your excursion. After visiting Erice it is time for the Temple of Segesta! The latter, also known as the ‘Great Temple’, perched atop a hill with a view stretching to the sea, was not actually built by the Greeks. It was built between 430 and 420 BC by the Elymians, the indigenous people of Sicily who also founded Erice. This is one of the few temples preserved in its entirety from Antiquity. Get your camera ready as you walk among its 36 Doric columns, a perfect backdrop for spectacular photos.
A beautiful ending to a perfect day.
Additional Information
Please note: the sequence of stops on the tour may vary. Some steps and uneven ground are required to visit the ruins of Segesta. The visit to Erice is entirely on foot.
Comfortable shoes
Sportswear
*If you need to reserve a car seat, please contact us at the time of booking.
Meeting point
Meet at your hotel or the port of Trapani at 8.45 a.m., according to your requirements. To be specified at checkout in the "Notes" section.
Tour languages
Italian, English, French, German, Spanish
Cancellation policy
Cancellation policy by the customer
- Up to 72 hours before tour 25% of tour cost
- Up to 48 hours before tour 50% of tour cost
- Up to 24 hours before tour 75% of tour cost, no refund within 24 hours
Included in the tour
Excluded from the tour
Contact us
Tour itinerary
FAQs
Local currency, credit card.
What can be useful during the tour?
Each vehicle is sanitised with specific products before the departure of the tour.
What is the policy for sanification?
No. It is not necessary to tip the guide. However, the guide may accept a tip if offered. But, if you wish to help, you can leave a review of your tour for future travellers to see.
Should I tip my guide?
This is a private tour.
Is this tour shared or private?
Tour by Sicily reserves the right to cancel the tour if the guide is not available no later than 2 days before departure. In this case, 100% of the paid fees will be refunded within 24 hours of the cancellation notice communicated by e-mail or an alternative tour will be offered.
Robert– :
The place is enchanting, nay, enchanted. The temple and the theatre are grand and fascinating, and overlook a wonderful view.