Highlights
Golden mosaics of Monreale
Visit the Cathedral of Monreale, renowned for its gold mosaics depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
Independent Cathedral exploration
Explore the spacious interior and rich decor of the Dome, built by King William II in the 12th century, at your own pace.
Best-preserved Doric temple
See the Doric temple at Segesta, widely regarded as one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples in the world.
Hilltop amphitheatre views
Admire the ancient amphitheatre perched on Mount Barbaro within the Segesta archaeological park.
Elymian archaeological site
Discover the archaeological park reflecting the presence of the Elymians, one of Sicily's indigenous ancient peoples.
The experience
Description
Today h 9.00am be ready for pick-up at P.za Giuseppe Verdi, 59, Palermo (in front of Restaurant “Al 59”) to meet our driver and travel to Monreale to independently visit the Dome (Admission fee: not included, you can buy tickets here), erected by King William II (1167/71-1189) in a royal park on the site of an earlier Greek church. Part of the structure and its decoration were largely completed by the death of the king in 1189.The interior is impressive in its spaciousness and rich decor. Time to get some food for a light lunch.
At 12.00 departure for Segesta, one of the major cities of the Elymian people, one of the three indigenous peoples of Sicily. Segesta’s ancient Greek temple can make a valid claim to being the best preserved in the world, and its amphitheatre boasts a hilltop position on Mount Barbaro second to none. The archaeological site reflects the presence of several ancient civilizations, beginning with the elusive Elymians. While the magnificent Doric temple, though (strictly speaking) never completed – as the roof was never added and the pillars never fluted – is impressive, it is just the highlight of a large archaeological park. Upon arrival independent visit of the Archelogical Area (Admission fee: not included, you can buy tickets here) .
At 15.00/15.30 we return to Palermo. (estimated arrival time h 16.30/17.00 wish depending on the traffic situation. Different drop-off could be coordinated based on the ZTL –Limited Traffic Zone–)
Please note that if the tour does not reach at least two partecipants it will not be operated.
Locations
More details
Included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Booking fees
English Speaking Driver
Independent visits as per itinerary
Not included
Admission fees
Gratuities and tips
Licensed Tourist guide
Meals and beverages
Important information
Practical information
- Meeting Point
- P.za Giuseppe Verdi, 59, Palermo, in front of Restaurant "Al 59", at 9:00 am.
- Best season
- Spring and autumn are ideal for comfortable walking temperatures at the open-air Segesta archaeological site.
- What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes · Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) · Water bottle · Cash for admission tickets and lunch
- Accessibility
- Visits are independent and self-guided; the Segesta archaeological site involves outdoor walking on uneven ancient terrain, and the Cathedral has stairs and standing areas.