EJ · Segesta and Erice Tour - Group 3

Starting from your hotel with your guide, you will drive towards Trapani. After about 40 minutes, you will leave the main road and continue inland towards Mount Barbaro, 432 meters above sea level. After another 20 minutes, you will reach this fascinating archaeological site, where you will visit the temple, built in 430–420 BC and remarkably well preserved.

The temple occupies a magnificent position, dominating the surrounding countryside as well as the distant coastline and sea. It is an unfinished Greek-Sicilian Doric peripteral temple with 6 by 14 columns. There is no evidence of the specific cult or altar once associated with the site. However, modest remains of an earlier, simpler sacred building, found during excavations in the center of the temple, indicate the existence of a much older cult area.

A private shuttle bus will then take you to the Theatre, built in local limestone and displaying typical features of Greek architecture. Unlike most ancient theaters, however, it was entirely supported by a massive retaining wall (anàlemma). The cavea, which could seat up to 4,000 spectators, is divided horizontally by a large corridor (diàzoma), framed by backed seats, and vertically by six stairways forming seven wedge-shaped sections (kerkìdes) of various sizes.

After the visit, you will rejoin your motor coach and continue your trip to Erice, arriving after about one hour. Leaving the bus at the parking area, you will begin a guided visit of this delightful, quiet, and well-preserved medieval town, perched on a cliff 751 meters above sea level. Founded in the 5th century BC, Erice was conquered by the Romans in 241 BC, yet the town still retains its original medieval character. Highlights include the Norman city gates, the Church of the Virgin Mary (viewed from the exterior), the Balio Gardens, and Venus Castle.

After the visit, you will have free time for lunch on your own before returning to Palermo by motor coach.