Duration : 8 Hours
Starting From:If you’re looking for a whole lot of variety plus something active and outdoors, our private shore excursion to Segesta, Scopello & Castellammare from Palermo is it! See a Greek temple, an old tuna packing plant, and an Arab-Norman castle. Hike nature trails, poach in the hot springs, soak up some sun or swim in the turquoise sea.
Features of this day trip to Segesta, Scopello & Castellammare from Palermo:
SEGESTA
To reach the Archeological site of Segesta we’ll drive along the Gulf of Castellammare, an undeveloped stretch of coastline with unspoiled beaches and simple villages.
The founding of Segesta is sketchy. Some say that refugees from Troy came here after the Trojan War (so we’re talking more than 1000 years before Christ). For sure the ancient Greeks were here at some point, imparting their culture, as is most brilliantly seen in the Doric temple at the Greek theatre of Segesta.
The temple, which is very stately and extremely well preserved, dates to the 5th Century BC but was probably never finished. Its location, with the green landscape around it, is truly enchanting.
An equally impressive part of the archeological site is the Greek amphitheater, where 4000 spectators could enjoy theatrical performances with beautiful views. The amphitheater has amazing acoustics and is still used for summer performing arts events.
Segesta is also famous for its Thermal baths. The therapeutic waters are rich in sulfur. Even if you don’t have rheumatism, arthritis, or a skin condition you’ll enjoy the natural hot water, natural surroundings and Greek myths about how the thermal springs came to be.
SCOPELLO
The Gulf of Castellammare is an undeveloped stretch of stunning coastline with unspoiled beaches and simple villages. The forces of nature have sculpted the terrain here in the most dramatic way, leaving sheer cliffs to provide a backdrop for pebbly beaches, and a multitude of coves and towers of rock rising from the sea to enchant swimmers.
The Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve protects 7 km of this splendid coastal area. At its southern gate, we find the delightful hamlet of Scopello.
The origins of Scopello date back to very ancient times. The village (baglio in Italian) took shape in more recent centuries. at one time providing shelter for animals and farmworkers. Today the cobblestoned courtyard is a charming framework for the lively summer scene.
For something active hike one of the gorgeous trails in the nature reserve to reach one of the beautiful beaches.
Make sure you do not leave this place until you have tried the local dish called Cunzatu! Made with sardines, pecorino cheese, tomatoes and oregano on bread, this is real Sicilian peasant food.
CASTELLAMMARE
For centuries tuna fishing was an important industry in the Gulf of Castellammare. The Tonnara (tuna packing plant) closed down in the 1980s but was transformed in recent years into a museum where you can see the equipment and learn about this important facet of the area’s past.
Today the little fishing port of Castellammare is a destination for beach lovers seeking a genuine, small-town Sicilian feel. The town sits in a very picturesque location, nestled between the rugged hills and the sea and framed by arching beaches with soft sand.
The big point of interest in Castellammare is (go figure) the castle. Climb the stairs to see the Arab-Norman fortress up close and get breathtaking views of the town and coast.
Read about other things to see in
Castellammare.
NOT INCLUDED
1. Is this tour private?
The tour is private just for your party, however, if you wish to join a tour and alleviate costs, please check with us our shared guaranteed excursion options.
2. Is the driver also a guide?
Our English-speaking drivers are NOT licensed guides. To provide you with the best-in-class service, our English-speaking driving guides have been trained to offer our clients a nice overview with information regarding the major highlights avoiding the expensive charges of hiring a private guide. Due to strict Italian laws & regulations that protect officially licensed guides, our driving guides can comment and explain the sights only from inside the vehicle but are not allowed to do so once they are outside the vehicle. They are regularly licensed instead to chauffeur the public. We highly recommend that you never book with any touring company that does not make this clear.
3. Does the driver go with us inside the monuments?
No, only a licensed guide is authorized to accompany you during the visit of sights. Our driver will drop you off close to the sights but will stay with the vehicle for the duration of your visit.
4. Does this tour include lunch and admission fees to sites?
No tickets or lunch are included in the rate. Please contact our office for pricing and reservations.
5. Does it include a guide?
No guide is included either. Please contact our office for pricing and reservations.
6. What is the duration of the tour?
The duration of the tour is 7/9 hours, including pickup and drop off at the ship.
7. Is the itinerary flexible?
Our itineraries are completely flexible, and we will be happy to operate any changes to the original itinerary (within reason). Please contact our office with all the requests you may have so that we can better organize your day.
8. Do you guarantee the return to the ship on time?
In almost 30 years of business, we have never missed the ship that is why we have organized all itineraries to guarantee your return on time.
9. Is gratuity included in the price?
Tips are never included in our quotes. We think that a tip shouldn’t be included in the rate otherwise it would be a tax!!! Once in Italy do not feel as though you have to tip everyone because someone told you to. Tip only if you really liked the service. Tips are generally: 10% not bad 15 % great 20 % best tour in my life. Please report any abuse.
There will be a full charge for bookings canceled with less than 72-hour notice for any service required. In this case, a full charge will be made on your credit card. If you miss your flight or if your airline decides to cancel the flight due to bad weather or if your flight is directed to another airport on arrival, please advise us on time (as soon as you know) or a full charge will be made.
Please give us enough time so we can accept other reservations and allocate them to our chauffeurs. If the ship does not make it to the pier for bad weather, you will not be considered responsible so NO CHARGE will be made to your credit card. A full charge will be made for a no-show-up.
Only pre-purchased skip-the-line tickets (if requested) are not refundable under the circumstance and will be charged to your card.
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