Whether you're planning a vacation in Agrigento or elsewhere in Sicily, guided tours and excursions are a great way to get the most out of your time in this part of Italy. You'll be able to take in some of the most important sights in Sicily, from the ancient ruins of the Valley of the Temples to the stunning Villa Romana del Casale, and much more.
Valley of the Temples
Getting a guided tour of the Temples is a great way to see the site. You will be shown how the site got its name and you will learn about the history of the ancient city. There are several day tours that are designed to take you to Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples. Depending on your tour, you may also be able to visit the archeology museum or have lunch on the grounds.
A guided tour is also recommended in the summer. The Temple of Castor and Pollux is a major highlight of the tour. You will learn about the ancient city and the many artifacts that were found in the area.
You should also make sure to take a break for a quick coffee or gelato at a cafe in the complex.
Enchanted Castle
Visiting the Enchanted Castle in Agrigento is a unique experience. Located at Mount Kronio, the castle is a museum-garden with thousands of sculptures by the Italian artist Filippo Bentivegna. The castle hosts a variety of events and is the perfect venue for special occasions.
The castle is located on the slopes of Mount Kronio. Several vaporous phenomena emerge from the upper caves. This area is also home to the Holy Spirit Monastery, which is known for almond cakes made by nuns.
The castle is surrounded by a large almond grove. Filippo Bentivegna's sculptures are carved from rock. This artist was also famous for his "outside art" which he exhibited in Sicily. His sculptures are done in the art brut style.
Another attraction in Agrigento is the Farm Cultural Park, which is an unusual open-air cultural center. This place has a nice coastline.
Villa Romana del Casale
Among the guided tours and excursions offered to tourists in Sicily is a visit to Villa Romana del Casale. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved Roman mosaics in the world.
Villa Romana del Casale was built in the late Roman period, 320-350 A.D. It is located on the slopes of Mount Mangone. The site was excavated throughout the 20th century. The mosaics were made of colored glass and semi-precious stones. The villa contains 3500 square meters of mosaics.
The mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale depict daily life and sports activities. One room, the Cubicle of Child Hunters, was decorated with mosaics of hunting scenes. Another room, the Cubicle of Hercules and Bacchus, displays 12 labors of Hercules.
Palermo
Known as the "food capital" of Sicily, Palermo has a thriving street food scene and an abundance of historical monuments and churches. Its colorful history is evident in its architecture. There is also an abundance of markets, making it a great place to enjoy the best Italian street food.
Located on the north coast of Sicily, Palermo is packed with architectural treasures from the past. Visitors can explore the Norman-Byzantine Monreale Cathedral and see the Palace of Normans. The city is also home to a large opera house. Agrigento and its Valley of the Temples are great day trips from Palermo.
The Valley of the Temples is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is home to one of the best-preserved Doric structures in the world. The site also holds several other ruins. Several day tours include a guidebook to the site. There are also private tours to the site.
Segesta
Located in western Sicily, Segesta guided tours and excursions are a great way to experience the ancient Greek culture. The ancient Greek temple and theater are embedded within a wonderful landscape.
The temple and theater were built in the late 5th century BC. They are a unique archaeological site. Segesta is one of the best-preserved Greek temples in Europe.
The temple is built in a refined Doric style. It is 26 meters wide and features 36 columns. On each side, there are fourteen columns. The temple stands on four steps.
Segesta is one of the most important archaeological sites in Western Sicily. It is located southwest of Palermo on an isolated hill called Barbaro. The ancient town was founded by the Elymians. The Elymians were refugees from ancient Troy. They integrated with the Greeks and became part of the Roman Empire. Segesta was once a trading center.