Palermo: Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples Day Tour

Sicily’s ancient wonders come alive in the Palermo: Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples Day Tour. This enriching 8-hour excursion immerses visitors in the captivating history of the region, from the awe-inspiring 5th-century BC temples to the breathtaking Scala dei Turchi Beach. Thoughtfully designed with flexible booking and comfortable transportation, the tour promises an unforgettable cultural experience. But what lies beyond the stunning vistas and architectural marvels? Prepare to uncover the deeper stories that have shaped this remarkable corner of Sicily.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Palermo.

Key Points

• An 8-hour excursion from Palermo exploring the ancient Greek temples and archaeological sites of Agrigento, with transportation and guided tour included.
• Highlights include the Temples of Hera, Concordia, and Apollo, dating back to the 5th century BC, providing insights into ancient Greek architecture.
• The tour features a scenic countryside drive with breathtaking views of rolling hills and vineyards, and a visit to the Scala dei Turchi beach.
• The tour includes a 30-minute break at a local bakery and a 20-minute break at a cafe, allowing for exploration and dining options.
• The tour is suitable for participants with comfortable walking shoes and a sun hat, and is not suitable for wheelchair users.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This Palermo: Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples Day Tour takes travelers on an 8-hour excursion to explore the ancient Greek ruins and scenic coastal landscapes around Agrigento.

Priced from €70 per person, the tour includes transportation by air-conditioned minivan, pickup and drop-off from central hotels or the port, and admission fees.

While food and drinks aren’t included, the itinerary provides opportunities for breaks at local bakeries and cafés.

Given the tour’s popularity, availability may be limited, so visitors are advised to check start times and book early.

Travelers can also take advantage of the flexible booking policy, which allows them to reserve their spot without upfront payment.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins at P.za Giuseppe Verdi, 59, where travelers board a bus/coach for the 1.5-hour drive to a local bakery. After a 30-minute break, the group continues to the Valley of the Temples, which takes an additional hour. Visitors have 2 hours to explore ancient Greek temples like Hera, Concordia, and Apollo, with an extra fee for entry. Next, they visit Scala dei Turchi Beach in Porto Empedocle for a 15-minute photo stop, followed by a 20-minute break at a local café. The tour concludes with a 1-hour drive back to the starting point.

Segment	Duration
Bus/coach to local bakery	1.5 hours
Bus/coach to Valley of the Temples	1 hour
Visit Valley of the Temples	2 hours
Bus/coach to Scala dei Turchi Beach	20 minutes

Exploring Ancient Temples

Among the highlights of the Palermo Day Tour is the opportunity to explore the ancient Greek temples in the Valley of the Temples.

Visitors will marvel at the well-preserved ruins of the Temples of Hera, Concordia, and Apollo. These impressive structures date back to the 5th century BC and offer a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Greek architecture.

Wandering through the valley, one can’t help but be captivated by the sheer scale and intricate details of these archaeological wonders.

The guided tour provides fascinating insights into the history and significance of these sites, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Scenic Countryside Drive

After exploring the captivating ancient Greek temples, the tour takes visitors on a scenic drive through the countryside surrounding Agrigento.

The winding roads offer breathtaking views of the rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards that characterize the region. Along the way, the guide provides insights into the local agriculture and history, adding context to the picturesque landscape.

The drive offers a chance to glimpse rural Sicilian life, a nice contrast to the ancient ruins visited earlier. This leisurely journey through the countryside is a highlight of the day, allowing travelers to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the region.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Scala Dei Turchi Beach

Following the bus journey through the scenic countryside, the tour makes a brief stop at the remarkable Scala dei Turchi, or "Stairs of the Turks," in Porto Empedocle.

This stunning natural wonder is a white, rocky cliff formation that cascades down to the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors can take in the breathtaking views and snap photos from the designated viewing area.

The 15-minute stop provides a chance to admire the unique geological formation and appreciate the striking contrast between the white rock and the azure sea.

The Scala dei Turchi is a must-see highlight of the day tour, offering a picturesque interlude before the group continues on to their next destination.

Dining and Exploration

After the scenic photo stop at the Scala dei Turchi, the tour group makes its way to a local café for a 20-minute break. Here, they can enjoy a refreshing drink and light snack while taking in the surrounding atmosphere.

Following the café break, the tour continues with the bus/coach ride back to the starting point at P.za Giuseppe Verdi, 59. During this final leg, travelers have free time to explore the area further using a guidebook.

They can seek out local eateries for lunch, browse shops, or simply wander the streets, taking in the sights and sounds of Palermo at their own pace before the tour concludes.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes the driver and transportation by air-conditioned minivan, pick-up and drop-off from centrally located hotels or the port, and entrance fees to museums and other sites. However, food and drinks are not included, and tips for the driver are recommended.

Inclusions	Exclusions	Additional Information
Driver and transportation	Food and drinks	Passport or ID required
Pick-up and drop-off	Tips for the driver	Comfortable shoes and sun hat recommended
Entrance fees	Luggage or large bags not allowed	Not suitable for wheelchair users

Important Considerations

When planning the Palermo day tour, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind.

Firstly, participants should bring their passport or ID, comfortable walking shoes, and a sun hat to protect against the Mediterranean climate.

Plus, pets, smoking, and large bags aren’t allowed on the tour.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the sites visited.

According to customer reviews, the tour guide quality and transportation receive high ratings, contributing to an overall positive experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book for a Group of 10 or More?

Yes, you can book the tour for a group of 10 or more. Group discounts may be available, and you’ll need to contact the tour operator directly to check pricing and availability for your desired date.

Do I Need to Book This Tour in Advance?

Yes, it’s recommended to book this tour in advance. The tour details mention it’s "Likely to sell out", so booking early secures your spot and avoids disappointment. Availability and starting times should be checked when making a reservation.

Is There an Audio Guide Available for the Tour?

There’s no information provided about an audio guide being available for this tour. The details focus on the itinerary, inclusions, and important details, but don’t mention if an audio guide is offered.

Can I Extend the Tour to Include a Visit to the Agrigento Museum?

Unfortunately, the tour does not include a visit to the Agrigento Museum. However, visitors can extend their day by adding on a museum visit for an additional fee. The tour operator can provide more details on this option.

Is There an Option to Add a Wine-Tasting Experience to the Tour?

Unfortunately, the tour itinerary does not appear to include a wine-tasting experience. The focus is on visiting the archaeological sites of the Valley of the Temples and Scala dei Turchi Beach. Adding a wine tasting would require a custom tour arrangement.

Recap

The Palermo: Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples Day Tour offers an immersive journey through Sicily’s ancient wonders. Visitors can explore the majestic 5th-century BC temples, marvel at the stunning Scala dei Turchi beach, and enjoy the scenic countryside drive – all in a convenient and comfortable package. This tour promises an unforgettable experience, allowing travelers to discover the rich cultural heritage of this enchanting region.

You can check if your dates are available here: