Agrigento and Piazza Armerina - Private Tour from Palermo
Agrigento
Valley of the temples
Piazza Armerina
Villa del Casale
Take a trip back to the 4th Century by visiting the Roman Villa del Casale in Piazza Armerina. Famous for its nearly 38,000-square feet (3,500 sqm) of well-preserved mosaics representing Roman life in the area, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see spot in Sicily. Continue further into the past with a stop in Agrigento, known for its awe-inspiring ruins of Greek temples. First, enjoy lunch on your own in the quaint town center, with its narrow pedestrian-friendly streets. In the afternoon, visit the Valley of the Temples, known for its seven beautiful temples with Doric columns built between the 6th and 5th Centuries BC. Some of the best-preserved Greek buildings outside of Greece, be sure to visit the impressive temples dedicated to Concordia and Apollo.
In the morning, departure to Agrigento for the visit of one of the most famous monuments in Sicily: the Valley of the Temples. Agrigento has the best-preserved Greek temple complex in the world. The valley of the temples of Agrigento, (ancient Akragas) world heritage site was described by Píndaro as "the most beautiful of mortal cities."
Founded in 580 BC it retained its splendor until 406 BC. when the Carthaginians besieged and ransacked the city that housed 200,000 inhabitants. Again, in Roman times Agrigento enjoyed importance in the 3rd century BC until his final decline with the arrival of the Byzantines and the Christians who razed their pagan temples. Abandoned until it becomes an archaeological site. Through a cobbled road we will continue the journey to the Temple of Concordia. It is the best-preserved temple, 42 meters long and 19.5 meters wide; it was built between 450 and 400 BC. Named for a Latin inscription found in its surroundings, it is highly likely that the Temple of Concordia was dedicated to Castor and Pollux. It consists of 34 columns, formerly covered with white stucco, and retains the open arches between the columns since the 6th century it was used as a Christian Basilica. Later renovated in 1748.
Depart to Piazza Armerina, where we will visit the Roman Villa del Casale. The town of Casale was the luxurious residence of Maximilian Herculean, who ruled the empire from 286 to 305 AD, in a context of fragmentation of the empire into two parts, the empire of the West and that of the East.
There is a certain consensus that the town of Casale was a hunting lodge, both for the reasons of the mosaics and for its location in a wooded area where species abounded. In addition to its length (3500 square meters) the villa stands out for having a mosaic pavement that decorates most of the dependances of the villa.
In total more than 50 rooms that in 1997 were declared World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. The study of motives has allowed historians to know important details of the Roman society at the time. These reasons range from elements of everyday life to games, sports activities, dance, courtship, massages, children's games, hunting and mythology
Return to Palermo.
Directly at your hotel if the hotel is centrally located and accessible
Centally located hotel in Palermo
Car and driver for 8 hours
English-speaking guide (max. 8 hours)
Guide at the Valley of the Temples (2 hours)
Entrance fees not included, see price options
- Departure: Time schedule for private tours will be confirmed at time of reservation request.
- Duration: 8 hours
- Tour ends at centrally located hotel in Palermo
Entrance for Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina is optional (see price options)