• Tempio di Segesta - Situated between modern-day Palermo and Trapani, Segesta is one of Sicily’s oldest cities. The first must-see monument is the Doric temple, renowned as one of the best-preserved Greek temples in the Western world. This temple is located outside the city walls, on a hill to the west. Wolfgang von Goethe, in his “Journey to Italy,” described it as: “The temple’s location is stunning: atop a wide and long valley, on an isolated hill yet surrounded by cliffs, it commands a vast view of the lands.”
• Teatro Greco di Segesta - The Ancient Theatre of Segesta, positioned on the north side of the acropolis, is located at the highest point of Monte Barbaro, near the Gulf of Castellammare. The theater offers a broad panoramic view, creating a spectacular backdrop when needed. It is a prime example of theatrical architecture integrated into the landscape and is still used for performances and concerts during the summer. Visitors can reach it by following paths through fields or a wide paved road. For those who prefer not to undertake the long walk, especially in summer or evening, a convenient shuttle bus service is available from the ticket office to the theater entrance.
• Borgo Storico Erice - Nestled atop a mountain and overlooking the Gulf of Trapani, Erice is a charming medieval village with narrow cobblestone streets, courtyards, churches, and refreshing air, even in the height of summer. Its elevation offers a splendid 360° panoramic view. Starting from the narrow streets behind the cathedral, visitors can explore the village center, filled with picturesque corners, souvenir shops, and historic pastry shops. On Via Vittorio Emanuele, 14, the historic pastry shop of Maria Grammatico offers a chance to admire and taste Erice’s traditional sweets. The town’s symbol is the Castle of Venus, from Norman times, perched on a sheer fortress with a spectacular view. Nearby, visitors can admire the Pepoli Towers and the beautiful Balio Municipal Villa. During summer, a cable car connects Trapani with the summit of Erice.
• Saline of the Laguna Marsala - The Salt Pans of Marsala, located in the Stagnone Reserve, are a top tourist attraction in the province of Trapani. This unique area, opposite the island of Mothia, lies along the famous “salt route,” the gateway to the Stagnone Islands Nature Reserve. The Stagnone Nature Reserve and the island of Mozia offer extraordinary beauty, with exceptional natural landscapes and the iconic windmills of the Trapani coast, an original example of industrial archaeology still in operation today. The Lagoon Salt Pans are situated within the Reserve. The lagoon, the largest in Sicily (2000 ha), is characterized by very salty shallow waters.
• Isola di Mozia (Mothia)/ San Pantaleo - Mozia, part of the Stagnone di Marsala archipelago, is a popular tourist destination. It is an open-air treasure trove with numerous archaeological finds, some submerged by the sea due to rising tides, and its archaeological significance is invaluable. Mozia hosts one of the most important museums in the province of Trapani. The “Young Man of Mozia,” a marble statue, is the island’s most prestigious and representative artifact. Mozia was an ancient Phoenician colony founded in the 8th century BC on one of the four islands of the Stagnone lagoon. The name “Motya,” likely given by the Phoenicians, means spinning mill, linked to the wool processing plants established there. Like most Phoenician colonies, the island served as a trading post and docking point for Phoenician ships in the Mediterranean. With Greek colonization beginning in the 8th century, Motya grew in importance, becoming a city. In the 6th century, conflicts between Greeks and Carthaginians over Sicilian dominance involved Mozia, leading to the construction of defensive walls. In 397 BC, Dionysius the Elder, tyrant of Syracuse, besieged the city, ending its existence. The inhabitants sought refuge on the mainland in the colony of Lilibeo, now Marsala. The rediscovery of Motya is linked to Giuseppe Whitaker, an English nobleman from the late 19th century whose family settled in Sicily and started a thriving Marsala wine export business. The Whitaker house on the island is now a museum.

TIMETABLES AND PRICES FOR THE ISLAND OF MOZIA:

1 NOVEMBER - 31 MARCH: Daily from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
1 APRIL - 31 OCTOBER: Daily from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm

PRICES: ADULTS €9, STUDENTS AND CHILDREN €5

• Private transportation
• Bottled water
• Pick-up service to/from hotel/port
• Child seats (on request)
• Italian-English bilingual driver

• Tourist Guide
• Gratuities
• Entrance fees

Embark on an unforgettable journey to explore the archaeological and scenic wonders of western Sicily.

The adventure starts at the legendary Segesta, where visitors can marvel at the magnificent Doric temple, one of the world’s best-preserved, set in a landscape that transcends time.

Proceed to Erice, a delightful village that floats between history and tradition, captivating with its genuine allure.

Next, be amazed by the stunning Salt Pans of Marsala, featuring their white reflections and picturesque windmills.

At the heart of the salt pans lies the small island of Mothia (San Pantaleo), accessible by boat: a magical place where history and nature converge. Here, time appears to pause, offering a unique and genuine experience.

This is a journey through culture, breathtaking landscapes, and timeless atmospheres, to truly experience Sicily at its finest.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.