Segesta, Erice And Salt Pans

Segesta, Erice and Salt Pans, 8 hours, rated 4.3 across 2,273 traveller reviews.

Overview

This full-day excursion from Palermo packs three of western Sicily's best known sights into a single loop: the Greek ruins at Segesta, the salt pans near Trapani, and the medieval hill town of Erice. The route is sometimes called the Elimians' Road, named for the Elimians, who were among the first inhabitants of this part of Sicily. The whole tour runs eight hours, with a driver and an air-conditioned van handling all the distances between stops.

The day starts at Piazza Giuseppe Verdi in central Palermo, and the stops are close enough together that time at each one stays generous rather than rushed. Segesta gets an hour and a half, the Nubia salt pans visit is a shorter half-hour pause, and Erice receives the longest stay at just over two hours. Travellers explore each site independently; one reviewer described the format as self-guided, with the driver pointing out the main things to see, and others said the driver gave tips at each stop.

It suits people who want to cover a lot of ground without hiring a car or planning bus connections. Entrance fees, food and drinks are not in the price, so budget for those separately.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet in PalermoThe tour starts at P.za Giuseppe Verdi, 59, in central Palermo. Hotel pickup is not included.
2. Drive to SegestaRoughly one hour by van from Palermo to the archaeological site.
3. Segesta visitAn hour and a half at the Greek site.
4. Drive to NubiaAbout forty minutes onward toward the Trapani coast.
5. Nubia salt pans stopA thirty-minute stop at the salt pans. This stop carries an extra fee.
6. Drive to EriceA half-hour drive up to the hilltop town.
7. Erice visitTwo and a quarter hours to wander the medieval town and its views over the coast.
8. Return to PalermoThe drive back to P.za Giuseppe Verdi takes 105 minutes.

What To Expect From The Tour

The format is transport with a driver rather than a fully guided commentary, so plan for independent exploring at each stop.

• Explore on your own. Travellers explore each site independently, and one reviewer described the tour as self-guided. Several reviews say the driver outlines the main sights and gives tips at each stop.
• Bring ID and cash. The listing asks for a passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, a sun hat and a camera. Entrance fees at Segesta and the salt pans stop are extra, as are food and drinks, so carry money for tickets and anything you want to eat or drink during the day.
• Watch the weather. Most of the day is spent outdoors at exposed sites, so the sun hat on the packing list earns its place.
• Expect a long day. Eight hours door to door, with the return drive to Palermo alone taking 105 minutes. The booking summary notes some travellers would prefer more time at Segesta, so decide your priorities before you arrive.
• Wildlife at the pans. The salt pans stop is short, but one reviewer reported flamingos there. Keep expectations modest: another reviewer felt the stop was not worth the time compared with more hours in Erice.
• Drivers get praise. Multiple reviews single out friendly, knowledgeable drivers who explain the route and give tips at each stop. One traveller also appreciated not having to drive themselves through Palermo's traffic.

Common issues. Entrance fees at Segesta and Nubia are not included, nor are food, drinks or gratuities, which the listing recommends for the driver. The tour is transport and driver only, so anyone expecting a guided commentary at each site may be disappointed. Pets and large bags are not allowed.

Common Questions