Description
This Valley of the Temples day trip from Palermo, with the Villa Romana del Casale, crosses Sicily's interior by coach and puts two UNESCO sites into a single long day, about ten hours in all. The coach is air-conditioned and the driver and tour leader speak Italian, English and Spanish.
The first stop is Agrigento. A local guide leads a two-hour walk along the Via Sacra, past Doric columns set against the sky, with the Temple of Concordia among the monuments on the way. It is a place with a strong ancient Greek feel, and good for photographs.
The road then turns inland through the green hills around Piazza Armerina to the Villa Romana del Casale. A guide introduces this imperial residence and its mosaics, among the largest and most detailed Roman collections anywhere, with scenes of myths, hunting and daily life. You then explore the decorated rooms at your own pace.
The coach takes care of the transport, while the visits stay flexible. Admission tickets are not included, so plan for them. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring a sun hat and sunblock. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility.