Ancient Greece in Western Sicily

A six-day journey through Western Sicily’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Sicily
6 Days
MAY 4 – 10, 2025
14 guests
$5400 per person
Itinerary ↓
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Why This Journey ↓
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Tour Overview

Sicily boasts millennia of history and heritage. In this six-day itinerary, we’ll trace the amazing island’s heritage from the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans to the Arabs, Normans, and Aragonese – through architecture, art, food and culture. With Sciacca and Palermo as our bases, we’ll explore well-preserved Greek temples in Agrigento, Selinunte and Segesta, and Roman cities along the coast, visit baroque hill towns, follow historic food and wine routes and taste the incredible flavors of the island, of course! We’ll tie it all together in the vibrant metropolis of Palermo.

Tourists visiting the Temple of Concordia in the Valley of the Temples, Sicily.
A faint, monochrome outline of a classical statue depicting a standing figure with one arm raised and a deer by their side on a pedestal.

Day-By-Day Itinerary

May 4

Arrival

Welcome to Sicily, where your adventure begins! We’ll arrange for a driver to pick you up from Palermo’s Punta Raisi Airport and take you to the charming town of Sciacca, just 90 minutes south of Palermo. In the early evening, we’ll gather for an aperitivo to chat about the exciting week ahead. We’ll dive into history, review maps, and share our favorite spots to eat and shop.

Meals Included: Welcome Dinner

May 5

Day 1

Today, myths, legends, history, and culture come alive at the stunning Archaeological Park of Selinunte. As the largest archaeological park in Europe, this incredible site spans 270 hectares, filled with treasures from one of the Mediterranean’s most celebrated classical civilizations. Our journey kicks off with an exploration of Selinunte, blending the essence of Sicily through its rich mythological and culinary history. We’ll cap off the day with a delightful wine-tasting lunch at one of the island’s most historic vineyards.

Meals Included: Lunch and Wine Tasting

May 6

Day 2

Get ready to be amazed by the remarkably well-preserved Greek temples in the Valley of the Temples of Agrigento. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of the most authentic ancient ruins you’ll find anywhere. The three main temples—Juno, Concordia, and Hercules—tower over the Via Sacra, offering breathtaking views and a profound connection to the past. After exploring these magnificent sites, we’ll enjoy a special picnic in this extraordinary setting.

Meals Included: Lunch

May 7

Day 3

Today is a full day of discovery! We’ll journey to Mozia, a historic Phoenician island, where you’ll see the famous “Giovinetto di Mozia” statue, unearthed in 1979. After a very special visit and lunch with a historical twist, we’ll head to Marsala to explore its rich history, including the Chiesa del Purgatorio. We’ll also experience the multicultural atmosphere of Mazara del Vallo, a city shaped by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Normans, and Saracens

Meals Included: Light Lunch

May 8

Day 4

Today’s adventure is a blend of Greek architecture, history, and nature. We’ll visit Segesta, known for its beautiful harmony of these elements, and Erice, where mythology, culinary delights, and medieval charm come together in a magical way.

Meals Included: Lunch

May 9

Day 5

Welcome to Palermo, Sicily’s vibrant capital! This city is a captivating mix of history and culture, nestled between the Tyrrhenian Sea and lush mountains. Palermo is a vibrant city with an incredible blend of architectural styles—from Moorish and Norman to Baroque and Art Nouveau—reflecting the city’s diverse influences. But what truly makes Palermo special is its people—warm, passionate, and deeply proud of their city. We’ll explore the sites and Immerse you in Palermo’s rich history, savor its flavors, and embrace its lively spirit.
May 10

Day 6

We’ll wrap up our journey with a truly unforgettable experience at Monreale Cathedral. Imagine exploring this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site after hours, with the haunting melody of an organ echoing through the halls. Built in 1172, the Cathedral is adorned with breathtaking Byzantine mosaics, offering a unique glimpse into Italy’s cultural and religious heritage.

Meals Included: Goodbye Dinner

May 11

Departure

It’s time to say arrivederci to Sicily! We’ll coordinate a driver to pick you up from the hotel to Palermo’s Punta Raisi Airport.

Travel With Context

Every destination becomes richer when you understand the people who lived there, the events that shaped it, and why it still matters today.

Led by an Archaeologist

Experience Rome alongside someone who has dedicated his career to studying, teaching, and sharing its history.

Thoughtfully Sized Groups

Small groups create space for conversation, flexibility, and meaningful engagement throughout the journey.

Stories Beyond the Guidebook

Discover unexpected connections between archaeology, architecture, food, culture, mythology, and everyday life.

Local Perspective

Benefit from decades of living and working in Rome while exploring both world-famous landmarks and lesser-known places that reveal another side of the city.

From Past Travelers

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“Darius made archaeology feel immediate and human. The conversations were just as memorable as the places we visited.”

Traveler Name
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stars

“Darius has an extraordinary gift for making Rome’s history feel alive. With decades of experience living, working, and studying in the city, he knows its layers like few others. Every story he tells feels like stepping through a portal to Ancient Rome. Exploring the city through his eyes is an unforgettable experience.”

Laura and Jim
Palm Beach, FL
stars

“Darius helped us see connections we never would have noticed on our own. Every place became part of a much larger story.”

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stars

“Darius made archaeology feel immediate and human. The conversations were just as memorable as the places we visited.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

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