WESTERN SICILY: MYSTICAL AND MOORISH
Clear blue seas, ancient villages, delicious wines and millennia-old history await in this lesser-known region of Sicily, as we explore the southwest of the island with an engaging journey of discovery, savouring the culture, history, traditions and above all culinary highlights of this fascinating area. It’s where the Mediterranean meets ancient temples, salt pans glow at sunset, and where we will find timeless hilltop villages and some of the island’s most iconic coastlines.
An enriching experience, the tour is designed to experience Sicily with insight and balance with guided visits, gastronomic experiences, visits to historic wineries and moments of leisure. Join us as we travel from Marsala to Scopello via Erice, Segesta, Selinunte, Sciacca and Mazara del Vallo.
7 NIGHT ESCORTED HOLIDAY
INCLUDES:
- Return flights from London to Palermo
- Fully escorted holiday
- 7 nights in the Dome Hotel, Marsala
- 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
- Itinerary and handpicked highlights as stated
- Services of a local, experienced English speaking Tour Manager
- All coach transportation as stated in the itinerary
CONTACT US FOR DEPARTURE DATES AND CURRENT PRICES
TOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1 – FLIGHT TO SICILY
On arrival at Palermo airport, transfer via private car to Marsala and check in at the Dome Hotel, our stylish base for the next seven nights before enjoying a welcome dinner with your fellow likeminded travellers.
DAY 2 – MARSALA AND THE SALT PANS
A guided tour of Marsala, a city known for its wine production, the landing of Garibaldi’s Thousand, and its Mediterranean culture. Visit Stagnone Lagoon Nature Reserve for an exclusive guided visit to the Salt Museum and evaporation basins set amidst windmills and beautiful landscapes to learn about the centuries-old salt harvesting tradition. Savour a sunset aperitif at Peola, an innovative local wine producer before returning to our hotel and dinner at leisure.
DAY 3 – CASTELLAMMARE, SCOPELLO & TRAPANI
Depart our hotel and enjoy a relaxed guided tour of Castellammare del Golfo, an elegant seaside town with its harbour, Arab-Norman castle and charming historic centre. Afterwards, we head for Scopello and visit one of Sicily’s iconic sites, Scopello Tonnara overlooking crystal-clear waters framed by dramatic sea stacks and centuries of history. We savour a late lunch at the ancient Baglio Fontana farmhouse set in the countryside of the Trapani area. Enjoy browsing the shops of Trapani before returning to Marsala for a free evening.
DAY 4 – ERICE, LOCAL FARM COOKING CLASS & SEGESTA
We depart our hotel to Erice, a medieval hilltop village perched on Mount San Giuliano and known for its stone-paved streets, the Venus Castle and panoramic views over the Egadi Islands. Try a taste of the region, a sweet pastry at the historic Maria Grammatico pastry shop. Lunch includes a cooking class at a local farm, Orto di Mimi featuring the traditional Trapani-style pesto. We head for the Archaeological Park of Segesta to visit the magnificent and best-preserved Doric temple before returning to Marsala for an evening at leisure.
DAY 5 – SELINUNTE & SCIACCA
A guided visit to the Selinunte Archaeological Park, one of the largest in Europe before a sea view lunch at Da Vittorio restaurant in Menfi, directly overlooking the beach. Afterwards, we visit the Soap Museum House in Sciacca, welcomed by host Alessandro, a wonderful insight into Sicily’s olive-oil soaping making tradition before free time in Sciacca.
DAY 6 – FREE DAY
We relax and enjoy a free day in Marsala – time for relaxation, seaside activities, shopping or independent exploration. This evening we will enjoy dinner at Assud San Francesco, a local pizzeria in Marsala who use ancient grains to serve delicious gourmet pizza.
DAY 7 – MAZARA DEL VALLO, WINE TASTING
Enjoy exploring the historic centre of Marsala before lunch, and afterwards discovering Mazara del Vallo, an Arabic-Norman gem known for its Kasbah and cultural journey. Discover local craftmanship through the art of the Patti family at the Ceramica Artistica Marsalese and candlelit dinner and wine tasting at the Cantina Martinez, historic Marsala wine producers since 1866.
DAY 8 – DEPARTURE
We transfer to the airport to return to the UK.
TOUR HOTEL
DOME HOTEL, MARSALA
Our elegant base for the tour is the charming boutique Dome Hotel, centrally located amongst Marsala’s cobblestone streets and inviting squares. With refined architecture, it has been totally refurbished with an interior design reflecting this beautiful region of Sicily and all with sustainability at its core. Spacious and well-equipped guest rooms are comfortable with refined simplicity. All are unique using Mediterranean colours, artisanal materials with soothing tones and rich Italian furnishings for maximum comfort and relaxation. Known for its rooftop terrace with breathtaking views of the city’s historic domes, after memorable days exploring, sip a refreshing cocktail and enjoy the warm hospitality.
CALL US
We would be delighted to talk about your holiday arrangements over the phone. You can contact us between 8am and 10pm every day (outside of office hours may not be immediate).
01442 879787
SEND A MESSAGE
If you wish to send us your requirements by email using the link below, we’ll get back to you. Outside of office hours, we’ll reply to you as soon as we can.
VISIT US
Our office is open 9:30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday (excluding Bank Holidays). If you wish to make an appointment, please either call or send a message, although it’s not compulsory.
