For the Agrigento Piazza Armerina tour we provide for pick-up service at your accommodation or in the close vicinity, with comfortable and luxury 8-seats vehicle. Please Note that: our driver guide is not a touristic guide, so he cannot enter inside the historical places. He will give you information during the trip on the vehicle, before you will go inside. An online brochure with maps will be provided to be used inside the archeological areas.
Driving to the southern cost of Sicily, you will travel across Sicily by comfortable and air-conditioned vehicle. The tour will begin with the visit of the majestic archaeological area of the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pindar, the Greek poet and writer, described it as “one of the most beautiful cities of those inhabited by mortals”. “Valle dei Templi” is famous for its well-preserved temples, seven in total. Temple of Concordia is one of the best preserved Greek temples in the world helping the site to gain the classic UNESCO world heritage award. In the site, you can also visit the remains of many other temples dedicated to various divinity like Juno, Hercules, Hephaestus and Athena.
In the early afternoon we will be in Piazza Armerina, a city woven in the hearth of Sicily. In this city is located the splendid Villa Romana del Casale, majestic imperial villa originally the property of a powerful Roman family. Here you will find the best conserved in-situ roman mosaics in the world. The Villa Romana del Casale houses mosaic flooring – figurative and geometric – , wall mosaics, columns, stutues, capitals and coins. Since 1997 the city is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
The morning was great. The valley of the temples was awesome. The afternoon at the palace was okay, but not worth the value. In addition after paying for entry to the palace they charged for using the toilets, terrible condition, and very run down.
Very good driver and he was always on time at pickup and drop off locations throughout the day. Well done.
Frederico excellent driver, very knowledgeable and helpful. Great view from the temples.. a lot of walking. The mosaic tiles were worth the trip. It tells a story. Enjoyed the tour
Places we have seen are magnificent, unfortunately we had no guide, just a driver who spoke very poor English, although we booked a tour in English. When we had lunch there were other guides from the same company and an English speaking one was with the group of Italian tourists !
Great experience! Loved the small group! I also have a food allergy and our guide took us somewhere where I could be accommodated and everyone ate something they loved. Wonderful experience!
Prompt pickup at my hotel by a pleasant driver. There was some commentary on the trip, mostly about the geography. Drop off at the top of the Valley of the Temples with a 2 hour walk. The company sent a link to the site information which would have been better handed in person as the drive started. Temples were great but the 2 hours seemed rushed. The same approach was done at the Villa which was simply amazing. Expect about 5 to 6 hours of drive time and about 3-4 hours of tour time. Neither the Temple or Villa areas are well signed and can be somewhat confusing to navigate. Lunch was provided at a local museum cafe. It was fine but not very unique. Two things could make this a 5...provide the site information in the van day of and find a more interesting local-focused lunch option. The van itself was mid tier and had bench seating so comfort was just average.
Our guide for the day was Iorga. He was an exceptional guide with extensive knowledge of Agrigento Valley of the Temples, Catania and Sicily. He communicated well and was prompt in attending to our needs. I highly recommend Iorga and this tour, a most enjoyable and interesting day.
From the moment the driver picked us up till drop-off was a good experience. Enough information was given beforehand and by the driver so that a guide was not necessary at both sites.
Very nice combination of two separate combination that covers the main creek temples in Agrigento and the roman villa del Casale with small group. Light lunch included.
Great tour for history buffs. You get a first hand view of both Greek and Roman history in Sicily. Exceptional tour guide who is very knowledgeable about both periods of history.
This was not a tour with guide but rather a driver. No info regarding what we were seeing. Nice guy, got us there.
Effective way of visiting the 2 sites. Driver excellent. Information on each site was easily enough so as not to need a guide
Fascinating tour! I thought I would like Agrigento the most but the Roman home with the mosaics was absolutely gorgeous. Damiano was a wonderful guide and we enjoyed his company very much. His choice of lunch stops was delicious. Best sandwich I had in Sicily. I would highly recommend this tour.
Damiano was so informative. He knows the history of the world and shared it in a way so we felt more connected to the places we visited. He was caring and personable. It was a beautiful day. Damiano, Puti was fabulous! Thanks for the rec!
Very good trip with a great driver and lots to see. Small group of maximum 8 and we had 5. Both places very different to each other but each worth a visit.
I really enjoyed my experience today thank you. I saw some beautiful places on this trip. Although I was expecting it to be longer so more time at places would be appreciated. And it would be better if the entry tickets were included in the price as it was quite expensive.
The tour is nice, the visit of the temple and casa is breathtaking. The guide was kind but the issue was his driving. I’ve got used to itailian stressful driving since I’m here but this was over the top and frankly dangerous. The guide was driving 3 times the speed limit (155 km/h in a 50 zone and 73 km/h in a 30 zone). My friend and myself were genuinely scared for our lives. Also, taste of siciilian sample for lunch is just a panini sandwich, so not worth the extra cost of the tour. And the luxury van is a car with non existent suspension. That paired with the reckless driving makes it a difficult day.
The trip is certainly worth it. Francesco, the driver, is very patient. Unfortunately some of the people in the tour group got lost in the valley of the temples due to poor signage and we lost precious time. It'll be better to have more time to see both the valley of the temples and Villa Romana.
It is a long day! And can be very hot and sunny—be prepared! But our driver, Francisco (hope I have that correct!), was fantastic! He gave good instructions on where to meet and gave adequate time for each adventure. It is not a guided tour (and taking the audio tours are problematic for many reasons), but there are signs and the driver also provides info packets about each location. Sights worth seeing!!!
We were picked up very near to our hotel and were off on a fabulous adventure with our driver - Fabio. Prior to the tour we received detailed information on the two sites we were visiting and when we arrived we were not disappointed. The Valley of the Temples was breathtaking. Fabio stopped at the top, we bought our tickets (slight delay) and followed the route past fabulous temples and glorious vistas. After this stop we went to the Roman Villa. The perfectly preserved mosaics on the floors were exquisite. The Villa was a great way to end the day. We were then taken back to our respective pick up points. The only downside to the day was lunch. There could have been a better choice however, wine was local and flavoursome. It would also have saved some time if the entry tickets for both sites could have been prebooked. Otherwise, a great tour.
We were picked up very near to our hotel and were off on a fabulous adventure with our driver - Fabio. Prior to the tour we received detailed information on the two sites we were visiting and when we arrived we were not disappointed. The Valley of the Temples was breathtaking. Fabio stopped at the top, we bought our tickets (slight delay) and followed the route past fabulous temples and glorious vistas. After this stop we went to the Roman Villa. The perfectly preserved mosaics on the floors were exquisite. The Villa was a great way to end the day. We were then taken back to our respective pick up points. The only downside to the day was lunch. There could have been a better choice however, wine was local and flavoursome. It would also have saved some time if the entry tickets for both sites could have been prebooked. Otherwise, a great tour.
Viator needs to arrange for tour guides, even if you have to pay separately, at the different sites and not leave you hanging without one. We were dumped at the sites and then it’s up to you to figure it out.
The driver, Fabio was great! He went out of his way to make us comfortable. There were two reasons why my rating wasn’t higher: 1. The lunch was not fresh. 2. Buying the entrance tickets took about 30 min! In addition, Viator stated that I was going to be picked up and dropped off at my hotel, but I had to take a cab!
We researched for weeks the most effective way to visit the temples and the villa. This was the best option for price, timing and convenience. It's a long drive from Catania - and we were grateful to have a pro like Fabio take the wheel. With a tour group of 7 we lucked into the front seat and received a real education in Sicilian driving, history, landmarks, culture and had our Italian corrected all with a smile. He's the best! Note that the focus of this tour is to get you to the sites and back - drivers are NOT tour guides and will not be walking you through the sites. You also have to buy your own tickets at the site. You can get audio guides to walk you through, but have to queue up for that separately. The day prior to the tour you are sent some excellent guides to both locations. We also wish to note that company management is superb at communications. We had issues of our own making in arranging a meeting location. They were patient and accommodating. We would highly recommend both Fabio and the company to anyone booking a tour out of Catania.
Terrible experience! Unfortunately you can't give zero stars. Poor communication from operator the entire day. They advertise free entry to the second site, this is a lie. The van is extremely old with poor suspension, thus everyone was bouncing around the van for multiple hours on the bumpy roads. But the biggest issue was that we expressed our concern for the expected bad weather before even starting, as the whole excursion takes place outside, to which we were summarily dismissed and told there would be ponchos and umbrellas provided and they had none. The entire group was then drenched in the thunderstorm, half the group was then picked up at a different location at the first site and the remaining members were chastised for waiting at the original location since they were never advised about the change. The operator was extremely difficult to work with and only offered a "free dessert" for the terrible experience, which was never provided. After numerous messages, they reluctantly and passive aggressively agreed to a partial refund. Avoid this trip at all costs - you've been warned!
We had a great time here. It is more of a ride than an actual "tour", meaning the guide will not be there with you at the site. For us, this was perfect as we're loners. However, if you are looking for someone to give you all of the history of the location, this may not be for you. The driver, Damiano, was very sweet and funny. The people we met and got to eat with were also lovely
The two sites were excellent. Travel times to and from sites were accurate and adhered to. Fabio, the driver, was courteous and attentive although he drives way too fast and doesn’t leave much of a margin for error. Shrugging it off as a cultural trait in Italy doesn’t work for me when there are seven of us relying on him for our safety on a long distance trip. Given the overall price of the trip, the lunch was basic at best (one sandwich each and a glass of wine/ water in a crowded small cafe). Anything extra at your own cost. Trip list of included features did mention water would be available for the passengers. The driver didn’t have any and was unaware of the inclusion. Disappointed we had to pay venue entrance fees at both stops ( given overall cost of trip). Driver didn’t know anything about Agrigento or villa romana that he could share on the way to the venues- simply handed out a few pages of photocopied Wikipedia cut and pastes. Overall, an over-priced day out. I appreciate you are paying for the convenience of not having to drive to these places but there were too many missed opportunities by the trip organiser to add a bit of added value to the trip ( as explained above) and still making a profit.
So as usual, one must read the product descriptions very carefully. I was expecting a guided tour. It was not. A few sheets of poorly printed information for both sites. I also expected the 200 + euro fee to include admission the sites but it did not. It was basically a round trip cab ride for 4 in the loudest, clatter bucket van ever. Could barely hear ourselves converse over the clanging and banging of the rear doors. We were given 2 hours at each site. We had to skip the museum at the Valley Of The Temples to make that time-line. Didn't have to rush necessarily but had to hurry through. Lunch was a sandwich but it was ample enough and delicious. The sites were facinating in and among themselves but we would have had a far richer experience with a guide. Our fault again fo not paying closer attention to the details regarding costs. I think TripAdvisor need to have more clarity as to details so idiots like me don't miss key details. The local tour company was wonderful in there responsiveness to questions and availability to handle pick up details.
Great adventure to incredible places … more like a taxi ride really but worth the trip ! Comfortable ride in front … I asked lots of questions !!
Tickets are not included, the lunch provided are not very good sandwiches. You don’t get a water bottle but rather a large bottle shared with your other fellow travelers during lunch and wine is also provided. I found the experience what you pay for is basically a taxi service to get you to the two locations. You are provided sheets of paper after your arrival with an explanation of important aspects of the place. Our “guide” was super nice explained a little about the agriculture and where he was from. If you expect this to include any explanation’s of the location or expect a nice lunch. You are given a paper , driven to the location and brought back.
Great tour! I had an excellent day when I took this tour from catania. It combined the famous valley of temples in Agrigento and villa casale with its wonderful mosaic floors. Both are highlights of sicily and this tour takes in both! I found the tour very convenient and the guide kind and helpful.
Myself, my husband & my son had an exceptional day with Damiano exploring the Valley of the Temples and the Villa Romana del Casale. We learned a lot about Sicily & its history. Definitely recommended.
This is a must-do tour! You'll find the site awe-inspiring and well worth the time. History comes alive!
We LOVED this tour and visiting in the Valley of the Temples. It was all four of our favorite day of our entire trip! Definitely a must-see for anyone visiting Sicily. The Villa Romana de Casale was also incredible and so worth the visit. Our tour guide spoke great English and was really knowledgeable about Sicilian history! We had a great time and would absolutely recommend this tour!
Agrigento/valley of temples & Piazza Armerina/Villa Romano are both unique & fascitnating places. Great guide & driver, Damiano. Tasty lunch. A very nice group of people on tour from all over. Everything happened on time & was well organized from start to finish.
Long ride to enjoy the Sicilian countryside! Fabio was our drive and he made the drive enjoyable especially his music selection!!
The valley of the kings was very impressive, the mosaic work at the Roman house was out of this world.
We had a wonderful time. Francesco, our driver, has been very thoughtful and helpful. The transportation (which is what the tour is, it’s transport by 8 person minivan between Catania, Valley of the Temples and Piazza Armerina) was very comfortable. We had 2 hours in Agrigento and 1.5 hours at Piazza Armerina. The provided lunch/snack was delicious and we were offered many choices of food (sandwiches) and drink, including coffee, water, beer and wine. Met interesting fellow travelers on the tour and passed the lunch break getting to know them. It’s been an excellent way to see both amazing sights from Catania and I would wholeheartedly recommend the company. It’s been very well organized and everything ran very much on time.
Since Viator asked for the review, then I will comment on Viator. English speaking guide? basic english, couldn't answer questions because he didn't understand what I was asking. Also, 45 minutes late with pickup. Drop off and pick-up location should be clearer. Tour itself involved a lot of walking!! Bottled water as advertised? I asked and he gave me the only bottle that he had. Don't put it in the description if not true.
Well organised, lunch provided was excellent and sites were fantastic. Only drawback is guide had limited English so acted mostly as a driver than a guide although fact sheets in multiple languages were provided for more information on the sites.
The tourist office was great. The guides excellent. Great tour. All the people have to visit the Valey of the Temples if Sicily is their destination.
Nicely set up and organized. Great sites, but our guide had limited English skills. The agency itself did a nice job and the provided lunch was good.
Lots of walking, but easy paths. Lots of nature to see. Beautiful views. We went in April and it was not crowded.
Was a great experience and 100% recommend. It’s fun filled and a piece of history. Antonio was amazing. Super kind very funny and made the whole day. He made my day very special and as I went on my Birthday he really made is a cool time
We had such an enjoyable trip. The tour operator asked us if we could swap days and was really clear in its communications about the pick up point. Everything went very smoothly and our driver was lovely. Most of the day was as we hoped it would be. Agrigento was amazing, as expected. However, we didn’t have long enough at the Villa Romana. We didn’t arrive until after 4pm (last entry was supposed to be at 4pm) and the site closed at 5pm. We would have had more time there if we hadn’t had a 45 minute stop at the Turkish Steps, which was added to the itinerary the day before the tour and wasn’t what we had paid/intended to see. We have asked the operator to consider changing the itinerary in future so that others have more time at the Villa. It is such a wonderful place and we had to rush to see it all.
I had a great time during the day trip, after contemplating hiring a car and driving myself I’m glad I didn’t as the amount of driving was extensive. It was a long day but well worth it, the Valley of the Temples was inspiring and Piazza Armenia was breath taking. Excellent value for money!
This was a good tour with Sicily Day by Day.The booking process was smooth. Laura in the office was very pro active with responses and information. This was a small group ( 6 people) and Angelo , our driver cum guide, was knowledgeable and gave us a lot of information, ( we were also given printed material) which was useful. He gave us clear instructions about pick ups etc and was a very pleasant and helpful person. We were also given a very nice lunch of our choice at the local cafe which was such a thoughtful touch… The sights themselves were truly worthy especially The valley of the Temples and would definitely recommend this tour.
An outstanding tour. The van was clean and new. The driver/guide was relaxed and easy to understand. Lunch was a gourmet sandwich in a quiet museum restaurant. It was one of our best day tours.
Small group tour. Really enjoyed sites. Driver/guide was great provided plenty of time to see everything. Would highly recommend.
Antonio was exceptional. He helped everyone when needed. He didn’t rush us. He wanted us to know that if we wanted he would have stopped for photos. He stopped for a bathroom break. We had lunch in a nice spot and he told us about the history. We were 7 people total and very comfortable in the van which was air conditioned. It was such a long long day for Antonio and he always had a smile on his face and put all of us first. Thank you Antonio. Arrivederci. L’ho scritto questo inglese nel modo che i turisti possono capire quello che ho scritto.
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