Driver/guide Riccardo was prompt, car clean and comfortable. He was friendly and full of geographical, historical and cultural knowledge. Took us to get a quick bite before Valley of Temples, we followed his directions and he was literally within 10 seconds to pick us up after we finished at each site. Highly recommend, we are already making plans to join wine club and returning to Sicily 🤣. 10/10 stars!!!
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- WiFi on board
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Excludes
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Specialized Guide
- Admission Tickets for attractions
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Traveler pick up offered
Itinerary
The tour begins with the visit of “Villa Romana del Casale” in Piazza Armerina, where you can admire the beautiful mosaics of the Roman period. They are among the best preserved in the world and an example of beauty and artistry as an evidence of the good taste that characterized populations of that time. The specialized guide is not included in the price. However it is possible to book it on request or find it on the spot.
We continue with the visit of the Valley of Temples in Agrigento, one of the most beautiful places in the world, an archeological area of Sicily, characterized by a series of exceptionally preserved important Doric temples of the Hellenistic period. Akragas is the ancient name for Agrigento and it corresponds to the monumental original nucleus of the city. Today it is the regional archeological park. The specialized guide is not included in the price, it is possible to book it on request.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
Martino our driver was thoughtful helpful and very polite. A real asset to your business! The archeological sites were fascinating
Riccardo was the absolute best! It was a lot of driving from Syracusa to the Villa Romana del Casale and then even more to Agrigento and back, but he talked to us about the history of the sites and some of the history of Sicily and the drive went by quickly. He took us to a great place for lunch and made sure that everything worked out perfectly. We had a fabulous time!
Martino was a very attentive driver and a first class gentleman! Both the villa and the valley of the temples are must see! As many have said…it does get hot at Valley of the Temples….so advise bringing water and sun umbrellas. We grabbed a quick bite at the snack bar exiting Villa Romana de Casale….the food was excellent and very quick. A much better option than spending an hour or more at a restaurant in Valley of the Temples. I would skip Kolymbethra garden….just a small grove of orange trees. We left Taormina at 8:30am and returned at 7pm. A great experience!
This isn’t really as guided tour as you are picked up and driven to the two main sites. Our driver was great, very friendly and spoke good English. However you still pay for entry to the sites and no guided tour is involved. However there is plenty of time to explore the sites on your own and time to get some lunch at Villa Romana if you need to. Having said that both sites are fascinating and Villa Romana is stunning, an incredibly well preserved building.
Martino was an excellent guide and a careful, considerate driver Great conversations with Martino which gave us time to practice our Italian language and different words for objects This tour is highly recommended and amongst the must see places in Sicily, if not the top! - the drive was through lovely scenery and we had a great day exploring both sites, seeing some of the best preserved roman mosaics in the world and words are hard to use, in describing Agrigento - you'll need to go there and see for yourself
Martino was an excellent driver. Great conversations and allowed me to practice my Italian language skills. Highly recommended.
We booked a trip to the villa romano del casale and the valley of the temples through Taxi Catania NCC. It far exceeded our expectations. The driver, Riccardo, was very informative and helpful, and made the journey a really positive part of the experience. The mosaics at the villa were the best we have ever seen, with amazing depictions of animals, humans, gods, boats and plants, still brightly coloured after the millennia. The sportswomen were particularly memorable. The only downside was the crowds on organised tours, who made it really difficult to look around as they congregated on the viewing platforms round their group leaders. The valley of the temples is stunning. Riccardo dropped us off at the highest temple which towers over the valley, and we then walked down to the lower temples along the side of the ancient city wall. The view from the top temple to the next was breathtaking and the rest of the valley scarcely less so. A wonderful experience.
Well worth the trip! The mosaics were incredible, unbelievable the age of them and how preserved they are. The next stop was the Valley of Temples, WOW how amazing they are. The scenery was beautiful. A definite must see for your visit to this beautiful country Sicily. Our driver Richardo was a great driver, he gave us plenty of time to see the sights. Great conversation with plenty of good information about Sicily and the sights. Bravo and thank you for a great day trip!
We had a great day exploring both sites, some of the best preserved roman mosaics in the world. Driver was friendly and helpful, be aware you still need to pay for entrance fees (we knew that already so not a surprise).
Our group of 4 totally enjoyed this trip. The Villa Romana and the Valley of Temples are both spectacular and both are a Must-See when visiting Sicily. We got such a sense of both the Roman and Greek periods. Our driver and tour guide Martino is an absolute gem -- intelligent, educated, interested in sharing stories and history about the locations, patient with questions, and very fluent in English. He also was kind enough to let me practice speaking Italian with him! The Catania NCC Company was very accommodating in arranging to have us picked up and dropped off the villa where we were staying, rather than the standard hotel location pickup points and we gladly paid the extra fees. I give this trip my highest and best recommendations.
Car and driver were excellent. Driver spoke excellent English, and let us determine the itinerary and was on time for all pickups. No on site guide is needed since english labels at sites were great and all info on line.
Martino, my driver, was amazing!! We had great conversations (in Italian) and got to learn a lot about Sicily, Sicilian culture, antiquities, and life in Sicily. I also learned several new Italian as well as Sicilian words! Needless to say, the Valei dei Templi and the Villa Casale are incredible sites to visit- I grew up in Greece and even though I have been to many archaeological sites in Greece (and in Italy), these places are unique. The setting is incredible and the temple of Concord is one of the best preserved Greek temples from antiquity. Thank you Martino, mille grazie! Thank you Sicily!
We could not ask for a better host than Riccardo. He met us on time and drove us to each location. He was full of history, but also helped us with food tips, places to visit, and willing to answer at length any questions that we had. He gave us plenty of time to explore each site and was always available for logistics. You really can't get lost with Riccardo. He explains drop off points and pick up areas perfectly. We would highly recommend this adventure. But ask for Riccardo if you want the fullest experience!!
Riccardo was a fantastic driver and very good conversationalist! I had enough time at each location to explore, plus had a delicious lunch at a local spot.
We have visited before several years ago. Now the place is very touristy and expensive ! A lot of stairs made it impossible for two friends to see all the mosaics.
We booked this tour having no idea of the distances we would travel literally and in time so to speak considering we ended up visiting two incredible ancient monuments. Martino our excellent driver was informative and friendly. As the Villa Romana Casale is in the middle of Sicily it was a long drive so Martino explained things along the way and answered questions when we asked about the towns on the top of hills. It was the first Sunday of the month so entry was free to both the Roman Villa and the Temples at Agrigento. In one way that was a bonus but in another it meant big crowds! Still we arrived at the Villa Romana Del Casale about mid morning and it is vast. You really could spend a day here admiring the incredible villa and the mosaics. Its well planned as its designed to take you up on an elevated walk way so that you can admire the mosaics from above. The place is so extensive and well preserved that its sets your mind to wondering about the kind of people that lived here and the lives they led. It certainly looks luxurious even after all this time. We had ample time to get a drink and to buy souvenirs before we drove on to Agrigento. As we drove along the road below the cliff side setting of the temples you could already see them and they looked amazing against the clear blue sky in the Sicilian sun. Make sure you get let off at the top of the hill and picked up at the bottom as Martino did for us as its a very very long walk. I walk with a stick and found it a bit tough. It would have helped if they had more seating. But still to stand admiring the beautiful Greek Temples and to see the Mediterranean behind them was something special. Again we had ample time to explore and Martino was at the bottom of the hill to take us back to our hotel in Taormina. It was a very full day but incredibly enjoyable and both sites are well worth seeing. Especially the Roman Villa it was just extraordinary.
Richard was great but was NOT a guide/ he was only a driver. So Vitator mis- described the tour’s information. Very disappointing for the large expense that I paid for the day!
A truly amazing experience. I'm from Rome, so I know very well my Roman art, architecture, etc., nevertheless, these are the most incredible mosaics I've ever seen. Definitely a must-see, well-worth travelling to Sicily just for them.
Driver, Richard, was excellent. Pick up from cruise port was easy and on time, and drop off was comfortably before departure. I was worried, due to the length of the tour relative to our time in port, but our driver kept close watch on the time and ensured all went smoothly. The Villa has many steps up and down for the various sections, and the pathway is one direction and narrow. If you have mobility issues, like me, this is a bit challenging, but doable. Beautiful to see. The Valley of the Temples is incredible to see. Richard spoke with people there and arranged for a motorized wheelchair for my use! I was prepared to simply wait and see pictures that the rest of my family would take, but Richard made it possible for me to see the temples myself!!! Definitely above and beyond what we expected. I highly recommend this tour.
This MAY have been an enjoyable tour if the itinerary had been double checked by the driver's company, which was not aware or did not inform the driver that the Italian President was planning to host the German President at the Villa Romana that morning. The venue was closed until 1330, requiring a reroute to the Valley of Temples (abbreviated visit) and return to Villa Romana which was doubly crowded since it was closed in the morning. Driver Richard was great, although frustrated, and spoke English well. He collected us right on time at 0830, but our drop off was 1900 hours! Driver should have cold water in the vehicle, and advise tourists to order tickets in advance or while enroute, since the admission ticket purchase lines can be lengthy. I would not recommend this tour from Siracusa, as the distance adds 2 hours to the day, and because the Valley of Temples park offers little to no shade from the Sicilian heat.
Giuseppe was professional, punctual and reliable. Made our transfer smooth and simple. Highly recommend company.
Excellent English speaking driver...polite courteous and knowledgeable...friendly. Pickup on time. Pre-excursion contact. Safe driver. Whole family impressed.
This is my second time visiting the villa and still am in awe. There is a cafeteria and gift/book shop. Your driver's should be informed so they can inform their passengers of location of cafeteria and restrooms. Richard was unaware.
Driver was excellent- Richard-My husband and I did a private tour and i would highly recommend the driver as well as the tour!
Everything went well, pick up was on time. Our driver Joseph was excellent, the two stops were very interesting. We were not rushed, it was a very enjoyable day for us. One note, the drivers are very helpful, but they do not guide you thru the destinations.
This was a great day out to see one of the most notable historical sites in Sicily. Unfortunately, we were not offered the WiFi connector or bottled water that was outlined in the description at the time of booking. Be sure to ask for this in advance/on the day.
Our visit was a private trip with a driver for the day starting and ending in Syracuse. Giuseppe was an amazing driver who collected us from our hotel exactly at the specified time. He spoke good English and was happy to explain about the Island of Sicily whilst we travelled. We had as long as we wanted at the sites and could quickly contact him when we were ready to move on. His driving skills, especially during an incredible thunderstorm, was exemplary. The sites were wonderful see if you have an interest in history and would have been impossible to visit in a day without a car. The entry fee to the sites is not part of the excursion cost. On the day in August when we visited the two sites there was no queue and we paid entry at the entrance. It was very hot so carrying water with you is essential, also starting at the top of the site at Agrigento and walking down the hill is alot easier than the other way round! We felt the excursion was excellent value for the money we paid and happily recommend it.
Our trip was very good , our driver Josepi was very professional and careful , 5 out of 5, nothing was too much trouble.
Our driver was very accommodating, allowing us to spend as much time as we wanted at each place. This made the trip - absolutely no rushing!
Viator- I am very concerned about the Coronavirus relative to my experience yesterday with your driver to The Valley of the Temples. The driver was sick, with runny nose and cold like symptoms. He is from Catania where the Coronavirus has been detected. The driver said he was ill and wanted his boss to find someone else to drive in his place but no one else was found. He said he should not be driving and should have stayed home. Will you please reach out to the driver and see if you can have him tested with the virus. I am very concerned having been in a closed car with him for many, many hours. Not a good judgement on the part of Viator to allow this to happen.
We had a wonderful tour of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. Manuel was a wonderful driver and guide. He could not do enough for us. The temples were amazing and are a must see. A private tour is the best way to do this. Thoroughly recommended.
Our driver, Armondo was fantastic. Picked us up at our house, on time. Knowledgeable, personable and accommodating. Played and sang old Sicilian songs to entertain us on long drive home. Highly recommend Taxi Catania NCC for amy travel needs in Sicily!
The ruins were a must see. The history and information were amazing. Our driver was very nice but not feeling well and not fully prepared for excursion. He forgot to bring water and wifi connector for the 2 hour drive. Also did not permit 4 adults to bring snack in van for ride back. However, he was prompt and did transport us safely and comfortably. Wear comfortable shoes. Area is expansive with lots of walking.
We were picked up at our hotel in Catania promptly at 8 a.m. Our driver flawlessly navigated the congested narrow streets of Catania while answering all our questions. He set no time limit for how long we could stay at each location, giving us more than enough time to satisfy our curiosity. The vehicle was a spotless luxury vehicle. We got a smooth ride through the lovely Sicilian countryside. Truly, a very nice day. Highly recommend this private tour.
To do because simply beautiful. Beautiful walk in antiquity to do under the sun because everything is outside
Wonderful food, quiet ambie, calm music and team score 10! A special compliment to the pistachio tiramisu and to the Nazareno, a waiter who overlooks professionalism and sympathy!
Nos ha parecido muy bueno el servicio que nos han dado, Ricardo nuestro chófer ha sido muy amable y muy buen profesional
Extraordinary huge Roman Villa with well-preserved mosaic remains and structure. You can have a guide or read the signs. A world of history
It is very beautiful for those who love to find out what the Greeks left on our trinacria... Magna Graecia... And especially for those who love Greek literature...
Very interesting and culturally enriching. Unfortunately we happened in very hot days but despite everything it was a super experience
Simply a Roman villa to visit if or if Its mosaics and rooms are exceptional A recommendation for everyone who appreciates Roman civilization
The valley of the temples is amazing, you dive into how they should live at that time, that if I recommend you go early to avoid people
I visited the place with my wheelchair wife and my aunt. As my wife is in a wheelchair we were directed a free parking space 5 meters from the entrance and did not have to pay for the visit. I didn't know the place, but I've seen incredibly beautiful mosaics from Pompeii before. But the mosaics at Villa Casale surpassed them all. In addition, the area is built really smart, so you walk around on elevated paths over the mosaics inside the very large villa, there are very good explanatory boards in English and Italian, you have to photograph, there is an excellent cafeteria. Furthermore, it is a smashy drive. It gets my warmest recommendations
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