8-Hour Valley of the Temples and Scala dei Turchi tour from Palermo
Active
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
The Agrigento and Scala dei Turchi tour will take you to the discovery of wonderful places rich in ancient history and timeless charm.
The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, evidence of the passage of the Hellenistic culture in Sicily, extends on a hill kissed by the sun and overlooking the sea, surrounded by fragrant almond and olive trees.
The site, a UNESCO heritage site since 1997, bears witness to a florid and brilliant era of a rich and disputed Sicily.
Located a few minutes from the Valley of the Temples, between Porto Empedocle and Realmonte, is the famous Scala dei Turchi, a spectacular white limestone structure that plunges into the waters of the crystal clear sea. Its name is due to the incursions of ancient Arab and Saracen pirates, who found an ideal place to land in the natural gulf. Access from the beach will allow a beautiful walk until you reach La Scala, defined as one of the most beautiful natural places in Sicily.
Available options
PRIVATE TOUR WITH DRIVER
Private tour with driver: Tour with private driver without guide departing from Palermo for Valley of the Temples and Scala dei Turchi.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
WiFi on board
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Italian-English bilingual driver
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
First stop of the tour: The Valley of the Temples, in Agrigento.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valley of the Temples houses a series of Doric temples from the Hellenic period still in an exceptional state of conservation. Entering the archaeological site you will have the impression of having gone back in time and it is easy to imagine the beauty and refinement of the Hellenic era.
Among the park's monuments: the temple of Zeus, the most imposing of all; the temple of Heracles, the oldest; the temple of Concordia, the best preserved Doric sanctuary in the world because it was converted into a Christian sanctuary; the temple of Giunone and, finally, the Temple of Dioscuri, symbol of the city of Agrigento. The area of the Agora of the Greco-Roman age, the mosaic floors, the ancient aqueducts in the Hellenic Roman residential areas and the early Christian basilicas are also very beautiful.
2
Located a few minutes from the Valley of the Temples, between Porto Empedocle and Realmonte, is the famous Scala dei Turchi, a spectacular white limestone structure that plunges into the waters of the crystalline sea.
Note: the remaining time is for the round trip.
What's not included
Valley of the Temples entrance fee.
Tour guide (bookable on request)
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
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Tripadvisor
5.0
2 reviews
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Important information
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Note: Our driver is not a specialized guide, he only provides background information about the tour.
About Sicily
Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its rich Greek and Roman heritage, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine, Sicily offers a unique travel experience that captivates visitors with its diverse attractions and warm hospitality.
Top Attractions
Valley of the Temples
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the most well-preserved ancient Greek temples outside of Greece. The site is a testament to Sicily's rich Greek heritage and offers a glimpse into the island's ancient past.
Historical
2-3 hours
€10
Mount Etna
Europe's highest and most active volcano, offering stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and the opportunity to witness volcanic activity up close. Mount Etna is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Nature
Half day to full day
€30-€100 (depending on the tour and activities)
Palermo Cathedral
A stunning example of Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture, Palermo Cathedral is a masterpiece of religious art and history. The cathedral's interior is adorned with beautiful mosaics, sculptures, and tombs of notable historical figures.
Architectural
1-2 hours
€7
Taormina
A charming hilltop town known for its stunning views of the Ionian Sea and the iconic Greek Theatre. Taormina is a popular tourist destination offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Cultural
Half day to full day
Free to explore, €10 for the Greek Theatre
Cefalù
A picturesque coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and charming medieval streets. Cefalù is a popular destination for both relaxation and cultural exploration.
Beach
Half day to full day
Free to explore, €5 for La Rocca
Must-Try Local Dishes
Arancini
Fried rice balls filled with ragù, mozzarella, and peas, often shaped like small oranges.
Snack
Vegetarian options available
Cannoli
Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese, often garnished with pistachios or chocolate chips.
Dessert
Contains dairy and gluten
Pasta alla Norma
Pasta with a sauce made from tomatoes, fried eggplant, ricotta cheese, and basil.
Main Course
Vegetarian
Granita
A semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavors, typically served with a brioche for breakfast.
Dessert
Vegan and gluten-free options available
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Madonie Regional Park
Volcano trekking on Mount Etna
Beach lounging in Cefalù
Spa treatments in Taormina
Visiting the Valley of the Temples
Exploring the historic center of Palermo
Snorkeling and diving in the Aeolian Islands
Boat tours along the coast
Best Time to Visit
May to June, September to October
The peak seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for exploring Sicily's attractions. The sea is warm enough for swimming, and the countryside is lush and green.
20-28°C
68-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: Sicilian, English
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution
Sicily is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and scams can occur in tourist areas, and some regions may have higher crime rates.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting your journey.
- • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions, distractions, or overly friendly advances.
Getting there
By air
- Palermo Airport • 32 km (20 miles) from Palermo city center
- Catania-Fontanarossa Airport • 7 km (4.3 miles) from Catania city center
By train
Palermo Centrale, Catania Centrale
By bus
Palermo Bus Terminal, Catania Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Sicily, with regular services connecting major cities and towns. The network can be complex, but it is affordable and convenient.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Palermo Centro Storico
Taormina
Catania Centro
Agrigento
Day trips
Aeolian Islands
25-50 km (16-31 miles) from Milazzo • Full day to overnight
A group of seven volcanic islands known for their stunning landscapes, hot springs, and unique geological features. The islands offer a variety of activities, including hiking, swimming, and relaxing in natural hot springs.
Erice
100 km (62 miles) from Palermo • Half day to full day
A medieval hilltop town known for its stunning views, historic landmarks, and charming streets. Erice is a popular destination for those interested in history, culture, and panoramic views.
Noto
90 km (56 miles) from Syracuse • Half day to full day
A picturesque Baroque town known for its stunning architecture, charming streets, and rich history. Noto is a popular destination for those interested in art, history, and culture.
Festivals
Infiorata di Noto • May
Taormina Film Fest • June
Sagra del Miele • September
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic Italian or Sicilian phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
- Visit local markets and try street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience.
- Explore the island's hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, such as the Aeolian Islands, the Madonie Regional Park, and the Zingaro Nature Reserve.
- Rent a car for flexibility and access to remote areas, but be prepared for narrow roads, aggressive drivers, and limited parking.
- Visit during the shoulder or off-peak seasons (April-June, September-October) for better prices, fewer crowds, and pleasant weather.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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