Silversea Expedition Cruises À PORTO EMPEDOCLE (Sicily)

On the south west coast of Sicily, not far from Mazara del Vallo, lies one of the largest and most impressive archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Visit the Selinunte Archaeological site and step back in time before relaxing for lunch along the coast.

Selinunte Archaeological Site

Depart the pier and drive towards Selinunte Archaeological site. Upon arrival, discover the remains of the city founded by the Carthaginians in the mid-7th century; it was founded by the colonies of Megara Hyblaea between 628 BC and 650 BC (according to different sources). The Archaeological park of Selinunte is considered the biggest and most imposing of Europe; it includes numerous temples, altars and sanctuaries in a surface of 1,740 square kilometres.

Visit the "Eastern Hill", where there are the remains of three impressive temples (Temple E, consecrated to Hera, Temple F, probably dedicated to Athena or Dionysus and Temple , dedicated to Apollo), then your visit continues to the Acropolis, a limestone plateau overlooking the sea on the southern side and, with fortifications and towers dating from the early fourth century B.C., to the northern side. You will be able to see the tower of Pollux, which was built in the sixteenth century. The urban plant is divided into districts.

On the hill of the Acropolis, the remains of several temples of the Doric period have been found. The Temple O and the Temple A, of which there are few remains; the Temple B, from the Hellenistic period, in poor conditions; the temple C, which is the oldest in the area, dating back to 550 BC; the Temple D, which dates back to 540 BC; the Temple Y, dating from around 570 BC.

Lunch

Afterwards drive to a local seafront restaurant for a light buffet lunch based on typical Sicilian food.

Agrigento

After lunch, you will reach Agrigento city centre for a visit and walking tour along Via Atenea, the main street. The Province of Agrigento stretches out amidst ancient ruins and Baroque architecture, as well as sparkling beaches, marvelous islands, crystal-clear waters and ocean beds buzzing with life.

Return to the pier via your coach on the approximately 30-minute ride.

Please note: This tour requires an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.55 miles (about 2500 metres), at times over sloping and uneven ground, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and some steps to negotiate at the temples and in Agrigento. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. The tour sequence may vary.

Recount a millenary history that began in the 6th Century B.C. with the foundation of the ancient Greek colony of Akragas. Standing on terraced levels at the top of a plateau, with a city plan resembling a chessboard, Akragas was one of the largest Greek cities on the Mediterranean Sea.

Valley of the Temples

Board your coach at the port for the six-mile drive to the Valley of the Temples. The coach will drop you off at the top of the archaeological site, from where your walking tour begins downhill. Your guide will point out key monuments during frequent stops and provide explanations about the various temples. The surrounding countryside survives undisturbed with beautiful groves of almonds and thousand-year-old olive trees. Most of the temples are unenclosed and have to be reached via uneven paths. The following are among the most important monuments:

Temple of Concord

Built in the 5th century BC, the temple was converted into a church in the middle Ages. With its 34 columns still standing, it ranks with the Parthenon in Athens as the best-preserved ancient Greek temple.

Temple of Juno

This temple is magnificently situated above a steep escarpment. Dedicated to the goddess Hera, it still has 25 complete columns and nine others partly re-erected. A sacrificial altar is located nearby.

Temple of Zeus

The impressive remains give evidence to the grandeur of this 5th-century BC temple complex dedicated to the Olympian Zeus. With a length of 124 yards (113 metres), it is the largest temple of Greek antiquity. One of the supporting figures, measuring 25 feet (7.6 metres) and resembling Atlas, was restored and can be seen lying on the ground.

Following your visit, proceed to your coach for the approximately 30-minute drive back to Porto Empedocle.

Please note: This tour requires an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.37 miles (about 2200 metres), at times over sloping and uneven ground, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and some steps to negotiate at the temples. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. The tour sequence may vary.

Extending over approximately 1,300 hectares (over 5 square miles), recount a millenary history that began in the 6th Century B.C. with the foundation of the ancient Greek colony of Akragas. Standing on terraced levels at the top of a plateau, with a city plan resembling a chessboard, Akragas was one of the largest Greek cities on the Mediterranean Sea.

Valley of the Temples

Depart the pier for the approximately 30-minute drive to the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, your guided tour begins with a walk downhill. At the bottom, a paved road links the main ruins and the museum. During frequent stops, your guide points out key monuments and informs you about the history of the various temples you are visiting. The surrounding countryside survives undisturbed, with beautiful almond groves and thousand-year-old olive trees. Most of the temples are unenclosed, and accessible via uneven paths.

Temples of Concord and Juno

Your tour begins with a visit to the Temple of Concord, built in the 5th century B.C. and converted into a church in the middle Ages. With its 34 columns still standing, the Temple of Concord ranks with the Parthenon in Athens as the best-preserved ancient Greek temple. Next, visit the Temple of Juno, perched majestically above a steep escarpment. Dedicated to the goddess Hera, it still has 25 complete columns and nine others partly re-erected. A sacrificial altar is located nearby.

Temple of Zeus and Archaeological Museum

At a length of 372 feet (about 113 metres), the 5th-century B.C. Temple of Zeus is the largest temple of Greek antiquity. One of the supporting figures, measuring 25 feet (about 7.6 metres) and resembling Atlas, was restored and can be seen lying on the ground. Your last stop is at the Museum of Santa Nicola, one of Sicily's finest archaeological museums. Here, view an impressive collection of Greek vases dating from the 7th century B.C., coins, ancient sarcophagi and more. Following your visit, re-board your coach for the drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour requires an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.6 miles (about 2.6 kilometres), at times over sloping and uneven ground, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and some steps to negotiate at the temples and museum. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. The tour sequence may vary.