Western Sicily - Mystical & 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.

Handpicked Highlights

  • Enjoy authentic experiences that money can’t buy, including lunch at a private ‘Baglio’ farm and learn the art of ceramic making at Ceramica Artistica Marsalese
  • Enjoy an aperitif at sunset at Peola winery in Marsala
  • Visit a local farmhouse for an authentic cooking class
  • Be welcomed to Alexandro’s Olive Grove home and museum and experience his unique oil soap making
  • Be guided through the enchanting Mazara del Vallo Bazaar and feel like you’ve been transported to North Africa!
  • Cap off a wonderful tour with a candlelit tour and farewell dinner at Martinez winery

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Fly 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.

Meals included: Dinner

Dome Hotel

Day 2 Marsala & 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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Chiesa del Purgatorio, Marsala

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.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily

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.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Erice

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.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Street View in Marsala

Day 7 Mazara del Vallo & Winery

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.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Martinez Winery

Day 8 Departure

We transfer to the airport to return to the UK.

Meals included: Breakfast

Dome Hotel Courtyard

Dome Hotel

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.

Western Sicily Map

What's included

  • Flights

    Please note: In most instances for this tour, flights will depart from London Heathrow and return to London Gatwick
    (Call us for flight details)

  • Accommodation

    7 nights in our handpicked hotel

  • Meals

    7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

  • Handpicked Highlights

    Itinerary and handpicked highlights as stated above 

  • Tour Manager

    Services of a local, experienced English speaking Tour Manager

  • Coach Transport

    All coach transportation as stated in itinerary above 

Extras

  • Travel insurance 
  • Local tourist and city taxes  
  • Gratuities for tour manager and coach driver 

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