Tour Details
Duration
2 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
Valley of the Temples
Photos & Highlights
- Admire the Temple of Concord and the Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Led by an expert archaeologist or historian
Select a date
Tour Description
The famous Greek poet Pindar described Akragas (Greek for Agrigento) as “the most beautiful city on earth” for its spectacular location and monumental buildings. Join a local expert for this 2-hour tour of the magnificent Valley of the Temples and see with your own eyes what Pindar was describing. Crafted to provide a solid introduction for those visiting Agrigento for the first time or travelers returning, you will explore the local history and cultural depth of this intriguing area of Sicily.
- Valley of the Temples
- 2 hours with an MA or Ph.D. level guide
- Skip-the-line tickets for the Valley of the Temples
- Taxi ride back to the parking lot at the end of the tour
We will begin our journey in the Valley of the Temples to help familiarize ourselves with the ancient urban layout of Agrigento; its main streets, fortifications, and sacred buildings dedicated to the Olympian Gods. Each temple presents its own unique and singular characteristics.
In particular, your expert guide trained in archaeology or history, will discuss the importance of the Temple of Concord and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The remains of the former, built around 450 B.C., including its inner structure and cellar, was the location of the divinity. The latter, whose construction began around 480 B.C., is perhaps the largest Doric temple ever built.
In particular, your expert guide trained in archaeology or history, will discuss the importance of the Temple of Concord and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The remains of the former, built around 450 B.C., including its inner structure and cellar, was the location of the divinity. The latter, whose construction began around 480 B.C., is perhaps the largest Doric temple ever built.
At the conclusion of your visit to the Archaeological Site, a taxi will return you and your guide to the Temple of Juno, where our walk began.
Where do we meet? Where does it end?
We meet at the ticket desk near the Temple of Juno. The route may vary depending on your guide. Your confirmation email will include the exact meeting point details along with a map. The tour ends back at the Temple of Juno.
When is the best time of the day to visit?
If you are traveling during the summer months, we recommend early morning or late afternoon. The heat and crowds can be heavy and the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking views in the golden light of sunset is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Is this tour walking intensive, and/or wheelchair accessible?
We do cover quite a bit of ground on this tour and therefore we recommend contacting us with any mobility questions; we will be happy to advise if the itinerary will be appropriate for you or propose modifications where necessary. Please feel free to contact us.
Where You'll Start
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41 Reviews
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Our guide, Sergio, was deeply informed about Sicilian history and architecture. He was patient and accommodating with our two small children, and even helped them feed some fascinating goats! This tour was the highlight of our visit to Sicily,
Susan
Reviewed on:
Oct 22, 2023
Wonderful tour of The Valley of the Temples with Sergio!
Sergio, as a Sicilian and as a scholar, had comprehensive knowledge of this area, ranging from pre-historic to the modern era.
His grasp of the Carthaginian, Phoenician, Hellenic, and other cultures in Sicily, their conflicts and their accommodations, gave great context to understanding these temples and their place in history.
Sergio explained how the temples were built and why some have lasted and others did not. In addition, he identified differences in Sicilian Greek temples and those of Ancient Greece.
In short, the roles of history and cultures, and the impact of ancient technologies and the natural landscape were interwoven to give us a picture of life on these plains and hillsides many years ago.
Sergio was fun to spend time with, responsive to our interests, and gave us a new appreciation for the daily life of the Sicilian Greek diaspora.
We highly recommend Sergio and this tour.
Paula
Reviewed on:
Oct 5, 2023
The Valley of the Temples came alive for us under Sergio’s tutelage! He explained in detail, by showing us the physical evidence and displaying photos and other materials on how these “Greek buildings” became the building blocks of today’s Sicily. He puzzled together so many pieces of our knowing and filled in the gaps with a richness and passion for the ingenuity of the Greeks and their role in Sicilian history. Sergio is so personable, knowledgeable and appreciative of this era and he shares it with pride. I can’t imagine doing the Valley without an expert guide. It is the only way to understand the value of what the Greeks left behind. Thank you!
Lenore
Reviewed on:
Sep 28, 2023
