Palermo to Segesta and Erice: Private day trip

Founded by Sicily’s indigenous Elymian tribe, Segesta was Hellenized quite early on, which had a profound effect on its culture. In times of strife, the city often turned to its strong Greek contacts, such as Athens and Carthage, and though it was allied with the famous Greek King and General Pyrrhus, it peacefully surrendered to Rome in 260 BC. After the fall of the Empire, Segesta was destroyed by the Vandals and deserted. In the Middle Ages, the strategic hilltop position was briefly used by the Muslims during the Norman period before being abandoned for good in the 13th century. Today, visitors can admire the magnificent Doric temple with its 36 columns, which was erected between 430 and 420 BC. Visitors can also hike, or take a bus, farther up the hill to the Greek theatre, which was partially carved directly in the mountain and offers amazing views of the countryside and the temple.