From Palermo: Erice, Saltpans & Wine Tasting With Lunch

This full-day tour from Palermo offers a comprehensive experience, letting visitors explore Erice’s medieval charm, witness the age-old tradition of salt production, and savor the flavors of Sicilian wine and cuisine. Guests can wander Erice’s cobblestone streets, admire the stunning views from the town’s historic sites, and discover the unique Trapani Salt Pans. With a local winery visit and lunch, the tour provides a seamless way to uncover the rich cultural and natural heritage of this enchanting Sicilian region. It’s an opportunity to take in the essence of this captivating destination.

Key Points

• A full-day excursion from Palermo that includes visits to the medieval town of Erice, the Trapani Salt Pans, and a local winery with wine tasting and lunch.
• Erice, a hilltop town with stunning views, offers the opportunity to explore its cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, and well-preserved medieval architecture.
• The Trapani Salt Pans showcase the centuries-old tradition of sea salt production, with visitors witnessing the evaporation process and the use of traditional windmills.
• The wine tasting experience at a local winery allows guests to sample a variety of renowned Sicilian vintages, paired with a delightful local lunch.
• The tour includes luxury bus transportation with amenities, and the booking process offers flexible cancellation policies, allowing for a hassle-free experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Full-Day Tour From Palermo

The tour departs from Palermo, providing a full-day excursion to explore the medieval town of Erice, the ancient Trapani Salt Pans, and a local winery. Travelers will enjoy luxury bus transportation with amenities like WiFi, chargers, a refrigerator, and air conditioning.

The tour lasts 9 hours, allowing ample time to discover Erice’s cobblestone streets, the Castle of Venus, and the Pepoli Tower.

After, guests will visit the Trapani Salt Pans, one of Europe’s oldest working salt pans, learning about salt production and seeing the traditional windmills.

The final stop is a winery, where visitors can taste authentic Sicilian wines and savor a delicious local lunch.

Exploring the Medieval Erice

After exploring the ancient Trapani Salt Pans, the tour takes visitors to the medieval town of Erice, perched 750 meters above sea level.

Visitors are granted free time to wander Erice’s cobblestone streets and discover its historic landmarks. The Castle of Venus and the Pepoli Tower offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

As visitors stroll through the charming town, they’ll admire the well-preserved medieval architecture that has stood the test of time.

The 2.5-hour stop in Erice provides a glimpse into Sicily’s rich history and the opportunity to take in the tranquil ambiance of this hilltop gem.

Breathtaking Views Atop Erice

Visitors atop Erice marvel at the breathtaking vistas that unfold before them, gazing out over the rugged coastline and azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

At an elevation of 750 meters, the medieval town commands sweeping views that stretch for miles. Perched on the summit of Mount Erice, the town’s charming streets and ancient stone buildings are dwarfed by the dramatic landscape.

Visitors can explore the Castle of Venus, a historic fortress dating back to the 12th century, and climb the iconic Pepoli Tower for an even more elevated perspective.

With its stunning natural setting and well-preserved medieval architecture, Erice offers a truly unforgettable experience for those who venture up its steep hillsides.

Discovering Trapani Salt Pans

Amidst the rugged coastline of Trapani lies one of the oldest working salt pans in Europe, where visitors can witness the age-old tradition of sea salt production. The Trapani Salt Pans are a captivating destination, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s history and sustainable practices. Guests can explore the vast expanse of shallow pools, where seawater is meticulously evaporated, leaving behind the precious salt crystals. Traditional windmills, used to pump the water, dot the landscape, adding to the enchanting ambiance. This remarkable site not only showcases the ingenuity of its inhabitants but also highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage and environmental stewardship.

Salt Production Process	Evaporation Ponds	Windmill Pumps
Seawater Intake	Shallow Salt Pans	Traditional
Concentration	Salt Crystallization	Efficient
Harvesting	Sustainable Yields	Iconic

More Great Tours Nearby

Traditional Salt Production Process

The traditional salt production process at the Trapani Salt Pans begins with channeling seawater into a series of shallow evaporation ponds.

As the water slowly evaporates over several months, the salt concentration increases. Workers then scrape the crystallized salt from the ponds and transfer it to drying racks, where the salt is further dried in the sun and wind.

The refined salt is then collected and stored, ready to be packaged and distributed. This centuries-old method takes advantage of the region’s warm, dry climate, allowing the Trapani Salt Pans to continue producing high-quality sea salt using sustainable, traditional techniques.

Indulging in Sicilian Wine Tasting

On the winery visit, guests can indulge in tastings of authentic Sicilian wines, perfectly paired with a delightful local lunch. The experience lasts around 2 hours, allowing ample time to sample a variety of the region’s renowned vintages.

Under the guidance of knowledgeable sommeliers, visitors will learn about the unique terroir and production methods that give Sicilian wines their distinctive flavors. From robust reds to crisp whites, there’s something to please every palate.

The leisurely lunch, featuring locally-sourced ingredients, complements the wine tasting beautifully, creating a well-rounded culinary adventure. This portion of the tour offers a chance to truly take in the flavors that make Sicilian wine so special.

Savoring a Local Lunch

Following the wine tasting, guests savor a delectable local lunch, expertly paired with the wines they’ve just sampled. The meal features fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced directly from the region, showcasing the authentic flavors of Sicilian cuisine. Under the guidance of knowledgeable staff, diners have the opportunity to further appreciate how the wines and food complement each other, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Dish	Description	Pairing
Pasta alla Norma	Sautéed eggplant, tomatoes, basil, ricotta salata	Nero d’Avola
Arancini	Fried risotto balls with various fillings	Grillo
Cannoli	Crisp pastry shells filled with sweetened ricotta	Moscato di Pantelleria

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Travelers typically book this tour through the provided online platform, which offers a secure and convenient booking process. Alternatively, they may contact the tour operator directly to inquire about availability and complete the reservation.

Guests can easily cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance without incurring any penalties, ensuring flexibility in their travel plans.

The tour is likely to sell out, so it’s recommended to reserve your spot as soon as possible.

Payment isn’t required upfront, allowing you to ‘Reserve Now and Pay Later‘.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

The tour operates with a luxury bus equipped with amenities like WiFi and air conditioning.

This full-day excursion from Palermo is priced at $162.52 per person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Guide Gratuities Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price does not include guide gratuities. Guests are expected to tip the guide separately based on their satisfaction with the service provided during the full-day tour.

What Languages Are the Tours Conducted In?

The tours are typically conducted in English. However, the operator may offer tours in other languages upon request, depending on the availability of multi-lingual guides. Visitors should inquire about language options when booking the tour.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated on the Lunch?

Yes, the tour provider can accommodate dietary restrictions for the lunch. Guests should inform the provider of any special dietary needs when booking the tour to ensure the lunch can be adjusted accordingly.

What Is the Typical Group Size for These Tours?

The typical group size for these tours is not specified, but the tours are likely to sell out, indicating limited availability. Group sizes are generally small to provide a more personalized experience for participants.

Do the Tour Buses Have Space for Large Luggage?

The tour buses typically have space for large luggage. Travelers can store their larger bags and suitcases in the cargo area underneath the bus or in the luggage racks above the seats during the tour.

Recap

This full-day tour from Palermo offers a comprehensive experience, exploring the medieval town of Erice, the historic Trapani Salt Pans, and a local winery.

Guests can discover the rich cultural and natural heritage of the region, from the stunning views in Erice to the age-old tradition of salt production, and indulge in the flavors of Sicilian cuisine and wine.

It’s a seamless way to experience the enchanting sights and tastes of this captivating area.

You can check availability for your dates here: