agrigento tour from palermo

The Perfect Palermo to Agrigento Day Trip Itinerary

Last Updated on January 18, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

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Planning a Palermo to Agrigento day trip is one of the top things on many visitors to Sicily’s to-do lists. Known for being home to the incredible Valley of the Temples, Agrigento is a beautiful place to visit and the area has even more to offer than the ancient temples at the archaeological site.

It’s no secret that Sicily is home to some incredible ancient Greek and Roman ruins — from the theatre in Taormina to the sites at Segesta and Selinunte — there are so many fascinating structures to take in on this Italian island. However, there is none that is more famous than the Valley of the Temples located just outside of the town of Agrigento.

Situated on the south coast of Sicily, Agrigento makes for a good day trip from Sicily, but the beautiful area surrounding is great to explore for more than a day if you can spare. And whether you want to visit Agrigento on an organised tour or independently, this is the guide for you.

Table of Contents

How to Get to Agrigento from Palermo

Agrigento is located about 130 kilometres away from Palermo and, while it is a bit of a trek from the Sicilian capital, it is definitely doable as a day trip.

You can easily visit Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples independently, but if that is too much stress on your Sicilian holiday, there are plenty of organised tours from Palermo, as well.

It’s worth noting that Agrigento is located a bit closer to Palermo than it is to Sicily’s second-largest city of Catania , however, it is also possible to do a Catania to Agrigento day trip, as well. Just note that travel times will be increased a bit.

By Organised Tour

For those who don’t want to deal with the logistics, planning and hassle of going on an Agrigento day trip independently, then your best bet is to go by organised tour. As one of the top day trips from the Sicilian capital, there are countless options available to those who decide to go for this route.

For example, this full-day tour and this full-day tour are excellent options if you want to spend the whole day exploring some of the top sites in Southern Sicily. It includes transport to and from Palermo, a guided tour of the Valley of the Temples and a stop at the Villa Romana del Casale.

If you simply want an easy transfer to Agrigento, then this full-day tour from Palermo is an excellent option. It includes transport to and from Palermo and will take you directly to the Valley of the Temples. You can also opt for a guided tour of the site if that interests you.

Alternatively, you can also take a private tour if you prefer to join an organised group.

If you want to visit Agrigento independently, then by far the easiest way to do this is via your own personal vehicle. Renting a car in Sicily is an excellent option if you want to venture to places that are a bit further afield and you can find good deals for car hires on Rentalcars.com .

The drive from Palermo to Agrigento is about 2 hours and it is pretty straightforward. Once at the Valley of the Temples, there is ample parking available at the archaeological site.

Having your own car makes it much easier to follow the rest of this itinerary, as well, but keep in mind that finding parking near the Scala dei Turchi can get tricky in the high season due to the sheer demand of the place.

If you want to go independently but aren’t keen to hire a car, then getting to Agrigento via train is going to be your best bet. Countless daily trains from Palermo to Agrigento will get you to your destination in about 2 hours. You can view schedules here.

Make sure you get off at Agrigento Centrale station rather than Agrigento Bassa station if you want to easily make it to the Valley of the Temples.

Once you arrive in Agrigento, you can then take local bus number 1 or 2 from the central station directly to the Valley of the Temples. You can purchase tickets directly from the driver and it is a good idea to ensure you have a bit of cash on hand to do this.

If you’re more interested in visiting Agrigento via bus, you are going to find that relatively difficult. There are no consistent coaches that run from Palermo to Agrigento so your best bet is to take the train. Regional trains are affordable so this is a great way to reach the famed archaeological site.

Agrigento Day Trip Itinerary

If you’re travelling independently and with your own car, then follow this itinerary to get the most out of Agrigento and its surrounding area.

Though the two may seem to be synonymous, there isn’t much in the town of Agrigento itself when it comes to tourist sites. The main draw is, obviously, the Valley of the Temples and some other attractions on the coast nearby.

Valley of the Temples

Of course, the reason to do a day trip to Agrigento from Palermo is to visit the incredible Valley of the Temples. This archaeological site is considered to be one of the best collections of ancient Greek temples in the world and is very much a top attraction in Sicily.

There are countless temples to enjoy and see in this archaeological park and they are all relatively easily accessible via a paved pathway. Contrary to a few other archaeological parks in Sicily (notably Selinunte and Segesta), the Valley of the Temples isn’t quite as hilly and the sites aren’t located too far away from each other.

Keep this in mind as there is a taxi service available for €3 to shuttle you between sites – and the drivers post themselves in the car park before you reach the entrance. They can be pushy and make it seem as if you need to purchase this service in order to experience the park – if you’re able-bodied and are able to walk a few kilometres on relatively even and flat ground, you do not.

Entry into the park is €12 per person if you’re interested in visiting the temples only. There are some combined tickets available if you also want to visit the Regional Museum of Archaeology while visiting. You could also opt to go on a guided tour of the site .

While the site actually contains the remains of seven temples, there are four that are the most intact and worth seeing. The most famous and the one that is considered to be one of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world is the Temple of Concordia, which is truly spectacular.

The other temples worth seeing include the Temple of Heracles (Hercules), the Temple of Dioscuri and the Temple of Juno (Hera). All of these temples were believed to have been constructed in the 5th Century BCE.

Plan to spend a couple of hours exploring the Valley of the Temples and it’s best to head here in the morning – both to beat the crowds and the heat. If you’ve worked up an appetite after exploring this archaeological site, then consider heading to Tipiko restaurant in Agrigento for a delicious sandwich.

Scala dei Turchi

If you’re driving yourself, the next stop on your Palermo to Agrigento should be the beautiful Scala dei Turchi. Translating to the “stairs of the Turks” or “Turkish steps” in English, these are incredible white cliffs that cascade into the Mediterranean off the coast of Realmonte, about fifteen to twenty minutes driving from the Valley of the Temples.

This is an incredibly popular stop to make in the area and it can be very difficult to find parking in order to go down to the cliffs themselves and climb over them.

What we recommend doing is stopping off at the viewpoint to get a good look (the Belvedere – Scala dei Turchi) before heading to our next destination. You won’t get the chance to climb over the cliffs, but you will avoid a significant number of tourist crowds.

Lido Rosello

End your Agrigento day trip at one of the most beautiful beaches in the region – Lido Rosello. This soft sand beach is the perfect stop and it is a bit off the tourist trail especially considering its location right next to the Scala dei Turchi.

The beach is free to enter and there are free parking areas around, as well. The water is shallow and calm, making it a great place to splash around even if you’re not a strong swimmer!

What makes this beach a fantastic place to visit is that you can get a perfect view of the Scala dei Turchi from below. Simply walk along the beach until you hit some rocks and you will be graced with a gorgeous view with a fraction of the crowds!

Where to Stay Near Agrigento

If you decide to spend the night near Agrigento rather than simply going on a day trip, then you’re going to need to find a place to rest your head. If you’re wondering where to stay near Agrigento, then have a look at these suggestions:

Hotel Exclusive – This hotel located in the centre of Agrigento is an excellent choice for those looking for a clean, convenient and comfortable place to stay while exploring the area. They have several rooms available suitable for both families and couples and there is also breakfast served daily.

Doric Boutique Hotel – If you’re looking for a bit of luxury while visiting this area of Sicily, then this hotel is a great option. They have a great location close to the Valley of the Temples with lovely rooms to choose from and there is a restaurant, bar and spa/wellness centre on site.

A Cantunera LittleHouse – For those looking for their own space while visiting Agrigento are sure to love this two-bedroom house. It is well located to explore the area and it comes fully furnished and well-equipped with everything you may need for a great stay.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Agrigento hotels!

Planning an Agrigento day trip from Palermo is one of the top things to do while visiting Sicily and it’s really not hard to see why. The Valley of the Temples is an incredible place to explore and the area surrounding is absolutely beautiful, as well.

Are you planning to visit Agrigento? Have any questions about visiting? Let us know in the comments!

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About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Thank you Maggie, l appreciate all the information regarding the trip from Palermo to Agrigento. We are in our early 70 and consider ourselves quite fit and planning on visiting the temples on November 12th,2023, do you know how l could get the information on their opening hours? Thank you again, and all the best to you. Patricia

Hi Patricia, according to the official website, the site is open from 8:30-20:00 from Monday-Sunday but the office closes one hour prior to the site closing 🙂

Hullo Are there any towns along the railway to Agrigento worth having a stop over at? Thank you

thanks so much for your article which made it easy for me to plan a trip to Agrigento from palermo by train.

So happy to hear this helped!

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Agrigento Valley of the Temples and Villa Romana del Casale Tour from Palermo

• Vehicle/coach with air-conditioning
• Multilingual tour escort or driver-escort
• All sightseeing and visits as per itinerary
• Licensed guide at the Valley of the Temples
• Independent visit at Villa Romana del Casale
• Admission Fees are not included. Price is $24 USD (Eur 20) per person. Discounts for children.
• Meals and beverages
• Entry/Admission - Valle dei Templi
• Entry/Admission - Villa Romana del Casale
• Piazza Ruggiero Settimo, 15, 90139 Palermo PA, Italy Departure is Fixed at 6:40am from Piazza Ruggero Settimo 15 (between Prada Store and Hotel Politeama) please be ready 10 minutes before
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Minimum number apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
• Please advice in case of walking limitations
• The visit to the Roman Villa will be independent
• Seat available for children from 2 years
• Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Valle dei Templi

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• You'll start at Piazza Ruggiero Settimo, 15 Piazza Ruggiero Settimo, 15, 90139 Palermo PA, Italy Departure is Fixed at 6:40am from Piazza Ruggero Settimo 15 (between Prada Store and Hotel Politeama) please be ready 10 minutes before See address & details
• 1 Valle dei Templi Stop: 2 hours - Admission excluded See details
• 2 Villa Romana del Casale Stop: 90 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• A3990MPronb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The best way to tour Sicily The people at Tour of Sicily structured our ten day excursion through Sicily with great attention to all our wishes and more. Our drivers/escorts Giuseppe, Michael and Francesco, and city guides, Lara and Letizia, made us feel like we were traveling with friends. They paced our time such that we never felt rushed and with their knowledge and experience we gained so much more than we ever expected each day. Our wonderful accommodations each night were close to parts of each town or city where we could explore and learn more about the culture and eat so well. From our trip up Mt. Etna to tasting chocolate in Modica and everything in between this ranks as one of our favourite trips to Europe. Thanks to everyone at Tour of Sicily for your efforts. All was exceptional. Read more Written 26 April 2024
• U3898UXdonnap 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fabulous trip tailored to our needs We booked a two week tour of Sorrento and Sicily with Tour of Sicily. Most of our activities were private with a few group activities in between. Tour of Sicily did a fantastic job planning our entire trip. We had some private guides who were absolutely wonderful. Hiring a guide made a tremendous difference to provide history and understanding of this beautiful region. They chose guides who are passionate about their respective cities and very friendly. We especially enjoyed the two cooking classes, the tour/lunch at a winery and staying in Origia. Valeria planned a well balanced itinerary with lovely hotels. The company was very responsive to our needs when we contacted them during the trip as well. We highly recommend Tour of Sicily! Read more Written 26 February 2024
• Elmarco1 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Finding Our Roots Every day got better than the day before! Valeria set a perfect itinerary for our purpose of visiting where our Grandparents came from. Highly recommend Tour of Sicily! Read more Written 23 January 2024
• LouiseLMF 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles An Excellent Way to See Sicily We took 3 separate private tours and had a Palermo airport transfer. The service from Tour of Sicily was excellent. The drivers were safe, polite, helpful, respectful of our preferences and on-time. The cars were clean and comfortable. The cost compared to car rental, parking, gas and the stress of Siciian driving 😱 makes this an excellent choice to enjoy your time in Sicily. Planning and booking online was very easy. If I had to say 1 thing that I wish was better it would be the hotel pickup. The driver didn't know who we were and we didn't know the driver so finding eachother took some work. A sign or some identifying information ahead of time would be much appreciated. Read more Written 3 January 2024
• michaelwL6309KC 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Beautiful Sicily - Tour of Sicily the way to go. Our tour was perfect. The organisational flawless and our guides and driver without fault. We were able to appreciate the beauty, history and uniqueness of Sicily. Read more Written 2 January 2024
• Flyer186518 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Stress free transportation throughout Sicily! We used Tour of Sicily several times during our visit. First we required transportation for 6 couples (2 vans) from Palermo to Taormina with stops in Cefalu and Santo Stefano di Camastra. Our drivers Francesco and his brother Michael were amazing. Not only were they great tour guides they also helped us locate the grave of a relative of one of our group, searching the cemetery along with us. The next day we had Michael and Giuseppe take us on a tour of two Etna wineries. They were so attentive and walked the tour with us to translate when needed. The next day Giuseppe was very accommodating by giving us some extra time in Taormina before dropping us off in Noto. We would highly recommend Tour of Sicily and their amazing drivers! Read more Written 4 December 2023
• LisaT2661 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Phenomenal Tour of Sicily My husband and I just returned from a two week self-drive tour arranged by Tour of Sicily. The entire trip exceeded our expectations! Everything went as expected, the hotels were all very good to excellent, and the flexibility we had within the set itinerary to do our own thing struck a good balance. Working with the team we developed an itinerary that included Sicily "must sees" and trips to see where my husband's grandparents were born. The guides for our set tours were excellent and the wineries we visited were special. We highly recommend your services to anyone who needs help planning a trip to Sicily and couldn't have asked for a better experience. Read more Written 3 November 2023
• Annacarla17 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fabulous holiday organised by real professionals! Our holiday was organised for us from start to finish. We went on the Trilogy tour and had an amazing time. It consisted of 1 week, staying in Palermo, Syracusa and Taormina all of which are interesting and different from eachother. In addition, each day we visited new places, but there was still time to relax and explore on your own. From the taxis that collected us, the guides that accompanied us. They were all very professional, friendly and knowledgeable. Francesco who took us to Modica and Ragusa today was particularly charming as was Santo yesterday in Syracusa. The trilogy tour has been a perfect mix of cultural/historical and food experiences. The lunches at Villa Franca, Mandranova and la Trattoria in Modica were all delicious. Fabulous examples of Sicilian hospitality. The hotels were ok all are based centrally to explore the locations in the evenings or during free time. Our favourite was the one in Syracusa. The hotels in Palermo and Taormina were ok but they are large. It was the first time we have done a tour and we were expecting to be with other travellers so it was a wonderful surprise when we discovered that the tour was just the two of us. We felt very privileged. Can’t recommend this company highly enough. Read more Written 16 October 2023
• Beverlitza 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles WONDERFUL INTRODUCTION TO SICILY! My girlfriends and I booked an 8-day trip with TOUR OF SICILY not really knowing what to expect. We were all so pleasantly delighted with the hotels, transfers, and guides you provided! Our trip started off on a high at the unforgettable cooking class with the enthusiastic Chef Antonio ... and pleasant surprises continued all week! I enjoyed the fact that the hotels, guides, and drivers all had a different and unique character, allowing us to experience the diversity of your country. The itinerary you offered was also diverse and wonderful. I must add that after a very bad car accident in my youth, I have been a squeamish passenger. But not once did I feel uneasy or unsafe with the great drivers and transports you provided. Thank you again for an amazing introduction to Sicily! ☀️ Beverly Read more Written 9 October 2023
• EASTBOLDRE 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Company We had a wonderful tour of Italy with your company. I was especially impressed with the immaculate clean cars, drivers & guides you provided. They were all very good and always on time and so polite. It was a pleasure to be in their company and care. We loved the drives and the beautiful countryside of Sicily. But please a thank you to all the drivers/guides. I think one of the highlights for me personally was the Cooking class and dinner in Palermo …again gracious hosts and fun. It was a wonderful way to start our holiday. Agrigento and the Valley of Temples was amazing to see and another highlight. With regard the hotels I enjoyed especially the hotel in Saracusa ( Approdo delle Sirene) A lovely little hotel, pretty location and delightful manager. Also the hotel in Taormina Villa Diodoro was great and what a superb view! I know this was an upgrade so thank you. It was really a wonderful week for myself and two friends and I know we all thought it was special so ‘thank you’ to you and your team for your work and efforts for this to be a great vacation. I am very happy to provide any kind of reference and please do use any of my comments. Read more Written 9 October 2023
• U2406BPbrianp 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wow, “What a wonderful experience”- Thanks Francesco I’m not one to write reviews but, I felt compelled to do so and share our experience. My wife and I just returned from 2 weeks in Malta and Sicily. The trip was amazing. While in Sicily, we used the services of Francesco (our driver and tour guide) for a few days, which took us from/to Syracuse > Agrigento > Palermo. He was great! It was not just the; good driver, punctuality, clean and comfortable van that impressed us, it was the hospitality that blew us away. Francesco was not only extremely friendly and proud of his country, he was excited to ensure we got to experience as many of its treasures as he has - from the various famous historical sites along our journey, to the small food and pastry hot spots, as well. As the three of us drove, listened (to each other and Italian music), talked and walked together for a few days we kind of bonded. My wife and I felt like Francesco treated us like a long lost pair of cousins. It was a fun time. If you are looking for a driver/ tour guide, he’s your man. You will not be disappointed. Brian & Rosemarie P. - New York, USA Read more Written 8 October 2023
• CJLTahoe 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Marsala/Erice Wow! Francisco is a superstar tour guide! We met Francisco and another couple from England for our small group tour of Marsala and Erice (pronounced ereche 🤣)…Francisco is an incredibly passionate Sicilian that is a fountain of knowledge! He made our trip to Marsala and Erice an unbelievably memorable adventure…His stories combined with all of his relationships in Marsala, FrancaDonna winery and the amazing pasticceria in Erice made the trip even more special…The wine tour and delicious pasta lunch and wine tasting was worth the price of the whole trip! When in Palermo, schedule a day for this!!! 5 Stars ⭐️ Read more Written 5 October 2023
• V384PTnatalieb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Driving tour from Taormina to Capo D’Orlando Our tour started in Taormina, we were met by the lovely Francesco who drove us to Capo D’Orlando. Our plan was to stop for a short time in Capo D’Orlando and spend most of the day in Cefalu. Our plans changed for the better when Francesco offered to help us find my Uncle and translate for us. We had a wonderful once in a life time experience meeting family, seeing the home and business of my grandfather, driving up the mountains to Ucria, the birthplace of my Grandmother. We saw the house that still belongs to my family in Australia. (My grandparents emigrated to Western Australia in the 1940’s) Such a memorable day and it would not have been possible without the AMAZING Francesco - We would absolutely recommend Francesco to anyone visiting Sicily, especially if you would like support and translation to meet relatives. Read more Written 25 September 2023
• E4513JOlauriem 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles An Amazing Experience Not only was the tour VERY eventful (we saw everything from Palermo to Siracusa), but our private drivers were amazing, especially Francesco Scilipoti who was EXTREMELY accommodating to us (my dad is 87). I would highly recommend not only Tour of Sciliy, but Francesco! Thanks so much Read more Written 19 September 2023
• 253ctff 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tour Leader Was Great Erice and Sagesta Day trip was great. Our leader was Nicola, his English was great and we were able to talk about a wide variety of topics as we traveled. A nice way to get to know about Italian culture beyond just the sights that were scheduled. Ours was a small group trip but it ended up just the two of us. We were able to shorten our day a bit and still see the sights. Lunch with Nicola was a highlight! Thanks. Read more Written 9 September 2023

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Immerse yourself in history

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Piazza Armerina and Agrigento

Eur 98 Departure: Wednesday and Sunday

Language: English, Italian, Spanish

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DESCRIPTION:

Located on a plateau overlooking Sicily's southern coast, Agrigento was founded as Akragas around 582 BC (BCE) by a group of colonists from Gela, who themselves were the immediate descendants of Greeks from Rhodes and Crete. The area was inhabited much earlier; a female skull (that of the "girl of Mandrascava") found near Cannatello is half a million years old. A Mesolithic village at Point Bianca, farther down the coast toward Montechiaro Castle, dates from 6000 BC. The Sicanians may have descended from that civilization. Akragas was renamed Agrigentum by the Romans, and Girgenti by the Arabs, only to be christened Agrigento in 1927, but the place is the same.

Greatly enlarged by Berbers beginning in the ninth century, the medieval city of Agrigento is not without a certain charm. High in the historical center of the city, the Romanesque Gothic cathedral, built during the fourteenth century, still displays some of its medieval character, as does the thirteenth-century Church of San Nicola (St Nicholas). Unfortunately, the Saracen fortress believed to have stood at Agrigento has not stood the test of time. The Greek temples, theatres and ruins, and even the archaeological museums, are located outside the city proper.

Akragas, named for the nearby river, flourished under Phalaris (570-554 BC), and developed further under Theron (488-471 BC), whose troops participated in the Battle of Himera in 480 BC, defeating the Carthaginians. Agrigento was destroyed several times during the Punic Wars, suffering particularly extensive damage during a siege by Roman forces in 261 BC, but always rebuilt. The Greek poet Pindar (518-438 BC) described Akragas as "the most beautiful city of the mortals." Akragas' most famous citizen was the philosopher and scientist Empedocles (490-430 BC).

In the Valley of the Temples are the ruins of numerous temples but also necropoli, houses, streets and everything else one would expect to find in an ancient city. There is a small amphitheatre, as well as several auditoria, and a fine archeological museum. Unfortunately, most of the temples at Agrigento are in ruins, with pieces strewn about, and several appear to have never even been completed. Part of the Temple of Hera (Juno), built around 450 BC, is still intact. Its style has been compared to that of the temples at Paestum, near Salerno. The Temple of Concord (named retroactively), built around 440 BC, is in far better condition, and at night the illuminated temple is a sight to behold. A number of telamons (large segmented stone columns in the form of human figures) have been preserved.

Ancient Agrigento's importance declined under the Byzantines and Saracens, who encouraged settlement of the medieval city (present-day Agrigento) several kilometers from the Valley of the Temples. The Normans, however, recognized its importance, and it was during the Norman rule that beautiful churches were constructed in and around the city.

The ancient city's architectural character seems more Greek than Roman. What's missing are the thin, reddish bricks so typical of Roman sites like Solunto and Taormina. Despite its location virtually in the shadow of a modern city, the Valley of the Temples is surrounded by olive groves and almond orchards that render its ambience altogether natural, though a number of illegally-built houses mar the landscape. The almond blossom festival held in February is a spectacular event full of folklore.

Transfer Palermo Agrigento

Joining the transfer tour from Palermo to Agrigento (and viceversa) you can decide whether to make a stopover into Segesta, visiting its doric temple and theatre and then into the gorgeous medieval town of Erice, or to visit small typical villages you’ll meet along the way, enjoying an off-the-beaten-track experience.

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Private Transfer Tour from Agrigento to Palermo: off the beaten track scenic drive

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Private Transfer Tour from Agrigento to Palermo: stopovers into Segesta and Erice

Private transfer tour from palermo to agrigento: off the beaten track scenic drive, private transfer tour from palermo to agrigento: stopovers into erice and segesta.