Trapani and Erice Private Tour from the cruise port of Trapani

Welcome to the West side of this amazing Island, where fortresses and an amazing coastline will surprise you at every step. Discover the beauty of Erice, an amazingly preserved medieval town that will let you step back in time and enjoy a small Sicilian town more than you expect. In Top Private Tours we want you to have an amazing experience, that is why our tours can be customised to you liking! Hope to see you soon!

1. 1

   Stop 1

   15 min

   During the 13th century, James II of Aragon wanted to expand the city and had a new wall of fortification built along with the existing wall extending it to the northwest where he incorporated the “Botteghelle” gate that gave access to a small cemetery situated on the outside of the gate.

2. 2

   Piazza Mercato del Pesce

   20 min

   Originally it was on the outside of the city walls and it was also called “Boceria” because it faced a small building where animals were butchered. Its arched portico design dates back to 1874 and is the work of Giovanbattista Talotti.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   15 min

   Built in 1102 as a chapel of the Genoese, it underwent an important expansion in the fifteenth century by the architect Bonaventura Certo. In 1743, the architect G.B. Amico built the current facade with a busy porch, the bell tower and dome. It was consecrated a cathedral in 1844.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   20 min

   The Tramontana Walls are what remains of the ancient city walls of Trapani that follow the curved profile of the coast bordered by the city of Trapani. Today they represent the opportunity for a pleasant walk along the coast of this beautiful former fishing town.

5. 5

   Porta Oscura e Torre Dell'Orologio

   20 min

   This is the oldest entrance to the city; the only one of the four entrances that reaches the urban center in a quadrangular form; a distinguishing trait of Trapani in ancient times.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   15 min

   Originally built in 1342 by the noble family of Chiaramonte, it was one of the first fountains that was created to distribute drinkable water to the city. The water came from the foot of Mount Erice transferred through a multi arch shaped water duct which no longer remains.

7. 7

   Palazzo Senatorio o Cavarretta

   20 min

   This building was built on the site where the “Loggia dei Pisani” once stood: a “bank” during the Norman period specialized in monetary exchange. Built in the seventeenth century by order of don Giacomo Cavaretta with a Baroque style, it hosts today the headquarters of the municipality of Trapani.

8. 8

   Porta Trapani

   15 min

   Inserted in the Elymian-Punic city walls, it was one of the three access gates to the urban nucleus. The name originates from its exposure facing the city of Trapani. Porta Trapani is the main entrance to the city.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   20 min

   With the large inheritance of Pietro Salerno and with funds from the Congregation of Purgatory in 1682 the current church of San Martino was built on the ruins of the previous one, dating back to 1339, in Gothic style like most of the churches of Erice.

10. 10

    Chiesa Madre - Duomo di Erice

    20 min

    Dedicated to the worship of Santa Maria Assunta, this church faces its own bell tower that has a quadrangular plan and is embellished with two-light windows; the building was also built for defensive and lookout purposes.

11. 11

    Castello di Venere

    20 min

    The Castle was home to the major representatives of the royal authority, including the Castellan who administered criminal justice and whose main duties included the management of the prison and the maintenance of the fortress.

12. 12

    Torretta Pepoli

    15 min

    The Pepoli tower takes its name from Count Agostino Pepoli, a scholar who around 1870 had it built inside the current Balio garden, a green space and lung of the city. After some restoration works, it was returned to the community to be used as a permanent Observatory of Peace.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The remaining hours/time will be allotted for the travel time from pick up until drop off.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.