Nubìa's Salt Pans, Erice & Segesta - Full Day Tour from Palermo and more

Bartolomeo contacted us several times to confirm the arrangements. He was punctual, very polite, and his Mercedes van very comfortable. He drove well. One problem is that he really couldn't carry on a conversation with those in the back, and two have hearing issues. I brought that to his attention and he tried to speak up....he may get a system to help. My expectation was that he would get us where we needed to be, with ample time, and that was met. My friends may have expected the type of tour you get with a walking city guide, lots of detail with accompaniment at the sites. Segesta might have leant itself to that, and Bart offered to arrange a separate guide at the site (costly), but we were ultimately quite happy to skip the shuttle and to climb the mountain by ourselves in wildflower season, despite being in our late 70s. After all, no one knows much about the Elymians anyway! And the views! The Trapani visit was to a family owned and maintained windmill/salt mill with a little tour. Bart took us to a rather special canole cafe on the way and we stopped to sample mulberries. Erice is a wonderful place; 2 of the 4 of us had stayed there before. In an hour and a half, you can get a feel for it, but it is a place for sunsets over Trapani, and our stay just allowed a nice stroll, again, not guided; we had time for some shopping, and the incredible pastries at Pasticceria Maria Grammatico. And then there is the Duomo, not to be missed, with the most incredible sculpted ceiling in, I think, all of Italy. If you have time (we didn't), don't miss the Misteri carvings at Chiesa Anime Sante Pargatorio. These need tickets. Bartolomeo did not give us any suggestions for our walk, which would have been very helpful if we were not already familiar with the town. So, a tour, but not really guided. Sometimes that's a good thing. It depends on your expectations.

After touring Palermo with Bartolomeo on 2/19, we took a second tour from Palermo with him on 2/20 to visit Segesta, Trapani and the hilltop walled town of Erice. After pick up at our hotel, the drive from Palermo to Segesta took about an hour, very comfortable ride in a well-stocked (with water and candy) Mercedes van. Bartolomeo arranged for a wonderful guide to walk us through and explain the ancient and interesting sites of Segesta. Weather was not great but we persevered! From there we drove to Trapani to visit the salt flats and visit the Museum of Salt, where we had a small tour from the granddaughter of the family that has run this location for generations. Interesting insight into how sea salt ends up on our kitchen counters! Finally we drove to Erice, a quaint and charming town that was a bit sleepy, given it is off-season, but still beautiful. We stopped in at a weaving shop, Pina Parisi, and bought some beautiful handmade items from the weaver/owner of the shop. Very unique! Last stop before heading back to Palermo was La Pasticceria di Maria Grammatico for some wonderful baked treats and a glass of a local Marsala. Great warmup on a chilly day! We enjoyed this tour and appreciated the route Bartolomeo put together- he is one of those guides that everyone seems to know, which is helpful! This tour gave us a chance to see parts of Sicily that are a little more off the beaten track. Thanks for a great day!

Bartolomeo is a polite, knowledgeable guide and careful driver. He will take good care of you whatever tour you choose. I enjoyed this tour very much. Such unusual, beautiful scenery from the ancient ruins at Segesta, the jaw dropping views from the top of Erice and the salt pans of Nubia. We did all of this, plus a stop for cannoli and lunch, easily in one day from my Palermo hotel. Thanks Bartolomeo!

We had a great day with Bartolomeo! We started off with a delicious cannoli at an award winning location in Sicily! Then we visited the Nubia salt pans and had a tour at a local museum. From there we took a cable car to Erice, and explored the town on our own. Finally we visited the archaeological park at Segesta. It was a well timed and well planned day. We returned to Palermo in plenty of time to catch our train.

Bartolomeo was a fantastic guide. He picked us up at our hotel and did a day tour to the salt flats of Trapani. We also went to Erice and Segeste and he told us all we needed to know to get aquainted with these areas and experiences. Do not hesitate to book him for your next private tour.

Bartolomeo was amazing to work with. He helped customize my trip and made sure we were able to do the things that were on our list. He helped organize a winery tour with food and wine tasting even though most were closed for the season. His driving was excellent, and he provided a very comfortable experience for us all. We loved our experience. Thanks so much Bartolomeo! We can’t wait to come back to Sicily.