After exploring the eastern part of Sicily, admiring the majestic Mount Etna, Taormina, and the splendid Catania, Chloé and Gabriel decide to head west for a new chapter of their Sicilian tour.
Our newlyweds, fascinated by the legends and stories they had heard, prepare for a three-day adventure that will take them to discover western Sicily, between ancient history, breathtaking natural landscapes, and contemporary art.
A New Engagement for Our Car rental with driver company
For this new tour, Chloé and Gabriel decide to once again hire our chauffeur service company and their trusted driver, Marco, who had accompanied them on previous explorations. The comfort of traveling in a Mercedes VITO with an experienced driver who knows every corner of the island is, for them, the ideal choice to fully enjoy each stop on their journey without the stress of driving.
Day One: Departure for Erice
The journey begins early in the morning, with Marco arriving punctually at the hotel in Taormina where Chloé and Gabriel are staying. The two newlyweds, with smiles on their faces and enthusiasm for the new Sicilian tour, get into the Mercedes VITO.
"Good morning Marco! We're ready for a new adventure!" exclaims Gabriel as he settles into the back seats.
"Good morning to you both! Today, I’ll take you to Erice, one of the most charming medieval villages in Sicily, perched on a mountain overlooking Trapani and its salt flats. It will be an unforgettable journey," replies Marco with his usual warm smile.
The drive from Taormina to Erice takes about three and a half hours, but the journey itself is an experience. As they leave the eastern coast, Marco shares fascinating facts about the history and culture of western Sicily.
"You know, Erice has very ancient origins," Marco explains as they wind through the curving roads leading west. "The Elimi, an ancient people, founded this village long before the arrival of the Greeks. And even though the town has changed over the centuries, it has retained that ancient and mysterious charm."
As the Mercedes travels along the highway that skirts the sea, the landscapes gradually shift, from hills to the flat plains of western Sicily, with views stretching as far as the Egadi Islands.
The First Stop on the New Sicilian Tour: Arrival in Erice
Upon arriving in Erice, Chloé and Gabriel are immediately struck by the beauty of this medieval village perched on a mountain at nearly 750 meters above sea level. The cobbled streets, stone houses, and medieval churches seem to transport visitors back to another era.
"This place is magical," says Chloé, admiring the view that stretches to the Trapani salt flats and the crystal-clear sea surrounding them.
Marco escorts the couple to their hotel, a charming establishment with views of the Zingaro Nature Reserve, which stretches along the coast between San Vito Lo Capo and Scopello.
"Here is your hotel," says Marco. "From here, you can enjoy an incredible view of the Zingaro Reserve, a protected area home to unique flora and fauna."
After settling into their hotel, Chloé and Gabriel decide to explore Erice. Walking through the narrow streets of the village, they visit the majestic Mother Church, a Gothic gem built in the 14th century. The bell tower, with its imposing structure, offers a spectacular view of the entire village.
"It feels like walking in another era," comments Gabriel as he gazes at the ancient city walls and the breathtaking panoramas. "Erice has such a unique atmosphere, almost suspended in time."
The day concludes with dinner in a typical Erice restaurant, where Chloé and Gabriel savor local delicacies like fish couscous, a dish that combines Arab and Sicilian influences.
The Tour Continues: Trapani Salt Flats and Marsala
The second day of the tour in western Sicily begins with a journey to the Trapani salt flats. After a restful night in Erice, Chloé and Gabriel are ready to discover another gem of western Sicily: the salt flats, a place where history, nature, and tradition converge.
Marco takes them down the mountain road towards Trapani, a port city famous for its ancient salt flats and windmills.
"The Trapani salt flats are among the oldest in Europe," Marco explains as they approach the site. "Today, they are still active, and salt production takes place using traditional methods."
Upon arriving at the salt flats, the landscape is enchanting: stretches of pink and white water reflect the sky, while windmills, once used to pump water into the salt pans, create a picturesque atmosphere.
"I've never seen anything like this," exclaims Chloé as she takes a photo of the landscape. "It’s like a painting."
After visiting the salt flats, the journey continues to Marsala, a city famous for its wine and as one of the key locations of the 1860 landing of Garibaldi's Thousand, which led to the liberation of Sicily from the Bourbons.
The tour includes a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Marsala, which houses the remains of a Carthaginian ship sunk during the First Punic War. Marco shares the story of the conflict between Rome and Carthage and how this ship was discovered almost intact.
"It’s incredible to think that this relic is over two thousand years old," comments Gabriel as he observes the ship displayed in the museum. "It’s like touching history."
In the afternoon, Chloé and Gabriel stop at one of Marsala's many wineries for a tasting of the famous sweet wine that takes its name from the city.
Day Three: Tour of Gibellina and the Open-Air Museum
The third and final day of the tour takes Chloé and Gabriel to Gibellina, a town symbolizing rebirth and artistic creativity. The old town of Gibellina was completely destroyed by the devastating earthquake of 1968, but instead of rebuilding it, the authorities decided to transform the ruins into a work of contemporary art.
Marco drives along the road that leads them to the new Gibellina, built a few kilometers from the original city. However, it’s the old Gibellina that our newlyweds have come to see: an open-air museum where the rubble has been transformed into art.
"This place is one of a kind," Marco explains. "Artists from around the world came here to turn destruction into something extraordinary. The most famous work is the ‘Cretto di Burri,’ an enormous white concrete casting that covers the ruins, as if to seal the past without erasing it."
Chloé and Gabriel walk through the cracks of the Cretto di Burri, a monumental work that evokes both the tragedy of the earthquake and the hope of artistic rebirth.
"It’s incredible how a place of destruction can become such a powerful work of art," reflects Chloé. "It makes me think about how art can transform pain into beauty."
After exploring the various artistic installations scattered throughout the town, Marco drives them back to Taormina, thus concluding their tour of western Sicily.
The Journey Through Nature, History, and Art Comes to an End – Returning to Taormina
Chloé and Gabriel’s journey through western Sicily concludes with a serene return to Taormina, where they reflect on all they experienced during these three intense days. They discovered the unspoiled beauty of Erice, the magic of the Trapani salt flats, the ancient history of Marsala, and the artistic power of Gibellina.
"Every corner of Sicily has a different story to tell," says Gabriel. "No matter where you go, there is always something extraordinary to discover."
Chloé nods, her heart filled with unforgettable memories. "We’ve had an incredible journey, and Sicily has truly stolen our hearts."
With this realization, the newlyweds are ready to embark on even more adventures, knowing that Sicily still has much more to offer, ready to surprise them at every turn.
The Advantage of a Car with Driver: Comfort and Freedom of Discovery
One element that made Chloé and Gabriel’s tour even more enjoyable and memorable was undoubtedly the chauffeur service. Thanks to Marco's professionalism and expertise, the newlyweds were able to fully relax during their journey, without worrying about driving or following directions. This service not only allowed them to travel in comfort and safety, but also gave them the opportunity to discover hidden corners of Sicily that they could have easily missed without the local knowledge of an experienced driver.
With a car at their disposal for the entire duration of the trip, Chloé and Gabriel were able to personalize their itinerary according to their desires, with the flexibility to stop in picturesque spots along the way, admire breathtaking views, or extend their visits to places that particularly captivated them. Additionally, having a local driver enriched their journey with stories, anecdotes, and historical insights that only a true Sicilian could share.
A chauffeur service is the ideal choice for those who want to explore Sicily at a leisurely pace, with the peace of mind of safe transportation and the luxury of a tailored service. For Chloé and Gabriel, this experience was a true added value, transforming their trip from a simple tourist exploration into a unique and unforgettable adventure.
FAQ - Chauffeur-Driven Car Hire for an Amazing Western Sicily Tour
What is included in the Western Sicily tour offered by Sicily Car Service?
Our tour includes transportation from Taormina to Western Sicily, with a private chauffeur accompanying you throughout the trip. You will have the opportunity to visit Erice, Trapani, the salt flats, Marsala, the Punic Ship Museum, Gibellina, and many other points of interest. The service is fully customizable and includes high-quality vehicles such as the Mercedes VITO.
How long does the trip from Taormina to Erice take?
The journey from Taormina to Erice takes about three and a half hours, but it is designed to be pleasant and relaxing, with opportunities to stop along the way and admire the Sicilian landscape.
Can I customize the tour itinerary?
Absolutely! Our service is flexible and adaptable. You can choose to add more stops to your tour or modify the itinerary according to your interests. Your chauffeur will be available to offer suggestions and advice.
What are the main places we will visit?
During this tour, you will visit:
- Erice: a charming medieval village where you will stay in a hotel with a view of the Zingaro Nature Reserve.
- Trapani and its salt flats: a stunning landscape with famous salt flats and windmills.
- Marsala: historic sites tied to Garibaldi’s landing, including a visit to the Punic Ship Museum.
- Gibellina: where you can admire the famous open-air museum, a unique artistic installation.
Is there a stop for lunch during the tour?
Yes, during the tour we will stop at selected local restaurants where you can savor Sicilian specialties, such as fresh fish from Trapani, Marsala wines, and typical dishes from inland Sicily.
What are the advantages of chauffeur-driven car hire?
Chauffeur-driven car hire offers maximum comfort and peace of mind throughout the trip. You won’t need to worry about driving or following the itinerary; your experienced chauffeur will take care of everything, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience. Additionally, you will have the flexibility to stop wherever you like and discover lesser-known spots, thanks to recommendations from your local driver.
How long is the complete Western Sicily tour?
The tour lasts three days, with transfers to and from Taormina, an overnight stay in Erice, and visits to Trapani, Marsala, and Gibellina. You will return to Taormina on the evening of the third day.
How can I book the Western Sicily tour with Sicily Car Service?
You can easily book by contacting us by phone at +39 333 160 6317 or +39 328 481 7474, or by visiting our website at www.sicilycarservice.com.
Do you offer other tours in Sicily?
Yes, in addition to the Western Sicily tour, we offer customized tours to other Sicilian destinations such as Syracuse, Noto, Catania, Mount Etna, Palazzolo Acreide, and many other fascinating places on the island.
These FAQs answer the most common questions about our Western Sicily tour. We are ready to make your experience in Sicily an unforgettable journey!
Sicily Car Service - Chauffeur-Driven Car Hire
VIA WILHELM VON GLODEN, 46
98039 TAORMINA (Messina)
+39 333 160 6317 - +39 328 481 7474
https://www.sicilycarservice.com
