Following our tour of Monreale Cathedral, we set off to Segesta, a region that was once home to the ancient Elymians, one of the three indigenous peoples of Sicily. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch at an agriturismo, a traditional Sicilian farmhouse sanctioned for dining and lodging by the Italian government. Wine and olive oil is produced at this farm, so we learned about the process and tasted their products, all while enjoying the spectacular views from their hilltop location.

We had the option after lunch to take the bus back down the hill or to hike the path and enjoy the scenery on foot.  It was a gorgeous day, the wildflowers were in bloom, and the views were beautiful, so I opted for the hike.

Off in the distance, we could see the columns of a well preserved (but unfinished) Doric temple that was believed to be built in the 420s BC. Here, then, are the scenes I captured during this most enjoyable hike:

(For all photos, click on the image for a full screen view.)

After regrouping on the bus, we continued our journey overland to Mazara del Vallo, the subject of my next post.

Coming up next: SICILY & AMALFI COAST #8: MEANDERING AROUND THE MAZARA KASBAH.