Marsala Wines & Mothia
Duration: 5 hours
Tour Code: tps-003
Mothia, or the Island of San Pantaleo, together with two other small islands, is located in the center of the "Stagnone" the most important and biggest lagoon in Sicily. Founded by the Phoenicians, Mothia was extremely powerful until its destruction in 397 B.C. at the hands of Dionysius. Its geographical position is similar to that of many other Phoenician settlements: a small island near the coast, surrounded by shallow water, making it easy to defend and a safe anchorage for their ships.
It's a 30-minute coach transfer from the pier to the embarcadero where you will board your touring boat for the trip to Mothia. Arriving, you will commence a guided walking tour that visits the museum founded by Joseph Whitaker at the beginning of the 20th century. Remains from Mothia, Birgi and Lilibeo (Marsala today) are on display here. The collection of artifacts includes bowls, glasses, objects with metal decorations, pieces of ceramics, weapons, jewels and the 5th century B.C. marble statue of the Young Boy of Mothia ("Giovinetto di Mozia"). Your time in Mothia will also include a visit to the House of Mosaics and city gates.
Leaving Mothia, you will next travel to Marsala where you will participate in a winery tour and be treated to a tasting of Sicily's most famous wine: "Marsala". During your time here, you will learn about the production of wine and can view the oak barrels where the wine is carefully aged.
Following your time at the winery, you will venture into the city of Marsala for a panoramic tour of the town. Marsala is derived from the Arab name, "Marsa Allah" (port of Allah) or "Marsa Ali" ("port of Ali)" which means, "great port". In the Arabian language, Ali is synonymous with "great" and the ancient harbor of Lilybaeum was indeed, massive. This noteworthy harbor is connected to the history of modern Italy as it is here that Garibaldi landed with his one thousand people in 1860. Rich with Carthaginian, Roman, Norman, Arab and Spanish monuments, Marsala is location of the ancient Lilybeaeon, founded in the 3rd century BC by the Phoenicians that left Mothia after its destruction at the hands of Dionysus.
When your tour of Marsala is completed, you can relax and enjoy the drive back to the pier and your waiting ship.
Please note: This tour includes a boat ride and approximately 3 hours of moderate walking/standing - at times on uneven ground. The tour is not available to guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are cautioned to evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability. Comfortable clothing; sun caps; sunglasses and flat, comfortable walking shoes are suggested.