From Catania: Private Tour of Syracuse and Ortigia

Uncover the captivating history and stunning architectural gems that define Syracuse and Ortigia on this private tour from Catania. Explore the renowned Neapolis Archaeological Park, marvel at the Greek Theater and the enigmatic Ear of Dionysus, then savor traditional Sicilian cuisine before delving into the Baroque splendor of Ortigia. Knowledgeable, multilingual guides lead the way, ensuring a personalized journey through these enchanting destinations. What secrets and hidden wonders await?

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Key Points

Private tour from Catania that explores the ancient Greek and Baroque architecture of Syracuse and Ortigia.
Guided tour of the Neapolis Archaeological Park, including the Greek Theater and Ear of Dionysus.
Discover the Baroque Cathedral and Fonte Aretusa in Ortigia during a 3-hour guided tour.
Opportunity to savor local Sicilian cuisine and drinks, including a 30-minute dessert break.
Personalized experience led by knowledgeable, multilingual guides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Highlights

The tour highlights a captivating blend of ancient Greek and Baroque architecture, with visitors delving into the rich history and culture of Syracuse and Ortigia.

Guests explore the Neapolis Archaeological Park, marveling at the impressive Greek Theater and the Ear of Dionysus.

Guests explore the captivating Neapolis Archaeological Park, marveling at the impressive Greek Theater and the enigmatic Ear of Dionysus.

In Ortigia, the guided tour showcases the Baroque Cathedral and the iconic Fonte Aretusa.

Throughout the day, travelers have the opportunity to savor local cuisine and drinks, seeing the vibrant atmosphere of this picturesque region.

The personalized experience is led by knowledgeable guides fluent in multiple languages.

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Itinerary Breakdown

The tour commences with a pickup service from selected locations, including Syracuse, Taormina, Naxos, and Catania.

Guests then travel by car for 75 minutes to the Neapolis Archaeological Park, where they’ll enjoy a 1.5-hour guided tour of the Greek Theater and Ear of Dionysus.

Next, it’s a short 10-minute ride to Ortigia, where guests can enjoy an optional 1.5-hour lunch at local restaurants.

After lunch, there’s a 30-minute dessert break before a 3-hour guided tour of Ortigia, including the Baroque Cathedral and Fonte Aretusa.

The tour concludes with drop-off at the selected starting locations.

Exploring the Neapolis Archaeological Park

After the 75-minute drive from the pickup locations, guests arrive at the Neapolis Archaeological Park, a renowned historical site in Syracuse. During the 1.5-hour guided tour, they’ll explore the impressive Greek Theater and the Ear of Dionysus, an ancient limestone cave with incredible acoustics.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Greek Theater | Massive amphitheater dating back to the 5th century BC, with seating for up to 15,000 people |

| Ear of Dionysus | Limestone cave with a distinctive shape that produces echo effects, associated with the tyrant Dionysius I |

| Guided Tour | Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the site’s history and significance |

| Duration | 1.5 hours spent exploring the key highlights of the archaeological park |

| Accessibility | Not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users |

Discovering the Wonders of Ortigia

After the short car ride, guests arrive in the picturesque island of Ortigia, the historical heart of Syracuse.

Here, they embark on a guided tour lasting 3 hours, exploring the Baroque Cathedral and the iconic Fonte Aretusa. The tour provides a full immersion in Ortigia’s rich history and architecture.

Guests can also enjoy a sweet treat during a 30-minute stop. The guided tour is led by knowledgeable guides fluent in Italian, English, and French, offering a personalized experience focused on culture, sea, and emotions.

Ortigia’s charming seafront venues provide an opportunity to sample typical local dishes and drinks.

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Savoring Local Cuisine

Lunch in Ortigia provides guests an opportunity to savor the flavors of local cuisine.

A chance to savor the flavors of local cuisine awaits guests during lunch in Ortigia.

The tour includes an optional 1.5-hour lunch at local restaurants, allowing visitors to indulge in classic Sicilian dishes.

Some highlights include:

Fresh seafood dishes, such as spaghetti alle vongole (clams) or grilled swordfish.
Pasta alla Norma, a regional specialty featuring eggplant, tomatoes, basil, and ricotta salata.
Arancini, fried rice balls filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
Cannoli, a sweet pastry shell filled with sweetened ricotta cream.

Guests can also enjoy local wines and drinks while taking in the picturesque views of the Ortigia waterfront.

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Guided Sightseeing in Ortigia

The guided tour of Ortigia allows visitors to explore the island’s captivating Baroque architecture, historic landmarks, and picturesque waterfront.

Highlights include the stunning Baroque Cathedral, with its ornate façade and interior, and the Fonte Aretusa, a natural spring that’s been a center of local life for centuries.

Throughout the 3-hour tour, knowledgeable guides provide insights into Ortigia’s rich history and cultural significance.

Visitors can wander the charming streets, browse local shops, and take in the lively atmosphere of this ancient Greek settlement.

The tour offers a comprehensive immersion in Ortigia’s unique blend of history, architecture, and Mediterranean ambiance.

Accessibility and Logistics

This private tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, children under 18 years, or people over 65 years.

Participants should come prepared with:

Passport or ID
Comfortable shoes and clothes
No baby strollers or carriages allowed
The tour doesn’t include food and drinks, and additional fees apply for lunch.

The logistics are straightforward, with pickup service from selected locations and all travel by car.

Guided tours and entrance to the Archaeological Park are included, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience.

What to Expect and Bring

As you embark on this private tour, you can expect a personalized experience that immerses you in the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of Syracuse and Ortigia.

This private tour offers a personalized experience immersing you in the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of Syracuse and Ortigia.

Accompanied by knowledgeable guides fluent in multiple languages, you’ll explore the Neapolis Archaeological Park, marvel at the Greek Theater and Ear of Dionysius, and learn about the charming streets of Ortigia.

Don’t forget to bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and clothes suitable for the weather.

While strollers and wheelchairs aren’t allowed, the tour is designed to accommodate most visitors.

Get set for a memorable journey through these captivating Sicilian destinations.

The Sum Up

This private tour from Catania offers an immersive experience of Syracuse’s rich history and stunning architecture. Visitors will explore the Neapolis Archaeological Park, savor local cuisine, and discover the highlights of Ortigia, all led by knowledgeable guides. With personalized attention and a leisurely pace, this tour provides an ideal way to uncover the cultural treasures of this captivating Sicilian destination.

You can check availability for your dates here: