From Catania: Syracuse, Ortygia, and Noto Tour

Explore the remarkable history and architectural wonders of Sicily on this guided tour from Catania. Discover the ancient ruins of the Neapolis Archaeological Park, wander the charming streets of Ortygia, and marvel at the Baroque beauty of Noto. With comfortable transportation and accessibility options, this tour offers a comprehensive experience of some of Sicily’s most captivating destinations. What awaits those who embark on this journey through the island’s rich cultural tapestry?

Key Points

• This 9-hour tour from Catania takes visitors to the UNESCO-listed sites of Syracuse, Ortygia, and Noto, showcasing ancient Greek, Roman, and Baroque architecture.
• Highlights include the Neapolis Archaeological Park, the historic island of Ortygia, and the stunning Baroque buildings of Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned van with pickup and drop-off in Catania, making it convenient for travelers.
• The tour is wheelchair-accessible, but may not be suitable for those with significant mobility issues.
• The tour has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with praise for its historical and cultural insights, though some suggestions for improved guidance at the archaeological park.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This tour takes travelers from Catania to explore the historic cities of Syracuse, Ortygia, and Noto.

It lasts 9 hours and costs from $103.76 per person.

Highlights include the Neapolis Archaeological Park, Ortygia’s landmarks, and Noto’s Baroque architecture.

Travelers ride in an air-conditioned van with pickup and drop-off in Catania.

The tour is wheelchair-accessible but not suitable for those with mobility issues.

Bring a passport, comfortable shoes, and a packed lunch.

While the transport rating is high, the guide and value-for-money ratings are lower.

This tour is likely to sell out, so reserve now with free cancellation.

Neapolis Archaeological Park

At the Neapolis Archaeological Park, visitors can explore the impressive ruins of ancient Greek and Roman structures.

The park features a grand Greek theater that once seated over 15,000 spectators. Nearby stands the massive Roman Amphitheater, a testament to the city’s past grandeur.

The grand Greek theater once seated over 15,000 spectators, while the massive Roman Amphitheater speaks to the city’s former glory.

Visitors can also wander through the stone quarries, where the raw materials for many of Syracuse’s monuments were extracted.

With an audio guide available in multiple languages, guests can explore the rich history of this archaeological gem at their own pace.

Exploring Ortygia

After visiting the Neapolis Archaeological Park, the tour takes visitors to explore the historic island of Ortygia.

This is the heart of Syracuse, home to the Fountain of Arethusa, a mythical spring. The tour strolls through Piazza Duomo, surrounded by Baroque churches and noble palaces.

Visitors can walk along the fortress walls, taking in views of the harbor. The highlight is the stunning Duomo, a cathedral built atop an ancient Greek temple.

Throughout Ortygia, the Sicilian Baroque architecture is on full display, creating a charming and picturesque atmosphere for visitors to enjoy the history and culture of Syracuse.

Discovering Noto

From Ortygia, the tour proceeds to the town of Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its exceptional Sicilian Baroque architecture.

Visitors stroll along the elegant streets, admiring the noble palaces, churches, and the famous Fountain of Hercules.

The tour highlights the beauty of Noto’s main square, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, lined with stunning examples of Baroque architecture, including the Cathedral of San Nicolò and the Palazzo Ducezio.

Noto’s main square, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, showcases stunning Baroque architecture, including the Cathedral of San Nicolò and Palazzo Ducezio.

With its honey-colored buildings and harmonious design, Noto captivates visitors with its historic charm and sophisticated elegance, offering a glimpse into Sicily’s rich cultural heritage.

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Transportation and Accessibility

The tour includes pickup and drop-off services in Catania, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience for participants. Travelers will be transported in an air-conditioned van, making for a relaxing journey. The tour is also wheelchair accessible, though it may not be suitable for those with significant mobility impairments.

| Feature | Details |

| — | — |

| Pickup/Drop-off | Catania |

| Vehicle | Air-conditioned van |

| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |

| Mobility Restrictions | Not suitable for those with significant impairments |

What to Bring and Restrictions

Travelers on the Syracuse, Ortygia, and Noto Tour should bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, a credit card, water, comfortable clothes, a packed lunch, and cash.

The tour has a few restrictions:

• No alcohol or drugs allowed

• No alcoholic drinks in the vehicle

It’s also important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments, as the sites may not be fully accessible.

Adhering to these guidelines will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on this comprehensive tour of Sicily’s historical and cultural gems.

Customer Reviews

Customers have shared their feedback on the Syracuse, Ortygia, and Noto Tour, with an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars based on 103 reviews.

The guide received a 3.5/5 rating, while the transportation scored 4.2/5. Reviewers praised the tour’s historical and cultural insights, but some suggested better guidance at the archaeological park.

A few found the experience focused more on transportation than guided exploration. The tour offers a compelling mix of Sicilian Baroque, ancient ruins, and picturesque coastal towns, though there’s room for improvement in certain areas.

Booking and Pricing

One can book the Syracuse, Ortygia, and Noto Tour for a starting price of $103.76 per person.

The tour is likely to sell out, but customers can take advantage of the free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Plus, a "Reserve now & pay later" option is available.

The tour includes:

• 9-hour duration

• Air-conditioned van transportation

• Pickup and drop-off in Catania

• Wheelchair accessibility

• No alcohol or drugs allowed on the vehicle

The Sum Up

This comprehensive tour offers a chance to take in the rich history and stunning architecture of Sicily. From the ancient Greek and Roman ruins of Neapolis to the enchanting island of Ortygia and the UNESCO-listed Baroque splendor of Noto, this journey provides a well-rounded experience. With comfortable transportation, wheelchair accessibility, and flexible cancellation, it’s an ideal way to discover the cultural treasures of this captivating region.

You can check availability for your dates here: