Syracuse isn’t just a captivating city with ancient ruins and picturesque coastlines; it’s a place where engaging tours open up its secrets with lively guides, stunning scenery, and authentic experiences. Whether you’re seeking a scenic boat ride past sea caves, a deep dive into Greek and Roman history, or a flavorful street food adventure, Syracuse offers something for every traveler. We particularly love the Siracusa: Ortigia & Sea Caves Boat Tour w/ Prosecco & Fruit for its lively atmosphere, beautiful coastline, and the chance to snorkel in clear waters.
If you’re wondering what to choose, this list below covers a broad range—from quick guided walks and boat trips to full-day excursions and food tours—each packed with unique highlights and plenty of local flavor.
1. Siracusa: Ortigia & Sea Caves Boat Tour w/ Prosecco & Fruit
This 1.5-hour boat tour offers a refreshing way to experience Ortigia’s sunlit cliffs and sea caves. You’ll feel the salt in your hair as you sail past the ancient island and along the coast, with time to snorkel in the crystal waters. The tour is rated 4.8/5 from nearly 700 reviews, which speaks to its popularity and quality. The highlight is the combination of beautiful scenery, storytelling about local legends, and the chance to relax with music, fresh fruit, and prosecco on board. Perfect for a quick yet memorable taste of Syracuse’s maritime charm, it appeals especially to those who want an active, scenic experience with a dash of indulgence. The boat is comfortable, and the staff is friendly, making it an excellent value at just $35 per person.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers seeking a fun, short escape with great views, snorkeling, and a touch of Sicilian hospitality.
2. Syracuse: Ortigia Island and Sea Caves Boat Tour with Drinks
In this 1-hour tour, you’ll cruise past Ortigia’s main monuments, including the shape of the famous heart-shaped cave and Castello Maniace. It’s a relaxed way to see the city from the water, with panoramic views and tales of local history. The inclusion of Prosecco or wine makes the trip even more enjoyable, and many reviews highlight how fun and informative the guide is. This tour is perfect if you want a quick overview of Syracuse’s coastal sights while enjoying a glass or two. Starting at Via Malta, 26, it also offers a chance to swim and explore the coast at your leisure.
Top reviews emphasize its value, fun guides, and beautiful cave scenery. While shorter and less involved than some options, it provides a taste of Syracuse’s maritime beauty for those with limited time or looking for a leisurely, social outing.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who want a straightforward, scenic cruise with drinks, ideal for a quick but scenic experience.
3. Syracuse: Ortigia and Neapolis Guided Walking Tour
For a deep dive into Syracuse’s archaeological and urban treasures, this 3-hour guided walk covers the Greek Theatre, Dionysius’ Ear, and the charming streets of Ortigia. Rated 4.7/5 from over 200 reviews, it’s praised for its knowledgeable guides and well-paced itinerary. You’ll stroll through the historic streets, admire the Temple of Athena, and visit the Archaeological Park with its two ancient theaters. The guide also shares legends, including that of St. Rosalie.
This tour is particularly valuable for history lovers who want context and storytelling alongside visits to the prime sites. The tour ends with options to explore Ortigia on your own, making it flexible for those with additional time.
Bottom line: Ideal for culture and history enthusiasts eager for a rundown of Syracuse’s ancient and baroque layers.
4. Baroque tour: Ragusa, Modica and Noto
This full-day tour (about 8 hours) takes you through Sicily’s stunning Baroque villages. With only 80 reviews, it’s a more intimate experience, exploring Ragusa Ibla’s elegant buildings, sampling Modica’s famous chocolate, and enjoying Noto’s breathtaking architecture. The guide stays connected via onboard Wi-Fi, and you’re free to explore each town at your own pace. It’s perfect for travelers interested in architecture, local food (especially the chocolate tasting), and scenic hilltop vistas. The price is around $355 — a good value considering the full day’s itinerary and small group size.
Guests appreciate the flexible pacing and the chance to see three towns without renting a car. The only caveat is the cost, which might be steep for quick stops, but the personalized service and local insights are worth it.
Bottom line: Great for architecture buffs and food lovers wanting a relaxed, comprehensive day in the Sicilian countryside.
5. Syracuse: The Street Food Tour in Ortigia with a Local Guide
This 3-hour food tour is rated a perfect 5/5 from 77 reviews. Led by a passionate local, you’ll explore Ortigia’s best street foods—think mozzarella, arancini, and perhaps the best panino ever—plus the lively market and charming squares. The guide takes you through Giudecca and other neighborhoods, sharing stories and pointing out the city’s culinary secrets.
If you’re eager to taste authentic Sicilian flavors and learn about local food culture, this tour offers a perfect mix of tasting, sightseeing, and storytelling. It culminates with a Sicilian granita to cool off.
Bottom line: A must for foodies who want a lively, flavorful walk through Ortigia’s culinary scene.
6. From Siracusa: Etna Tour – Trek, Wine and Food
This 7-hour tour offers a full-day adventure on Mount Etna. It includes a scenic jeep ride up the southern slopes, a guided hike around one of the volcano’s craters, and a visit to a local winery for a tasting of regional wines and food. The guide is knowledgeable and provides detailed commentary as you explore Etna’s volcanic landscapes. Many reviews highlight Francesco’s enthusiasm and the chance to see lava fields and sulfur craters.
A highlight is the combination of outdoor activity and gastronomic delights, making it suitable for those who want a mix of nature and culinary experiences. The tour’s value is high given the personalized attention and expert guiding.
Bottom line: Perfect for active travelers who enjoy hiking, wine, and exploring Sicily’s volcanic heart.
7. Volcano tour
This 8-hour tour takes you to Mount Etna’s craters at the Sapienza refuge, with a stop in Giardini Naxos, and a visit to Taormina. Rated 5/5 from 9 reviews, it’s a comprehensive day trip suitable for those with more time and energy. The journey offers scenic views, and the tour includes free time to explore Taormina’s streets and historic sites.
What sets this apart is the combination of volcano exploration and a scenic town visit, ideal for those wanting a bit of everything. The logistics are straightforward, and the experience is flexible.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for volcano fans wanting a full day of sights and cultural exploration.
8. From Taormina: Syracuse Tour with lunch in Food Market
This 6-hour private tour offers a personalized experience with a tasting lunch in Syracuse’s lively food market. It’s perfect if you prefer a relaxed pace, exploring Ortiga’s streets and monuments like the Duomo and Apollo Temple with a knowledgeable guide. The review highlights the guide’s ability to make the history engaging and the tour’s capacity to combine sightseeing with authentic Sicilian flavors.
This tour suits travelers who want a mix of cultural sights and culinary delights, especially those who enjoy local markets and regional specialties.
Bottom line: Best for food lovers who want a tailored, in-depth experience combining history and cuisine.
9. Tour with snorkeling at the sea caves and Ortigia Island
For an active day, this snorkel tour offers crystal waters and sea caves with friendly staff. Rated 4.8/5, it provides snorkeling masks, life jackets, and guidance. You’ll cruise along Syracuse’s coast, stopping at secluded coves and caves only accessible by sea.
Perfect for those who want to combine scenic sailing with underwater exploration, it’s suitable for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. The tour emphasizes comfort and safety, ensuring everyone can enjoy the underwater sights.
Bottom line: Great for water lovers wanting a quick, memorable snorkeling experience with expert staff.
10. Private boat tour with prosecco and fresh fruit
This 2-hour private vessel offers an intimate way to see Syracuse’s coast, with prosecco, fresh fruit, and stops for swimming. Rated 4.5/5, reviews note the guide’s friendliness and knowledge, along with the route passing Arethusa spring, sea caves, and the Alfeo seawall.
Ideal for travelers seeking exclusivity and personalized service, you’ll enjoy a relaxed cruise tailored to your preferences. It’s perfect for celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in tranquil scenery.
Bottom line: Best suited for couples or small groups wanting a private, luxurious experience on the water.
11. Syracuse: Admission ticket and guided tour of the Catacomb of Saint Lucia
This 45-minute underground tour offers a glimpse into faith and history with access to Syracuse’s Catacomb of Saint Lucia. Rated 5/5 from 4 reviews, it’s a quick but meaningful visit, where you’ll see beautiful mosaics and learn about the city’s religious heritage. It’s a compelling stop for those interested in Sicily’s religious sites, with the added bonus of exploring the city’s subterranean world.
Bottom line: Short but rich in historical and spiritual significance, suitable for history buffs and those curious about local faith.
12. Sicilian food and wine tour in Siracusa
This 2.5-hour walking tour combines market visits with wine tasting and authentic Sicilian street food. Rated 4.8/5 from 6 reviews, it’s a perfect introduction for foodies eager to learn about regional flavors. You’ll sample cheese, local dishes, and enjoy lively conversations with a local guide.
It’s a great way to get an inside look at Sicilian culinary traditions and meet local vendors. The tour is especially recommended for those who want a relaxed, flavorful experience that includes plenty of tastings.
Bottom line: Excellent value for those craving an authentic taste of Sicily’s food scene.
13. Palermo: boat tour with drinks and fresh fruit on board
This 4-hour boat tour along Palermo’s coast lets you sail past sea caves and coves while relaxing with drinks and fresh fruit. The route includes scenic views, with opportunities to swim and snorkel in quiet waters. Rated 5/5 from 3 reviews, it’s a peaceful, scenic way to enjoy Palermo’s seaside.
Perfect for a laid-back afternoon, this tour emphasizes comfort, stunning scenery, and a bit of adventure. It’s suited for families or couples wanting a gentle, scenic escape.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who prefer a leisurely, scenic cruise with authentic Sicilian flavors on board.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Syracuse
Choosing the best tour depends on your interests, time, and budget. If you love history and want a detailed understanding of Syracuse’s ruins, the Ortigia and Neapolis Walking Tour is a smart pick. For a relaxing water experience, consider the Sea Caves Boat Tour, especially if snorkeling appeals to you. If food is your passion, the Street Food Tour or the Sicilian Food and Wine Tour will satisfy your cravings, offering delicious tastings and local insights.
For those with more time and a desire to explore beyond Syracuse, the Baroque Villages tour and the Etna adventure provide full-day excursions filled with scenic beauty, history, and local flavors. Lastly, if you’re after a private, personalized experience, the Private boat tour offers a luxurious and intimate way to enjoy Syracuse’s coast.
When booking, consider the season — summer offers calmer seas and longer days, while spring and fall provide cooler weather and fewer crowds. Booking early is wise, especially for tours with limited availability or high demand.
Syracuse’s variety of tours allows you to tailor your visit to suit any taste—whether that’s uncovering ancient ruins, tasting Sicilian delicacies, or sailing past stunning coastlines. With so many options, you’ll find something memorable to take home. Consider your interests, how much time you want to spend, and your budget, then book early — some of these experiences fill up fast. Enjoy exploring this jewel of Sicily, and make sure to embrace the local pace and flavors along the way.