Things to do in

Syracuse

Discover the caves and coves of Ortigia Island and admire a spectacular sunset on a sunset cruise. Savor prosecco with a tasting platter showcasing the best of local restaurant produce during your boat tour. Begin the cruise by sailing toward the exit from the small port and heading toward the north coast. Here, meet the Capuchin cove and the first Capuchin cave before passing in front of the dolphin-shaped rock. Next, enter the Coral Caves and marvel at the walls of soft red coral in each cave. Continue to the Grotta Dell’Amore, where the local partner will take photos you can collect at the end of the tour. After, enter the largest cave on the Syracusan coast, the Grotta delle Stalattiti. See the impressive variety and play of colors formed inside the cave, as well as the strange shapes created naturally by the force of the waves and humidity. Then, tuck into the onboard platter and uncork a delicious prosecco as you begin to return to Ortigia Island. On the way, stop for a swim in crystal-clear waters near Maniace Castle. Hop back on the boat and wait for the sunset to arrive as you listen to the onboard music, played throughout the cruise. After admiring the sunset, conclude the tour by passing under the Umbertino Bridge.

Embark on a boat tour of Ortigia with this tour from Siracusa. View the historic center of Siracusa from the water. Travel along the coast to admire Maniace castle and several sea caves. Push off from Siracusa and pass under the Umbertino bridge. Take in sweeping views of the entire port. Go by the luxurious yachts at Foro Italico, and catch a glimpse of a cathedral dome. Observe the legendary Arethusa fountain. Exit the port and see the immense Maniace castle. Head out to the northern coast of Syracuse. Have some fresh fruit and juice as you travel to a spot where you can get out and have a 10 minute swim. Enter Capuchin cave, Coral cave, a stalactite cave, and the heart-shaped Cave of Love. Snap souvenir photos with the heart behind you.

The tour lasts 2h and will allow you to fully enjoy the beauties of Syracuse. We will leave from Ortigia, completely circumnavigating the island to head towards the sea caves north of Syracuse. Then we will enter the small port and crossing the Ortigia canal and passing under the bridges we will pass the large port of Syracuse heading towards the south coast. We will cross the huge port of Syracuse to head towards the island and minaret areas and then return back to the starting point. The tour includes a bathroom stop

Explore ancient Syracuse on a 3-hour guided tour and learn about early Greek history through architecture and religious practices. The evidence of Syracuse as capital of the Mediterranean is ever-present, and seen in the glory of its Cathedral, the ancient Temple of Athena, the Greek Theater and the Roman Amphitheater. Admire the beauty of the Cathedral of Syracuse, which incorporates the pagan Temple of Athena. Learn about its various architectural styles from your guide. Continue to the Archeological Park to see the Paradise Latomia and the Ear of Dionysos. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Ionian Sea from the Greek Theater.

Embark on a walking tour crossing the picturesque streets of the old part of Syracuse and discovering the traces left by all the different people who governed Sicily. You will meet your guide at the ancient Greek Apollo Temple where you will be given a short introduction to the history of the town. After a short walk, you will reach Cathedral Square and be surprised by the magnificent bright limestone buildings: the town hall, Palazzo Beneventano, the bishop's palace, and St. Lucy's Church, but most of all the Cathedral itself. It is the only church still in use today which many years ago was a pagan temple, and you should not miss the opportunity to visit its interiors (optional visit, admission fee not included). The tour then continues to Aretusa Fountain near the sea. The myth of Aretusa was told by Ovidius and in its clear fresh water grows papyrus which was probably brought here when Archimedes lived in town. The way back leads through the Jewish Quarter to Via Maestranza, the street where the nobility of the town had their pompous homes. On Archimedes Square, the neoclassical Fountain of Diana remembers once more the glorious past of Syracuse. The tour will end at the local fish and fruit market where you can take a breath of local life, colors, and scents.

Meet your certified guide at the entrance gate of the Neapolis Archaeological Park and visit the most important ancient Greek and Roman monuments in Syracuse. Discover the history and archaeological importance of this ancient Greek sight from your knowledgeable guide. During your walking tour, see the ancient Greek theatre, cut in the rock of the Yemenite Hill, and explore the "Latomie del Paradiso", an ancient stone quarry with beautiful local flora. Next, marvel at the legendary "Ear of Dionysius", located inside the quarries. Be amazed by this grotto famed for its shape and echoing sounds. Finish your tour with a visit to the altar of Hieron and the Roman amphitheater.

After being collected from your Siracusa accommodation, your Velo Bike tour around the city will begin. You will be taken to various parts of the city, and as well as the island of Ortigia. Siracusa has a unique ecological system, both inside and outside the city. Aboard your electric bicycle, your driver will introduce you to inside the city's magnificent labyrinth, providing you with the opportunity to find and to photograph the history left by different populations at each stop. The tour also includes explanation of historical places, as well as views of impressive panoramas. At the conclusion of your experience, you have the option to be dropped off at any location of your choosing within the city.

Learn the ancient history of Sicily on a full-day sightseeing tour that takes in the archaeological park of Neapolis, home to the majority of classical monuments of Greek and Roman Syracuse. Following a pick-up from your accommodation in Catania, transfer to the ruins of Syracuse, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During your walk you will discover many old Roman streets, as well as monuments such as the Greek Theatre, whose cavea is one of the largest ever built by the ancient Greeks. Near the Greek Theatre, you will see the latomie, including the limestone cave known as the “Ear of Dyonisius,” as well as the Christian Church of San Nicolò ai Cordari. Admire the Amphitheatre of the Roman imperial age, and more. Then, continue to Ortygia Island to experience the historic heart of Syracuse. Located at the park’s eastern end, and separated by a narrow channel, Ortygia is filled with Greek temples, Christian churches, and Arabian streets. Visit the Arethusa fountain and Piazza del Duomo, where the baroque palaces, such as Beneventano del Bosco Palace and Senate Palace are among the most beautiful in Sicily. After lunch (own expense), go to the small town of Noto, noted for its unique style of Sicilian Baroque architecture, and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. Wander the open air museum and beautiful Corso Vittorio Emanuele to admire the many palaces and churches that, grouped together, are known as the “Stone Garden.”

Experience the beauty of Sicily on a full-day tour from Catania. Explore the ancient ruins in Syracuse, the charming fishing village of Marzamemi, and the Island of Ortigia. Meet in the center of Catania and travel to Marzamemi, a small fishing village looking out over the Ionian Sea. Visit the ruins of the Tonnara, an ancient structure used to catch tuna. See an abundance of colors, flowers, and old buildings as you stroll down Piazza Regina Margherita. Take a break by the sea on the "Litorale Spinazza", which can be reached on foot from the Borghetto. Continue to Ortigia, a little island that contains the oldest part of the historic center of Syracuse, starting from the Greek period. Visit the wonderful Fountain of Arethusa, Piazza Duomo, as well as the Christian churches and the Baroque Palaces. Finally, go to the Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse. Discover an open-air museum containing evidence from various eras, from the protohistoric age to the late ancient and Byzantine periods.

A real Sicilian cooking experience awaits you in Syracuse. You will participate in a cooking class and learn the tricks of the trade. In Sicily it is important to gather relatives and friends around a traditional table, elegant and full of genuine food. You too will have the opportunity to do so, enjoying, through this cooking class, a cooking service together with chef Ettore. During the Cooking Class with tasting, you will learn how to cook traditional dishes in a simple way: the warmth of Sicily will wrap you with its colors, aromas and scents of ancient flavor. You will discover how family traditions and creativity are intertwined in the creation of tasty, homemade dishes. Seasonal, first choice and always locally sourced ingredients will make your meal of unique goodness. The lunch includes two courses: the famous Sicilian arancini and for dessert the renowned cannoli, both symbols of Sicilian gastronomy. The Cooking Class will be a sensory experience, pleasant, gratifying and above all satisfying. A local wine will be selected for you, to enhance and accompany the tasting of the dishes.