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Syracuse Cruises & boat tours

Our most recommended Syracuse Cruises & boat tours

Syracuse: Ortigia Boat Trip with Caves and South Coast

1. Syracuse: Ortigia Boat Trip with Caves and South Coast

Explore the breathtaking Syracuse coastline and navigate around its adjacent Ortigia Island on a fantastic scenic cruise. Come across the most stunning sights as you float along the shore and into the small harbor for a ride through the Ortigia canal. Embark on a fun sightseeing boat trip departing from Ortigia and travel around the whole island as you head toward the iconic sea caves located north of Syracuse. Enter the small port and discover the local marine infrastructure, crossing the canal and passing under bridges. On your way back to the south coast, cross the huge port of Syracuse and take in the combination of natural and man-made scenery before returning to the starting point.

Syracuse: Island of Ortigia Boat Trip and Sea Caves

2. Syracuse: Island of Ortigia Boat Trip and Sea Caves

An unique and relaxing tour, rich in history, monuments, sea caves and nature. A beautiful and fantastic experience, advisable to photograph the beautiful landscapes and sunsets. Starting from the "Umbertino" bridge, continuing from the small port of "S. Lucia" we head towards the sea caves and the heart-shaped cave (Syracuse side). After that you go on along the "Alfeo" seafront on the island of Ortigia, where you will admire the Maniace Castle and the "Fonte Aretusa" , where you can take a short stop to get a bath and photograph the beautiful panorama it offers us. At the end of the tour you will see "Porta Marina".

Ortygia: Sailing Tour to Plemmirio with Aperitif

3. Ortygia: Sailing Tour to Plemmirio with Aperitif

Cruise on the crystal clear waters of the protected marine area of Plemmirio on this sailboat tour from Ortygia. Travel around the island of Ortygia and see sights like the Venetian Palace. Stop to take a swim in the pristine Plemmirio nature reserve.  Board the sailboat in Ortygia and set off around Ortygia and the south coast of Syracuse. Capture pictures attractions like the Venetian Palace, Maniace Castle, the Aretusa spring, the Cathedral, the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia, and the promenade. Drink an authentic Italian aperitif. Delight your senses with a tasting of regional delicacies and wines produced by local farmers. Hear facinating stories about this ancient Greek port as you sail. Continue to the marine area of Plemmirio where you can dive into the water and look for local marine life. Returning to your starting point in Ortygia at the end of your tour.

Ortigia: Private Walking Tour and Boat Trip

4. Ortigia: Private Walking Tour and Boat Trip

Discover the most important buildings and monuments, enjoy hidden corners of Ortigia and feel the exceptional atmosphere of Southern Italy visiting colorful fruit and fish markets. See the Greek Apollo Temple, Archimedes Square with neoclassical Fountain of Diana which displays the glorious past of Syracuse, the Cathedral Square, and Palazzo Beneventano. Pass through the Jewish Quarter and on to Arethusa Fountain. Then, reach the port where you will be presented to the boat commander and your marine adventure will begin. Sail along the coastline exploring beautiful limestone caves with a possibility to dive into crystalline waters of the Ionian Sea from the boat. Enjoy a traditional lunch of locally produced cheeses, salami, prosciutto, mushrooms, vegetables, fresh bread, and homemade olive oil accompanied by excellent local wine.

Syracuse: Ortigia Island and Sea Caves Sightseeing Cruise

5. Syracuse: Ortigia Island and Sea Caves Sightseeing Cruise

During this guided tour you will see the following monuments and historical buildings: Venetian Palace, Umberto I bridge, small harbor, Bourbons prison, Spanish walls and Eastern seafront, Viliena Fortress, Maniace Castle, Aretusa Source, Syracuse Cathedral, St. Lucy Church, Alfeo seafront and Porta Marina. We will then continue our tour on the coast with the sea caves exploration and you will live a unique experience: the boat will go into the caves to allow you to admire stalactites, stalagmites and corals. Some caves have peculiar shapes that you will recognize by approaching them, Dionysius ear cave, Lovers’ cave heart shaped, Doves cave. Last but not least, if you wish, you will have the chance to enjoy a swim in our crystal waters!

Ortigia: Half-day boat tour with lunch on board

6. Ortigia: Half-day boat tour with lunch on board

Together with our skipper, you'll visit the beautiful island adjacent to Syracuse, but you'll also get to admire the caves of the Syracuse coastline and the splendid Plemmirio Nature Reserve. Leaving the harbor behind you, you will be able to admire the Island in its entirety, having the chance to see right up close the majesty and beauty of the Maniace Castle. You will proceed to the North area of Syracuse to visit the sea caves that possess an incerdible biodiversity. Once offshore, you will enjoy a nice refreshing swim but most of all you will enjoy a delicious lunch: you will taste appetizers composed of local specialties and a first course, all cooked on board and accompanied by drinks, Wine and Prosecco. We will depart in the direction of Plemmirio, where you will pause to dive in the crystal clear waters and enjoy swimming surrounded by fantastic schools of colorful fish. After making sure you have relaxed properly, we will return to the port of Ortigia.

Sicily: 7-Day Sicilian Culture and Art Tour

7. Sicily: 7-Day Sicilian Culture and Art Tour

Day 1 After getting picked up at Catania Airport, enjoy a welcome aperitif in the company of your local guide in Catania. Afterward, enjoy a walking tour of the city during which you will see iconic landmarks such as the Duomo Square, The cathedral fi Saint Agatha, Roman Amphitheatre, and Bellini Park. Day 2 Start your day with a light trek on Europe's most active volcano, Mount Etna. After your trek, re-energize with a traditional Italian lunch at a family-run restaurant. You will also be able to sample some local wines from the Etna region. After lunch, enjoy some free time to explore the town of Taormina at your own pace before heading up to Castelmola, where you can sample the region's famous almond wine served with delicious biscuits. Finish the day by watching the breathtaking sunset in the village of Savoca, one of Italy's prettiest villages and the setting for the Godfather movie. Day 3 Today, enjoy a guided tour of the city of Syracuse, including a visit to the island of Ortigia. Here, admire landmarks such as the Cathedral of Saint Lucy, Caravaggio, Archimedes Square, and the Fountain of Aretusa. Afterward, move onto Neapolis Archaeological Park where you can admire the Latomie del Paradiso, Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, and  The Ear of Dionysius. Stop for lunch in the town of Noto, a baroque-style town with elegant churches and sprawling palaces. In the afternoon, enjoy a chocolate-making masterclass in the oldest chocolate factory in Sicily before heading to the picture-perfect town of Ragusa Ibla, where you will spend the night. Day 4 Start your day at the Villa del Casale in Piazza Armerina, where one of the largest and richest collections of Roman mosaics in the world awaits you. Afterward, head to the Valley of Temples, where you will discover one of the greatest examples of Greater Greece's art and architecture. Enjoy some free time to explore this sprawling temple complex, with 7 ancient Greek temples. Day 5 In the morning, head to the coastal town of Marsala to sample the town's namesake wine. Learn how to differentiate this unique fortified wine by its amber color and unique scent. In the afternoon, head to the Trapani Salt Museum. Here, learn more about salt production methods in the area and admire a unique landscape dotted with over 100 mills, some of which are still in function. Finish the day with a stroll around the medieval town of Erice, a historic and charming town located in the Sicilian hills. Day 6 Today, you will be visiting the towns of Palermo and Monreale, both of which are famous for their Byzantine-style mosaics. In Palermo, visit the 12th-century cathedral and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant history and culture. In Monreale, admire the fine mosaics in the town's great Norman cathedral. Afterward, take in panoramic views of the surrounding valley, filled with orange, olive and almond trees. Day 7 Spend your last day in Sicily at the seaside town of Cefalu. Spend a few hours getting lost in a maze of tiny streets and ice-cream shops before heading Castelbuono, a picturesque village hidden in the Madonie Mountains. Get dropped off back at the airport at the end of your trip.

Ortigia: Half-day boat tour with dinner on board

8. Ortigia: Half-day boat tour with dinner on board

But your tour will not only focus on the beautiful island adjacent to Syracuse, but you will also get to visit other breathtaking areas, such as the sea caves of Syracuse, the Plemmirio and the Porto Grande On this 5-hour tour, you will start from the Foro Vittorio Emanuele in Ortigia, where you will admire the Island in its entirety from the sailboat, after which you willyou will proceed to the northern part of Syracuse, visiting the marvelous sea caves, which possess an incerdible biodiversity. Once the visit is over, you will enjoy a delicious dinner on board, which will be the highlight of the excursion. You will taste appetizers composed of local specialties and a first course, or a second course, sensational, all accompanied by drinks, Sicilian Wine and Prosecco. Once you have had your lunch and any stops for a refreshing dip, you will continue the tour to the "Gulf of Pillirina," home of the Plemmirio Nature Reserve. Last stop is the Porto Grande of Syracuse, the nerve center of fishing and tourism on the Southern Ionian coast, and then return to Ortigia.

Frequently asked questions about Syracuse

What are the best day trips and excursions from Syracuse?

The best day trips and excursions from Syracuse are:

Mount Etna

Other Sightseeing Options in Syracuse

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What people are saying about Syracuse

A highlight of our time in Ortigia. The captain and guide could not have been nicer. We sailed and saw beautiful sights and even had the opportunity to go swimming. The food and wine was an excellent end to an amazing trip. We could not more highly recommend this experience.

It was great, you could see a lot and the shore line of the city is beautiful. The guide was great, he told a lot of interesting facts and could answer all questions, he is very knowledgeable. His English is great (the best I encountered so far in Sicily).

Excellent friendly guide that explained all the sites to us, comfortable boat with good sun canopy. Great to explore the caves and circle Ortigia

It was a really small boat with just 4 participants making it very intimate and a chance to chat.

The caves were amazing to see. Defiantly recommend