TEMPLE OF ATHENA

During this guided tour you will see the following monuments and historical buildings: Venetian Palace, Umberto I bridge, small harbour, Bourbons prison, old spanish walls and Eastern seafront, Viliena Fortress, Jewish Quarter, Maniace Castle, Aretusa Source, Cathedral, St. Lucy alla Badia Church, Alfeo seafront and Porta Marina. Then we will continue our tour by the coast to the sea caves visit and you can live a unique experience: the boat will go into the sea caves wich is the best place to admire stalactites, stalagmites and corals. Some of these caves have peculiar shapes that you will recognize by approaching them, as Dionisio's ear cave, Lovers cave wich has a heart shape and the Doves cave. Last but not least, if you wish, you can also have the chance to enjoy a stop for swimming in our crystal waters.

The tour takes place on board a typical tuk tuk called in Italy "APE CALESSINO", it can carry a maximum of 4 people. The 2-hour tour includes: During the Ape Calessino Tour in Ortigia, you will have the opportunity to admire the majestic Cathedral of Syracuse (20-minute stop), the Aretusa fountain (5-minute stop), the terrace of the Maniace castle (15-minute stop) the Temple of Apollo (5-minute stop) the fountain of Diana (5-minute stop) in Piazza Archimede, the JEWISH quarter and the picturesque Porto Grande. Along the way, the driver will share fascinating anecdotes about Sicilian culture, giving you an authentic perspective of this fascinating island. An unforgettable experience to discover the hidden treasures of Ortigia, the visit of the city of Syracuse includes a visit to the SANCTUARY of the Madonna delle Lacrime (stop 15 minutes), a visit to the Basilica of Santa Lucia where you can admire the painting of "CARAVAGGIO", we will also pass by the church of SAN GIOVANNI ALLE CATACOMBE, when booking, please indicate what time you prefer to start the tour.

Discover the Ancient Wonders of Syracuse on a 3-Hour Small Group Tour Step back in time with a guided walking tour through the historic heart of Syracuse — one of the most powerful cities of the ancient Greek world. Explore the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Park of Neapolis, home to some of Sicily’s most iconic ancient ruins, including the Greek Theater, Roman Amphitheater, and the mysterious Ear of Dionysius, carved into the limestone cliff. Stroll through Ortigia Island, Syracuse’s elegant old town, and admire the breathtaking Cathedral of Syracuse, built directly over the ancient Temple of Athena. Discover layers of history through Doric columns, Baroque facades, and early Christian relics — all narrated by your expert guide. Enjoy panoramic views of the Ionian Sea, walk through the lush Paradise Quarry (Latomia del Paradiso), and hear fascinating stories of mythology, religion, and power that shaped this timeless city. Perfect for lovers of history, culture, and scenic beauty — this tour is a must-do in Sicily.

we will leave from Syracuse (preferably in the morning) with the first stop in Noto, nestled among the rolling hills of Sicily, characterized by its sumptuous baroque palaces and imposing churches, living testimonies of the art and architecture of the period, we will then go to Modica, which with its intricate alleys and majestic churches, enchants visitors with the opulence and grace of the Baroque, expressed through ornate facades and refined decorative details (it will also be possible to visit the Modica Chocolate laboratory and there will also be a stop for free lunch), finally we will go to Ragusa Ibla to the Iblei gardens, overlooking a breathtaking panorama, capturing attention with its baroque buildings that climb along the slopes creating a suggestive mosaic of architectural elegance and history, the journey it will end in a place of your choice in Syracuse, the trip will end at a location of your choice in Syracuse where we will go to the splendid island of Ortigia where we will admire the Cathedral (temple of Athena), the Aretusa fountain, the Maniace castle and the temple of Apollo

During the Ape Calessino Tour in Ortigia, you will have the opportunity to admire the majestic Cathedral of Syracuse (15-minute stop ), the Fountain of Arethusa (5-minute stop), the terrace of Maniace Castle (10-minute stop) the Temple of Apollo, the Fountain of Diana at Archimedes Square, and the picturesque Porto Grande. Along the way, the driver will share fascinating anecdotes about Sicilian culture, giving you an authentic perspective of this captivating island. An unforgettable experience to discover the hidden treasures of Ortigia. In addition, tours can be customized at the client's discretion as our rate is hourly.

Explore magical Syracuse and Ortigia on a 5-hour tour, starting with the imposing Temple of Apollo and the evocative Fonte Aretusa. Admire the magnificence of the Duomo, then head to Castello Maniace, a medieval fortress with breathtaking views of the sea. For an authentic experience, immerse yourself in the colorful Ortigia Market. Subsequently, the Neapolis Archaeological Park will reveal ancient treasures, including the Greek Theater and the Ear of Dionysius. The tour continues to the modern Madonna delle Lacrime Sanctuary, followed by the Church of San Giovanni alle Catacombe, a fascinating Christian site. Reach the Basilica of Santa Lucia, where Caravaggio's work will capture your attention. A moment of reflection at the War Memorial with a panoramic view of Ortigia and the sea will precede the conclusion at the suggestive Porto Piccolo. An immersive journey through history, culture and scenic beauty in one of the gems of Sicily. the chronological order of the stages can be changed by customers

The guided tour of Syracuse will make you discover the historic center located on the island of Ortigia and the Nepolis. Let's start from one of the two bridges that connect Ortigia to the mainland, the Umbertino Bridge with a visit to the Temple of Apollo which dates back to 580 BC. and represents the oldest Doric temple in all of Sicily. We continue in the heart of the island discovering piazza Archimede square, dedicated to the great Syracusan mathematician, with the beautiful Diana Fountain. Walking through the alleys we arrive at piazza della Minerva square, made of white limestone with beautiful buildings that overlook the square. The most important building is the Cathedral of Syracuse dedicated to the Nativity of Mary Most Holy, founded on the remains of the ancient Temple of Athena of which some columns that re-emerge from the walls of the church are still visible both on the external side but above all by visiting the Cathedral at the internal. The imposing façade is built in Baroque and Rococo style and is surrounded by other beautiful buildings overlooking the square, such as the Palazzo del Vermexio seat of the Town Hall, Palazzo Beneventano and the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia, which preserves inside the splendid work of Caravaggio "The burial of Saint Lucia". We continue the guided tour walking towards the sea admiring the Fonte Aretusa, an unusual mirror of fresh water inhabited by fish and ducks and where papyrus plants grow. A few meters away we find the Alfeo seafront, where we conclude the first part of the visit, the oldest stretch of seafront on the island where you can admire the beauty of the sea that surrounds Ortigia and the imposing Maniace Castle, a fortress dating back to the Swabian period that in past it was prison and military barracks. We move to the Archaeological Park of Neapolis with the visit that starts from the Church of San Nicolò ai Cordari of the eleventh century and in the lower part where we find the Roman Pool, large water tanks dug into the rock with pipes that brought the water to the Roman amphitheater for nautical games and water fights. The nearby Roman amphitheater dating back to the Augustus era was in fact used for various shows, the most famous of which were the fights between gladiators: it has an elliptical structure carved into the rock and is spread over three levels. We continue our visit with the Altar of Hieron, the immense altar dedicated to Zeus where the sacrifices of the bulls took place. The guided tour continues towards the Latomie del Paradiso, quarries used for the extraction of stone, of which we will visit the most important, the Ear of Dionysus. The cave is 23 meters high and is very impressive due to the exceptional echo inside it. We conclude the visit to the Nepolis admiring the beautiful Greek theater carved into the stone, the most famous and important monument of the archaeological park, built by the Greeks and renovated by the Romans.

The guided tour of Syracuse will make you discover the historic center located on the island of Ortigia and the Nepolis. Let's start from one of the two bridges that connect Ortigia to the mainland, the Umbertino Bridge with a visit to the Temple of Apollo which dates back to 580 BC. and represents the oldest Doric temple in all of Sicily. We continue in the heart of the island discovering piazza Archimede square, dedicated to the great Syracusan mathematician, with the beautiful Diana Fountain. Walking through the alleys we arrive at piazza della Minerva square, made of white limestone with beautiful buildings that overlook the square. The most important building is the Cathedral of Syracuse dedicated to the Nativity of Mary Most Holy, founded on the remains of the ancient Temple of Athena of which some columns that re-emerge from the walls of the church are still visible both on the external side but above all by visiting the Cathedral at the internal. The imposing façade is built in Baroque and Rococo style and is surrounded by other beautiful buildings overlooking the square, such as the Palazzo del Vermexio seat of the Town Hall, Palazzo Beneventano and the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia, which preserves inside the splendid work of Caravaggio "The burial of Saint Lucia". We continue the guided tour walking towards the sea admiring the Fonte Aretusa, an unusual mirror of fresh water inhabited by fish and ducks and where papyrus plants grow. A few meters away we find the Alfeo seafront, where we conclude the first part of the visit, the oldest stretch of seafront on the island where you can admire the beauty of the sea that surrounds Ortigia and the imposing Maniace Castle, a fortress dating back to the Swabian period that in past it was prison and military barracks. We move to the Archaeological Park of Neapolis with the visit that starts from the Church of San Nicolò ai Cordari of the eleventh century and in the lower part where we find the Roman Pool, large water tanks dug into the rock with pipes that brought the water to the Roman amphitheater for nautical games and water fights. The nearby Roman amphitheater dating back to the Augustus era was in fact used for various shows, the most famous of which were the fights between gladiators: it has an elliptical structure carved into the rock and is spread over three levels. We continue our visit with the Altar of Hieron, the immense altar dedicated to Zeus where the sacrifices of the bulls took place. The guided tour continues towards the Latomie del Paradiso, quarries used for the extraction of stone, of which we will visit the most important, the Ear of Dionysus. The cave is 23 meters high and is very impressive due to the exceptional echo inside it. We conclude the visit to the Nepolis admiring the beautiful Greek theater carved into the stone, the most famous and important monument of the archaeological park, built by the Greeks and renovated by the Romans.

Transfer by Gran Turismo bus to Catania. Walking tour with the guide through the streets of the historic center of Catania, a UNESCO heritage site. Visit of Piazza Duomo, the symbolic statue "U liotru", il Municipio, Via Etnea, Piazza Stesicoro and the remains of the Roman Amphitheater, the monument to Vincenzo Bellini and Villa Bellini. Visit of the "pescheria", an open-air fish market, famous for its particular colours. Transfer from Catania to Syracuse, where you will have a lunch break. (LUNCH NOT INCLUDED). Visit to the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, the archaeological area of Syracuse, where it is possible to admire impressive monuments such as the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater, the Ear of Dionysius and the Altar of Hieron II. Then we go to the Island of Ortigia, the oldest area of the city of Syracuse. Visit of Piazza Archimede where it is possible to see the Fountain of Arethusa and Piazza del Duomo, which stands on the ruins of the Temple of Athena. After the visit of Ortigia, return to the places of departure.

Relax on a guided walking tour of the highlights of the island of Ortigia, the charming historical center of Siracusa. Learn about the fascinating history of the ancient city and see the Temple of Apollo, the Duomo Square, and the Arethusa’s Spring. Meet your guide and learn about the history of Siracusa. See the Temple of Apollo, which dates back to the 6th century BC. Continue to the Duomo Square and see the Cathedral/Temple of Athena. Finish your tour at the Arethusa’s Spring, where you can see papyrus plants. Learn about the Papyrus of Ciane River, which is protected in a Natural Reserve since 1984.