Temple of Apollo, Syracuse

Embark on a fascinating 2-hour shared group tour, led by our expert guides, to uncover the captivating history and cultural treasures nestled within Ortigia, the old town center of Siracusa. The journey commences at the ancient Apollo Temple. This impressive doric style building was the first large stone temple built by ancient Greeks in the western colonies. From there, we traverse through the lively Archimedes Square, alive with the echoes of past civilizations. Immerse yourself in the charm of Diana Fountain, a beautiful centerpiece, before arriving at the illustrious Piazza Duomo, the cathedral square. Here, a splendid ensemble of palazzi and ornate churches stands as a testament to the city's rich heritage. You will learn about the town hall (Palazzo Vermexio), Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco, St. Lucy's church and the cathedrale. The cathedral is frequently chosen as a wedding venue. When accessible to visitors, we provide the opportunity to explore the church's interior with our guide (entrance ticket of €2 not included), or alternatively, to enjoy a brief coffee break. Our journey progresses to the legendary Aretusa Spring, a place steeped in mythical lore and famous for its papyrus plants, followed by a leisurely stroll along the picturesque seafront promenade. The tour continues with a walk through the historic Giudecca, offering glimpses into the former Jewish district and its past. Throughout the tour, our guide will offer insights into the town's rich history, both ancient and recent, delving into local traditions and religious celebrations such as the revered St. Lucy's feast and its grand procession, providing a comprehensive understanding of Siracusa's cultural heritage and the daily life in Sicily. This tour starts at the Apollo temple at the entrance of Ortigia and ends at Piazza Archimede. Feel free to ask your guide for suggestions about other monuments to visit, nearby towns, restaurants or activities. Our tours are designed for an intimate experience, ensuring a maximum group size of 25 participants, though typically our groups consist of around 10 enthusiastic explorers, allowing for a more personalized and engaging journey through Siracusa's wonders.

After being picked up from your accommodation in Catania, visit the magnificent Neapolis in Syracuse. Declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2005, this famous archaeological park houses a Greek theatre. With the help of an informative booklet, admire the impressive ruins of this stunning site. After visiting Syracuse, journey to the lovely peninsula of Ortigia. Starting from the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, enjoy a gentle stroll to reach the spectacular white cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception. Take in this idyllic cathedral, before stopping off at the Fountain of Arethusa, a legendary freshwater spring. For lunch, you have the option to enjoy a rich brunch made of typical Sicilian products, with water and red wine. Or, if you prefer, you will have 1-hour of free time to have lunch in one of the amazing restaurants in the alleys of the city. Upon reaching Noto, you will explore this jewel of Sicilian Baroque architecture, which is often considered to be an open-air museum. Admire the extraordinary architecture of its many palaces, churches, and stairways. After an exhilarating day, sit back and relax as you are taken back to your hotel in the comfort of a luxurious vehicle. 

The guided tour of Ortigia, with our local guide, begins at the Temple of Apollo, the oldest Greek temple in the entire Western world. You will continue your visit in the direction of Piazza Archimede, where you can admire the splendor of the Fountain of Diana, linked to the myth of the nymph Arethusa, who is depicted here with the Greek goddess Artemis at the most important moment when she transforms her into a fountain. You will then arrive in Piazza Duomo, one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, the place where the founders of the city from Corinth settled. Here you will be able to visit the majestic Cathedral. You will conclude the Tour by arriving at the enchanting Fountain Arethusa, a freshwater spring a few meters from the sea and linked to the love story between Arethusa and Alphaeus.

This experience includes a visit to the Baroque cities. The tour lasts 8 hours and includes *transport only*, you will have 1 hour plus to visit each city. You will meet your driver in Syracuse and begin the tour with a visit to the beautiful Baroque town of Noto. At the end of the visit, amidst breathtaking landscapes of large canyons, steep cliffs and wooded areas of olive and carob trees you will continue on to Ragusa Ibla where you will have free time to visit this beautiful town. As a last stop you will go to Modica where you can discover the chocolate workshops and do some shopping.

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.

The main attractions, the most important monuments, the curiosities, the legends, the places frequented by the locals, the best restaurants, the typical dishes, and the anecdotes of people who have always lived in the city. These are the elements I would like to find in a tour when I travel and that is exactly what you will find inside this digital tour! What will you need for this tour: - Smartphone - Internet connection - Some energy! You will walk about 3 km but it is feasible regardless of athletic training (so the tour must be done moving through the streets of Siracusa and Ortigia and not just by phone). You can start the tour at any time: once purchased you will receive link and password to start your experience! Everything is going to be into GetYourGuide Voucher so read all the info!  Once purchased, the tour can be used for the duration of the booked day + 2 extra days so: no rush at all! During the tour, you can freely enter the monuments (entrance fees are not included) and spend as much time as you like on the various visits! Unlike standard tours where you have to run after a guide, the beauty of this experience is that you can decide whether to relax, read historical insights, or spend more time on food or views! The experience is totally in your hands!

Embark on a walking tour crossing the picturesque streets of Ortigia, 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. This is a private walking tour with a professional guide so you will enjoy the relaxed walk and flexible itinerary. 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 through Ortigia 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 at Piazza Archimede in the heart of Ortigia but you can also ask your guide to end at the local fish and fruit market where you can take a breath of local life, colors, and scents.

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

After being picked up from your accommodation in Ortigia, your Velo Bike tour around the ancient city (Syracuse) will begin. You will be taken to various parts of the island. Syracuse has a unique ecological system, both inside and outside Ortigia On board your electric velobike (rickshaw), your driver will introduce you inside the magnificent labyrinth of Ortigia, giving you the chance to find and photograph the history left by different populations at each stop. The tour also includes the explanation of historical places and the sight of impressive panoramas. At the end of your experience, you have the option to be dropped off at any location of your choice within Ortigia

The Walking Tour of Ortigia will begin at the Temple of Apollo, the oldest Greek temple in all of Sicily. You will then continue in the direction of Piazza Archimede, where you can admire the Fountain of Diana, linked to the myth of the Nymph Arethusa, who is represented here with the Greek Goddess Artemis, the most important moment in which she transforms her into a fountain. You will arrive in Piazza Duomo, where you can visit the majestic Cathedral. Before concluding the Tour by arriving at the enchanting Fountain Arethusa, linked to the love story between Arethusa and Alphaeus, you will have the opportunity to taste the cannolo, after witnessing its preparation, a symbol of Sicilian confectionery art.