Discovering Syracuse

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4 Days From

~~$795~~

$757

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through the historic and cultural wonders of Syracuse, Italy. This tour invites you to explore the rich Greek and Roman heritage of Syracuse, including the impressive Archaeological Park of Neapolis and the ancient Greek Theatre. Wander through the charming island of Ortigia, Syracuse's historic center, filled with baroque architecture, lively markets, and the stunning Piazza Duomo. Discover the beauty of Taormina, a picturesque town perched high in the Sicilian hills, and marvel at the natural wonder of Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano. Enjoy guided tours, boat excursions, and local culinary delights, all while staying in comfortable accommodations. This immersive experience promises to leave you enchanted by the timeless allure of Sicily. ...more ...less

Highlights

Syracuse: renowned for its rich Greek and Roman heritage, including the impressive Archaeological Park of Neapolis and the ancient Greek Theatre
Explore the charming island of Ortigia, the city's historic center, filled with baroque architecture, lively markets, and the stunning Piazza Duomo
Taormina: a very popular and interesting old town situated high up in the Sicilian hills
Mount Etna: one of the natural wonders of the island, Mt Etna with over 300 craters, is the largest active volcano in Europe
Visit Marzamemi, a village where time seems to stand still, and enjoy a boat tour with a transparent resin glass bottom
Discover the Ear of Dionysius, an artificial cave with a curious name, and the Latomie del Paradiso, limestone quarries in the Neapolis Archaeological Park
Admire the Temple of Apollo, the oldest Doric temple in the Greek West, and the striking Piazza Duomo in Ortigia

Itinerary

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Day 1 : ARRIVAL SYRACUSE

Location: Syracuse

Accommodation Name: Una One Hotel or similar 4*

Upon your arrival in Sicily reach the hotel on your own and check in (transfer from Catania airport or train station available as an optional extra). In the afternoon visit Marzamemi, a village where time seems to stand still. Meet the group in Syracuse at 3:30 pm and depart for Marzamemi. Upon arriving at the Marzamemi harbor, you will be greeted by a boat equipped with a transparent resin glass bottom, allowing you to admire the seabed in a new and immersive way, as if you are swimming and being carried along by the current in search of underwater creatures. During the boat tour, you can view ancient Roman columns and take a relaxing swim in the crystal-clear waters. The coastline of Marzamemi is renowned for its particularly clear waters, as it is in a sparsely inhabited area adjacent to the Vendicari Oriented Nature Reserve. On the way back to the harbor, you will be charmed by the small fishing village of Marzamemi, where fishing nets dry in the Sicilian sun. You can freely wander among the craft shops and taste the local speciality: tuna and bottarga.

Overnight in Syracuse.

Day 2 : SYRACUSE – ETNA – TAORMINA – SYRACUSE

Location: Syracuse

Accommodation Name: Una One Hotel or similar 4*

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy our small group tour to Etna and Taormina. Accompanied by a guide, the journey to discover Etna begins: the highest active volcano in Europe, where, according to myth, the giant Enceladus is imprisoned, causing volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Upon arriving at Rifugio Sapienza at an altitude of 1,900 meters, you can explore the volcano independently, discovering the craters and enjoying the surrounding landscape. After lunch, we set off for Taormina, a stunning town perched on a cliff and one of the most popular tourist centers in eastern Sicily. To end the day on a delicious note, during your free time, you can enjoy an arancino, the quintessential symbol of Sicilian culinary tradition.

Overnight in Syracuse.

Day 3 : SYRACUSE – ORTIGIA – SYRACUSE

Location: Syracuse

Accommodation Name: Una One Hotel or similar 4*

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, take a small group day tour to Syracuse and Ortigia Island. The first stop of the tour is the Archaeological Park, a fascinating journey into the past and an ode to the greatness of ancient Greek civilization. This extraordinary site, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains evidence of more than two millennia of history. Inside, you'll find the Ear of Dionysius, an artificial cave with a curious name, and the Latomie del Paradiso, limestone quarries that tell of ancient mining activity. The Greek Theatre, dating from the 5th century B.C., offers an impressive stage show and stands as a magnificent testimony to ancient Greek civilization, a well-preserved amphitheater that has hosted plays by great Greek tragedians. After visiting the Neapolis Archaeological Park, we set off to the island of Ortigia, the historic center of Syracuse and a treasure trove of masterpieces such as the Temple of Apollo, the oldest Doric temple in the Greek West. Proceeding down Corso Matteotti, we arrive at Piazza Archimede, dedicated to the historian it is named after, with the center adorned by the Diana Fountain, related to the myth of the nymph Arethusa, who was transformed by the goddess Diana into a fountain to escape the amorous pursuits of Alphaeus. The striking Piazza Duomo, with its cathedral built on top of a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, leaves anyone who visits it amazed. It is an architectural masterpiece, with a marvelous 18th-century façade and a mixture of different architectural styles. Between legend and mythology, the Fountain of Arethusa is one of the most mysterious places in Syracuse, keeping alive the memory of the myth of the nymph Arethusa, who did not return the love of Alphaeus. Also known as the Fountain of the Papyri, the vegetation growing inside it is fed by underground streams.

Overnight in Syracuse.

Day 4 : DEPARTURE SYRACUSE

Location: Syracuse

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy your last breakfast in Syracuse before checking out. Transfer to the airport or train station is available as an optional extra.

What's Included

Tour Guide

Operated with English-speaking guide on shared basis (Day 1, 2, 3).
Accommodation

3 night's accommodation in a Superior Hotel Category (Una One Hotel or similar 4*).
Meals

3 Breakfasts and 1 Food tasting (Day 2).
Transport

Shared transportation (Day 1-3) and a boat tour (Day 1).
Entrance Fees & Activities

All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Marzamemi boat tour (Day 1), Mount Etna and Taormina tour (Day 2), Syracuse and Ortigia tour (incl. Neapolis archeological park and Ortiga Cathedral entrance fees) (Day 3).

What's Not Included

Transfers

Arrival and departure transfers between the airport or train station and the hotel.
City Tax

City tax not included, payable on the spot.
Visa Fees

Visa fees are not included.
Flights

International or domestic flights are not included.
Meals and Drinks

Meals not mentioned in the inclusions section, drinks during meals.
Optional Tours

Optional tours (if any) are not included.
Unmentioned Visits

Any visit not mentioned in the program.
Tips and Gratuities

Tips and gratuities are not included.
Personal Expenditures

Expenditures of a personal nature or items not stated explicitly in the program.
Drinks and Fees

Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any).
Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.

Requirements

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Italy. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.

Please Note

Please note that for some tours/activities you will need to reach the meeting point on your own if the transportation is not specified in the itinerary.
Please note that only the activities will be shared with other guests.
Only one bag per person is allowed (any size) plus one hand luggage.
We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons.
Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-3 Syracuse

Superior Hotel Category = Una One Hotel or similar 4*

OPTIONAL EXTRA

Pre/Post-night in Syracuse

Superior Hotel Category = Una One Hotel or similar 4*

Mode of Transport

Shared transportation is provided on days 1-3, including a boat tour on day 1.

Accommodation

Enjoy 3 nights of superior accommodation at the Una One Hotel or a similar 4-star hotel in Syracuse, with optional pre/post-night stays available.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-3 Syracuse

Superior Hotel Category = Una One Hotel or similar 4*

OPTIONAL EXTRA

Pre/Post-night in Syracuse

Superior Hotel Category = Una One Hotel or similar 4*

Check out our Q&As

What kind of guide will accompany us during the tour?

The tour will be operated with an English-speaking guide on a shared basis for the first three days.
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

The tour includes 3 nights' accommodation in Syracuse at a superior hotel category, such as Una One Hotel or a similar 4-star hotel.
Are meals included in the tour package?

Yes, the tour package includes 3 breakfasts and 1 food tasting on the second day.
What transportation is provided during the tour?

Shared transportation is provided for the first three days, and there is also a boat tour on the first day.
Are entrance fees included in the tour?

Yes, all entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included, such as the Marzamemi boat tour, Mount Etna and Taormina tour, and the Syracuse and Ortigia tour, including Neapolis archaeological park and Ortigia Cathedral entrance fees.

What activities are planned for the first day of the tour?

On the first day, you will visit Marzamemi, take a boat tour with a transparent resin glass bottom to admire the seabed, view ancient Roman columns, and take a swim in the crystal-clear waters. You will also have free time to explore the small fishing village of Marzamemi and taste local specialties like tuna and bottarga.
What can we expect during the visit to Mount Etna and Taormina?

On the second day, you will visit Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, where you can explore the craters and enjoy the surrounding landscape. After lunch, you will visit Taormina, a stunning town perched on a cliff, and have free time to enjoy local delicacies like arancino.
What historical sites will we visit in Syracuse and Ortigia?

On the third day, you will visit the Archaeological Park in Syracuse, which includes the Ear of Dionysius, Latomie del Paradiso, and the Greek Theatre. In Ortigia, you will see the Temple of Apollo, Piazza Archimede, Piazza Duomo, and the Fountain of Arethusa.
Is airport or train station transfer included in the tour?

No, arrival and departure transfers between the airport or train station and the hotel are not included but are available as an optional extra.
Do you offer any travel insurance?

We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
What documents will I receive before I travel?

Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
What does the price include?

What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
Are Visa fees included in the price?

No, visa fees are not included
Is there any option for solo traveller?

Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
Are flights included in the tour?

No, they are not included

Reviews of this operator

Marija

Rome and Amalfi Dream (On Request)

06-Oct-2022

Amalfi ride was an amazing experience! Scary and exciting at the same time. Accomodation was great, and we really liked how the itinerary was designed, because there is a ton of interesting content and still enough time for relaxation.

Betty

Campania Region Highlights, Private Tour

22-Jul-2022

The Amalfi Coast is stunning and the people of Italy were very welcoming and helpful. First, a shout out to Dario, my Pompeii guide - excellent! 2nd day was to be the Capri tour (amazing!) the lemon grove tour (also amazing, personal and very enjoyable), My guide for the walking tour in Napoli was wonderful. ...more ...less

Diane

Rome and Amalfi Dream (On Request)

29-Jun-2022

Overall good. Tour guides we all exceptional. The transportation was a small issue, one ride cane over 30 minutes early (luckily we were ready). The other ride scheduled to take us back to the airport arrived 45 minutes late. Hotel in Rome a bit older but the staff and location very nice. A great restaurant across the street. ...more ...less

Kelly

Rome & Splendid tour

01-Sep-2022

I loved everything about this tour. My only wish is that we could have stayed longer! Tui Italia took care in answering all our questions, and handling our delayed flight, as well as our early departure request. Each of the local guides along the way did a good job...especially Marco who led our excursion to Capri. The accomodations were clean and comfortable. I would highly recommend this trip. ...more ...less

Thomas V

Rome & Splendid Tour

15-Jun-2022

very good tour overall

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Apr 30, 2025 - May 03, 2025

~~$795~~ $757 (USD)