A tour of Siracusa, located on the southeastern coast of Sicily, offers a rich blend of ancient history, stunning architecture, and vibrant local culture. Climb the magnificent Mt Etna volcano, taste some local culinary delights and discover the historic center of Syracuse and Taormina during this short four-day tour.
TOUR 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. It is an important city of culture and during the Summer there are many festivals and films, concerts, dance performances, meetings and fashion shows to be seen.
Mount Etna: one of the natural wonders of the island, Mt Etna with over 300 craters, is the largest active volcano in Europe. It is so active, that it is always in a constant state of activity.
Day 1: ARRIVAL SYRACUSE
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
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
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
Enjoy your last breakfast in Syracuse before checking out. Transfer to the airport or train station is available as an optional extra.
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.
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