syracuse tour from catania

Syracuse, Ortigia and Noto Day Trip

One day tour to Syracuse, Ortygia and Noto between greek and baroque beauties

During this full day tour you will have the chance to visit Syracuse, Ortygia and Noto, the most important sites in Eastern Sicily.

For the Syracuse, Ortygia and Noto Day Trip we provide the pick-up service at your accommodation in Catania or a close meeting point, on board of comfortable and luxury 8-seats vehicle.

First stop : The Syracuse and Noto Day Trip will start with the visit of the Neapolis in Syracuse, the famous archaeological park in the countryside of Syracuse . This place houses, amongst the others, the Greek Theatre , Ear of Dionysius and the Latomie . The visit will last an hour and a half.

Second stop : We will then reach the lovely peninsula of Ortygia . Starting from the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, with a lovely walking, you will finally admire the Duomo square with its beautiful white Cathedral of “Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception”, erected on the Ancient Greek temple of Athena. The walk will continue till the Fountain of Arethusa, a legendary fresh water spring with a fountain.

UNESCO declared Syracuse World Heritage Site in 2005.

Here in Ortygia you will enjoy a free snack: at lunch time we’ll offer for free a rich tasting of Sicilian street food. Or, if you prefer, you will have one hour of spare time to enjoy lunch in the nearby.

Third stop : After lunch we will drive to Noto , a jewel of Sicilian Baroque, Unesco heritage . Noto is considered an “open air museum”. Here we will visit its main street coming from the “Porta Reale”, passing by the Church of St. Francesco with the majestic staircase. Palazzo Ducezio is located in Piazza Municipio. Admiring the many palaces and churches , you cannot miss the visit of the Cathedral Church with the Bishop’s Palace and the Church of San Salvatore.

Noto is considered the capital of  the Baroque in Sicily, thank to its stone garden .

The return to Catania is expected at approximately 6pm.

If your accommodation is not in Catania, you can reach us using one of our comfortable transfer services .

Important Information

Recommended equipment.

Comfortable shoes, cap, sun protection, water bottle, camera

Itinerary variation

The itinerary may undergo variations based on extraordinary events, strikes, bad weather, or other unpredictable and non-voluntary situations

Included in the price

Luxury air conditioned vehicle, Mercedes or similar.

Small group tour, max 8 people

Baby Seat (if needed)

Multilingual speaking driver – for the day at disposal

Free Snack with typical sicilian products, water and red wine from Mt. Etna

Not included in the price

Authorized tourist guide inside the Neapolis of Syracuse and other monuments (available on payment and on request)

Entrance ticket to the monuments

Everything not specified in the include list

Suitable for

Syracuse and noto.

Syracuse is one of the oldest Greek colonies, founded in 734 BC and boasts the fame of the largest and most beautiful city of the Ancient Magna Graecia. Birthplace of Archimedes and Santa Lucia, the city of Syracuse was declared by UNESCO in 2005, together with the Rock Necropolis of Pantalica, world heritage site.

The town stands partly on the island of Ortygia and partly on the mainland; considering that the whole area is located within Sicily, precisely because of its geographical location, Syracuse is often appealed as an island in the island. In addition, its geographical location makes it particularly attractive for its sunsets.

The archaeological area of ​​Siracusa is very large, from the necropolis to the archaeological park of the Neapolis, where there are many of the most significant and historically evocative monuments of the city: the Greek theater, the Nympheus cave, the Sepulchres boulevard, the Ear of Dionysius, Galermi Aqueduct, Iero’s Altar, Roman Amphitheater, Augustus’ Triumphal Arch, Archimede’s (supposed) tomb.

The architecture of the city is an imprint of the history of the peoples that followed: after the violent earthquake of 1693, much of the city was rebuilt in Baroque style, which is why Siracusa and other cities of Val di Noto, are examples of Sicilian baroque style.

The most popular religious celebration of Syracuse is Santa Lucia’s celebration, which begins on 13 December, with a huge procession of the statue of the Blessed Sacrament along the streets of the city.

The city of Noto is 31 km far from Siracusa and it is considered the capital of the Baroque: there are so many churches, including the most important, the Cathedral “Basilica of San Nicolò”.

The archaeological site of ancient Noto is 9 km north of the present-day town, on Mount Alveria. The ancient city was destroyed by the earthquake of 1693. It is also worth noting the archaeological site of Eloro, a Greek colony: it is located on a promontory overlooking the Ionian Sea, near the mouth of the River Tellaro.

Particularly fascinating is the Tellaro villa, a rich extra-urban residence of the late Roman imperial age, whose archaeological remains have been found since 1971.

Halfway between Noto and Pachino lies the natural reserve – Vendicari Faunistic Oasis; in addition to being an area of naturalistic interest, in the nature reserve you can admire various archaeological remains, including a Byzantine necropolis and the eighteenth-century tuna fishery. There are many beautiful beaches, including “Calamosche” beach.

Another important reserve is “Cavagrande del Cassibile”. In this place defended from the steep walls of the cave and the proximity of the water, the Siculi (the first inhabitants we know about this place) have built a necropolis, still difficult to reach today. What makes the caves spectacular is the morphology of the great canyon of Cavagrande, the Kakyparis of the Greeks. On the north side there are rock houses, while in the south there is a complex system of houses excavated in the rock, arranged next to each other on six different parallel levels, linked together by a series of tunnels.

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Perfect East Sicily Itinerary: Catania, Taormina or Syracuse

Sicily is the largest island in Italy and in the whole Mediterranean. It is also one of Europe’s culturally richest regions. Gorgeous historical cities and towns dot the lush green landscape that extends between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.

Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Arabs, and several European Empires ruled Sicily. Everybody wanted to own this beautiful piece of land! Since outstanding architecture and archeological sites are everywhere, how do you choose where to go?

If it’s your first time in the region, we recommend the following quick East Sicily itinerary. Unfortunately you’ll probably have to choose between Catania, Taormina or Syracuse (Siracusa). But don’t worry, each one is a fabulous destination!

• 0.1 Are you planning your trip to Catania/Taormina/Syracuse last minute?
• 0.2 Catania, Taormina or Syracuse – How to Choose?
• 0.3 Traveling between Catania, Taormina and Syracuse
• 1.1 Main Sights
• 1.2 Other Places to See in Catania
• 1.3 Where to Stay in Catania
• 1.4 The Best Tours of Catania
• 2.1 Main Sights
• 2.2 Other Places to See in Taormina
• 2.3 Where to Stay in Taormina
• 2.4 The Best Tours of Taormina
• 3.1 Main Sights
• 3.2 Other Places to See in Syracuse
• 3.3 Where to Stay in Syracuse
• 3.4 The Best Tours of Syracuse
• 3.5 Related posts

Are you planning your trip to Catania/Taormina/Syracuse last minute?

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Depending on how many days you’ll spend in East Sicily, the perfect itinerary must include one, two, or the three cities. Bear in mind that a very quick introduction to the area requires at least one day in each city. Of course, you won’t get to know them well, but one day is enough to see each city’s main sites.

Therefore, if you only have a weekend in Sicily, don’t try to see all three cities. If such is the case, limit yourself to Catania, and either Taormina or Syracuse. In all honesty, the architecture and landscape in Taormina and Syracuse are more spectacular . However, Catania’s vibe is unique and is perfectly connected to the entire island.

Visit all three cities if you have at least four days. Of course, if you have more time, you should definitely visit Mount Etna and the baroque towns of the Val di Noto like Ragusa or Modica .

Traveling between Catania, Taormina and Syracuse

As mentioned above, Catania is the best connected city of this Sicily itinerary. The Catania Fontanarossa International Airport is 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) southwest from the city, with flights to many European destinations. Since it’s almost halfway between Taormina and Syracuse, Catania is also the main transport hub in East Sicily.

Several  trains  connect Catania to both cities. From Catania to Taormina it takes anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes. From Catania to Syracuse it takes a little over an hour. There are also a few direct trains from Taormina to Syracuse .

Take note that Taormina’s train station Giardini is 1 mile (2 km) below the center, so you have to take a bus or a taxi to reach the city. In Syracuse (Siracusa), you can walk to both the historic center and the archeological site from the train station. Catania’s train station is in the city center.

Located right under the mighty Etna,   eruptions and subsequent catastrophic earthquakes destroyed Catania several times throughout its history. Ashes covered Catania at least 7 times!

Nevertheless, the city always managed to recover, and today it’s one of the best examples of late baroque towns. That’s why in 2002, UNESCO included Catania’s baroque city center in its World Heritage Sites list.

But Catania is so much more. There are important ancient ruins all around the city, a medieval castle, a fabulous tailored park, a super authentic fish market, and even a cool post-industrial exhibition center. Night owls won’t be disappointed either since there is a cool alternative neighborhood, the San Berillo district.

Main Sights

Most of Catania’s historic center dates back to the early 18 th Century. The devastating earthquake of 1693 destroyed the city completely, killing about 2/3 of its population. The whole city was reconstructed after the earthquake, and many new churches and palaces built.

Though the original Cathedral of Catania dates back to the 11 th Century, its current appearance is mostly from 1711 (the dome was added a century later).

The epicenter of the cathedral square, Piazza del Duomo, is the unique Elephant Fountain . The mysterious fountain is from the 18 th Century, but the basalt elephant is probably from Roman times. Baroque palaces, such as the City Hall and the University , pack the area next to the Cathedral.

Other Places to See in Catania

Catania offers a plethora of interesting places to visit. Hence, you need at least two days to see its main highlights. The famous fish market, La Pescheria , is right next to the main square. Do not miss it!

Among the various ancient ruins, the Roman Theater is the most interesting one. The Ursino Castle from the 13 th Century was the royal home of the Kingdom of Sicily. Walk along the Via dei Crociferi to admire some of the nicest historic buildings in town.

Don’t forget to visit the Monastero dei Benedettini and the attached San Nicoló l’Arena church. Climb to the top for outstanding views of the city and Mount Etna. Catania’s oldest and nicest park is the lavish Bellini Garden . For a touch of art, head over to the Le Ciminiere exhibition center.

Where to Stay in Catania

In Catania, we stayed at the lovely Palazzo Perrotta in the city center. Located just minutes away from the Teatro Massimo Bellini, between the cathedral and the train station, it is one of the best places to stay in Catania .

Our room was comfortable and spacious, with a balcony offering wonderful views. We had homemade cakes for breakfast at the roof terrace with direct views of Mount Etna. If you rather stay in a bit more modern hotel, Habitat is a great option in the same area.

If you want to splurge a little, stay at the gorgeous Duomo Suites & Spa . Located right next to the main square, it has a roof terrace with views and a nice spa.

The Best Tours of Catania

If you don’t feel like traveling alone, we strongly recommend hiring this tour around Catania. An expert local takes you around the city. You can tailor the tour to your own interests and your guide will be happy to oblige.

Now, if you are short of time, hire this walking tour around the city. An expert guide takes you to the city’s highlights. It’s a great way to meet locals and fellow travelers and explore the city in a couple of hours.

Catania is an excellent base to go to Mount Etna. This tour takes you to see the craters in a private car with an expert guide. You can go in the morning or afternoon. The tour includes Sicilian delicacies and wine.

Surrounded by green forests, Taormina is all about nature. The old town is on the top of Mount Tauro, high above the Ionian Sea. Charming villas, elegant churches, and ancient ruins complete the skyline. No wonder great powers fought so hard to conquer it.

Taormina’s history goes back to the 8 th Century BC when the italic tribe Siculi settled here. Since then, its rulers changed constantly.

In the 19 th Century, it became a major tourist center of international fame. It was the holiday destination of choice of many important people, including kings and queens, artists, writers, and actors. Without a doubt, every East Sicily itinerary must include Taormina.

Taormina’s historical center follows the main street of Corso Umberto . This atmospheric pedestrian street starts at the Porta Catania and ends at the Porta Messina . Hotels, shops, and restaurants line the street.

Here you’ll also find the fortress alike Cathedral of Taormina . The early 15th-Century church has a typical Sicilian-Romanesque-Gothic appearance. Approximately halfway between the two entrances, you won’t miss the lovely Piazza 9 Aprile . The views from Taormina’s main square are incredible.

The Ancient theater of Taormina is the city’s most famous landmark. Though its size and shape are clearly Greek, the materials used (brick) suggest it’s from Roman times. An outstanding place of unbelievable views!

Other Places to See in Taormina

The best thing to do in Taormina is to walk along the cliff to admire the views of the Ionian coast. As soon as you exit Porta Messina, turn right to Via Luigi Pirandello and loop around the ancient theater.

After a few moments, you’ll reach the Belvedere di Via Pirandello from where you can see the beautiful Isola Bella . Shortly after, the street changes its name to Via Bagnoli Croci. This is where you’ll find Taormina’s public gardens, Giardini della Villa Comunale . This fabulous park from the late 19 th Century is an imitation of English parks.

Once you are back in the city center, search for the hidden Naumachie . This little courtyard is where Romans used to play games simulating battles. Among the several gorgeous churches, the Chiesa di San Pancrazio is the nicest.

Where to Stay in Taormina

You can either base yourself in Catania and go on day trips to Taormina and Syracuse, or spend a night in each place. However, bear in mind that most places to stay in Taormina are quite pricey!

If you don’t mind walking a bit, the lovely Villa Sirami is 5 minutes away from Porta Messina. They have everything you need: comfortable rooms and nice views. Another great hotel close to the public garden is Taormina Park Hotel . Their rooms have balconies, and they have a small spa.  

If you rather stay in a historic hotel, do not hesitate to book a room at the superb Excelsior Palace Hotel . This oriental style palace has been welcoming guests since 1904. Apart from its privileged location on a cliff next to Porta Catania, it has a private park and possibly the nicest views of the area.

Please also take a look at our guide about the best luxury hotels in Taormina .

The Best Tours of Taormina

If you rather tour the city with company, we suggest this half-day private walking tour . We like it because you decide how long you want to walk. An expert local guide takes you to discover the city’s top landmarks.

For a shorter tour, take this sunset walking tour . Your local guide takes you around the city in 2.5 hours. Once done, you get to enjoy a killer sunset and an aperitif in one of the best rooftop terraces in the city.

You can also combine Mount Etna and Taormina. It’s a whole day tour . You see the craters with a private van and an expert guide. On your way back, you stop in a charming village. Then you explore Taormina.

Syracuse (Siracusa)

Located at the Southeastern corner of Sicily, Syracuse ’s history is glorious. Ancient Greeks found it in the 8th century BC and it soon became a powerful city. In fact, at the height of its power, it rivaled only Athens .

It was the capital of the Sicilian governorate during Roman times. In the following centuries, it was the capital of the Byzantine Empire for a short period of time and later on, the Emirate of Sicily.

During medieval times Syracuse continued to flourish, but the terrible earthquake of 1693 destroyed everything. That’s why its current appearance is dominantly baroque (just like Catania). UNESCO included the whole city of Syracuse and its historical layers in its List of World Heritage Sites.

Unlike Catania and Taormina, where most sites are close to each other, there are two main areas in Syracuse: the Archeological Park Neapolis and the Isola di Ortigia. The well preserved Greek Theater is the main sight in the Archaeological Park.

Built in 470 BC, it is one of the largest of its kind. Through the centuries, it has hosted important plays, including works by Sophocles and Aischylos. Besides, the archeological park has a Roman Amphitheater and a unique quarry, Atomia dei Paraiso , with the famous Ear of Dionysius Cave .

There are plenty of things to do on the Island Ortigia . The hotspot is the elegant Piazza del Duomo , dominated by the spectacular Cathedral of Santa Maria delle Colonne . This lavish baroque church contains the remains of an ancient temple from the 5 th Century BC.

Other Places to See in Syracuse

You should spend a couple of hours exploring the archeological park. The place is so worth it. On your way to the Island, you’ll notice a strange conic tower. It belongs to the Santuario della Madonna delle Lacrime , a shrine commemorating a 1953 miracle.

Once on the island, don’t miss the remains of the Temple of Apollo , the oldest Doric temple in Sicily. Continue straight until you reach the lovely Piazza di Archimede , with the beautiful fountain of Artemide.

If you walk along the western coast, you’ll bump into the Fonte Aretusa , a place full of legends and home to Europe’s only papyrus plants. Walk until the tip of the island, and you’ll spot the Maniace Castle , an impressive medieval fortress. Don’t forget to check the colorful Ortigia Market .

Where to Stay in Syracuse

There are plenty of great hotels to stay in Syracuse . Since the majority of sights are in Ortigia Island, and the atmosphere is unique, stay here. One of our favorite hotels is the charming Maison Ortigia . Located just 650 feet (200 meters) from the cathedral, its rooms have balconies and great views.

Another fabulous place on the island is the renowned Grand Hotel Ortigia . This elegant historic hotel offers first-class amenities, including a magnificent roof terrace with possibly the nicest vies in town. In summer you can spend time on their private beach!

If you want to stay in the city center, between the island and the archeological park, then B&B Nostos is the place for you. Again, great rooms and even better views.

The Best Tours of Syracuse

You can tour Syracuse, Ortigia, and Noto with this full-day tour . It’s the best way to meet fellow travelers. A local guide takes you around Syracuse and Ortigia and then you hop on a private van to go to Noto.

If you only want to visit Syracuse, take this walking tour . In approximately two hours you walk around Ortigia with an expert guide. It’s a small group and in English. You can do it in the morning or afternoon.

The best way to see Ortigia is from a boat. This tour takes you around the island. You go under bridges and visit incredible caves. You can dip in the Mediterranean! For a boat tour with an aperitif at sunset hire this one .

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Catania & Syracuse Tour

Catania and syracuse, two pearls in the eastern coast of sicily.

We offer unique travel experiences in Sicily with personalized and tailor-made tours. Let’s explore Catania & Syracuse together, local friendly staff and comfortable vehicles at your disposal.

What Clients say

CATANIA HIGHLIGHTS

• Scenic Drive
• Baroque Art
• Historical City Centre

CUSTOMIZE YOUR TOUR!

In case none of the above excursions suit your need and you wish to customize something for you, kindly write us specifying: - Your Group Size (and average age); - Your interests; - Port of Call and Cruise schedule. Our local staff will be pleased to work together with you to find something that fit your needs.

YOUR DESTINATION, OUR GOAL

Cars with license, The goal of our drivers is to satisfy you.

All our prices are per Vehicle and not per Person

No tax or extra cost

We accept cash payments, with major credit and debit cards or by bank transfer

CANCELLATION POLICY

If your cruise ship will not be able to enter the port, we will refund the entire deposit

If you cancel the reservation 7 days before the date of your excursion, we will refund 50% of the deposit

If you cancel the reservation 6 days before the date of your excursion or in case of no presence on your part, the deposit will not be refunded

> READ OUR FAQ

Private Tour to Siracusa from Catania

Full day excursion to discover siracusa. visit ortygia island, the heart of the city center. then, delight the visit through the archaeological park..

€  84

• Small group size option

PRIVATE TOUR TO SIRACUSA FROM CATANIA

You will be greeted at yoru location to start the Private Tour to Siracusa from Catania.

Siracusa belongs to the  Unesco heritagem   was founded by colonists from Cornith in 735 B.C. and once the most important competitor to Athens. On arrival stroll through the streets of  Ortygia Island , the heart of the city center.

This afternoon visit the  Archaeological Park that highlights the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Paradise Quarry.

Later drive back to Catania hotel.

HIGHLIGHTS: –  the Greek Theatre – the Roman Amphitheatre – the Paradise Quarry – Ortygia Island

This tour is operated with English speaking Driver. Licensed local guide is not included.

TOUR DETAILS & BOOKING INFORMATION

LICENSED LOCAL GUIDE (Service is available on request) This excursion doesn’t include Licensed Local Guide. You will find this extra service on the booking procedure. Feel free to add or skip at your convenience.

TOUR CODE : CTASR

• Category Day Tours , Day Tours from Catania , Private Day Tours From Catania , Private Day Tours in Sicily
• Location Catania , Siracusa
• Grade Moderate
• Category Day Tour
• Tour Type Private
• Season All Year
• English speaking Driver
• Legal Invoice
• Vehicle with air conditioning
• Visit as per itinerary (independent without booking of guide)
• Admission fees
• Beverages and meals
• Gratuities and tips
• Licensed Tourist Guide

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Rainbow Kitten Surprise to play Central NY concert after canceling tour last year

• Updated: Jun. 07, 2024, 2:17 p.m. |
• Published: Jun. 07, 2024, 12:04 p.m.

Darrick Keller, Charlie Holt, and Ela Melo of Rainbow Kitten Surprise perform at Avondale Brewing Company on July 5, 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by David A. Smith/Getty Images)

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Rainbow Kitten Surprise is coming to Central New York this summer after canceling its tour last year.

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