Stroll Around Catania city center to discover the surprises created with the full intention of the baroque architects.
Discover the delights of Catania UNESCO-listed historical center, and pose for photos next to the comical-looking Fountain of the Elephant in Piazza Duomo and admire the amazing and picturesque fish market.
Explore Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, Syracuse’s archeological zone (entry own expense)
Pose for photos in front of the Ear of Dionysius and learn about ancient Syracuse
Visit the island neighborhood of Ortygia and discover sights like Syracuse Duomo
Program
This tour allows you to discover the historical Greek-Roman beauties of Syracuse and the Baroque style of the city of Catania combined with the picturesque "pescheria"! Transfer by luxury bus until reaching Catania. Arriving at Piazza Alcalá, we begin the walking tour through the streets of Catania's historic center, a UNESCO heritage site. We walk to Piazza Duomo, in the heart of the city, to admire its Baroque palaces and explore the grand monuments scattered throughout the center. In the center of the square, we find the Elephant Statue (the city's symbol), carved in the typical black volcanic stone of Catania, as well as admire the imposing Town Hall. Next, our tour crosses the famous Via Etnea, the lively main street named after the city's nemesis, the imposing Mount Etna, and Piazza Stesicoro to see the remains of the Roman Amphitheater – a site that once held 16,000 people – and the monument to Vincenzo Bellini: a famous opera composer from Catania. We continue on Via Etnea and cross Villa Bellini, the public park, making our way back to the starting point, passing through Via Crociferi, a filming location for many Italian movies. Before boarding the bus, we visit the famous "Pescheria": an open-air fish market known for its unique colors.
In the late morning, we head to Syracuse where we pause for lunch (not included). Our tour starts with a visit to the Neapolis Archaeological Park: the famous archaeological area of Syracuse that houses a vast collection of Greek and Roman ruins from all over Sicily. Inside, we can admire impressive excavations and well-preserved monuments such as the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater, the Ear of Dionysius (an artificial limestone cave), and the Altar of Hiero II: the largest Greek sacrificial altar where the hecatomb, the sacrifice of 100 oxen, was performed. We then head to the Island of Ortigia: the oldest area of the city of Syracuse. We will visit Piazza Archimede (a lively square hosting the Fountain of Arethusa) and Piazza del Duomo (the central square of Syracuse, built on the ruins of the Temple of Athena). We will also see the 17th-century Archbishop's Palace, the Beneventano del Bosco Palace, and Il Lucertolone – the Town Hall. After exploring Ortigia and learning about the history and main attractions of the city, we return by bus to the starting point.
Services included
Transport by air-conditioned coach
Tour escort/host
The rate does not include
Gratuities (optional)
Food and drinks
Entrance fee to Syracuse Cathedral
Entrance fee to Parco Archeologico della Neapolis
Anything not specified under 'The rate includes'
Important information
Departure time: first pick-up at 07:55
Children policy
Children from 0 to 2,99 years are free of charge
Cancellation policy
No penalty will be applied for cancellations received within tree days before the excursion
Information on departure and return
DEPARTURE POINT: - Giardini Naxos: Recanati Terminal bus – Pontile Walter – Seafront - Taormina: Termina bus Pirandello – Isola Bella – Hotel Caparena - Letojanni: Hotel Antares – SS114 various points
RETURN DETAILS: Returns to original departure point
