The beautiful city of Syracuse

Our tour today will start, picking you up from your place at your most convenient time and driving to the beautiful town of Syracuse in the southern part of the Island - enjoy a very special introduction to the Sicilian coastline en route. Our ninety minute leisurely drive will take us down the eastern coastline of Sicily passing the "Piana of Catania"

the coast line of the Ionic sea and Iblei mountains, arriving in Syracuse. More than any other modern city in Sicily, Syracuse manifests a visible continuity from its ancient Greek past, both historical and mythological. We will visit the archaeological area of Neapolis with is Greek theater, the Roman amphitheater and Latomia del Paradiso (with its Dionysius Hear) and the "Ara of Hyeron". We will arrive at the 'Ortigia Island', the heart of the city and we will stroll along the ancient narrow streets, which still keep the Medieval influence, before arriving at the Duomo square, one of the city highlights. We will visit the Cathedral, built above a Greek Temple, which holds more than 2.500 years of history. We will take in one of the more charming spot of Ortigia, the "Arethusa fountain" with its Papyrus plants, overlooking the Ionic sea. Strolling along narrow streets, we move on to the old quarter of Syracuse known as Giudecca, with some important buildings of the late medieval period, like Palazzo Lanza and Montalto with their typical Chiaramonte style. We will also have the chance to stroll the open Sicilian local market situated in the heart of Ortigia, full of vegetables, fish and local products. We will then, at your convenience make our way to a local Sicilian restaurant to taste several local dishes. After this break for lunch, we may have a little time to enjoy the splendid shopping area before we return to your hotel. NOTO: We can also add in this day trip (3 hours more) the drive to the wonderful antic baroque Noto. The beautiful antique town was built in 1703 is entered by the Porta Reale and from there we follow Corso Vittorio Emanuele along which we can admire numerous 18th century beautiful palaces of incredible architectural value.The streets all leading to Corso Vittorio Emanuele have also many beautiful buildings including the Duomo, the Museo Civico the Convento dei Francescani... the list goes on and on.

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