Catania & Syracuse

Sicily’s historic cities of Catania and Syracuse offer a captivating blend of ancient wonders and modern charm. From the stunning Piazza Duomo in Catania to the enchanting Island of Ortigia in Syracuse, these UNESCO-listed destinations beckon travelers to discover their rich cultural heritage. A guided tour through these cities promises an immersive experience, revealing the secrets of Sicily’s past and present. Whether you’re drawn to the region’s striking architecture or its vibrant history, there’s much to uncover in this enchanting corner of Italy.

Key Points

1. The tour covers the UNESCO heritage sites in Catania and the Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse, providing a rundown of the region’s cultural heritage.

2. The tour includes pickups from various towns along the Sicilian coast, making it accessible for travelers across the region.

3. The itinerary features highlights such as the Piazza Duomo in Catania, the Greek and Roman theaters in Syracuse, and the Island of Ortigia.

4. The tour is available in multiple languages, with prices ranging from €1,500 to €2,200 for different packages, catering to diverse traveler preferences.

5. While the overall rating is 3 out of 5 stars, the feedback indicates a need for improved communication and consistency in language delivery to ensure a seamless experience for all participants.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers a full-day excursion to the historic cities of Catania and Syracuse, with prices starting from €1,640 per person for the 9-hour experience.

It’s available in English, German, Italian, and French, and allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Pickup locations span several towns along the coast, with the first bus departing at 7:55 am.

The tour covers Catania’s UNESCO heritage sites, including the Duomo, Roman Amphitheater, and fish market, before transferring to Syracuse to explore the Neapolis Archaeological Park and the island of Ortigia.

Itinerary Details

Pickup locations for this tour span several towns along the coast, with the first bus departing from Letojanni, Hotel Antares at 7:55 am.

The bus then stops in Mazzarò, Taormina, and several locations in Giardini Naxos, with the final pickup at 9:00 am at the Hotel Caesar Palace.

The tour includes:

• Transfer by Gran Turismo bus to Catania
• Walking tour of Catania’s UNESCO heritage sites
• Transfer from Catania to Syracuse
• Lunch break in Syracuse (not included)
• Visit to the Archaeological Park of Neapolis and the Island of Ortigia in Syracuse

Catania Highlights

After the pickup locations, the tour takes visitors to Catania, a city steeped in history and culture. In Catania, the tour includes a walking tour of the UNESCO heritage site, featuring key landmarks:

Site	Description
Piazza Duomo	The city’s main square, home to the Catania Cathedral
U liotru statue	A unique statue of an elephant carrying an Egyptian obelisk
Municipio	The historic town hall
Via Etnea	The city’s main street, lined with shops and cafes
Piazza Stesicoro	Home to the Roman Amphitheater and a monument to composer Vincenzo Bellini
Villa Bellini	The city’s beautiful public gardens

The tour also includes a visit to the pescheria, Catania’s bustling open-air fish market.

Syracuse Highlights

After the tour of Catania, the excursion transfers visitors from Catania to Syracuse.

There, they’ll enjoy a lunch break before exploring the Archaeological Park of Neapolis.

Key highlights include:

• The impressive Greek Theater, an ancient amphitheater that once hosted performances and events.
• The intriguing Roman Amphitheater, a testament to the city’s diverse history.
• The Ear of Dionysius, a renowned limestone cave with remarkable acoustics.

Following the park visit, the tour ventures to the charming Island of Ortigia, where travelers can discover the Piazza Archimede and its iconic Fountain of Arethusa, as well as the ancient ruins of the Temple of Athena in Piazza del Duomo.

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Pickup Locations

The tour offers convenient pickup locations across several towns along the Sicilian coast.

Travelers can board the bus at Letojanni, Hotel Antares at 7:55 AM, Mazzarò at 8:00 AM, or Taormina’s Bus Terminal Pirandello at 8:20 AM.

Additional stops include Giardini Naxos at the Q8 station 500m from the train station at 8:30 AM, the Recanati Bus Terminal at 8:40 AM, Via Schisò at 8:50 AM, and the Hotel Caesar Palace at 9:00 AM.

This wide range of pickup points allows guests to easily access the tour from various locations, ensuring a seamless start to their Catania and Syracuse exploration.

Inclusions & Recommendations

This tour includes a comprehensive package of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off, as well as an expert guide aboard the bus. Visitors will also receive entry tickets to the Archaeological Park of Neapolis in Syracuse.

To make the most of the tour, the organizers recommend that guests bring:

• A sun hat to protect against the Mediterranean sun
• A camera to capture the stunning historical sites
• Sunscreen and water to stay comfortable throughout the day

The tour covers the highlights of Catania and Syracuse, providing a well-rounded introduction to the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Price & Duration

Typically, this 9-hour excursion is priced from €1,640 per person. The tour covers the highlights of Catania and Syracuse, providing an immersive experience at an affordable rate.

Package	Duration	Price
Standard	9 hours	From €1,640
Premium	10 hours	From €1,850
Deluxe	12 hours	From €2,200
Family	9 hours	From €1,500
Group (8+)	9 hours	From €1,400

The duration and pricing make this tour accessible to a wide range of travelers, whether you’re seeking a standard sightseeing experience or a more comprehensive exploration of Sicily’s historical wonders.

Customer Feedback

How do customers rate this tour? Based on a single review, the overall rating is 3 out of 5 stars.

The review highlights an issue where a customer booked the tour in French but received an English excursion. This feedback suggests the need for improvement in tour consistency and communication.

To address this, the tour provider could:

• Ensure customers receive the language they booked
• Improve coordination between booking and tour operations
• Encourage more customer reviews to get a better understanding of the tour’s performance

Recap

A captivating full-day excursion to the historic Sicilian cities of Catania and Syracuse offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the region’s rich cultural heritage. With guided tours showcasing the cities’ stunning landmarks, such as Piazza Duomo and the ancient Greek theater, this excursion provides a comprehensive and enlightening experience for those seeking to uncover the vibrant history and architecture of this enchanting part of Sicily.

You can check if your dates are available here: