Enjoy the captivating charm of Ortigia Island with a private boat tour that promises an unforgettable experience. This four-hour excursion takes you on a guided exploration of the island’s enchanting sea caves, stunning rock formations, and historic sites, all while offering live commentary in English or Italian. As you glide across the serene waters, you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in a delectable lunch featuring mixed appetizers and refreshing drinks. With scheduled swimming stops, you can cool off and bask in the Mediterranean’s allure. But the true wonder lies in what awaits you beyond the surface, as this tour offers a chance to uncover the island’s hidden gems and unravel the stories that have shaped its captivating history.

This experience made our list of the 10 Best Lunch Experiences In Syracuse.

Key Points

Private Boat Tour of the Island of Ortigia With Lunch - Key Points

• A 4-hour private boat tour of Ortigia Island, including exploration of the northern Syracuse region’s sea caves, Plemmirio nature reserve, and historic sites along the coastline.
• Guided tour available in English or Italian, with live commentary enhancing the sightseeing experience.
• Onboard amenities such as cold drinks, a mixed appetizer lunch, and scheduled swimming stops for a refreshing experience.
• Convenient meeting location near paid parking, with a clearly marked departure point and adherence to instructions for a smooth excursion.
• Flexible booking and cancellation policy, allowing for a risk-free planning experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

Private Boat Tour of the Island of Ortigia With Lunch - Tour Overview

This private boat tour of Ortigia Island provides a comprehensive 4-hour experience, with prices starting from $1,172.42 per group for up to 12 participants.

Guests can choose from English or Italian for the guided tour with live commentary. The tour offers a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance, and visitors can reserve now and pay later.

The itinerary highlights include exploring sea caves, the Plemmirio nature reserve, and circumnavigating Ortigia to see historic sites like the former Bourbon prison, Vigliena fort, and Maniace Castle.

Onboard, visitors can enjoy cold drinks, a mixed appetizer lunch, and opportunities to swim during the tour. With separate entrances and bathroom stops, this tour provides a seamless and memorable experience.

Itinerary Highlights

Private Boat Tour of the Island of Ortigia With Lunch - Itinerary Highlights

The tour starts by exploring the northern Syracuse region, where visitors can witness the area’s remarkable sea caves and unique rock formations.

From there, the journey continues to the Plemmirio nature reserve and the picturesque Gulf of Pillirina.

The boat then circumnavigates Ortigia Island, offering a unique perspective of the former Bourbon prison, the Vigliena fort, the Spanish walls, the impressive Maniace Castle, and the Levante and Alfeo seafronts.

Along the way, guests can admire the famous Aretusa spring and the Porto Grande of Syracuse, a natural harbor steeped in history.

Throughout the tour, the guide provides live commentary, enhancing the overall experience.

Onboard Experience

Private Boat Tour of the Island of Ortigia With Lunch - Onboard Experience

Guests aboard the private boat tour can relish a guided experience with live commentary, as the knowledgeable guide shares insights about the sights and history of the region.

Along the way, passengers can sip on refreshing cold drinks, including water, prosecco, white wine, and red wine. To satisfy their appetites, a delectable lunch featuring mixed appetizers and a choice of homemade or fish-based first or second courses is served onboard.

The boat’s spacious interior provides a comfortable setting to take in the stunning coastal vistas.

Guests can take a dip in the azure waters during scheduled swimming stops.

Bathroom breaks are included, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable tour experience.

The separate entrance allows for skip-the-line access, minimizing wait times.

Additional Features

Private Boat Tour of the Island of Ortigia With Lunch - Additional Features

Along With the guided tour and on-board dining, this private boat excursion offers several other appealing features to enhance the overall experience.

Guests can cool off with refreshing swims during designated stops along the scenic coastline, while also taking advantage of conveniently placed bathroom breaks throughout the tour.

On top of that, a separate entrance allows participants to skip the lines, ensuring a seamless and efficient start to their Ortigia island adventure.

These additional inclusions, such as the swimming opportunities and dedicated access, elevate the tour, providing a well-rounded and comfortable sightseeing journey for all who join.

With these thoughtful extras, the private boat tour truly caters to the needs and desires of its guests.

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Meeting Information

Paid parking is available at Via del Porto Grande (Parcheggio Molo S.Antonio), the designated meeting point located near the Dolci Escursioni info point on Via Giuseppe Maielli.

Participants should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time to ensure a prompt and organized start to the private boat tour of Ortigia.

The meeting point offers:

  • Convenience for easy access to the tour’s departure point

  • Peace of mind in securing parking prior to the tour

  • A clearly marked location to meet the group and guide

  • A chance to take in the picturesque harbor views before embarking on the excursion

Adhering to the meeting instructions helps maximize the enjoyment and efficiency of this immersive Ortigia boat tour experience.

Departure Location

The tour departs from the designated meeting point on Via Giuseppe Maielli, near the Dolci Escursioni info point. This convenient location, situated in close proximity to the Via del Porto Grande parking area, allows participants to easily access the starting point of the private boat tour of Ortigia. Attendees are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth and punctual start to the excursion.

Parking Meeting Point Arrival Time Departure
Paid parking
available at
Via del Porto Grande
Via Giuseppe Maielli,
near Dolci Escursioni
info point
At least 15 minutes
before scheduled
departure
On time

Booking and Cancellation

Private Boat Tour of the Island of Ortigia With Lunch - Booking and Cancellation

Customers can reserve the private boat tour of Ortigia through the tour provider’s online platform, with the option to pay later at the time of the tour.

The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing for a full refund if cancelled 24 hours in advance. This gives travelers peace of mind when planning their trip.

  • ✨ Effortless booking experience

  • 🌍 Flexible payment options

  • 🚫 Risk-free cancellation

  • 📅 Hassle-free tour planning

The booking and cancellation terms ensure a stress-free experience, allowing guests to focus on enjoying the stunning sights of Ortigia during the private boat tour.

Lunch and Refreshments

The private boat tour of Ortigia offers a delightful selection of lunch and refreshments for guests.

On board, guests can enjoy a variety of cold drinks, including water, prosecco, white wine, and red wine, which help keep them refreshed throughout the tour.

Plus, a delectable lunch spread is provided, featuring mixed appetizers and a choice of either a first or second course. Guests can choose from homemade or fish-based dishes.

The staff is attentive to any food allergies or dietary requirements guests may have.

This ensures that everyone can fully savor the culinary delights while exploring the stunning sights of Ortigia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Participants Switch Between Boats During the Tour?

No, participants cannot switch between boats during the tour. The tour is a private boat experience, so each group remains on their designated vessel for the duration of the outing.

What Should Participants Bring for the Swimming Stops?

Participants should bring swimsuits, towels, and water shoes for the swimming stops. They’ll have the opportunity to take a dip in the clear waters during the tour, so packing these essentials will allow them to fully enjoy the experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There’s no mention of an option to extend the tour duration. The tour is described as a 4-hour private boat tour with a fixed itinerary. Participants should check with the tour operator if they’d like to explore the area further.

Can Participants Disembark at Different Locations Along the Tour?

Participants can typically disembark at different locations along the tour, allowing them to explore specific areas in more depth. However, this may depend on the tour operator’s policies and the logistics of the itinerary.

Are There Any Restrictions on Bringing Outside Food and Drinks?

The tour provider doesn’t allow participants to bring outside food or drinks onboard. All meals, snacks, and beverages are provided as part of the tour package. This policy helps ensure a consistent and enjoyable experience for all guests.

Recap

Discover the enchanting island of Ortigia on a private boat tour that showcases its natural beauty and historic sites.

The guided exploration, delectable lunch, and refreshing swim stops create an unforgettable experience.

With hassle-free booking and flexible cancellation, this tour is the perfect way to explore Ortigia’s stunning coastline and learn about its captivating charm.

You can check if your dates are available here: