Syracuse: Ortigia & Pillirina Boat Tour W/ Aperitif & Wine

Embarking on the ‘Syracuse: Ortigia & Pillirina Boat Tour with Aperitif & Wine’ promises an unforgettable day filled with stunning coastal scenery, refreshing swims, and a delightful taste of Sicilian culture. Limited to just 9 participants, this intimate experience allows visitors to enjoy the region’s rich history and legends, guided by a knowledgeable captain. From the ancient castle of Maniace to the Plemmirio marine protected area, this tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Syracuse. But the real draw lies in the promise of an onboard aperitif featuring local delicacies and white wine – a tantalizing prospect that leaves one eager to learn more.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Syracuse.

Key Points

• 4-hour boat tour exploring the coastal scenery of Syracuse, including views of the ancient castle of Maniace.
• Onboard aperitif featuring local Sicilian products and white wine.
• Opportunities for swimming and discovering local myths and legends along the northern and southern coast.
• Intimate group size limited to 9 participants, with a knowledgeable captain providing insights on history and culture.
• Suitable for adults, with restrictions on children, pregnant women, and those with mobility issues.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Tour

The Syracuse: Ortigia & Pillirina Boat Tour w/ Aperitif & Wine provides a 4-hour excursion to explore the coastal scenery of Syracuse.

Limited to 9 participants, the tour is offered in Italian and English. Guests will admire the ancient castle of Maniace, discover local myths and legends, and have opportunities for swimming along the route.

An onboard aperitif featuring Sicilian products and white wine is included. The tour departs from Porto Piccolo and covers either the northern or southern coast of Syracuse, depending on weather conditions.

Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund.

Highlights of the Experience

While sailing along the scenic Syracuse coast, guests can admire the ancient castle of Maniace, which stands as a reminder of the area’s rich history.

Along the route, they’ll have opportunities to swim and discover myths and legends of the region.

The onboard aperitif, featuring local products like salami, cheese, and bruschetta, paired with a tasting of crisp Sicilian white wine, provides a delightful accompaniment to the scenic views.

Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable captain shares insights into the area’s history and culture, enriching the overall experience.

With a maximum group size of 9, guests can enjoy an intimate and personalized boat tour along Ortigia Island and Pillirina.

Itinerary Details

Guests meet their captain at Porto Piccolo to embark on the boat tour. Depending on the weather, the route follows either the northern or southern coast of Syracuse and Ortigia. On the northern coast, guests can view Scoglio dei Due Fratelli, a rock formation linked to Sicilian legends. The southern route navigates the Plemmirio marine protected area, offering swimming stops.

Northern Coast	Southern Coast
View Scoglio dei Due Fratelli	Navigate Plemmirio marine protected area
Linked to Sicilian legends	Swimming opportunities

Onboard, guests enjoy a delicious aperitif featuring local products like salami, cheese, and bruschetta, accompanied by local white wine. The tour also includes a wine tasting and fresh fruit.

Inclusion and Exclusion

The tour includes an onboard aperitif with Sicilian products like salami, cheese, and bruschetta, as well as a wine tasting featuring local white wine.

Fruits are also provided. Pickup and drop-off from the hotel, towels, and sunscreen are additional inclusions.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 4, pregnant women, people with mobility issues, wheelchair users, or those prone to seasickness.

Passengers are advised to bring their passport or ID, towel, flip-flops, and motion sickness prevention.

High-heeled shoes, large bags, alcohol, drugs, and unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed.

Dietary restrictions should be notified upon booking.

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Suitability and Restrictions

The tour isn’t suitable for certain groups due to safety and accessibility concerns.

Children under 4, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, and those prone to seasickness aren’t allowed on the boat tour.

Participants are advised to bring appropriate motion sickness prevention and to avoid high-heeled shoes, large bags, alcohol, and drugs.

Unaccompanied minors are also not permitted.

Those with dietary restrictions like gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan should notify the tour operator upon booking.

Refunds aren’t provided for early cancellations due to seasickness, so it’s essential to prepare accordingly.

The tour give you a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Customer Feedback

Based on 22 reviews, customers have provided an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 for the Syracuse: Ortigia & Pillirina Boat Tour.

Travelers praised the friendly and knowledgeable skippers, with one reviewer noting the "captain’s enthusiasm and passion for sharing his city’s history."

Many enjoyed the swimming opportunities along the route, describing the experience as "refreshing" and "unforgettable."

The onboard aperitif and wine tasting also received positive feedback, with one guest calling the selection of Sicilian products "delightful."

In terms of value for money, the tour was rated 4.6 out of 5, with customers finding the experience well worth the price.

Pricing and Duration

For the Syracuse: Ortigia & Pillirina Boat Tour, prices start from $63.65 per person.

The tour lasts 4 hours, making it a compact yet comprehensive experience. Groups are limited to 9 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized outing.

The tour is offered in both Italian and English, catering to a diverse range of guests. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers.

With its mix of scenic views, local delicacies, and swimming opportunities, this boat tour offers excellent value for the money, as evidenced by its 4.6/5 rating for value among past customers.

Cancellation Policy

Concerning the cancellation policy, customers enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, entitling them to a full refund. This flexibility allows guests to adjust their plans without penalty, providing peace of mind.

The policy is straightforward:

• Cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled tour aren’t eligible for a refund.
• Refunds are processed promptly, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
• The policy applies to all bookings, regardless of party size or special requests.
• In the event of inclement weather, the tour operator reserves the right to cancel or modify the itinerary, with full refunds provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Private Tour?

Yes, you can request a private tour. The tour operator offers private group bookings for up to 9 participants, allowing for a more personalized experience. Additional fees may apply for private tours.

What Time Does the Tour Start?

The tour typically starts in the late morning or early afternoon, though the exact start time may vary. Customers should check the specific tour details when booking to confirm the departure time.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

The tour does not appear to offer any discounts for seniors or students. The price is listed as $63.65 per person, with no mention of reduced rates for specific age groups or student status.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

Passengers are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the boat. The tour includes an onboard aperitif with Sicilian products and a wine tasting, so outside items are prohibited for safety and liability reasons.

Do I Need to Know How to Swim to Participate?

While swimming is not required, participants who cannot swim should notify the tour operator in advance. They can still enjoy the boat tour and scenic views without entering the water.

Recap

This 4-hour Syracuse: Ortigia & Pillirina Boat Tour offers an intimate and captivating experience. Participants can enjoy the region’s stunning coastal scenery, explore the Plemmirio marine protected area, and enjoy refreshing swimming stops. The tour also includes a delightful onboard aperitif featuring local Sicilian products and white wine, alongside fascinating insights from a knowledgeable captain. With limited capacity and an active itinerary, this tour is an excellent way to discover the natural beauty and history of the Syracuse region.

You can check if your dates are available here: