Syracuse, Ortigia and Catania Day Trip from Taormina

Next, follow your guide to Syracuse’s famous Archeological Park. Your jaw will drop as you walk through this incredible piece of history while learning about ancient sites, such as the Teatro Greco and Latomia del Paradiso. After leaving Syracuse, the enchanting, Baroque city of Catania will be your last stop of the tour. Enjoy one hour of free time to explore the majestic city at your leisure. Before driving back to Taormina, you and your group will even be treated to a surprise tasting! 

Syracuse, Ortigia and Catania Full Day Tour Description 

Your 10.5-hour tour includes: 

• Roundtrip transportation by minivan from Taormina

• Guided walking tour of Ortigia

• Guided visit to Syracuse Archeological Park

• Free exploration in Catania

• Traditional Sicilian lunch

• Surprise tasting

• Maximum group size of 8 people

Minivan Pickup  

Your journey through Sicily’s most notable Baroque towns begins with your minivan pick up. Your English-speaking driver will meet you in Taormina, where you’ll meet the rest of your small group.  

Your luxury minivan will have air conditioning and your driver will provide water on board, so you can sit back and enjoy your comfortable drive to your first majestic stop of the day, the island of Ortigia. 

Explore the Island of Ortigia 

Less than two hours away from Taormina, begin your tour on the island of Ortigia, the stunning historic center of Syracuse. Your friendly, local guide will be waiting to take you on an enlightening tour though the city center’s most captivating landmarks.  

Admire the impressive architecture of Ortigia’s extraordinary Cathedral, along with the historic Fountain of Aretusa, a breathtaking natural spring within the city center. Your guide will continue leading you through the rest of Ortigia’s highlights, detailing the history of the island and ready to answer any questions you may have. 

Following your guided walk, satisfy your appetite with an authentic, Sicilian lunch before continuing your exploration of the ancient city of Syracuse. 

Historic Tour of Syracuse’s Archeological Park 

After your delicious lunch, your guide will take you on an in-depth tour of Syracuse’s famous Archeological Park. Immerse yourself in history as you’re guided through this fascinating site, which was built five centuries BC, and rebuilt eight centuries later. Visit the iconic Teatro Greco, an ancient 16,000 seat amphitheater, which the archeological park is structured around. Your guide will explain the storied history of this amphitheater, along with other key landmarks that you’ll explore, such as the Latomia del Paradiso, a vast limestone quarry from which stone was once extracted to build the city of Syracuse. 

Visit the Baroque City of Catania

Your final stop of the day is Catania, one of Sicily’s most captivating cities, famed for its lavish, Baroque architecture. Enjoy one hour of free time to explore this incredibly ornate city at your leisure. Gaze in amazement at the intricate details of the churches and palazzi.  

Before heading back to Taormina, you and the rest of your group will be treated to a surprise tasting! Savor the moment while appreciating the elaborate architecture that surrounds you, before hopping on your luxury minivan for the drive back to Taormina.