Tour Details
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
-
- Neapolis
- Piazza Duomo
- Apollo Temple
Photos & Highlights
- Get acquainted with Syracuse's main sites, history, and neighborhoods
- Led by an expert in history or local culture
Select a date
Tour Description
Explore Ortigia and the Archaeological Park of the Neapolis on our 3-hour introductory tour with a local expert. Tailored to provide an ideal introduction for those visiting Syracuse for the first time or travelers returning, discover the local history and cultural depth of this fascinating region of Italy during the walk.
- The Neapolis
- Duomo
- Apollo Temple
- 3 hours with a Ph.D. or MA level guide
- Entrance fees
We'll begin by discovering the Archaeological Park of the Neapolis, one of the most significant Greek and Roman archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. The ruins are a testament to the crucial role this city played in ancient antiquity, as the imposing remains of the Greek theatre demonstrate. With our local expert, we will learn about Neapolis' monumental fountain, the Roman amphitheater where gladiators once fought, and the Ear of Dionysius, a huge cavern with surprising acoustic properties due to its shape. Many legends are associated with this cave and its assumed builder, the infamous tyrant Dionysius.
Following the visit to the archaeological park, we will head off to nearby Ortigia for a pleasant stroll through its quaint streets and alleyways. We'll explore around two hundred and fifty thousand years of history as well as Ortigia's architectural stratifications and decorations which its complex and rich past. We will finish the tour by discussing Ortigia’s splendid architectural history and the remains of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Gothic-Catalan, Norman, and Renaissance styles that decorate this island, just under a square kilometer in size.
What is a private tour?
Our private tours are limited exclusively to travelers in your party. They are designed to provide a learning experience that is solely shared between you and your traveling companions.
Where do we meet? Where does it end?
We meet at the main entrance of the archaeological park of the Neapolis. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map.
The tour ends in Ortigia.
What if it’s raining?
Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your expert will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to be prepared; we encourage keeping an eye on the weather and bringing along an umbrella, sunscreen, water, or a hat as needed.
Can children join this tour?
Yes, we can adjust this tour to be more appropriate for younger learners.
Is this tour walking intensive, and/or wheelchair accessible?
We do cover quite a bit of ground on this tour and therefore we recommend contacting us with any mobility questions; we will be happy to advise if the itinerary will be appropriate for you or propose modifications where necessary.
It is not our first time in Sicily and in Syracuse, we would like a more in-depth tour instead of an Introduction. Is that possible?
Yes, we will inform our expert and they will be happy to plan an itinerary appropriate for you.
It is not our first time in Sicily and in Syracuse, we would like a more in-depth tour instead of an Introduction. Is that possible?
Yes, we will inform our expert and they will be happy to plan an itinerary appropriate for you.
Where You'll Start
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24 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Hello - Lucia was great. She was very knowledgeable and went above and beyond by helping us shop for dinner at the market at the end of our tour!
Stacey
Aug. 8, 2024
Milena was great. She even went above and beyond to make us a lunch reservation!
Stacey
Aug. 8, 2024
Alessandra was one of the best guides we’ve ever had. In addition to her lovely spirit and energy, she has deep knowledge of the history and culture of the classical period and personal expertise in Archaeology. She tailored her commentary to both engage our three (hot, tired!) boys and to provide interesting observations and connections for the adults. Alessandra is bright, curious, engaging and patient. We loved her many colorful stories and insights, and we were delighted to pause for a Granita stop (thank you for treating us - too kind!!) and a visit to a specialty Sicilian chocolatier. Alessandra is a lovely person who we cannot recommend highly enough!
Elizabeth
Aug. 5, 2024
