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Arethusa Spring
Walking tours

Walking tours

Our most recommended Arethusa Spring Walking tours

Siracusa: Ortygia Island Boat Tour with Grotto Visit

1. Siracusa: Ortygia Island Boat Tour with Grotto Visit

Meet your skipper at the convenient meeting point. A boat ride around Ortigia is one of the best ways to visit this beautiful place: between the sound of the wind and the intoxicating smell of the sea you will discover one of the jewels of the Sicilian tourist panorama. Admiring Ortigia by boat will allow you to admire some of its most significant monuments and historic buildings: the Venetian Palace, the Umberto I Bridge and the Small Port, the former Bourbon Prison, the Spanish walls and the Lungomare di Levante, the Viliena Fortress, the Maniace Castle and the Fonte Aretusa. Continue with the exploration of the sea grottos (the Capuchin Latomie, the Ear of Dionysius, the Heart-Shaped Lovers', and the Holy Spirit grottos) on the north side of Syracuse, entering the caves and admiring stalactites, stalagmites, and coral formations up close. This excursion in Ortygia will also offer you the opportunity, in non-adverse weather conditions, to take a short stop for a dip, where the water is a deep blue.

From Catania: Syracuse, Ortygia, and Noto Tour

2. From Catania: Syracuse, Ortygia, and Noto Tour

Enjoy three beautiful places in Sicily with this full-day tour from Catania. Listen to historical facts and facinating anecdotes with your audio guide as you stop at the Neapolis Archaeological Park, Ortygia, and Noto.  Meet your driver in Duomo square in the center of Catania and sit back and relax in the comfortable van on the drive to the Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse. Purchase tickets to the park to admire the magnificent Greek theater, Roman Amphitheater, and stone quarries. Continue to the ancient fortified island of Ortygia. Spend some time wandering the streets to discover the mythical Fountain of Arethusa, Piazza Duomo, the fortress walls, and stunning Baroque churches and palaces. Finally, drive to the town of Noto where you can discover the Sicilian capital of Baroque architecture. Have some free time to see sights like the Fountain of Hercules, and noble palaces like Palazzo Astuto and Palazzo Trigona Cannicarao. Return to the meeting point in Catania.

Syracuse: Ortigia and Neapolis Guided Walking Tour

3. Syracuse: Ortigia and Neapolis Guided Walking Tour

Explore ancient Syracuse on a 3-hour guided tour and learn about early Greek history through architecture and religious practices. The evidence of Syracuse as capital of the Mediterranean is ever-present, and seen in the glory of its Cathedral, the ancient Temple of Athena, the Greek Theater and the Roman Amphitheater. Admire the beauty of the Cathedral of Syracuse, which incorporates the pagan Temple of Athena. Learn about its various architectural styles from your guide. Continue to the Archeological Park to see the Paradise Latomia and the Ear of Dionysos. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Ionian Sea from the Greek Theater.

Syracuse, Ortygia and Noto Full-Day Tour from Catania

4. Syracuse, Ortygia and Noto Full-Day Tour from Catania

Learn the ancient history of Sicily on a full-day sightseeing tour that takes you to the archaeological park of Neapolis where you can visit classical monuments of Greek and Roman Syracuse at your own pace on a self-guided tour. Following a pick-up from your accommodation in Catania, transfer to the ruins of Syracuse, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During your walk, discover many old Roman streets, as well as monuments such as the Greek Theatre, whose cavea is one of the largest ever built by the ancient Greeks. Near the Greek Theatre, you will see the latomie, including the limestone cave known as the “Ear of Dyonisius,” as well as the Christian Church of San Nicolò ai Cordari. Admire the Amphitheatre of the Roman imperial age, and more. Then, continue to Ortygia Island to experience the historic heart of Syracuse. Located at the park’s eastern end, and separated by a narrow channel, Ortygia is filled with Greek temples, Christian churches, and Arabian streets. Visit the Arethusa fountain and Piazza del Duomo, where the baroque palaces, such as Beneventano del Bosco Palace and Senate Palace are among the most beautiful in Sicily. After lunch (own expense), go to the small town of Noto, noted for its unique style of Sicilian Baroque architecture, and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. Wander the open-air museum and beautiful Corso Vittorio Emanuele to admire the many palaces and churches that, grouped together, are known as the “Stone Garden.”

Siracuse: Guided Velobike Tour

5. Siracuse: Guided Velobike Tour

After being picked up from your accommodation in Ortigia, your Velo Bike tour around the ancient city (Syracuse) will begin. You will be taken to various parts of the island. Syracuse has a unique ecological system, both inside and outside Ortigia On board your electric velobike (rickshaw), your driver will introduce you inside the magnificent labyrinth of Ortigia, giving you the chance to find and photograph the history left by different populations at each stop. The tour also includes the explanation of historical places and the sight of impressive panoramas. At the end of your experience, you have the option to be dropped off at any location of your choice within Ortigia

Syracuse: Pillirina, Ortigia and sea caves tour by boat

6. Syracuse: Pillirina, Ortigia and sea caves tour by boat

The boat tour departs from our embarkation point at the entrance to the island of Ortigia where our staff will welcome you. Once you board the boat you will be free to move around during the tour choosing whether to stay in the sun or take advantage of the shade provided by the awning . On board you will always find fresh water and safety systems for all participants. You will be the one to choose what kind of experience you have, the captain will be happy to explain the history and all the information about the places you will visit or you can enjoy the trip by listening to music and letting the scenery do the talking. You can admire the island of Ortigia in its entirety, see the Maniace Castle, the Arethusa spring, and the city from the sea. Along the Syracuse coast you can have fun unearthing the hidden shapes behind the most famous rocks, go inside sea caves and observe the color variations within them. In the marine protected area of Plemmirio you will experience the unspoiled open sea, full of picturesque coves including the most famous, the Pillirina. While stopping for swimming and snorkeling you can give vent to your curiosity and enjoyment by swimming among the fish. If you forget your mask? Don't worry on the boat you will always find some spare masks. Live the experience, it will be two hours you won't forget!

Syracuse: Island of Ortigia Boat Trip and Sea Caves

7. Syracuse: Island of Ortigia Boat Trip and Sea Caves

An unique and relaxing tour, rich in history, monuments, sea caves and nature. A beautiful and fantastic experience, advisable to photograph the beautiful landscapes and sunsets. Starting from the "Umbertino" bridge, continuing from the small port of "S. Lucia" we head towards the sea caves and the heart-shaped cave (Syracuse side). After that you go on along the "Alfeo" seafront on the island of Ortigia, where you will admire the Maniace Castle and the "Fonte Aretusa" , where you can take a short stop to get a bath and photograph the beautiful panorama it offers us. At the end of the tour you will see "Porta Marina".

Syracuse: Highlights of Ortigia Guided Walking Tour

8. Syracuse: Highlights of Ortigia Guided Walking Tour

Discover a combination of Greek, medieval, and Baroque architecture on this guided walking tour of Ortigia island in Syracuse. Uncover the secrets of Ortigia as you visit a crypt that as a World War II air-raid shelter. Meet your guide in Piazza Emanuele Pancali square in front of the 6th century BC Temple of Apollo. Enter the Church of San Filippo Apostolo alla Giudecca and visit the crypt below the church where people took shelter during bombing campaigns in WWII. Make your way to Piazza Duomo square where you can admire Palazzo Beneventano and the church of Santa Lucia and you can also purchase entrance to the Syracuse Cathedral. You will reach the enchanting Fonte Aretusa, a source of fresh water a few meters from the sea and linked to the love story between Aretusa and Alfeo and on the way back you will cross the Jewish Quarter until you reach Piazza Archimedes: Here you can admire the splendor of the Fountain of Diana, linked to the myth of the Nymph Arethusa, represented together with the Greek Goddess Artemis, in the most important moment in which it is transformed into a source..

Ortigia: History and Architecture Walking Tour

9. Ortigia: History and Architecture Walking Tour

Discover the beauty that hides in the alleyways of Ortigia on a walking tour accompanied by a local guide. Stroll through Piazza Duomo, marvel at the Syracuse Cathedral, and see the stunning Fountain of Arethusa. Meet your guide and head to Piazza Archimede, strolling through the streets of the historic center and discovering marvelous details carved into the stone of a mantelpiece or an entrance portal. Get introduced to local tradition as well as the myths and legends that have made Ortigia famous. Arriving at Piazza Duomo, visit the magnificent Cathedral of Syracuse, a 1000-year-old home of the divine, which incorporates the ancient Doric temple dedicated to Athena. Marvel at the baroque facade and then step inside to see its Roman-style interior in all its glory. Admire fascinating dwellings set between period furnishings and frescoed vaults, resulting in a little-known jewel that represents the city's identity. See gorgeous marble statues of Santa Caterina, the Virgin Mary with baby Jesus, and Santa Lucia. Next, go to the Arethusa Fountain, and listen to the famous myth of Arethusa and Alphaeus, as your gaze travels further until you catch sight of the tip of Ortigia, dominated by the massive Maniace Castle reflected in the waters of the Porto Piccolo.

Syracuse: Street Food Walking Tour with Tastings

10. Syracuse: Street Food Walking Tour with Tastings

Join a food tour to discover the secrets of Syracuse's culinary tradition. Explore the nuances that the street food of the former ancient Greek colony has to offer, including arancini (fried rice balls), impanate (breaded snacks), the fried cone of freshly caught fish, and granita or cannoli. Follow your guide to the ancient market in Syracuse for a tasting of paninetti with locally produced cheeses and cured meats. Enjoy a typical local liqueur. Relax and cool down on a hot afternoon with a Sicilian granita – made from fresh fruit and sugar – served in a glass with ice. Become a true expert on Syracuse cuisine as you relish Arancini fried rice balls stuffed with meat, cooked ham, spinach, pistachios, aubergines, and more. Then, it’s time to munch on a fried fish cone filled with various kinds of fried fish, caught that day. Savor an impanate, a delicacy with strong flavors. Relish this artisanal bakery product typical of Sicily, an oval-shaped, golden-colored calzone that can be stuffed with tomato sauce, vegetables, meat, cheese, potatoes and sausage, shrimp, and black olives. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a cannoli wafer, traditionally molded around a hot metal bar, filled with a sweet and creamy preparation made with ricotta cheese, candied fruit, crunchy pistachios, or dark chocolate chips.

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What people are saying about Arethusa Spring

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 50 reviews

Giuseppe was an excellent guide providing my wife and I with a wonderful afternoon exploring all of the treasures of Syracuse’s Archeological Park as well as the must-see attractions of Ortigia. As a University of Catania-educated Archeologist he was a font of information on the history of Sicily and Syracuse and all of the various structures and sights that we visited. Engaging, intelligent and spirited, Giuseppe made sure we visited all of the important sights in the area and then brought them to life - highly recommended.

Sebastiano was an excellent guide. Prepared and available. He guided us through the history of Ortigia by means of streets, monuments, churches and even legends.

Giuseppe was a great guide. He provided informed commentary on the neopolis and Ortigia. He was also comfortable taking questions.

Giuseppe was outstanding. Knew everything about Syracuse and Ortigia and was a delight!

Anna is a FANTASTIC guide. So knowledgeable and a great story teller.