Journey back in time on a tour of 2 beautiful cities of Sicily. Discover the Ancient Greek history of Syracuse and visit the "Garden of Stone" in Noto at the foot of the Iblean Mountains.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today. Learn more
Duration 8 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Driver: Spanish, English, Italian
Pickup included: Pick-up possible from your accommodation in Catania or the sea port. Pick-up from Taormina by demand.

Highlights

See the remains of Greek temples in Syracuse
Stroll the ancient streets of Ortygia
Marvel at the Baroque monuments of Noto

Full description

Explore the Greek history of Syracuse and see the remains of the temples of Apollo and Athena on the island of Ortygia. Visit the Greek theater, see the latomie (stone quarries) of Neapolis and discover the site of ancient Epipoli. Pass the cathedral, where the origins of the Greek Temple of Athena date back to the 5th century BC. Learn the legend of Arethusa, patron figure of Syracuse and get the chance to see paintings by Caravaggio in the Basilica of Santa Lucia. Next, discover the "Garden of Stone" at Noto, renowned for its Baroque heritage and reconstruction on Meti Hill following an earthquake in 1693.

Includes

Pick-up and drop off at your accommodation or port of call
All transfers by air-conditioned car or minivan
English-speaking driver/guide
Gas
Parking fees
Tolls

Meals
Tickets
Anything not mentioned in what's included

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Traveler requirements

You are required to bring and wear a mask

Important information

Know before you go

Please note that activities may be subject to cancellation due to weather conditions

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 46 reviews

Review summary

Guide
5/5
Transportation
4.9/5
Value for money
4.5/5
Safety
4.8/5

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We had a wonderful tour in Syracuse and Noto thanks to Alessio, our guide, who told us the whole history of the island from the Phoenicians and the Greeks to the Italians of today via the Normans. Alessio explained the whole history of Sicily to us better from many books because, knowing it very well and knowing how to tell it in a very interesting way, he knows how to explain the relationships between all the peoples who have left their mark on the island. At the end of the 10-hour tour (he picked us up from our hotel in Giardini-Naxos) we had the feeling that time had flown by. Thanks, Alessio, for an unforgettable day. N&P from Luxembourg

June 27, 2021

Alessio was a great guide! Our trip to Syracuse and Noto became even more interesting thanks to his enthousiastic storytelling and his amazing knowledge of history! He also strictly followed the Covid-measures: he wore his face mask and protective gloves at all times, and his car was fully desinfected. A highly recommended tour!

August 1, 2020

A brilliant day, loaded with great insight.

We learned more about Syracuse, Notto, Catania, Sicily, the Greeks, Romans, Carthaginians, Normans, Phoenicians and Sicilians in one day with our guide Alessio, than in all our pre-trip research. A great story teller, Alessio mapped out the settlements, battles, power struggles and mythologies behind the sites we visited. A day later, when we struggled to find a cab to the airport, he even combed his network to help us out. We hope Alessio is still telling Sicily’s story when we next visit. Mille grazie!

July 8, 2019

Syracuse and Noto Full-Day Tour

Syracuse and Noto Full-Day Tour

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A brilliant day, loaded with great insight.