Syracuse Discovery Experience

Upon arrival in Sicily, make your own way to the hotel in Syracuse and check in. Transfers from Catania airport or train station can be arranged as an optional extra. In the afternoon, meet the group at 3:30 pm in Syracuse and travel to Marzamemi, a charming village where time seems to stand still. At the harbour, board a boat with a transparent resin glass bottom, offering a unique view of the seabed as you glide over ancient Roman columns and crystal-clear waters. You can also take a refreshing swim in this pristine coastal area, adjacent to the Vendicari Nature Reserve. On the return to the harbour, explore the quaint fishing village, where nets dry in the Sicilian sun and local craft shops invite you to browse. Be sure to sample the regional speciality of tuna and bottarga. Overnight in Syracuse.

After breakfast, we set off on a small group tour to Mount Etna and Taormina. Accompanied by a guide, we begin with Mount Etna – Europe’s highest active volcano, steeped in myth as the prison of the giant Enceladus, whose struggles are said to cause eruptions and earthquakes. We arrive at Rifugio Sapienza, situated at 1,900 metres, where you can explore the volcanic craters at your own pace and take in the dramatic surrounding landscape. After lunch, we continue to Taormina, a picturesque town perched on a cliff and one of eastern Sicily’s most popular destinations. You will have free time to wander the charming streets and perhaps enjoy an arancino – a classic Sicilian snack – before returning to Syracuse for the night.

After breakfast, we take a small group tour to explore Syracuse and Ortigia Island. Our first stop is the Archaeological Park, a remarkable site that spans over two millennia and celebrates the legacy of ancient Greek civilisation. Here, we visit the Ear of Dionysius—an artificial cave with unique acoustics—and the Latomie del Paradiso, ancient limestone quarries that reveal the area’s mining history. We also see the Greek Theatre, dating back to the 5th century BC, a well-preserved amphitheatre that once hosted classical plays. After the park, we head to Ortigia, the historic heart of Syracuse, where you can admire landmarks such as the Temple of Apollo, the oldest Doric temple in the Greek West. Strolling along Corso Matteotti, we reach Piazza Archimede, featuring the Diana Fountain linked to the myth of the nymph Arethusa. The nearby Piazza Duomo impresses with its cathedral, built atop a former temple to Athena, showcasing a blend of architectural styles crowned by an 18th-century façade. We also visit the Fountain of Arethusa, known for its papyrus plants nourished by underground streams and steeped in local legend. The day concludes with an overnight stay in Syracuse.

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning in Syracuse before checking out of the hotel. Transfers to the airport or train station can be arranged as an optional extra to suit your onward travel plans.