Siracusa Archeological Park and Ortigia Island

KEY DETAILS

Where

Siracusa

Duration

Max participants

Highlights

Private guided tour of Ancient Syracuse and Ortigia Island

Visit the iconic Greek Theatre of Syracuse, one of the largest in the ancient world

Explore the mysterious Ear of Dionysius cave and the lush Latomia del Paradiso

Walk through Ortigia Island, the historic heart of Syracuse

Discover layers of Greek, Roman, medieval, and Baroque history

Expert local guidance with a personalized, relaxed pace

An immersive experience at a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Skip the line Tickets

General Information

This tour takes you into the heart of one of the most powerful cities of the ancient Mediterranean: Syracuse. Once a leading Greek metropolis rivaling Athens, Syracuse preserves an extraordinary concentration of archaeological remains and historic architecture, earning its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your journey begins at the Neapolis Archaeological Park, home to some of the most impressive ancient ruins in Italy. Here you will encounter the monumental Greek Theatre of Syracuse, still used today for classical performances, as well as the Roman Amphitheater and the evocative quarries known as the Latomiae.

The experience continues in Ortigia, the island where Syracuse was founded over 2,700 years ago. Ortigia is a living museum: elegant Baroque palaces, medieval streets, ancient temples incorporated into churches, and lively piazzas overlooking the sea. Highlights include the legendary freshwater spring of Arethusa and the refined Baroque architecture that gives the island its timeless charm.

About the tour

This 4-hour private guided tour offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of both the Neapolis Archaeological Park and Ortigia Island, combining ancient ruins with vibrant historic neighborhoods.

You will meet your licensed guide at Neapolis and begin with a walk through the park’s most significant monuments. As you stand inside the vast Greek Theatre, your guide will explain its acoustic perfection, historical role, and continued cultural importance. You will then visit the Roman Amphitheater and descend into the atmospheric Ear of Dionysius, a cave famous for its unique shape, echoes, and legends tied to the tyrant Dionysius.

Strolling through the Latomia del Paradiso, once a stone quarry and later a prison, you’ll discover how nature has reclaimed these ancient spaces, creating a striking contrast between history and greenery.

The tour then continues to Ortigia, where history unfolds layer by layer. Walking through narrow streets and sunlit squares, you’ll explore ancient Syracuse ruins woven into later architecture, admire Baroque façades, and reach the Fountain of Arethusa, one of Sicily’s most evocative mythological sites.

This private tour guarantees a flexible pace, in-depth storytelling, and personalized attention, allowing you to fully appreciate the grandeur of ancient Syracuse and the living beauty of Ortigia. A perfect blend of archaeology, legend, and Mediterranean atmosphere—an unforgettable journey through one of Sicily’s most remarkable destinations.

What's included

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Private local guide

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