Day Trip from Taormina: Syracuse & Noto Private Tour with Driver

Perched on the cliffside overlooking the beautiful Sicilian sea and the famous "Isola Bella", you will find Taormina. You can spend days here without a problem. taste the great local food, take the sun along the beaches or be inspired by the ancient Roman Theatre and Odeon. Going to Taormina means to rest your body and your soul.

Visiting Syracuse you will feel like you've traveled back in time due to the vast history and myths. To think that the city was founded during the VIII century BC, and there were people like Plato or St Paul who came here is mindblowing. What you must visit is the ancient Greek Theatre, still used to this day, along with the Roman amphitheatre and what is considered the Archimedes’ Tomb. The sea that surrounds the city in Sicily, the great food and historical atmosphere makes this a complete destination to visit.

Located in the marvelous land of Sicily is the Neapolis Archaeological park. Within the site, there is the 5th century BC, 16,000-capacity greek amphitheatre. The area is still in a very impressive state and still often is home to shows during summer months.

The Greek Theatre of Syracuse, nestled within the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, stands as a prime example of classical Greek theatrical architecture in Sicily, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and grand scale. Annually, it breathes life into ancient traditions by hosting classical plays, thereby bridging the past with the present in a uniquely historic setting.

The Latomia del Paradiso, part of the Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse, is an ancient limestone quarry that played a significant role in the city's history. The vast network of caves and tunnels is where much of the stone used to build the ancient city was extracted. Notable for its lush vegetation and the iconic "Ear of Dionysius," a cave famous for its unique acoustics and ear-like shape, the Latomia del Paradiso offers visitors a glimpse into the ingenuity and labor of the civilizations that thrived here thousands of years ago.

The Ear of Dionysius is a renowned limestone cave located in the Archaeological Park of Neapolis in Syracuse, Sicily. Resembling a human ear in shape and stretching up to 23 meters in height, the cave is famous for its remarkable acoustics, which can amplify even the smallest sounds. According to legend, the tyrant Dionysius I used the cave to eavesdrop on prisoners. Today, it stands as a popular tourist attraction well-known for its extraordinary echo

The Roman Amphitheatre of Syracuse is an ancient structure situated in the Archaeological Park of Neapolis in Syracuse, Sicily. Unlike Greek theatres that were usually built into hillside slopes, Roman amphitheatres were often freestanding structures designed for events like gladiatorial games. The amphitheatre in Syracuse, dating back to the 3rd century AD, is one of the largest of its kind. Its elliptical shape is typical of Roman design, with remnants of seating areas and the central arena still visible, offering insights into the sophisticated engineering of the Roman era. Today, visitors can explore the ruins and imagine the spectacles that once filled this historical space.

Ortygia is a small island which serves as the historical center of the city of Syracuse, Sicily. Renowned for its ancient Greek and Baroque architecture, Ortygia is home to the majestic Cathedral of Syracuse, constructed atop the ruins of a Greek temple dedicated to Athena. The island is connected to the mainland by several bridges, making it easily accessible for visitors. As you wander the narrow streets, you will encounter a tapestry of history spanning thousands of years, from the Fountain of Arethusa, a freshwater spring with a mythical past, to bustling piazzas filled with lively cafes. Ortygia's blend of cultural heritages and seaside charm make it a captivating destination.

The Temple of Apollo in Ortygia, Syracuse, is one of Sicily's oldest Greek temples, dating back to the 6th century BC. Originally dedicated to Apollo, it has served various roles through history, including a church and a mosque. Today, its ruins, notably some columns and part of the structure, stand at the entrance to Ortygia, offering a glimpse into the island's ancient past.

The Syracuse Cathedral, located on the island of Ortigia, is a stunning structure that encapsulates layers of religious and architectural history. Initially a Greek temple dedicated to Athena constructed in the 5th century BC, its original Doric columns are still visible, integrated into the current cathedral's walls.

Transformed into a Christian basilica in the 7th century, it has seen numerous modifications, including a Baroque reconstruction after the 1693 earthquake, which shaped its present facade. Today, the Syracuse Cathedral stands as a magnificent example of ancient and more recent architectural elements merged together, serving as a central place of worship and a significant historical attraction in the city.

The Fountain of Arethusa, located on the island of Ortygia in Syracuse, Sicily, is a legendary fresh water spring with a rich mythological history. According to Greek mythology, Arethusa was a nymph who fled from her home in Arcadia beneath the sea to emerge as a fresh water spring on Ortygia, escaping the river god Alpheus's advances.

Today, the Fountain of Arethusa presents a beautiful natural site surrounded by lush papyrus plants, a rarity in Europe and a nod to the ancient world, where the papyrus was more commonly found along the banks of the Nile. This site not only offers visitors a picturesque setting but also connects them with the long-standing myths and legends of Sicily's Greek past.

A place of natural beauty and mythological significance, the Fountain of Arethusa is a must-visit for those interested in the rich history and culture of Sicily.

Enjoy free time in Noto.
Noto, in southeastern Sicily, is famous for its exquisite Baroque architecture. Rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its grand buildings like the Cathedral of San Nicolò. Known as the "Baroque Capital" of Sicily, Noto boasts charming streets filled with historic palaces and churches. It is especially vibrant during the Infiorata flower festival each May, showcasing the town's rich culture and artistic heritage in a stunning display.

The Cathedral of Noto, dedicated to Saint Nicholas, is a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque architecture. It was constructed in the early 18th century and completed in 1776. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto," the cathedral tragically suffered a collapse in 1996 but has since been meticulously restored.