Taormina , Italy

Syracuse Ortigia and Noto Private Tour

Active

(46 reviews)

8h - 9h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Your private driver will pick you up at your hotel or agreed meeting point in a relaxed atmosphere, you will arrive at the archaeological park of Neapolis, UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the most important archaeological parks in Italy. Here you will discover the most significant ancient monuments - Greek Theatre, the largest in Sicily, legendary cave "Ear of Dionysius", famous for its unique acoustics, Hiero altar, the ancient Greek quarries "Latomie", Roman amphitheater, the Aretusa spring and enjoy spectacular panoramic views from the top of the hill.

Then you will visit Ortigia: the Greek temple Apollo, the Cathedral square with its bright limestone buildings - the cathedral, Palazzo Beneventano, the church of Santa Lucia, the Arethusa fountain, the Jewish Quarter, Piazza Archimedes, Diana's fountain, the Fish Point of Sale, where you can feel the unforgettable atmosphere of Southern Italy. And finally the beautiful NOTO with its baroque UNESCO site

Available options

Private Tour of Syracuse Noto

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

Entrance to the island of Ortigia

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Island of ortigia where more than 2000 years ago the Greeks landed founding the city of Syracuse guided walk visit to the Fish Point of Sale, the Jewish Quarter, with visit to the Jewish bath walk in the streets of ortigia visit to the beautiful cathedral square

Stop 2

The rock garden is defined as a well-known UNESCO heritage, its palaces built in the late baroque we would take a beautiful walk in the center of noto with visits to the major monuments

Stop 3

The largest archaeological park in Sicily with the largest Greek theater in the world and its Roman amphitheater the latomies with the ear of Dionysius famous for its acoustics

What's not included

Gratuities

Archaeological park entrance ticket

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

30 reviews

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

16 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Taormina

Taormina is a picturesque hilltop town in Sicily, known for its stunning views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. It combines ancient Greek and Roman history with charming medieval streets, making it a unique and appealing destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Ancient Theatre of Taormina

This well-preserved Greek theatre dates back to the 3rd century BC and offers stunning views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. It is still used for performances and events.

Historical 1-2 hours €10.50 for the combined ticket with the Odeon

Isola Bella

A small, picturesque island connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. It is a nature reserve with beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Nature 1-2 hours Free to visit, €5 for the nature reserve

Corso Umberto

The main street of Taormina, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is a great place to stroll, shop, and enjoy the town's atmosphere.

Shopping 1-2 hours Varies by shop

Public Gardens (Giardini della Villa Comunale)

Beautiful public gardens with panoramic views of the sea and Mount Etna. They are a peaceful retreat from the bustling town center.

Nature 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Castelmola

A charming medieval village perched above Taormina, offering breathtaking views of the coast and Mount Etna. It is known for its narrow streets, historic churches, and local wine.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore, €5-€10 for wine tastings

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pasta alla Norma

A traditional Sicilian pasta dish made with eggplant, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and basil.

Main Course Vegetarian

Arancini

Fried rice balls filled with ragù, mozzarella, and peas, coated in breadcrumbs.

Appetizer Contains cheese and gluten

Cannoli

Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese, often with chocolate chips or candied fruit.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten

Granita

A semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavors like lemon, almond, or coffee.

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available

Popular Activities

Hiking Mount Etna Snorkeling and diving in Isola Bella Jeep and cable car tours of Mount Etna Sunbathing and swimming at Mazzarò Beach Enjoying a granita at Bar Turrisi Strolling through the Public Gardens Exploring the Ancient Theatre of Taormina Visiting the historic churches and museums

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

This is the best time to visit Taormina, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. The weather is ideal for exploring the town and enjoying outdoor activities.

18°C to 28°C 64°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, Sicilian dialect
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Taormina is a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, it's always important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be cautious in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis and agree on the fare in advance.
• Be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.

Getting there

By air

Catania-Fontanarossa Airport • 50 km from Taormina

By train

Taormina-Giardini Station

By bus

Taormina Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The funicular is efficient and frequent, offering a quick and scenic way to get around the town.

Taxis

Available • Apps: FreeNow, ItTaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Central Taormina Mazzarò Castelmola

Day trips

Mount Etna

40 km from Taormina • Full day

Mount Etna is Europe's highest and most active volcano, offering breathtaking views, hiking trails, and unique geological features.

Aeolian Islands

Varies by island, approximately 50-100 km from Taormina • Full day or overnight

The Aeolian Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for their volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and stunning beaches.

Syracuse (Siracusa)

100 km from Taormina • Full day

Syracuse is a historic city with ancient Greek and Roman ruins, a charming old town, and beautiful beaches.

Festivals

Taormina Arte • July to August Taormina Film Festival • June Festa di San Pancrazio • May 12th

Pro tips

Visit the Ancient Theatre of Taormina for stunning views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.
Try local specialties like pasta alla Norma, arancini, and cannoli at traditional Sicilian restaurants.
Explore the charming streets and shops of Corso Umberto and Via Naumachia.
Take a day trip to Mount Etna for hiking, jeep tours, and wine tasting.
Relax on the beautiful beaches of Mazzarò and Isola Bella, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea.