Syracuse, Ortygia & Noto small group Tour from Catania with lunch

Sicily , Italy

Syracuse, Ortygia & Noto small group Tour from Catania with lunch

Active

(98 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the treasures of Syracuse Ortigia and Noto on a full day tour with a savvy guide. Explore the Greek beauties in the archeological area of Syracuse, hidden alleys and magic fountain in Ortigia, marveling at Sicilian Baroque architecture. You’ll see top attractions like Nepaolis, Duomo Square of Ortigia, and the beautiful churches, builinding and balconies of Noto. Visit these places in only one day, with a comfortable and luxury vehicle, pick-up and drop off at your accommodation, small groups, accompanied by multilingual, experienced, professional and local driver/guide. Enjoy the best way to discover the greek culture and the baroque treasures, for a comfortable, safety and relaxing trip in Sicily,

Available options

Syracuse, Ortygia & Noto small group Tour from Catania with lunch

Pickup included

What's included

Lunch

Landing and facility fees

Driver

Fuel surcharge

Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Hotel pickup and drop-off or meeting point close to your accommodation

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The Syracuse and Noto tour will start with the visit of the Neapolis in Syracuse, the famous archaeological park in the countryside of Syracuse. This place houses also the Greek Theatre, Ear of Dionysius and the Latomie. The visit will last an hour and a half.

Stop 2

We will then reach the lovely peninsula of Ortigia. Starting From the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, with a lovely walking, you will finally admire the Duomo square with is beautiful white Cathedral of “Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception”, erected on the Ancient Greek temple of Athena. The walking will continue till the Fountain of Arethusa, a legendary fresh water spring with a fountain.UNESCO declared Syracuse World Heritage Site in 2005.
Here in Ortigia we will offer you a tipycal sicilian snack made of "Tavola Calda" with water and red wine. Or, if you prefer, you will have one hour of spare time to have lunch in one of the many amazing restaurants in the alleys of the city.

Stop 3

After lunch we will drive to Noto, a jewel of Sicilian Baroque, Unesco heritage. Noto is considered a “open air museum”. Here we will visit its main street coming from the “Porta Reale”, pass by the Church of St. Francesco with the majestic staircase. Palazzo Ducenzio is located in Piazza Municipio. Admiring the many palaces and churches , it is not possible to miss the visit of the Cathedral Church

What's not included

Touristic guide inside the historical places/churches/museums

Biglietti di ingresso

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT

Written guide

EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

37 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

61 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

May be operated by a multi-lingual guide

Meeting point

Important notes

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

All flight times are approximate and subject to change due to weather conditions and weight restrictions.

About Sicily

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its rich Greek and Roman heritage, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine, Sicily offers a unique travel experience that captivates visitors with its diverse attractions and warm hospitality.

Top Attractions

Valley of the Temples

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the most well-preserved ancient Greek temples outside of Greece. The site is a testament to Sicily's rich Greek heritage and offers a glimpse into the island's ancient past.

Historical 2-3 hours €10

Mount Etna

Europe's highest and most active volcano, offering stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and the opportunity to witness volcanic activity up close. Mount Etna is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Nature Half day to full day €30-€100 (depending on the tour and activities)

Palermo Cathedral

A stunning example of Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture, Palermo Cathedral is a masterpiece of religious art and history. The cathedral's interior is adorned with beautiful mosaics, sculptures, and tombs of notable historical figures.

Architectural 1-2 hours €7

Taormina

A charming hilltop town known for its stunning views of the Ionian Sea and the iconic Greek Theatre. Taormina is a popular tourist destination offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore, €10 for the Greek Theatre

Cefalù

A picturesque coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and charming medieval streets. Cefalù is a popular destination for both relaxation and cultural exploration.

Beach Half day to full day Free to explore, €5 for La Rocca

Must-Try Local Dishes

Arancini

Fried rice balls filled with ragù, mozzarella, and peas, often shaped like small oranges.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Cannoli

Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese, often garnished with pistachios or chocolate chips.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta with a sauce made from tomatoes, fried eggplant, ricotta cheese, and basil.

Main Course Vegetarian

Granita

A semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavors, typically served with a brioche for breakfast.

Dessert Vegan and gluten-free options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Madonie Regional Park Volcano trekking on Mount Etna Beach lounging in Cefalù Spa treatments in Taormina Visiting the Valley of the Temples Exploring the historic center of Palermo Snorkeling and diving in the Aeolian Islands Boat tours along the coast

Best Time to Visit

May to June, September to October

The peak seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for exploring Sicily's attractions. The sea is warm enough for swimming, and the countryside is lush and green.

20-28°C 68-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: Sicilian, English
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

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution

Sicily is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and scams can occur in tourist areas, and some regions may have higher crime rates.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting your journey.
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions, distractions, or overly friendly advances.

Getting there

By air

Palermo Airport • 32 km (20 miles) from Palermo city center
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport • 7 km (4.3 miles) from Catania city center

By train

Palermo Centrale, Catania Centrale

By bus

Palermo Bus Terminal, Catania Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Sicily, with regular services connecting major cities and towns. The network can be complex, but it is affordable and convenient.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Palermo Centro Storico Taormina Catania Centro Agrigento

Day trips

Aeolian Islands

25-50 km (16-31 miles) from Milazzo • Full day to overnight

A group of seven volcanic islands known for their stunning landscapes, hot springs, and unique geological features. The islands offer a variety of activities, including hiking, swimming, and relaxing in natural hot springs.

Erice

100 km (62 miles) from Palermo • Half day to full day

A medieval hilltop town known for its stunning views, historic landmarks, and charming streets. Erice is a popular destination for those interested in history, culture, and panoramic views.

Noto

90 km (56 miles) from Syracuse • Half day to full day

A picturesque Baroque town known for its stunning architecture, charming streets, and rich history. Noto is a popular destination for those interested in art, history, and culture.

Festivals

Infiorata di Noto • May Taormina Film Fest • June Sagra del Miele • September

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Italian or Sicilian phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
Visit local markets and try street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience.
Explore the island's hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, such as the Aeolian Islands, the Madonie Regional Park, and the Zingaro Nature Reserve.
Rent a car for flexibility and access to remote areas, but be prepared for narrow roads, aggressive drivers, and limited parking.
Visit during the shoulder or off-peak seasons (April-June, September-October) for better prices, fewer crowds, and pleasant weather.