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Ortigia Private Walking Tour: Discover 3000 Years of History in Syracuse's Ancient Town Center

4.8

50 Ratings

Siracusa

Duration: 2 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Temple of Apollo (Tempio di Apollo) - You will meet our guide near the Apollo temple and learn about this ancient Greek building, the oldest stone temple built by Greeks in Sicily.
Piazza Archimede - Here you will see the beautiful neoclassical Diana fountain and the buildings in various styles, around the square.
Chiesa del Collegio dei Gesuiti - A walk through the picturesque via Cavor, passing near the Collegio dei Gesuiti.
La Piazza Duomo - Learn about Syracuse’s beautful cathedral square and its main builidings: the cathedral, palazzo Vermexio, arcivescovado and palazzo Beneventano del Bosco.
Duomo di Siracusa - Visit to the interiors of the cathedral, a baroque church built on an ancient Greek temple. Admission fee not included (€ 2 p.p.). The visit to the interiors is not possible during the holy mass or marriages. In this case the guide will explain the church from outside.
Chiesa di Santa Lucia alla Badia - Visit of the interiors of the church of St. Lucy. The church is closed on Mondays so it’s not possible to visit the interiors booking this day,
Fonte Aretusa - Visit to Syracuse’s legendary spring, also famous for its papyrus plants. Our guide will tell you about Alpheus and Arethusa
Island of Ortigia - Walk throught the picturesque narrow streets or Ortygia, the old town center of Syracuse and the Giudecca district the ancient Jewish district of Syracuse.
Via della Giudecca - Our tour ends with a walk through the picturesque former Jewish district

What's Included

Professional guide
Private walking tour

What's Not Included

Cathedral entrance fee (optional, 2 € p.p.)

Additional Information

Discover the captivating allure of Ortygia, the old town center of Syracuse, on an exclusive private walking tour. Situated on a picturesque island very near to the mainland, Ortygia is a treasure trove of history spanning 3000 years. Your tour begins at the Apollo Temple, the oldest Greek temple in Sicily. As you walk through the enchanting narrow streets, you’ll arrive in Piazza Duomo, where you will have the chance to explore a Catholic church that was constructed above an ancient temple, blending two cultures (the interior visit is only possible when there are no religious services taking place in the church). Admire the legendary Aretusa Spring, famous also for its papyrus plants. We will also enter into the lesser-known paths of the former Jewish district. Uncover the secrets of Ortygia with a personalized private walking tour, offering a unique perspective on the island. Explore the layers of history, embrace the beauty of the surroundings.

A dress code is required to enter the cathedral. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed, shoulders must be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.

Location

Via dell'Apollonion

Departure Point: Apollo temple, Ortygia (Syracuse) Address: Largo XXV Luglio - Siracusa Directions: The guide will wait at the Apollo temple, on the right side, near the small fountain. The guide will wear a red id-badge. Return point: Tour ends at the fish market near the Apollo temple.

Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings

4.8

(50 Ratings)

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1 star

Hanluc

Oct 20, 2023

Outstanding private Ortigia tour and service with Hermes - Excellent private tour. Our guide Eva was super, very friendly, gave interesting local knowledge and facts about the sites and culture of Ortigia. Exactly the right amount of information without overloading us but open to all questions. The interaction we had with Sebastiano at the Hermes office when booking the tour directly with them was also excellent and reassuring. All questions were answered, recommendations given and no pressure to purchase. Received an email from them a couple of days before the tour as a reminder and to introduce our guide for the tour. All round super experience and would definitely use them again without hesitation. Recommend Hermes 100%.