Syracuse Highlights

by coach & on foot

Departing from the pier by coach, your experience begins with a drive to the archaeological area Neapolis, home to some of the most important ruins of the old Greco-Roman city of Syracuse.

Upon arrival, you will visit the ruins of the Roman Amphitheatre of Augustus, created to host the gladiatorial games. These games were held between the gladiators, wrestlers and slaves of ancient Rome, along with wild animals for the amusement of spectators. It was built with an elliptical plan made of stone blocks and destroyed by the Spanish in the 16th century.

Continuing on foot, your next call is the Altar of Hieron which was constructed in the second century B.C. to celebrate the Eleutherian Feast. This monumental grand altar in the ancient quarter of Neapolis is the largest altar known from antiquity.

Following this, you will visit the Latomia of Paradise, originally an immense subterranean stone quarry and a bizarre artificial cave system with surprising acoustic effects. Legend has it that it was dug so the tyrant Dionysius could eavesdrop on political opponents and dissidents that were imprisoned in the caves.

To complete your visit, you will view the Greek Theatre, one of the largest in the Hellenic World and constructed in the 5th century B.C., continually being enlarged over the following years.

After your insightful archaeological visit, you will drive to Ortigia and embark on a guided walk of the old town. The small, baroque island of Ortigia is the historic heart of Syracuse and widely considered as one of the most beautiful destinations in Sicily. It is joined to the main island by three bridges and is a picture-perfect sight to witness.

Your walk will take you past The Temple of Apollo - one of the most important ancient Greek monuments on Ortigia, located in front of the Piazza Pancali. Continue along Corso Matteotti, one of the main streets, to Piazza Archimede where you will see the beautiful Fountain of Diana, built in 1907.

Reaching Piazza Duomo you will visit the cathedral, constructed in baroque style and built over the remains of the Doric Temple of Minerva. Inside you can see the undamaged 12 Doric columns and one precious painting by Antonello da Messina.

During your guided walk, you’ll view several aristocratic palaces, the majority of them originating from the 15th and 16th century.

Enjoy some free time before walking back to the pier to return to the ship.