Day 1 in Sicily Island - Syracuse and Ortygia Island

Welcome to Sicily Island - Syracuse (Siracusa in Italian)! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

Spend the afternoon getting acquainted with the historical center of Syracuse located on the island of Ortygia. As you wander through the charming area, take in the beautiful baroque architecture as well as the city`s 13th century Castello Maniace. Created in 1232, visitors can walk through the castle grounds, explore the battlements and look out into the bay and the Ionian Sea. Other popular stops include the Bottari, Mastruarua, Spirduta, Maestranza and Turba districts, as well as the Piazza del Duomo and the Fontana Aretusa.

Stop at the Piazza del Duomo, one of the central squares in Ortygia and enjoy the beautiful Cathedral of Syracuse, a fantastic structure which dates back to the 5th century BC, the cathedral was actually built around the ancient Temple of Athena. The ancient Greek Doric columns of the temple can still be seen inside the Cathedral. This is one of the very few surviving examples in Sicily where a temple was converted into a church.

At the far end of the Piazza Duomo is the less impressive and unassuming Church of Saint Lucia, the patron saint of Syracuse. Saint Lucia was martyred near this site in 304 and a feast in her name is celebrated yearly on December 13th. The Church of Saint Lucia houses one of Caravaggio`s most famous paintings, appropriately titled, the Burial of Saint Lucy.

As the evening approaches, head to the seafront on the island of Ortygia which is full of restaurants and bars where people quench their thirst or sit and relax. In the evening, the area is bustling with people out for a drink or a meal. It has a great atmosphere and a beautiful backdrop with the lights reflecting on the water.

There are many night clubs along the coastline on the Alfeo Promenade. Some have dance floors on the beach so that you can dance under the moonlight.

Day 2 in Sicily Island - Syracuse and Ortygia Island

Wake up early and start your day with a visit to the lively outdoor street market on Via de Benedictis. Be sure to try a Sicilian specialty, such as snails or pistachios, and chat to the colorful vendors, who are happy to show you their wares. Your senses will be on overload as you inhale the aromas, marvel at the beautiful colors and sights of everything you see.

Visit the Greek Theatre located at the Archaeological Park in the western part of Syracuse; it is undoubtedly one of the main attractions of the region. Created in 470 BC, this ancient amphitheatre played host to some legendary play writes such as Aischylos and Sophocles, and has a diameter of 452 ft. Today, much of the originally semi-circular seating survives in excellent condition, although it is sometimes covered with wood to preserve its quality.

Another highlight within the Archaeological Park is the impressive Roman Amphitheatre. This structure remains in a remarkable condition despite its old age. Constructed in the 3rd century, this Amphitheatre was partly made from the actual rock with a large arched entrance at either end. You can still see much of the seating on both sides, and you can also see the remains of the underground passages and rooms that would have been used by the gladiators who fought here. Although some of the structure is now overgrown, it still looks absolutely fantastic and the moss and greenery give it character.

Next, spend some time at Latomia del Paradiso (quarries). Syracuse has several different quarries which have been worked since the 6th century and mined for stone. This stone has been used extensively in the construction of many of the city`s landmarks and homes. Within this quarry is an impressive 196 ft long and 36 ft high gallery, this cave is truly beautiful and quiet surreal. Surrounded by beautiful woodland, the quarry is quite hidden and without looking, you would not know it’s there. This Latomia is also known as the Ear of Dionysius, legend has it, that if you stand at one end of the cave, you can hear whispered conversations from the other end.

Another quarry worth visiting is the Latomia dei Cappuccini. This immense quarry can still be entered today. Once an underground cavern, the quarry has now collapsed and is open to the elements. Throughout the area you can see massive irregular columns that sprout out of the ground at strange angles. In addition, much of the quarry is now covered in a beautiful garden that has been maintained by the Capuchin Monks, who are neighbors to the quarry.

Make some time to spend at the Syracuse Museo Archeologico. The Archaeological Museum is located on the Via Teocrito and offers a great collection of relics and artifacts collected from the surrounding area. Exhibits follow a chronological order and include 6th century pottery, bronze tomb reliefs, ancient weaponry and tools, and terracotta earthenware. This museum provides a fascinating look at how Syracuse has developed over the years.

If time allows, pay a visit to the fascinating Temple of Apollo located on the Island of Ortygia. This temple dates back to 570 BC and excavated 1938 - 1943, and is actually the oldest in Sicily. It has had various uses throughout the years such as a Byzantine church, an Islamic mosque, a Norman church, and Spanish barracks, reflecting Sicily`s various ruling groups. Today, visitors can see the rectangular foundation of the structure, much of the walls, and some of the ornate columns. You can`t walk inside the temple ruins, but they are clearly visible from the fence that surrounds them.

Spend your evening in the delightful Piazza di Archimede, this square is one of the main gathering areas on the Island and has several notable features. Highlighted in the center of the square is the beautiful Fontana di Artemide. This fountain depicts various ancient scenes and is also surrounded by some small palm trees. The square is a great place to explore and offers several cafes and restaurants.

After a busy day of sightseeing head back to your hotel and a restful night sleep.

Day 3 in Sicily Island - Syracuse and Ortygia Island

Spend the day today soaking up the stunning natural landscape by cycling the Rossana Maiorca cycle path. The path was opened in 2008 replacing the ancient railway line that connected the Targia station to Syracuse . It measures about 4.5 miles and connects one of the most beautiful and scenic parts of the city. The stretch offers several places of archaeological, historical and naturalistic interest. The actual track starts from the former passage at Santa Lucia level (on the sidewalk), and then enters the dirt road up to the Targia near the former Mattatoio. Along the route you will be nearby the Monument to the Italian Fallen of Africa from which the dirt track begins. There are various side accesses to explore the rocky cast with the Carabiniere rock and the Due Fratelli rock. The track still features the abandoned building of the former Santa Panagia station; the small gorge where the Greeks had built the port of Trogilo; the Byzantine oratory of Santa Panagia; and the tonnara of Santa Panagia.

Alternatively, visit the coastal town of Fontane Bianche located down the coast from the small town of Arenella. This is a beautiful coastal resort town and a perfect place to escape from the city and enjoy the beach. Fontane Bianche is a horseshoe shaped beach that offers golden sand and crystal clear turquoise waters. Beach bars and cafes line the beach where you can enjoy a relaxing meal.

Additional Days in Sicily Island - Syracuse and Ortygia Island

Should you be able to spend additional days in Syracuse we recommend you visit the Riserva Naturale Orientata Pantalica (Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica). This large area offers over 5,000 tombs cut into the rock near open stone quarries, most of them dating from the 13th to 7th centuries BC. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Alternatively, take a boat tour around the island of Ortygia, through the various caves and grottos. The tours leave frequently during the peak season. Or, take a boat ride in and around Syracuse along the River Cyane, 3 miles west of the city along Via Elorina. From May to September, a boat trip can take you to the source of this river. Along the way you`ll see clusters of papyrus plants. The boat also goes by the meager ruins of Olympeion, a temple erected at the end of the 6th century.

Your Last Day In Sicily Island - Syracuse and Ortygia Island

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer, if so a representative will meet you at the hotel, in time to take you to the airport for your flight out.