Siracusa & Noto

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In this tour, you will immerse yourself among the wonders of Sicilian Baroque and ancient history. You will visit the island of Ortigia and the Archaeological Park of Neapolis in Syracuse, witnesses to millennia of history. Continuing on, you will be enchanted by the magnificent Baroque architectures of Noto, which glow with a golden warmth under the Sicilian sun.

Duration

Difficulty

Easy

Our tour will begin in the historic city of Syracuse, a city of unparalleled beauty and charm, celebrated by Cicero as “the most beautiful city of Magna Graecia.” This precious jewel of the Mediterranean, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands in a charming bay, embraced by the island of Ortigia, founded in 734 BC by Corinthian colonists. Syracuse, a cultural capital from the Greek era to the Baroque renaissance, rivaled in grandeur and splendor with the most illustrious cities of its time, such as Athens and Alexandria.

Immersed in centuries of history, we will explore the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, the heart of ancient Syracuse, and then lose ourselves among the alleys of Ortigia’s historic center. Here, we will admire the Temple of Minerva, transformed into a majestic Christian cathedral, and be enchanted by the legendary Fountain of Arethusa, a freshwater spring emerging just steps from the sea.

After a morning steeped in history, we will take a break, savoring the authentic flavors of this land, rich in culinary traditions. In the afternoon, our journey will continue towards the splendid Noto, the undisputed capital of Sicilian Baroque. Walking along its main course, we will be amazed by the honey-colored facades of its architecture, which shine under the Sicilian sun. We will admire squares and staircases that seem part of a painting, in a succession of architectural masterpieces that tell the story of the city’s rebirth after the devastating earthquake of 1693. Noto, reborn from its ashes on a new site in 1702, offers itself to visitors as a magnificent city of art, a UNESCO treasure that enchants at every glance. Its Baroque elegance, with its churches, palaces, and gardens, makes it an unforgettable experience for anyone traveling through Sicily.

Pick-up at your accommodation.
Visit to Syracuse and Ortigia.
Lunch.
Visit to Noto.
Tasting of typical products.
Return to the hotel.

Recommended Equipment

Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, waterproof jacket, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Included Services

Pick-up from your accommodation, insurance, and water.

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Typical Sicilian tasting

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Reviews

TripAdvisor

This was a fun way to spend a half-day! We were picked up at the resort we were staying at (Monaci) and drove some back roads to the north side of Etna. The landscape is amazing and our guide showed us some lava flows that were really something to be seen, as they extended way down the mountain/volcano. The bus ride to the top was interesting - wear something warm as it is quite cool at the highest point of your trip. We ended up having lunch at the area where the buses depart from - it was a good way to wrap up the trip!

Amazing!! Our guide, Marco took us in his jeep to Mt. Etna. He picked us up at our hotel and talked to us the entire drive giving us interesting information about the area!! He took us as high as he could in his hero where we transferred to the vehicles that are allowed higher and with a geological expert. Although I have to say, Marco at times gave us more information than the expert. After the incredible visit to 2900 meters, we made our way down. Marco then brought us to a beautiful place in the woods near a lava tube where there was a full picnic with wine and flowers and blankets and pillows all set up for us!! We ate, learned how to make (and eat) Granita the right way!!!

Our day out with Marco was amazing. He was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. He made the whole experience engaging and added a real personal touch that made us feel like we got something extra special. I would definitely recommend Etna Mareneve Escursioni for your tour of Etna. Completely worth it!

We had a wonderful private excursion to Mount Etna. The tour guide David was extra accommodating, was very knowledgeable with the history of our tour and extremely attentive to us. We highly recommend Mareneve if you are looking for the best tours of Mt. Etna.