Syracuse: Neapolis and Ortygia

Syracuse: Neapolis and the Island of Ortygia

This 2,700-year-old city was once the greatest city in the Greek world, and stood amongst the most powerful and prosperous cities of Europe. The tour includes the main archeological park of Neapolis and some significant places of interest on the island of Ortygia, namely the Apollo Temple, the Aretusa Fontana and the Duomo, Siracusa’s magnificent cathedral that encapsulates over 2500 years of history.

: Ortygia, facing east

: Fluted columns in the cathedral of Siracusa

: Ruins of the Apollo Temple

: The Greek theater carved out of a rock

: Piazza Duomo

Itinerary (3h30mn to 4 hours):

– Meet your docent at the main entrance of the archeological site of Neapolis.

– Stroll through the archaeological Park of Neapolis in the company of your expert, admiring one of the largest of all surviving Greek theatres, a Roman amphitheatre built to allow for gladiators ‘sporting’ activities which the Greek theater could not accommodate, and the Ear of Dionysius, a huge cavern shaped in a way that gives it surprising acoustic properties. A great many legends are associated with this cave.

– In Ortigya, you will see many important sights such as the ruins of the Apollo temple, the famed Arethusa fountain and the Piazza del Duomo, certainly one of the most suggestive Italian Baroque piazza. The cathedral structure rests on the fluted columns that pertained to a 5th century B.C.E Greek temple. Strolling the quiet streets of Ortigya, you will revel in front of splendid architectural edifices of Roman, Byzantine, Gothic-Catalan, Norman and Renaissance origins.

Rates:*

Number of participants	Prices per participant in euros
5-10	40.00
4	50.00
3	70.00
2	90.00
1	175.00

*The above rates do not include the transport to and from the archeological sites and the entrance fees to the Park of Neapolis (€ 8.00)
Further points of interest in Syracuse: Visit the magnificent Castello di Maniace (the 13th century castle of Federico II, and the archeological museum Paolo Orsi which displays an important and well-organized collection of items covering the late pre-historic period up to the Magna Grecia era.
Please contact us if you would like to add the above points of interest to your itinerary.

Contact us to book your private tour of Syracuse. We will let you know about our availabilities and answer any questions you may have.