Syracuse and Ortygia Island Day Trip from Taormina
Sicily, Italy
- 9 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Explore the southeastern coast of Sicily on a day trip to Syracuse from Taormina. Led by a professional guide, see the impressive collection of ancient Roman and Greek ruins, soak up scenic views of the water and learn the rich history behind the city from your guide. Visit the archaeological site of Parco Archeologico della Neapolis (own expense) and spend the afternoon discovering Ortygia, Syracuse’s island neighborhood.
- Explore Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, Syracuse’s archeological zone (entry own expense)
- See well-preserved Roman and Greek ruins like the Altar of Hieron II
- Pose for photos in front of the Ear of Dionysius and learn about ancient Syracuse from a guide
- Visit the island neighborhood of Ortygia and discover sights like Syracuse Duomo
What's Included
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Local guide service
- Tour Leader service
- Food and drinks
- Entrance fee to Parco Archeologico della Neapolis - (free for EU citizens under 18 years)
- Entrance fee - Duomo di Siracusa€2.00 per person
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Terminal Interbus TaorminaVia Luigi Pirandello, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Departure for all tours is from the main Bus Terminal in Via Pirandello. Pick up is also available along the coast at Taormina by the sea, Letojanni and Giardini Naxos. Customers are invited to contact for information about pick up.The coach is silver with a SAT logo in red.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Start time.8:00 am
Itinerary
Meet your guide in central Taormina and hop aboard your coach for a 1.5-hour ride along the coast to Syracuse.
Upon arriving, head first to the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis (entry fee at own expense), home to a vast collection of Roman and Greek ruins. Learn the history behind each archaeological gem as you check out the preserved monuments of the Roman amphitheater, Greek theater and the artificial limestone cave famously known as the Ear of Dionysius. You'll also see the spot where bulls were sacrificed during ancient festivals at the Altar of Hieron II.
Travel next to Syracuse’s island neighborhood of Ortygia, where you’ll pause to purchase lunch. Appetites sated, head to the Fountain of Aretusa in the bustling square of Piazza Archimede. Admire the Gothic design of the surrounding palaces before walking over to the central spot of Piazza del Duomo.
As you walk among the locals, gaze up at the Syracuse Cathedral, the Palace of Beneventano del Bosco, City Hall and the Archbishop's Palace, dating back to the 17th century.
After a full day of history and top sites, you will begin the journey back to your original departure point.
Upon arriving, head first to the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis (entry fee at own expense), home to a vast collection of Roman and Greek ruins. Learn the history behind each archaeological gem as you check out the preserved monuments of the Roman amphitheater, Greek theater and the artificial limestone cave famously known as the Ear of Dionysius. You'll also see the spot where bulls were sacrificed during ancient festivals at the Altar of Hieron II.
Travel next to Syracuse’s island neighborhood of Ortygia, where you’ll pause to purchase lunch. Appetites sated, head to the Fountain of Aretusa in the bustling square of Piazza Archimede. Admire the Gothic design of the surrounding palaces before walking over to the central spot of Piazza del Duomo.
As you walk among the locals, gaze up at the Syracuse Cathedral, the Palace of Beneventano del Bosco, City Hall and the Archbishop's Palace, dating back to the 17th century.
After a full day of history and top sites, you will begin the journey back to your original departure point.
1
Parco Archeologico della Neapolis
1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included
2
Ear of Dionysius
1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included
3
Syracuse Cathedral
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
4
Temple of Apollo (Tempio di Apollo)
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
5
Isola di Ortigia
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- During winter minimum of 12 people. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 49 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
3.8
based on 100 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Peter_W, Sep 2025
Too many pickups meant a good part of the day was spent on the bus
Earphones should be included.......
Tally_W, Sep 2025
This tour would have been enjoyable if our tour guide wasnt repeating everything he said in 3 different languages the whole time. When we got to the archaeological site, he did a 15 minute monologue in Italian, and by the time he was done, all the non-Italian speakers had gotten fed up, broken off from the group and didn’t get to hear any information about the site. This was happening the whole day. It was very hot and he never stopped in the shade. The whole experience really just felt like transportation and not an actual tour. That being said, we really enjoyed ortigia. Kinda wish we had skipped the archaeological site, which was a bit pricey. Maybe we would have enjoyed it more if we got to hear information about it. They should have provided different guides for different languages or separated the tour into groups by language. We may have been better off just taking the train to ortigia ourselves.
Rebecca_G, Jun 2025
A good overview of Syracuse and Ortigia. I would have liked some more free time but realise this would have made for a later return time. Good stops for coffee in the morning and the lunch recommendation was excellent. Be prepared with some cash for entry tickets. All in all a very well organised trip.
Barbara_T, Apr 2025
Fantastic day out. All on schedule and a very interesting visit to the awesome Archaeological Park and Ortigia. Tour leader Renate and our guide Eva were absolutely excellent and very informative and brought it all to life. Thank you so much.
Christine_S, Oct 2024
Packed in a lot of culture for one trip. Certainly worth getting guide(s) for the day to focus in on what the area has to offer
TANYAMICHELLE_G, Aug 2024
We had a great day tour with Giuseppe (Joseph) - the tour was fascinating and he was a great guide. Very lovely air conditioned coach and a good amount of free time in Ortigia - just be warned if going with a high weather forecast - it was 36 degrees and the heat was absolutely oppressive - drink LOTS of water and perhaps buy one of those street fans!!
Carol_D, Jul 2024
I was looking forward to seeing these iconic sites. In particular the Greek and Roman theatres. Our guide was considerate and knowledgeable. Unfortunately the theatre was set up for a current performance so it was not available to see the stage area. We could only imagine. The difficult part of the tour was that the bus was unable to park close to the afternoon portion of of the tour. This necessitated a walk of of over 7 km in 38*C heat to see the church sites and to have lunch and return to the bus. As a result we were exhausted and abandoned the second part of the tour and took a taxi to the restaurant then back to the bus. Consequently after 4 hr driving we saw parts of the theatres but not the remainder of the tour.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Hello, we always underline two things on our tour description: 1) the theatre is often covered with a stage set for the tragedies 2) this is a walking tour and need comfortable shoes and a visor/cap. It is quite normal to walk some KM since the Ortygia island is all pedestrian. Probably you have chosen the wrong time of the year with 40 degrees celsius. You might have come in October. It is a real pity, only 3 points for such a wonderful site. Regards, SAT Group Customer Care Manager
Wendy_P, Jul 2024
Excellent tour ! You learn so much! You also visit the important landmarks of Siracusa then you have about two hours to roam freely the island of oritigia!
Sharon_B, Oct 2023
A fabulous day trip - it's a long day, but worth it. Great to be picked up from my hotel. I saw, in other reviews, some of the complaints about the duel languages on the coach , but you get used to it. Ortigia was a lovely place - great to get a quick guided tour, and then have some free time to wander a little slmore slowly.
Go on, treat yourself and have a lovely day out
Suzanne_J, Sep 2023
It was fun snd do interesting to have a guide who could tell thx stories behind the amazing history we saw. Bus driver amazing all those bends snd turns. Meet some lovely people over lunch from the tour. Top rating thankyou
Sandra_R, Sep 2023
From the pick up, which was quick and simple, to the end of the day this was a fab trip.
Renata was a great tour guide, very knowledgeable and able to manage a large group around the sites. Amazing places to visit with time to wander on your own in Syracuse.
Comfortable coach on a relaxed tour.
tischlerjoann, Jul 2019
Horrific rainstorm. Could not get to the bus stop. Too late for 24 hour cancellation. As fa as I know, they do not refund for last mean bad weather.
Response from Host, Jul 2019
Hello tischlerjoann,
did you ask us for a refund?
Please contact us and we will analyze the issue.
We do not understand your low rate without asking for a refund and explaining to us the situation. Our company is Customer oriented and is always available for a switch or for an eventual refund when possible.
Please contact us at our mail or telephone.
Guest Relations Manager
SAT Group
Marilyn B, Sep 2018
Copious amount of information given in the blazing sun after having received a long narration in two different language's on the bus made for a hot and very tiring day.
Karen_S, May 2018
I wanted to go to Syracuse and Ortygia on our own but it was actually less expensive to book this tour than to find transport from Taormina. The archaeological park was a bit of a disappointment since they are covering the Greek Theatre completely for a series of plays between May and July. So it was more like visiting a construction site. The guide provided at the park was excellent though. Ortygia was the highlight of this trip and fortunately you are left on your own for it. Don't miss lunch in the food market.
The tour had mostly Germans 2/3 and the rest English. English is very much an after thought. I was also surprised when the tour guide on the bus pointed out the military airfield and said to the Germans 'this is where the Americans and French bomb Syria from but then said in English something more pithy this is the military airfield, Americans use it. It did seem judgmental. Another American on the bus called him out on it.
j_d, Apr 2018
Viator processed our booking very quickly and provided the tour services as expected - thank you.
Our tour guides, on the coach and for the sights at Syracuse were both excellent.
I have given 4 stars only because the Greek Theatre was subject to protective building works in preparation for summer performances. The sight of 2 cement mixers and wood-working kind of detracted from the magnificence of this wonderful place.
We loved the Roman Amphitheatre, and the Temple of Atehna.
All in all, we had a great day out. Cheers.
rosa t, Jan 2018
A great day out!
We managed to see the highlights of the city, loved the archeological site with the ancient Greek theater and Dionisius ear.
Our guide, Alfredo, was outstanding and most informative, he is a professional. We met him again in summer 2017 as he guided us through other trips to Agrigento and Noto and it was a delight.
Grazie Viator and Grazie, Alfredo!
Highly recommended trip!
MARYAM A, Dec 2017
The Syracuse Tour involves a great deal of walking to very little effect the Greek and Roman amphitheaters are not spectacular the Ear of Dionysius, on the other hand, is, and the long walk round Ortygia has little of interest except perhaps the cathedral the lunch at a restaurant recommended by the guide verged on the disgusting - it is not included in the price so go anywhere else altogether a dull tour with a mediocre guide - a tour with too few highlights to justify the boredom and the endless walking...
Maggie D, Nov 2017
This was an excellent trip! I was very impressed by our tour guide and the driver was the best I've had. This walking tour allowed us to see all the sites of Siracusa. My only issue was that we didn't spend any time climbing around the Greek theater, but stayed on the outskirts above and below. I felt a little rushed as we passed through some of the areas, but it was a beautiful city and the guide was excellent. Very knowledgeable and gave the tour in 2 languages the whole way through. Impressive!
Richard S, Oct 2017
The trip was taken in early October 2017. From Taormina, it is a full, rich and wonderful day. The ancient sights are tremendous but our guide for the Cathedral, Enza, was outstanding. Her ability to share her extensive knowledge was a highlight. Rich S.
Helen_Y, Oct 2017
Set off in torrential rain, thunder and lightening, Elizabeth turned the trip around to enable us to see the temples in the afternoon by which time sun was out. Thanks to Marco for driving in such weather and to Elizabeth for her knowledge of the trip. Thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Jayne_G, Oct 2017
Enjoyed the archaeological site. Found the walking tour really slow so left and did our own tour. Personally I found this tour a bit disappointing as I didn't find the town that pretty or interesting. However my daughter enjoyed the trip.
Gail_P, Oct 2017
Excellent tour of Syracuse area, and very informative explanation by guides we were divided into groups by language. The only problem we encountered was caused by one tour member who first got on the wrong bus, then later in the day was 1/2 hour late returning to the bus to go back to Taormina this caused us to get caught in Catania traffic, delaying our return by 1 1/2 hours.
stephen_p, Oct 2017
This is a great tour. Santo, our guide on the bus was fantastic, he really has a passion for the history of not just Syracuse, but for all of Sicily's past. He was a great help in finding lunch, as well.
Deborah T, Sep 2017
Superb trip from start to finish. A very comprehensive guided tour of Syracuse - very cultural but with plenty of free time to enjoy lunch and a stroll around at our own pace. Eva our guide was excellent and although a large group - we could all hear her and she kept control of the numbers very well. There was time for photos and time for a walk around each of the stops - I would thoroughly recommend this trip.
Vlad T, Sep 2017
Comments and explanations were a bit boring and didn't provide too many details.
Lucy E, Sep 2017
The trip locations were great and the guides were knowledgeable, but there were logistical problems. We were a very large group speaking two languages. At one early point, more than half the group got lost in the crowds. The entire group did not really get reunited until we were most of the way through Syracuse. I think the group was too large, and should have been split into two - one English speaking and one German speaking.
Patricia T, Sep 2017
Group too big, tour guide was poor, very hard to understand and could not hear her. Very poor experience.
cliff k l, Aug 2017
A well conducted guided tour of the Greek amphitheatre area and the cathedral. The optional boat cruise was well worth the price on a hot August afternoon. The included Francine was the best we had in Sicily.
Francesca M, Jul 2017
Trip had 2 languages which wasted so much time. The 20minute stop 6 km out of Siracusa was a waste of time. We end up leaving group to do our own thing. If I had known would have booked own transport and joined a free walking tour in English as we have down in other countries
Mary L, Jul 2017
The main problem with this trip was that it was a really hot day. The tour guide was very enthusiastic and well informed but really spoke for too long - particularly as we had to stand in the heat while he gave his talk in Italian as well. I'm afraid we skipped the very end of the tour to take refuge in a bar. However, I would love to go back to Syracuse in cooler weather and have more free time to wander round the town. Partly because of the traffic we arrived back at Taormina much later than anticipated making it rather a long day.
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