Introduction to Syracuse Tour with the Neapolis and Duomo

Your essential primer on Ortigia and the Neapolis
From US$655 privately
Book a Tour
Tour Details
Duration
3 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
  • Neapolis
  • Piazza Duomo
  • Apollo Temple
Photos & Highlights
  • Get acquainted with Syracuse's main sites, history, and neighborhoods
  • Led by an expert in history or local culture
Select a date
Tour Description
Explore Ortigia and the Archaeological Park of the Neapolis on our 3-hour introductory tour with a local expert. Tailored to provide an ideal introduction for those visiting Syracuse for the first time or travelers returning, discover the local history and cultural depth of this fascinating region of Italy during the walk.
Experts
Lucia Lucia
Archaeologist
Giuseppe Giuseppe
Local Guide
Annalisa Annalisa
Local Guide
Oreste Oreste
Archaeologist
Italo Italo
Art Historian
Luca Luca
Local Guide
Milena Milena
Archaeologist
Matilde Matilde
Local Guide
Martina Martina
Local Guide
Alessandra Alessandra
Archaeologist
Valeria Valeria
Local Guide
Carmine Carmine
Local Guide
Simona Simona
Local Guide
Agata Agata
Local Guide
Laura Laura
Archaeologist
  • The Neapolis
  • Duomo
  • Apollo Temple
  • 3 hours with a Ph.D. or MA level guide
  • Entrance fees
We'll begin by discovering the Archaeological Park of the Neapolis, one of the most significant Greek and Roman archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. The ruins are a testament to the crucial role this city played in ancient antiquity, as the imposing remains of the Greek theatre demonstrate. With our local expert, we will learn about Neapolis' monumental fountain, the Roman amphitheater where gladiators once fought, and the Ear of Dionysius, a huge cavern with surprising acoustic properties due to its shape. Many legends are associated with this cave and its assumed builder, the infamous tyrant Dionysius.

Following the visit to the archaeological park, we will head off to nearby Ortigia for a pleasant stroll through its quaint streets and alleyways. We'll explore around two hundred and fifty thousand years of history as well as Ortigia's architectural stratifications and decorations which its complex and rich past. We will finish the tour by discussing Ortigia’s splendid architectural history and the remains of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Gothic-Catalan, Norman, and Renaissance styles that decorate this island, just under a square kilometer in size.
What is a private tour?
Our private tours are limited exclusively to travelers in your party. They are designed to provide a learning experience that is solely shared between you and your traveling companions. 
 
Where do we meet? Where does it end?
We meet at the main entrance of the archaeological park of the Neapolis. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map.
The tour ends in Ortigia.
 
What if it’s raining?
Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your expert will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to be prepared; we encourage keeping an eye on the weather and bringing along an umbrella, sunscreen, water, or a hat as needed.
 
Can children join this tour?
Yes, we can adjust this tour to be more appropriate for younger learners. 
 
Is this tour walking intensive, and/or wheelchair accessible?
We do cover quite a bit of ground on this tour and therefore we recommend contacting us with any mobility questions; we will be happy to advise if the itinerary will be appropriate for you or propose modifications where necessary.

It is not our first time in Sicily and in Syracuse, we would like a more in-depth tour instead of an Introduction. Is that possible? 
Yes, we will inform our expert and they will be happy to plan an itinerary appropriate for you.
Where You'll Start
(4.86) 24 Reviews

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Alessandra was one of the best guides we’ve ever had. In addition to her lovely spirit and energy, she has deep knowledge of the history and culture of the classical period and personal expertise in Archaeology. She tailored her commentary to both engage our three (hot, tired!) boys and to provide interesting observations and connections for the adults. Alessandra is bright, curious, engaging and patient. We loved her many colorful stories and insights, and we were delighted to pause for a Granita stop (thank you for treating us - too kind!!) and a visit to a specialty Sicilian chocolatier. Alessandra is a lovely person who we cannot recommend highly enough!
Annalisa was superb. Context is the magical word as she placed everything we saw in an appropriate context with respect to pitching the history, cultural importance and beauty of each stop. She was a brilliant guide and I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone seeking a thorough appreciation of the rich culture and beauty of Syracuse and environs. 10 stars!
The tour was really amazing. It’s everything you expect and even more, our guide Lucia was so nice and had a lot of knowledge about everything we asked. The guide even could adapt the tour to our interest (mainly Greek archeology) showing a great ability of adaptation to its clients. With this tour one can really comprehend the history of Siracusa, Neapolis and Ortigia, acquiring a great sense of its development throughout ancient times to our days.

Discover the ancient wonders of Syracuse with our Introduction to Syracuse Tour which visits the Neopolis Archaelogical Park

Dive into history as you explore Syracuse and its famed Neopolis Archaeological Park, a treasure trove of ancient Greek and Roman ruins.

Discover the ruins of Neopolis, and then wander through the timeless streets of Ortigia, the historical heart of Syracuse, and marvel at the stunning Cathedral of Syracuse, also known as the Duomo. This tour offers a unique blend of historical knowledge and modern insights, reflecting Context Travel's commitment to personalized and sustainable travel experiences.

Enhance your understanding of this captivating region by exploring our detailed blog post, which delves into a week in Sicily and its historical significance. For a deeper dive, check out our related lecture on Sicilian food, providing fascinating insights to enrich your travel experience.

Book your tour today and embark on a journey through time, uncovering the secrets of ancient Syracuse. Join us for an unforgettable adventure that goes beyond typical tourist experiences, immersing you in the rich history and vibrant culture of Sicily.