Walking Tour

2 hours

Sicily

Embark on a memorable 2-hour walk around the captivating history and rich culture of Ortigia, a small yet historically rich beautiful island linked to Syracuse. Bathed in the golden light of sunset, a local architecture or history expert will share all the intricate details that shaped this enchanting islet from the start of Greek civilization to the present age.

Route Detail

You will begin your tour in Ortigia, exploring the ancient remains of one of the oldest temples in history, the Temple of Apollo, located in the western part of the Mediterranean. Your guide will then show you the classic Fountain of Arethusa, which faces the Great Harbour, and take you to the Cathedral of Syracuse, which was constructed on the foundation of an ancient Doric temple.

As the sun goes down, you will end your tour in a cozy, family-run wine bar, with a curated tasting of Sicilian wines paired with delicious local appetizers. The relaxed ambiance and fascinating stories shared by your guide about the region’s wine culture make this the perfect treat for history lovers and wine enthusiasts alike.

Choose this tour if…

You want to spend your first evening in Ortigia getting acquainted with the city.
You want to enjoy the magic of a sunset over Ortigia without forgetting about the cultural exploration.
You want to enjoy local wines and appetizers with the explanation of a local expert.

Sites Visited

Apollo Temple
Duomo Exterior
Arethusa fountain
Local family-owned wine bar

Logistics

This tour includes all entrances, activities, and tastings. There may be nominal site entrance costs or other fees that are not included in the price of the tour. It is a good idea to have some local currency on hand for these.

During the course of this tour, we will sample some finger food. If you have a food allergy or other dietary requirements, please let us know in advance so that we can take this into account.

Transportation

Can we arrange a car service from our hotel to the meeting point?
Yes, we can organize transportation from major cities in Sicily for an additional fee. Please let us know in a note at check-out.

Is this a walking tour, or can it be done by car?
This is a walking tour designed to immerse you in Ortigia’s charm. While we cannot provide a full-day car service, we can arrange transfers to and from the meeting point if needed.

Additional Trip-Planning Resources

For more information on planning your travels to Sicily, take a read through our Context Stories.

A few things that pair well with this tour:

Comfortable walking shoes.
A bottle of water

Frequently Asked Questions

Can children join this tour?
Even if not specifically designed for children, we can adjust the tour to make it more engaging and suitable for younger learners.

Is this tour walking-intensive or wheelchair accessible?
The tour is primarily a walking experience, but the distances are short. If you have mobility concerns or require wheelchair accessibility, feel free to contact us—we’ll gladly help determine if the route works for you or suggest modifications.

We’ve already been to Sicily and Syracuse. Can we have a more in-depth tour instead of an introduction?
If you want to delve deeper into Syracuse’s rich history and culture, we suggest booking the Introduction to Syracuse tour instead.

Is any food included in the wine tasting?
The tasting includes a small selection of finger foods to complement the wines. If you have a food allergy or other dietary requirements, please let us know in advance so that we can take this into account.

We are not drinkers, or we’re not interested in wine. Can we skip or replace the wine tasting?
Yes, absolutely. We’re happy to skip the wine tasting or replace it with a non-alcoholic version. Please let us know in advance.

Accessibility

We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.

Is this tour wheelchair-friendly? Ortigia is generally accessible. Visits can always be organized for individuals with mobility challenges, but it’s important to inform us in advance about specific needs so the itinerary can be adjusted accordingly.

Cancellation Policy

Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.

Book a Tour

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

Apollo Temple
Fountain of Arethusa
Ortigia Local Winery
Piazza Duomo

Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.

Included

English-speaking expert guide
Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
Intentionally sized groups
A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
Tickets and entrance fees
All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
Headsets
Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.

Excluded

Gratuities

We encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
Food and drink

Refreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
Transportation to and from the meeting point

Guests organize pre- and post-tour transport themselves - this service can be added by request.
Hotel pickup or drop-off

Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.

Map of Sunset Walk in Ortigia with Wine-Tasting general meeting point area

Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.

Dos:

Wear comfortable footwear
Check the weather and dress appropriately
Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
Feel free to ask your Expert anything

Don'ts:

Bring firearms or weapons
Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments

Any questions? You can always contact us.

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Structured, never scripted

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Crafted for conversation

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