LivTours’ Private Syracuse Sicily Tour is the perfect way to discover the beauty, history, and culture of one of the most enchanting cities in Sicily. You will gain a comprehensive overview of the historic center of Syracuse, Ortygia; rich in history, it dates back 2700 years. Your tour also includes a visit to the Archeological Park of Syracuse to explore the natural wonders which attract travelers from near and far.
Since 2005, the entire city of Syracuse has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Cathedral of Syracuse at its core. Admire the 12th-century marble baptism basin and stunning altar canopy.
Exclusive private Tours and Experiences. Also offered in Spanish, French, Portuguese, Swedish and Russian
Our prices always include tickets and reservations fees (no waiting in lines!)
Our tour guides and staff are selected experts and speak perfect English
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Eco-sustainable tourism, designed to respect and support local culture, art and traditions
Your LivTours private Syracuse Sicily Tour starts when you meet your local expert guide who will start off by giving you a quick introduction about your tour. Amongst other things, you will learn about the many historic names that are native to Syracuse such as famed mathematician Archimedes and Saint Lucia, a Roman martyr. Take a moment to marvel at the first landmark – Temple of Apollo. Dating all the way back to 6BC, this structure is certainly one of the most significant in Syracuse. In the company of your pirate guide, you will stroll along the magical streets which have stood for thousands of years, before arriving at the grand Piazza Duomo – Cathedral Square, the perfect example of Baroque architecture at its finest. Your guide will entertain you with anecdotes and the history related to the Syracuse Cathedral under Bishop Zosimo in the 7th century and see layers upon layers of history with remnants of past structures such as the roof from Norman times.
Your private half-day tour of Syracuse continues as you discover Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco, a breathtaking palace built during the Middle Ages for a local family known as the Arezzo family. Having suffered sweeping remodeling, it was rebuilt in Sicilian Baroque style, an inspiration to architects throughout the world. As you continue your stroll, you will explore one of the most important religious sites in Sicily – the Basilica of Santa Lucia. Dedicated to the patron Saint Lucia whose remains lay in this very spot, and whose piety inspired Caravaggio to paint the Burial of Santa Lucia.
Your private guide will share with you some of the most important highlights of the city, which includes the Fountain of Arethusa, a simple yet stunning work of public art which is often mentioned throughout literature due to its uniqueness. This natural spring gets its name from a Greek myth which tells the tale of Arethusa who escaped from her home of Arcadia under the sea, only to emerge in this very spot.
Just around the corner is the Jewish Quarter where your guide will help you discover the narrow streets which once held a third of the population of Syracuse. The Roman influence on this historic architecture can clearly be seen and is characterized by charming interior courtyards with fruit trees which still stand today. Your private tour will now take you to one of the most popular squares of the city, Archimedes Square. In the center of the square, you will find the charming neoclassical fountain that was inaugurated in 1878 and dedicated to one of the greatest minds in the world – Archimedes, a native of this very territory.
After you have explored the historic center of Syracuse, your tour continues as your private chauffeured car whisks you and your guide to The Neapolis Archeological Park of Syracuse. You will enjoy LivTours’ priority access into this breathtaking lush gem. The Greek Theater, dating back to the 5th century BC, is one of the must-see attractions of the park. The park is one of the most important archeological sites of the ancient world and, should you be visiting in the warmer months, you can catch a live show here in the evening, as it is still an active theater venue! Soak up the spectacular sea view, the same view which was once cherished by over 15,000 spectators in its heyday. Your guide will make sure you see the stunning Roman counterpart to this theater – The Roman Theater.
Coming to the end of your tour, it is time to jump into nature by visiting the Ear of Dionysius, whose name was coined by famous the many tales and legends that have emerged over the years about this natural wonder, one of which is how the tyrant Syracuse, Dionysius used this as a prison for dissidents, so its echo allowing them to spy on prisoners.
This is the perfect half day tour to get an extensive overview of this wonderful historic city!
LivTours’ group size of max 6 participants is and always has been based on sustainable travel, and we are proud to be at the forefront of change and innovation in the industry. LivTours is committed to providing travelers with truly sustainable tours with the lowest possible environmental impact, all while supporting the local industries and people of each unique destination. To learn more about how you can actively support sustainable tourism and how LivTours is contributing, click here.
When you book a LivTours Private Tour or Experience, you are guaranteed a dedicated, expert guide that allows you the flexibility to start your tour at a time which is convenient for you, making planning easy. Our private tours ensure that you will get a tailored experience to meet all your needs so we go at your pace, perfect for families with younger children, elderly, or individuals with accessibility needs. Please be advised that all private tours begin at a base price starting at two people*. Prices are inclusive of entry tickets where applicable. *Some Ferrari private experiences are inclusive of one person only.
Make your experience even more unique by upgrading your LivTours experience. Please note: add-ons are non refundable.
By selecting Choose Dates Later / Buy as Gift at booking, any tour can be purchased without fixed dates. This is the perfect option if you want to purchase your tour as a gift for a loved one, or if you are in the pre-planning phase of your vacation. After booking, you will receive a Travel Voucher Code and full instructions on how to schedule your tours when ready. Once your travel plans are confirmed, you can easily use the Travel Voucher Code on the LivTours website to formally schedule your tours. You can find out more here.
