Syracuse and Ortigia Day Escape from Catania

Experience Catania in comfort with a private and fully personalised sightseeing ride. Together with your English-speaking Welcome Driver, you can choose which places to visit, how long to spend at each stop, and whether to follow our suggested itinerary or create your own custom route.

Your driver is a friendly local professional with excellent knowledge of eastern Sicily and its highlights. They’ll share useful insights, stories and recommendations along the way, helping you discover ancient cities, baroque treasures and seaside scenery like a knowledgeable friend, without the pressure of strict schedules or crowded group tours.

This flexible, door-to-door experience is the easiest and most comfortable way to explore the region’s top landmarks, historic ruins and scenic coastal viewpoints. Choose your pace, personalise your route, and enjoy a smooth, stress-free journey designed entirely around your interests.

Suggested Itinerary

Begin your day with a comfortable pickup from your accommodation in Catania and travel south through olive groves and citrus fields toward Syracuse, one of Sicily’s most historic destinations.

Your first stop is 1Archaeological Park of Neapolis. Explore this vast open-air museum, home to some of the island’s most significant Greek and Roman remains, including the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, and the remarkable Ear of Dionysius, famed for its extraordinary acoustics.

Next, cross the bridge into 2Ortigia Island, Syracuse’s atmospheric old town. Wander through narrow alleys, admire the ancient Temple of Apollo, and spend time in Piazza Duomo, where elegant white stone buildings surround one of southern Italy’s most beautiful squares.

You’ll then have free time for an 3Optional Lunch or Gelato in Ortigia along Ortigia’s waterfront promenades. While not included in the ride price, this is an ideal moment to enjoy the sea views, relax by the water, or follow a local recommendation from your driver.

Conclude your visit at 4Castello Maniace. This impressive 13th-century fortress stands at the tip of Ortigia and offers panoramic views over the Ionian Sea, providing a striking and historic finale to your day before returning to Catania.

Important Notes

➜ Your driver is a local, English-speaking professional. While not a licensed tour guide, they’re always happy to share stories, insights, and recommendations — much like a knowledgeable friend showing you around.

➜ Pickup and drop-off are included from any centrally located hotel, B&B, or apartment in the city area. Your driver will meet you at the selected location and assist you before the ride begins.

➜ Airport and port pickups/drop-offs are not included in the standard sightseeing ride. If you need one, simply book an additional transfer for seamless service.

➜ Entrance tickets are not included. This applies to the Archaeological Park and Castello Maniace.

➜ The itinerary is flexible — feel free to skip stops, stay longer, or add new locations based on your interests and available time.

➜ Please mention any special requirements (accessibility needs, mobility considerations, oversized luggage, etc.) in the booking notes so we can ensure a smooth and comfortable experience.