Explore southern Sicily’s prehistory and culture on this 7-day walking tour
This tour might as well be a prehistoric and Sicilian cultural treasure hunt. Each day includes several spectacular sights in this UNESCO-protected region of Italy. Your guided includes daily excursions to discover the archaeological wonders of the region. Staying in Syracuse each night allows you to savour the culture of this charming part of Sicily.
Explore Syracuse’s Archaeological Park for a day and get lost in time marvelling at one of the largest amphitheatres in the area. Walk along an ancient necropolis where the tombs are carved into cliffs that surround two stunning rivers—and stop for a dip! Admire Baroque architecture in the nearby cities of Noto, Ragusa, and Modica. You’ll spend your evenings revelling in the typical Sicilian countryside dotted with tomato plants and olive groves.
This 8-day guided tour immerses its guests in the ancient culture and archaeological treasures of southern Sicily.
Highlights of the Syracuse and Southern Sicily Walking Tour
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Syracuse and Southern Sicily Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Catania
After landing at the airport in Catania, your guide will meet you and you’ll be transferred to Syracuse, a city known for its ancient Greek and Roman ruins and culture. According to your flight arrival, free time to visit Catania with its baroque architecture and its cathedral dedicate to Sant Agata and its black lava stone street.
Meeting with the guide at the hotel around 19:00
Overnight Location: Hotel in Syracuse
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Archaeological Park in Syracuse
Today you’ll discover the plentiful sights of Syracuse. This Sicilian city has earned its place on the UNESCO heritage list with evidence of many civilizations occupying the area. You’ll visit the Archaeological Park, home to one of the largest ancient Greek amphitheatres and a myriad of other archaeological wonders. Spend the afternoon walking around to see the ancient squares, fountains, buildings, and the tomb of Archimedes. You’ll have a packed lunch for the day, then a free afternoon and evening to explore the rest of Syracuse.
Please note: your guide will not accompany you into the park.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Syracuse
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Nature Reserve Walk
Day 3 is jam-packed with sights around Syracuse. You’ll start trekking along the coast, stopping to view the Byzantine necropolis, the Swabian tower, and a couple of breathtaking beaches. Keep your eyes open to catch migratory birds in flight. End today’s tour in Marzamemi, the epitome of a Sicilian fishing hamlet. Enjoy the evening in a farmhouse and rest up for tomorrow.
Overnight Location: Farmhouse in Syracuse
Distance: 4.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Carosello Caves
An idyllic scene awaits you on today’s trek through the ruins of Noto Antica. You’ll walk into a quarry and follow the Asinaro river as it connects several crystal-clear pools and waterfalls. Take some time to admire and explore Cava Carosello, the ancient tanneries and water mills nearby, and a gorgeous natural pool. Spend your free afternoon in Noto noting its baroque architecture. The group will meet back at the farmhouse for dinner.
Overnight Location: Farmhouse in Syracuse
Distance: 4 hours, 200 m of ascent, 200 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Ragusa Ibla and Modica
Get your fill of Baroque culture on today’s tour through a few spots recognized by UNESCO. Admire the gardens and stone architecture in Ragusa Ibla in the morning. You’ll have a packed lunch before moving on to Modica to taste some of its famous chocolate for dessert. In the afternoon, we continue to Sicli, visit the city and according to the group motivation you can stop in Modica on the return and taste of the famous Modica chocolate in one of the best laboratories in the city.
Overnight Location: Farmhouse in Syracuse
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Pantalica Necropolis and River Dip
Pantalica hold the title of largest necropolis in the Mediterranean. You’ll be transported to the late Bronze Age as you trek through nearly 5000 tombs carved into the rocks. The path leads through a canyon where two rivers cross, and you’ll have some free time to swim and enjoy lunch in the afternoon. Prehistoric tombs line the landscape so you’ll be surrounded by ancient history as you dip in the river. On the way to the agritourism, short stop to Ferla, small baroque town with all its churches on the same footstep. The San Sebastian’s church stands out particularly for its magnificent portal which recalls the martyrdom of the Saint. Inside the main church, richly decorated, however, a surprise...
Overnight Location: Farmhouse in Syracuse
Distance: 4 hours, 250 m of ascent, 250 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Alcantara's Canyon
Transfer to Alcantara’s Canyon. Visit of the canyon, natural and dig by the water in millions of years which gently form typical vertical crack. Possibility of time to swim in the Alcantara River according to the season and the weather. In the afternoon, visit Taormina which is considered to be one of the most beautiful jewels of Sicily. The city is built on a rocky promontory 200 metres above sea level on the slopes of Mount Tauros, and therefore offers a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea and Mount Etna. Transfer to Catania, accommodation in hotel.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Catania
Distance: 2 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 Ciao!
Discuss the highlights of your week over breakfast with your group. Your tour will conclude after the departure to Catania Airport.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Syracuse and Southern Sicily Tour Price and Dates
This guided tour in Sicily is always run as a private tour for your group only and the price depends on the number of people in your group and your travelling dates.
Prices below are per person:
- Guided Groups of 4+: from $1,995 USD per person
Pricing changes depending on your group size.
Book NowAccommodation on Syracuse and Southern Sicily Tour
The hotel on this trip is 3-star. The other accommodation is a comfortable farmhouse in the countryside. Rooms are double occupancy, and single travelers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel while traveling with your group. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Gutkowski in Syracuse
This boutique hotel offers sea views and rustic charm. It’s located near the ancient city centre—a short walk away from several sights in Syracuse.
Farmhouse Borgo degli Ulivi in Syracuse
With a quaint ambience, this countryside farmhouse offers comfortable rooms and gorgeous scenery. Relax in the large garden and cool off in the pool.
Hotel Collegiata in Catania
The friendly staff at this hotel can provide some great options for a pleasant stay, as it’s a short walk from several attractions in Catania.
What’s included in the Syracuse and Southern Sicily Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights along the tour are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport for you and your luggage is included throughout the tour in a private minibus, including the airport transfers.
Also Included
- English-speaking guide services
- All taxes
- Entrance to the Archaeological Park of Syracuse
- Entrance to the Alcantara park by the communal stairs
Not included
- Flights to and from Sicily
- Drinks during the meals
- Entrance fees to museums and archeological sites
- Anything not mentioned as “Included”
- Personal expenses
- Insurance
Optional Extras
- Extra night in Syracuse
Frequently Asked Questions about Syracuse and Southern Sicily Walking Tour
Since 2005, Mediterranea Trekking has offered excellent trekking, biking, and sailing tours in Sicily. The tour operator employs an experienced team of licensed and professional guides. Mediterranea Trekking maintains sustainable practices to lessen its impact on the environment and provide guests with an eco-friendly experience.
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