Ortigia Private Walking Tour: 3000 Years of History

The cathedral sits directly on top of a Greek temple, its columns still visible inside the baroque walls.

A private walking tour of Ortigia, the old town center of Syracuse on Sicily's coast, led by a guide in English, Italian or German. You start at the Apollo Temple, the oldest Greek stone temple in Sicily, then move through narrow streets to Piazza Duomo, the Aretusa Spring with its papyrus plants, and the former Jewish district. The tour lasts around two hours and includes a visit to the cathedral interior when religious services are not taking place. The entrance fee is optional.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Ortigia's historic sites

• Meet guide near Apollo Temple
• See Diana Fountain and surrounding buildings
• Walk through via Cavor past Collegio dei Gesuiti
• Learn about Cathedral Square buildings
• Visit Syracuse Cathedral interiors
• Visit St. Lucy church interiors
• Admire Aretusa Spring and papyrus plants
• Walk narrow streets of Ortigia and Giudecca district
• End tour in former Jewish district

The experience

Your guide meets you at the Apollo Temple, where you'll learn about this ancient Greek structure: the oldest stone temple built by Greeks in Sicily. From there, the tour moves through the island's layered history: you'll pass the neoclassical Diana fountain in the square, walk via Cavor past the Collegio dei Gesuiti, and arrive at Piazza Duomo, where four baroque buildings frame the cathedral square. The cathedral itself was built directly over a Greek temple, and when services aren't happening, you can step inside to see the ancient columns still embedded in the baroque walls.

The route takes you to the Church of St. Lucy, then to the Aretusa Spring, where papyrus plants grow around the legendary water source tied to the myth of Alpheus and Arethusa. From there, you walk through the picturesque narrow streets of Ortigia's old town and into the Giudecca, the former Jewish district, where your guide reveals the lesser-known paths and stories of this quarter. The whole experience stays on foot, moving at a pace that lets you absorb each stop without rushing.

A dress code applies to enter the cathedral: no shorts or sleeveless tops, and shoulders must be covered for both men and women. The cathedral entrance fee of €2 per person is optional and not included in the tour price. If religious services are taking place, your guide will explain the church from outside instead.

What’s included

• Professional guide in your choice of English, Italian or German.
• private walking tour of Ortigia's main sites including the Apollo Temple, Piazza Duomo, the cathedral exterior (and interior when services permit), the Church of St. Lucy, the Aretusa Spring and the former Jewish district.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30, 12:00 and 15:00Last departure this season: 31 Mar 2027

Book up to16h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years): free · Child (6 to 12 years): free · Infant (under 6): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Hermes Sicily Tourist guides group

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to explore Ortigia with a single guide who can answer questions and adjust the pace to your interests, rather than moving with a group. The two-hour walk covers the island's main sites without requiring you to navigate on your own or piece together the connections between them.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years): free; Child (6 to 12 years): free; Infant (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Apollo Temple and why does the tour start there?

The Apollo Temple is the oldest Greek stone temple built in Sicily, and it marks the beginning of Ortigia's three-thousand-year history. Your guide explains this ancient structure before moving into the island's later layers of history.

Can I go inside the cathedral, or do I just see it from outside?

You can visit the cathedral interior when no religious services or weddings are taking place. If services are happening, your guide will explain the church from outside. The entrance fee of €2 per person is optional and not included in the tour price.

What is the Aretusa Spring and why is it famous?

The Aretusa Spring is a legendary freshwater spring on Ortigia known for its papyrus plants. Your guide will tell you the myth of Alpheus and Arethusa connected to this site.

Is this tour accessible if I use a wheelchair or have mobility concerns?

All areas and surfaces of Ortigia are wheelchair accessible, and the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and service animals are allowed.

Will I walk through the former Jewish district?

Yes, the tour ends with a walk through the Giudecca, Ortigia's ancient Jewish district, where your guide uncovers the stories and secrets of this lesser-known quarter.