Syracuse Archaeological Park & Ortigia Private Tour with Arancino

The Ear of Dionysius has acoustics so precise that a whisper carries across the entire cave.

A private 4–5 hour tour of Syracuse combines Neapolis Archaeological Park (home to Sicily's largest Greek theater, the legendary Ear of Dionysius cave, and ancient Roman ruins) with a walking tour of Ortigia's historic center, colorful markets, and Greek temples. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Syracuse or Taormina are included, along with a professional English-speaking guide and a Sicilian arancino tasting during the tour.

The experience

Your guide picks you up at your hotel and drives you to Neapolis Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds some of Italy's most significant ancient monuments. The park spreads across a hillside, and you'll walk through it at a relaxed pace, stopping at the Greek Theater, the largest in Sicily, then moving into the limestone caves of the Latomie quarries where prisoners once worked. The Ear of Dionysius, a towering cave carved into the rock, is famous for its acoustic properties. Sound bounces off the walls in ways that make even a whisper audible across the entire chamber. You'll also see the altar of Hiero, the Roman amphitheater, and a Nympheum fountain, with panoramic views of the coast from the top of the hill.

After the archaeological park, you cross to Ortigia, the ancient island heart of Syracuse connected by a causeway. Your guide takes you through neighborhoods most visitors miss: past the Greek Temple of Apollo, into Cathedral Square with its bright limestone Cathedral and Palazzo Beneventano, and through the Jewish Quarter. You'll stop at the Arethusa Fountain, Archimedes Square, and the Fountain of Diana. The tour weaves between these monuments and the working fruit and fish markets, where the rhythm of the city hasn't changed in centuries. At some point during the day, you'll taste a Sicilian arancino. The fried rice ball that is street food and tradition at once.

The private format means your guide adjusts the pace to your interests and energy level. There's no group to wait for and no fixed schedule rushing you through. Hotel drop-off is included at the end, so you return to where you started without arranging another ride.

What’s included

• Private professional guide in English.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from Syracuse or Taormina.
• entry to Neapolis Archaeological Park.
• Sicilian arancino tasting during the tour.

Options for this experience

2 options

Neapolis+Ortigia from SiracusaUp to 9 per booking · Guide in English · 09:00, 09:30 and 10:00Pickup in Siracusa is included

Neapolis+Ortigia from TaorminaUp to 15 per booking · Guide in English · 09:00 and 10:00Pickup in Taormina is included

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 09:30 and 10:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 8 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on site€ 16.50

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Prestelli Sicily Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the Taormina pickup if you're based on the coast and want to combine this tour with other northeast Sicily sites. Choose Syracuse pickup if you're staying in the city and prefer to start and end locally. A minimum of two people per booking means couples and small groups travel together, while the private format keeps the experience unhurried and personal regardless of group size.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What is the Ear of Dionysius and why is it famous?

The Ear of Dionysius is a large cave carved into the limestone at Neapolis Archaeological Park, named for its extraordinary acoustics. Sound echoes and carries across the entire chamber in ways that make even a whisper audible from far away, which is why it's one of the most visited spots in the park.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

Neapolis Archaeological Park requires walking uphill and across uneven ground to see the different monuments and reach the panoramic viewpoint. Ortigia is explored on foot through streets and squares, though the pace is relaxed and your guide can adjust stops based on your comfort.

Can I book this tour if I'm staying in Taormina instead of Syracuse?

Yes, hotel pickup is available from either Syracuse or Taormina. You'll choose your location when you book. The tour departs from whichever city you select and returns you there at the end.

What is an arancino and when do I taste it during the tour?

An arancino is a Sicilian specialty: a ball of fried rice, usually filled with ragù, peas, and cheese. Your guide will include the tasting at a natural point during the day, often while you're exploring Ortigia's markets or between sites.