Silversea Luxury Cruises To SIRACUSA (Sicily)

Sicily's ancient treasures and picturesque beauty are yours to discover during this memorable visit to Siracusa, and a walking tour through Ortygia's Old Town. Once one of ancient Greece's most important cities, today Syracuse (Siracusa in Italian) is a lively town on Sicily's southeast coast overflowing with amazing remnants from its long history.

Depart the pier for the scenic drive to Siracusa.

Siracusa Archaeological Site

Upon arrival, proceed to the archaeological site and commence your walking tour though this historic venue. Along the way, a visit is made at the Roman Amphitheatre of Augustus, used for contests between gladiators and wild beasts, followed by the Altar of Hieron, constructed in the 2nd century B.C. to celebrate the 'Eleutherian Feast'.

Next, see the Ear of Dionysius, an enormous grotto with an extraordinary echo, and the Greek Theatre. One of the largest theatres in the Hellenic World, the Greek Theatre was constructed in the 5th century B.C., and subsequently enlarged to its present size. Leaving Siracusa, re-board your coach for the brief drive to Ortygia.

Ortygia

Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour through the Old Town, whose narrow streets are lined by old, Baroque-style houses with charming balconies. A visit is made to the Baroque-style Cathedral, which was erected over the remains of the Doric Temple of Minerva. Inside the cathedral, see 12 undamaged Doric columns and a splendid painting of Antonello da Messina.

Next, proceed for a visit to the picturesque Arethusa Fountain, celebrated by Pindar and Virgilio as the mythical spring of the nymph Arethusa. From here, your walking tour continues past several 15th- and 16th-century nobility palaces, including Palazzo Impellizzeri, Palazzo Bonanno, and Palazzo Bufardeci. Additional sites to be seen include Piazza Pancali, the Church of San Francesco, Archimedes' Square with the Fountain of Diana, Via della Giudecca, Via della Maestranza, and Corso Matteotti, Ortygia's main and most elegant shopping area.

Following your walking tour, some free time is made available for you to browse the shops at your leisure before walking back to the pier.

Experience Sicily's magnificent volcanic splendour and historic past during this memorable full-day visit to Mount Etna, and a sightseeing tour of Catania. Mt. Etna is Europe's most active volcano soaring to a height of 10,813 feet (3,296 metres).

Depart the pier for a brief sightseeing drive through Siracusa.

Siracusa

Partially-located on the mainland of Sicily's east coast and partially on an island connected to the mainland by three bridges, this powerful city-state was once the bulwark of Greek civilization. Along the way, pass by the Island of Ortygia, then continue on through the main streets of this historic town. Leaving Siracusa, re-board your coach for the drive to Catania.

Catania

Upon arrival at the Catania Centre, take a brief sightseeing drive past Via Etnea, Villa Bellini and Piazza Stesicoro. Next, proceed to Piazza Duomo for a short walking tour past the Cathedral, University and other scenic landmarks. Following your walking tour, some time is made available to explore the area before re-boarding your coach for the 45-60-minute drive to Mount Etna.

Mount Etna

Mount Etna is Europe's most active volcano. Its slopes soar to a height of 10,813 feet (3,296 metres) above sea level, and are covered with cones and craters. Upon arrival at the 6,398-foot (1,950-metre) Crateri Silverstri, you may opt to visit one of the bars or restaurants, or walk around the visitor area for magnificent panoramic vistas and photos over woods, orchards, vineyards and the Catania Gulf. The highlight of your visit is the sight of the awe-inspiring crater and lava streams, including those stemming from eruptions in 2001 and 2002.

Following your visit, proceed to the nearby Parco dei Principi restaurant for a typical Sicilian lunch with wine. After lunch, re-board your bus for the approximate 2-hour return drive to the pier.

Indulge your senses with Siracusa's Old World beauty, charm and architecture during a scenic walking tour of Ortygia Island. On the Island of Ortygia, which is connected by three bridges to the mainland, you will find yourself in the middle of ancient history surrounded by the many monuments.

Ortygia Island

Depart the pier for a guided walking tour through the Old Town, whose narrow streets are lined by old, Baroque-style houses with charming balconies. A visit is made to the Baroque-style Cathedral, which was erected over the remains of the Doric Temple of Minerva. Inside the cathedral, see 12 undamaged Doric columns and a splendid painting of Antonello da Messina.

Next, proceed for a visit to the picturesque Arethusa Fountain, celebrated by Pindar and Virgilio as the mythical spring of the nymph Arethusa. From here, your walking tour continues past several 15th- and 16th-century nobility palaces, including Palazzo Impellizzeri, Palazzo Bonanno and Palazzo Bufardeci. Additional sites to be seen include Piazza Pancali, the Church of San Francesco, Archimedes' Square with the Fountain of Diana, Via della Giudecca, Via della Maestranza, and Corso Matteotti, Ortygia's main and most elegant shopping area.

Following your walking tour, some free time is made available for you to browse the shops at your leisure before walking back to the pier.

Indulge your senses with Siracusa's Old World beauty, charm and architecture during a scenic walking tour of Ortygia Island. On the Island of Ortygia, which is connected by three bridges to the mainland, you will find yourself in the middle of ancient history surrounded by the many monuments.

Ortygia Island, Old Town walking tour

Depart the pier for a guided walking tour through the Old Town, wh ose narrow streets are lined by old, Baroque-style houses with charming balconies. A visit is made to the Baroque -style Cathedral, which was erected over the remains of the Doric Temple of Minerva. Inside the cathedral, see 12 undamaged Doric columns and a splendid painting of Antonello da Messina.

Next, proceed for a visit to the picturesque Arethusa Fountain, celebrated by Pindar and Virgilio as the mythical spring of the nymph Arethusa. From here, your walking tour continues past several 15th- and 16th-century nobility palaces, including Palazzo Impellizzeri, Palazzo Bonanno and Palazzo Bufardeci. Additional sites to be seen include Piazza Pancali, the Church of San Francesco, Archimedes' Square with the Fountain of Diana, Via della Giudecca, Via della Maestranza, and Corso Matteotti, Ortygia's main and most elegant shopping area.

Free time, Boat Exploration

Following your walking tour, some free time is made available for you to browse the shops at your leisur. Afterward, reach on foot the embarkation pier to board the small boat reserved for a tour around the old island; admire from the sea all the maior ancient momunents and buildings (Umberto I bridge, Spanish walls, Jewish quarries, Maniace Castle, Aretusa Spring, Cathedral). Enjoy the possibility of having a swim in the sea before visiting the marine grottos on the Siracuse coast; the boat will enter into the grottos to view the inside rock formation of stalactites and stalagmites.

Return to pier and walk back to the ship.

Please note: This tour takes place on-foot for approximately 2000m (1.25 miles) and on boat. It includes an extensive amount of walking over uneven ground and cobblestones, with some steps to negotiate at the cathedral and to board the boat. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Comfortable clothing, walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Guests who wish to have a swim are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up and bring beach towel from the ship. The tour sequence may vary. Bring local currency for any purchases.

Embrace the splendid beauty, architecture and flavours of Sicily during this scenic, full-day excursion to Ragusa and Modica.

Ragusa Ibla, St. George's Church, Giardino Ibleo Garden and Church of St. James the Apostle

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to Ragusa Ibla, the Old Town and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ragusa Ibla is the hub from which the city of Ragusa developed. It is located in the eastern part of the city, on a hill approximately 1,312 feet (about 400 metres) above sea level. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of the Old Town. Along the way, see highlights that include St. George's Church with its impressive Baroque façade and bell tower, the 19th-century Giardino Ibleo Garden and 14th-century Church of St. James the Apostle, which was rebuilt in the 18th century. The impressive Cathedral was built between 1706 and 1760, and stands on a wide terrace on a loggia overlooking the central Piazza San Giovanni. Its 'campanile' (bell tower) makes the monumental façade strangely asymmetrical.

Free Time, Lunch, Modica Walking Tour, St. Peter's Church, and Dolceria

Following your guided walking tour, some free time is made available for shopping, browsing or visiting the Giardino Ibleo Garden. Afterward, meet your guide and re-board your coach and head to Modica, perched on the southern slopes of the Hiblean Mountains. The upper-town is perched on a wedge-shaped plateau, while the lower part that surrounds it is in the unusual shape of a 'Y'. After lunch at a local restaurant, take a guided walking tour in the Baroque part of the city, pass by St. Peter's Church and stop by a local 'dolceria' for a tasting of chocolate made from an ancient Maya recipe. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.24 miles (about two kilometres), at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the Cathedral. Walking in Ragusa is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Proper attire is required to enter the cathedral; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. The driving time between the pier and sites visited is approximately 1.5 hours in each direction.

Explore Siracusa at your leisure during your full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Siracusa at your leisure during your half-day (4 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Siracusa at your leisure during your full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car or van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Siracusa at your leisure during your half-day (4 Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Discover the splendid beauty, history and architecture of Noto during this picturesque, half-day excursion to this Baroque town.

Scenic Drive

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive through the countryside, and past villages and almond groves en route to Noto. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Noto is the second-largest town in the province of Siracusa and the best example of Sicilian Baroque architecture on the island.

Noto

Originally settled in the 5th century B.C., Noto was destroyed by the Earthquake of 1693, and rebuilt on a grid plan according to the architectural theories of the 18th century. Handsome palaces, churches and other Baroque monuments line the streets, built from the local white limestone that has mellowed to a golden hue over time.

The town is built on terraces connected by monumental flights of steps. Its major buildings are located in three groups along the main street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele. The street widens in three places dominated by the expansive facades of Baroque-style churches.

Walking Tour

Upon arrival, your guided walking tour of Noto begins at the Public Gardens. Admire the busts of artists who contributed to the town's culture and style, then proceed for seeing four of the town's most impressive landmarks; the Church of St. Dominic, the Church of St. Charles, the Cathedral (including inside) and the Ducezio Palace. Afterward, some time is made available to explore Noto at your leisure before re-boarding the coach for the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Embrace the splendid legacy and flavours of Siracusa during this half-day excursion to the Azienda Agricola Pupillo Winery. Sicily has more vineyards than any other Italian wine region, competing with Apulia for first place as Italy's largest wine producer. The Siciliy wine region lies on the low Gibellina Mountains in the "Mazara Valley."

Azienda Agricola Pupillo Winery

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the Azienda Agricola Pupillo Winery. This historic landmark in Targia spans over 346 acres (140 hectares), and is located near Siracusa's Archaeological Park and city centre.

Winery Tour and Tasting

Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the winery and its elegant garden, then proceed for a wine tasting accompanied by Sicilian specialities. The Azienda Agricola Pupillo is a remarkably beautiful estate, adjacent to Syracuse. Dating back to the 12th century, the property has belonged to the Pupillo family for four generations. Today it is managed by Nino Pupillo and by his daughter Carmela. On its 20 hectares of vineyards, the estate mostly produces Moscato di Siracusa in its three possible variations - dry, semi-sweet and sweet.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board the coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.