food tour syracuse sicily

Ortigia flavour

Food and cultural experience.

PACKAGE DEAL

Discover our experience package

Enjoy your time in Syracuse

TOURS & LESSONS

CONTACT &

Letizia and members of her family will accompany you on a culinary journey, exploring the gastronomic and cultural beauty of Syracuse.

Tourist Guide

Nature Guide

Traditional Home Chef

TESTIMONIALS

We had a great experience with Letizia (Santo's daughter). Very friendly and knowledgeable person. She helped us transfer from Modica to Siracusa and tour Noto on the way. We toured Siracusa with her then a day later transferred with her to Catania, where we did a street food tour. Being a local from that area, she knows a lot about those cities and has a personal connection with them. If I come back, I know who to get in touch with. Thank you so much Letizia!

Hussein A. from Viator wrote

If you are also interested in nature tours while in Sicily, check out our other website Sicilyunearthed.com.  Click on the link to be taken to the website.

to see our nature tours

THE 10 BEST Syracuse Food & Drink Tours

Food & drink tours in syracuse.

• Cooking Classes
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Wineries & Vineyards
• Beer Tastings & Tours
• Farmers Markets
• Distillery Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Il Mercato di Ortigia
• Temple of Apollo (Tempio di Apollo)
• Duomo di Siracusa
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. From market to Table Cooking lesson with a local in Sicily

2. Traditional cooking class with tasting in the garden

3. Private course of Sicilian cuisine and more

4. Food + City Tour tour in Ortigia with an authorized guide

5. Ortigia food and wine tour with a local.

6. Sicilian cooking experience with a local chef

7. Local Market Visit and Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's home in Siracusa

8. Food and Culture Tour of Ortigia

9. Wine Tasting in a Castle and Historical Garden near Syracuse

10. Ortigia Market Tour with Cooking Class and Lunch

11. Vegan Street Food Tour

12. Tasting at the Ortigia market, cook and lunch

13. Private 7-Hour Tour of Three Etna Wineries with Tasting from Syracuse

14. Etna and Taormina tour from Syracuse with private driver

15. Vegetarian cooking courses in Sicily

16. Private 8 Days Food & Wine Lovers Tour of Sicily

17. Boat tour with typical lunch and snorkeling in Syracuse

18. Syracuse Ortigia Street Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience

19. Private cooking class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Siracusa

20. Taste of Sicily Gourmet tour

21. Dining experience at a local's home in Siracusa with show cooking

22. Private tour to Syracuse - Archaeological Park and Ortigia with option of Food and Wine tasting

23. Dinner on Rooftop with personal Chef

24. Street Food Tour in Ortigia Syracuse

25. Etna tour from Syracuse with private driver

26. Cooking Course in Osteria da Pillucciu at Graziella the fishermen's quarter

27. Street food and Cooking class in Syracuse

28. Marsala cellar visit with tasting of wines and typical products

29. Full day cruise with lunch and aperitif at sunset

30. Cooking Class and Shopping at the Ortigia Market

What travellers are saying.

• From market to Table Cooking lesson with a local in Sicily
• Food and Culture Tour of Ortigia
• Traditional menu with a Cookinas and visit of the ancient market of Ortigia
• Ortigia Market Tour with Cooking Class and Lunch
• Private course of Sicilian cuisine and more
• Azienda Agricola Pupillo
• Civico Maltato
• Ortigia Flavour
• Giovanni Maltese
• Mercato di Ortigia
• Impavidus - Day Tours
• Sicily Activities
• Angelo Ingrassia Chef & Travel Sicily
• Fiora Sicilian Demo Cooking
• Smile And Food

THE BEST Syracuse Food Tours

Syracuse food tours.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Food and Culture Tour of Ortigia

2. Private 7-Hour Tour of Three Etna Wineries with Tasting from Syracuse

3. Streeet food tour in Ortigia

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Catania Street Food Walking Tour and Market Adventure

Catania Street Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience

Gastronomic Street Food Tour of Catania

Cooking lesson in Catania with lunch or dinner

Cesarine: Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Siracusa

Etna Wineries Tour

Catania Sail, spritz and fun at sunset

cooking class in Syracuse, Sicilian flavors

Sicilian cooking class with final tasting in Syracuse

Cook, discover sights, taste food & wine with a chef in Syracuse

Half Day Sailing Tour Catania-AciTrezza

Cesarine: Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Catania

Catania: wine tasting in a metropolitan market

Cesarine: Private Pasta Class at Local's Home in Catania

Traditional Sicilian cuisine experience in Vendicari, Noto

Sicilian Cooking Class in Catania with tasting

Romantic dinner on a boat - Catania

Cesarine: Pasta & Tiramisu Class at Local's Home in Catania

Wine and Lunch Tour

Etna Wine Tasting and Train Tour

Etna Wine Tour

Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at Cesarina's home with tasting in Catania

Sicilian Vegan Cooking Class in Catania with Lunch and Dinner

Course of Arancini and Almond Paste in Catania

Olive oil tasting in Syracuse - fairytale tour

Siracusa cocktail experience, walking tour, rooftops, prime venue

Syracuse-Cooking Class: Learn the real sicilian cousine

What travellers are saying.

• From market to Table Cooking lesson with a local in Sicily
• Food and Culture Tour of Ortigia
• Traditional menu with a Cookinas and visit of the ancient market of Ortigia
• Ortigia Market Tour with Cooking Class and Lunch
• Private course of Sicilian cuisine and more
• Ortigia Flavour
• Letizia Tour Guide in Syracuse
• Impavidus - Day Tours
• Sicily Activities
• Erga Tourism
• Smile And Food
• Angelo Ingrassia Chef & Travel Sicily

Syracusa food & walking tour

Siracusa is a jewel to discover, those who have underestimated the personality of this city has always regretted having done so, it would be recommended a long weekend to know it in all its many facets, but if you can not spend so much time to visit it, we will sew the visit on you, personalizing your tour!

Day 1– Greek Superpower

Siracusa was most powerful city in the Greek world after Athens. Established as a colony of Corinth in the 8th century BCE, Siracusa eventually came to dominate the central Mediterranean. She fought Carthage to a draw and crushed Athens, whose “Siracusan Expedition” of the late 5th century, told so poignantly by Thucydides, ended the first Golden Age of Western Civilization in the harbor of Syracuse. Together we can walk the matchless island-peninsula of Ortigia, redolent of ancient Greek myth and history, visit one of the two greatest Greek theaters in the world, an altar the length of two football fields, temples turned into cathedrals, and a cavern quarried by ancient war prisoners large enough to fit a cathedral. We’ll tell you stories of Dionysius the Great, Plato, Archimedes, Theocritus, Cicero, wonders ancient and modern.

Day 2 – Jewish and Christian Siracusa

Siracusa was a important center of Jewish life in late classical through early medieval Mediterranean, following the first disapora. We’ll spend a few hours touring the ancient Jewish quarter including a visit a ritual mikveh bath (hewn 30 feet into bedrock), the best preserved pre-modern mikveh anywhere. Siracusa today is a Roman Catholic town, home of Santa Lucia. Her festivals (December 13-20, May 7) are marked with beautiful parades. Together we will visit the Siracusan catacombs, the largest in Italy outside of Rome, a chamber where St. Paul is said to have met with early Christians, more than one Norman church, and the medieval Church of Santa Lucia outside the walls.

Day 3 – Spanish Baroque

Siracusa has never taken kindly to foreign invaders: her citizens assassinated a Byzantine Emperor naked in the public baths, defied the Arabs for fifty years, held off the Normans for thirty-five, and massacred the French. Twice. But under 17th century Spanish rule, even as the peasants in the countryside suffered under terrible oppression, Sicilian cities like Siracusa bloomed with splendid buildings of the aristocracy. A massive earthquake in 1693 forced the Spanish to rebuild the historic center of Siracusa, the island of Ortigia, which now is crowded with massive Baroque palaces overlooking twisting medieval streets. Colorful laundry and flowers adorn balconies and stylish boutiques sit beside tiny shops where master woodworkers and puppet makers labour at their craft. The heart of Christian Siracusa is the Piazza Duomo, where prehistoric Sikel altars lie under a Temple to Athena, whose original columns still embrace what became a Christian church become a 9th century mosque, become a medieval then baroque cathedral. This history makes Piazza Duomo the site of longest continuous worship in world. Inside the cathedral deep within under the magnificent juxtaposition of ancient temple and Spanish baroque is where to tell the story of Santa Lucia, martyred by the Romans, while visiting her arm.  Next door is the medieval Archbishop’s Library. One can visit the cathedral and discuss the complex history while enjoying a coffee or granita (traditional lemon-ice treat) in a cafe looking at its celebrated Baroque facade. At dusk the square is transformed into a swirl of nightlife, as locals fill outdoor restaurants and promenade in their best attire in the sea air. We could have lived anywhere in Siracusa, for that matter anywhere in Sicily, for that matter anywhere in Italy, for that matter anywhere. We chose Ortigia, in old Siracusa, in old Sicily. Come and let us show you why.

Syracusa “food & walking” tour

In the company of Damiano gastronomic critic or Alessia local chef, you will go around the street market of Ortigia, to discover the best products of Sicilian food and wine, taste and drink, enjoing, in their company. Then accompanied by a guide of our team you can visit the city for as long as you want, we will sew on you the walking tour, you are on vacation, we do not want you to stress but appreciate all the facets of Syracuse. Visit cooking experience

Ortigia Market & Food Experience

A privately guided food tour of Ortigia.

Just across the bridge from the city of Siracusa lies Sicily’s little southern gem: the island of Ortigia. The architecture in Piazza del Duomo, the charming narrow streets, the city’s rich Greek history and hidden artwork are not to be missed.

The best way to learn about a culture is through its food. During our Ortigia tasting and history experience, we meet in the morning and while sipping a coffee and enjoying a maritozzo pastry we chat about the importance of Sicily to Italy in general.

The leisurely conversation continues as we stroll to the area’s vibrant farmer’s market located in the oldest part of the city on the charming island of Ortigia. 

The market overlooks the Mediterranean sea and the offerings on display reflect that. Here food lovers have the chance to meet the fishmongers, artisans and other food sellers that carry seasonal produce, cured meats, cheese and pasta products, tasting samples along the way and snacking on typical specialties.

Our walk continues to discover the many layers of Ortigia through its fascinating historical landmarks, the beautiful Duomo, and sunlit piazzas. 

Along the way we stop in various shops and meet other food vendors for more tastings. We bid our arrivederci over a glass of wine or a gelato.

• Tasty samples as we move through the market and adjoining streets may include local cheese and cured meats, bread products , coffee, pastries and street food.

Practical Info

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a small reusable shopping bag to pick up treats at food stops. 
• Tours operate in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
• In summer we suggest wearing a hat and sunscreen, and carrying a small reusable water bottle. 
• Please notify us in advance of any food allergies and aversions.

The length of the tour is 3 hours.

Start time is flexible, suggested start time for this tour is 10:00 am

Get in touch with us today with any questions you have about this tour:

How many people will be in your group? (If you are unsure, you can skip this)

Would you like to sign-up to receive updates and information from us via email, including updates, insights, promotions and more?

We are committed to respecting your privacy. Any information you provide whilst speaking to us will only be used in accordance with our Privacy & Legal Policy , and will not be used for marketing or passed to any third parties without your clear and prior consent. If you have any questions about how we manage your information, please contact us .

“ We reached out to Casa Mia Tours at the last minute the morning our ship docked in Sicily. Within a few hours they arranged a Sicilian cooking lesson and dinner for us. We had such a wonderful experience. MiamiShel USA

Privacy & Cookie Information  |  Terms of Use

Website & Video by  WPG

© Casa Mia Tours, LLC.

• Roman Countryside | Lazio
• Amalfi Coast, Sorrento & Capri | Campania
• Florence | Tuscany
• Bologna & Parma | Emilia-Romagna
• Palermo | Sicily
• Siracusa & Noto | Sicily
• Catania & Etna | Sicily
• Ragusa & Modica | Sicily
• Marsala & Agrigento | Sicily
• TAILORED & CUSTOM EXPERIENCES
• MEET OUR TEAM
• LIVE COOKING & WINE
• CUSTOM ONLINE COOKING EXPERIENCES
• CULTURAL SEMINARS
• PRIVATE & CORPORATE EVENTS
• ***NEW & EXCLUSIVE***
• Appliances & Electronics
• Kitchen Supplies

SIcilian Street Food tour and wine tasting in Syracuse

• Tasting typical street food, from appetizer to dessert with typical local Sicilian wines.
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Coffee and/or Tea
• Tasting of three wines
• Entry/Admission - Il Mercato di Ortigia
• Viale Montedoro, 51, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy
• Wheelchair accessible
• Pushchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travellers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Il Mercato di Ortigia

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Viale Montedoro, 51 Viale Montedoro, 51, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy See address & details
• 1 Il Mercato di Ortigia Stop: 2 hours - Admission included The tour will be dedicated to the tasting of Sicilian Street Food, we will visit the Ortigia Market chatting with the locals guiding you to discover the Tradition. The tasting will include various tastings in 3/4 typical places that use refined and genuine typical Sicilian raw materials. Our multilingual guides will accompany you to make this experience unique. The c Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• 557claraa 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles If you don’t need a guide this is an economical & great way to see Ragusa, Modica & Noto without a car. 👍⭐️ The tour was excellent! Ilonda, the owner of the company was so friendly, helpful and enthusiastic. She provided maps for each location and good suggestions. Francesco, the driver was friendly, capable & reliable. He dropped us off and picked us up at convenient places always on time. The vehicle was lovely, new and spotless! Ragusa & Modica are inconvenient to reach by public transportation so this tour offers a great alternate way to visit them if you don’t have a car . If you don’t require a guide, I highly recommend this tour. Read more Written 26 April 2024
• gjcL8887DS 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent travels in Sicily and Malta thanks to Iolanda and Vincenzo of "SicilyinTravel". Just back from 2 mos. in Sicily and Malta. A wonderful, well-planned trip by Vincenzo with "SicilyinTravel". We are an older couple that like to travel independently, and we could not have been more pleased with his choices and help. We would like our two sons and their families to experience Sicily and we would send them right to Vincenzo! Read more Written 23 April 2024
• 333llp 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent tour Had a well organized tour from Syracuse to Ragusa, Modica and Noto. Car and driver were excellent. Great communication and tour organization from Vincenzo. Read more Written 20 April 2024
• 811julenh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Memorable sunset cruise with friends Iolanda and all of the staff at SicilyinTravel were such a pleasure to work with in booking this fabulous sunset yacht cruise! Our crew was so friendly and fun in hosting us, kept our wine flowing and had a delicious spread of food for us. The boat was beautiful, spacious and comfortable for our group of 8. We really appreciate the hospitality and had such a memorable evening together. Thank you again! Read more Written 2 March 2024
• kwaneh2024 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The driver was very friendly and professional The city was incredible. We took a lot of pictures and enjoyed dining in different restaurants. The driver also told us a lot about the city. Read more Written 7 January 2024
• 90manuelav 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful Sicily! First of all, so sorry for the delay on this review. The tour operator was wonderful to work with. She made sure to accommodate for all our needs (last minute date changes, need for transportation to departure place and so on) and always available to answer questions. I highly recommend working with her as she has great knowledge of the area and can help with any travel limitations you might have. The boat ride itself was definitely the highlight of the trip to Sicily. We simply loved it! We spent all day on the water with a great "sea man" that took as to beautiful places to jump in the water, provided entertainment for the little ones (my son was so delighted to be able to "drive the boat" for a bit, with his assistance of course) and a generous snack with local food and drinks. He even dived to get some sea urchins for us that we got to eat "sushi style". The woman that manages locally the boat rides was also great to work with and drove us personally from and back to the bus station in town so we did not have to rent a car for the day. My family of three (me, my husband, and a 9 year old boy) can't wait to go back. Thank you all for making our trip to Sicily that much special! Read more Written 14 December 2023
• Ellen T 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Boat ride is not worth the time or the money! This “tour” is just a boat ride to see caves from the water. The skipper didn’t speak English though he was very pleasant. We did not enter any caves even though the ticket very clearly said “entry/admission included”. The meeting place was incorrect and we were redirected multiple times. If you want an expensive boat ride, this is the tour for you. If you want a tour, this is not! Read more Written 6 November 2023
• natalierE7353OL 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Sensational! Amazing day trip - we ended up going on our own as no one else signed up for the trip We got collected from our hotel and returned . Visited Ragusa, Modica and Noto Read more Written 29 October 2023
• S1039TOmr 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Duomo, churches Aretha spring Beautiful tour of the city Ortigia and Syracuse. Vincent was great 👍 very detailed and informative cordial Read more Written 21 October 2023
• 582632 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent day out! A magical experience exploring the sea caves and swimming and snorkling in the beautiful waters off Syracuse. Skipper Steven was passionate about the area and kept us well informed. The small group of 10 meant we had plenty of room on the boat. Loved his choice of music too! Read more Written 10 October 2023
• debhuntlong 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great cruise The reception staff and skipper were knowledgeable and very helpful. Excellence in service, that was appreciated Read more Written 6 October 2023
• sylk325 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Ok - not great Gorgeous scenery and crystal clear water we briefly swam in but the boat captain spoke zero English, didn't care that we wanted to go a little faster because half the people on the boat were getting nauseous from the waves (and other boats zooming by), there was one bottle of water and one bottle of 'spritz' mix for the 10 of us. Also, we were supposed to go to a mud beach, which we didn't. Read more Written 11 September 2023
• nicks50 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles just okay Wasn’t so much a tour as just a boat ride. The captain didn’t introduce himself or share any info about anything we were seeing. It really was just a boat ride and swim stop Read more Written 6 September 2023
• shannonoN6085WN 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best Boat Tour with an awesome Skipper This was the best tour we had ever been on! Sebastiano was an amazing skipper, tour guide and expert of the area. He was friendly, kind and provided us with much history of the land. We had an amazing time swimming at different stops and saw flamingos! He even recommended a lunch spot that was delicious. I can’t recommend this tour enough - Book it! Read more Written 3 September 2023
• B2361BCdaler 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Stellar Sicilian Experience Superb excursion! We had a blast and the boat operator was so much fun. I loved that the group size was not too big Read more Written 2 September 2023

More to explore in Sicily

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Buy it with

SIcilian Street Food tour and wine tasting in Syracuse provided by Sicily in Travel

The best Syracuse tours: Discover Sicily’s gem

Sicily’s eastern coast is a historic area packed with landmarks and breathtaking landscapes. While most international travelers head to Taormina to admire its elegance, there’s a stunning city that often goes unnoticed: Syracuse. The small Italian town has a millennia-long history and features a dramatic coastline. Therefore, if you’re about to visit Sicily, the best Syracuse tours in this article will enhance your Sicilian journey.

After traveling extensively around eastern Sicily , I believe that Syracuse is a must-see location. The combination of vibrant local life and ancient landmarks make Syracuse one of the best places to see in Italy. Moreover, the city’s proximity to the sea and the marvelous Ortygia create a unique atmosphere that will fascinate you. That said, in this article, you’ll find the best tours in Syracuse to make the most of your stay. In addition, you’ll also find info on how to book these tours, their price, and their duration.

So, let’s discover the best Syracuse tours and what you can enjoy in Italy’s picturesque town.

Table of Contents

*Some links are affiliate links. It means that if you buy something, I might earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

The best Syracuse tours – Sicily’s gem

Known for its Greek and Roman heritage and as the birthplace of Archimedes , Syracuse enjoys a fantastic location in the Mediterranean Sea. What appears to be today a medium-sized waterfront city, during the 5th century BC, Ancient Siracusa had Athens’ size.

There are plenty of things to do in Syracuse, and seeing everything in one day might be challenging. However, in the following lines, you’ll read what’s to enjoy in town and how to fit everything into your Syracuse itinerary. So, here’s what to do in Sicily’s hidden gem.

Ortygia and Neapolis guided walking tour

Due to its relatively compact size, Syracuse is a great place to explore its key attractions on foot. This fantastic Syracuse walking tour will take you to the city’s landmarks, and your guide will share plenty of info about the historic town. And, of course, you’ll explore the fascinating Ortygia, the city’s ancient center and UNESCO World Heritage Site .

As you stroll around the city, your guide will tell you about the area’s Greek history, with a strong focus on architecture and religion. The cosmopolitan flair of Syracuse will be omnipresent in this walk, and you’ll get an overview of why it was once the most important Mediterranean city. The impressive Cathedral of Syracuse, the iconic Temple of Athena, the Greek Theater, and the Roman Amphitheater are some of the famous spots you’ll discover.

The Neapolis Archaeological Park , where the famous Ear of Dionysos and the Paradise Latomia are located, are the city’s highlights, and locals are truly proud of them. Moreover, the Ionian Sea views from the Greek Theater are breathtaking, and if you’re an antiquity lover, this walking tour is for you.

Duration : 3 hours .

Price : from 250 euros per group of 4 .

How to book : Book here the Ortigia and Neapolis guided walk .

Siracusa: Ortygia boat tour with Marine Grotto

Ortygia (or Ortigia) is the historical center of Syracuse and the city’s most famous location. There’s no Syracuse tour that won’t take you through Ortygia, and apart from its history, it’s the place to admire the town’s coastline.

Now, this Syracuse boat tour will elevate your Sicilian experience because it’ll show you Ortygia’s beauty from the sea. Instead of walking in Ortygia, this boat trip will let you admire the city’s center from the water. In addition, you will travel along the coast, and you’ll see the fascinating sea caves of the area and the famous Maniace Castle. The celebrated Arethusa Fountain , where the patron figure of the ancient city returned to Earth from her underwater home, is also a spot you’ll see while sailing across the coastline.

To further enhance your boat tour, the operators will offer you fresh fruits and drinks on the way to Maniace Castle. Additionally, you can also swim for some minutes in the Mediterranean before visiting a chain of natural caves, like the Capuchin and the Coral Cave. Overall, this is hands down one of the best Syracuse boat trips , and if you feel like observing an ancient city from the sea, look no further.

Duration : 2 hours .

Price : from 35 euros .

How to book : Book here the Ortygia tour with Marine Grotto .

Bonus Syracuse tour

If you feel like taking a boat tour during sunset and enjoying an aperitivo while admiring ancient Siracusa, there’s an extra option. Specifically, you can embark on a sunset boat trip from Syracuse and enjoy the golden hour onboard a small boat. Touring Syracuse’s coastline at this time of the day is an unforgettable experience that will surely be a highlight of your Sicilian journey.

This tour lasts two hours and costs 55 euros per person. You can book the Ortigia sunset tour with Aperitif here .

Day trip from Syracuse: Visit Mount Etna

If you base yourself for more than one day in Syracuse -I encourage you to do so- visiting Mount Etna should also be in your Sicily itinerary. Walking the slopes of an active volcano is a memorable experience, and it ranks among the best things to do in Sicily. I took a volcano tour while traveling around Sicily, and you can read my Mount Etna impressions here .

Now, Syracuse is not far from Etna, and it’s a great day trip to consider. Europe’s tallest active volcano offers breathtaking views, and the excursion will also expose you to the beauty of Sicilian nature. You will reach an altitude of 2,000 meters , and from there, you will start hiking the craters. If you feel more adventurous, you can also purchase the high-altitude option, which will take you even closer to the volcano’s peak. Finally, at the tour’s end, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a lava flow cave and taste local food on a farm.

For nature lovers, that’s a great addition to your visit to Sicily. The tour operators are highly skilled, and there’s nothing to worry about. Seeing an active volcano is a unique experience, and Syracuse’s proximity to Mount Enta makes it one of the best day trips in the region.

Duration : ~8 hours .

Price : from 108 euros per person .

How to book : Book here the day trip to Mount Etna .

Syracuse traditional cooking class

Sicilian cuisine is famous worldwide for its healthy approach and delicious taste. That said, there’s probably no better place in Italy to take a cooking class and enjoy a visit to the local market.

Your guide will be a local chef, and you’ll visit the ancient market of Syracuse together. The culinary tradition and the loud environment will fascinate you while searching for local ingredients in Ortygia. The smells and the colors of the market will create a memorable canvas of impressions for sure.

Afterward, your chef will take you to their kitchen, and you’ll start cooking a delicious Sicilian meal together . The chef will share recipes and old stories while guiding you through the preparation of traditional Sicilian dishes. Enjoying an Italian meal that you cooked yourself sounds fantastic, right?

Duration : 4 hours .

Price : from 95 euros .

How to book : Book here the traditional cooking class .

A day trip from Syracuse to Taormina

Exactly like with the Etna trip, if you have more than one day in Syracuse, it’s a great option to visit Taormina . Nestled on a hilltop, the small town of Taormina is a stunning location that even Goethe fell in love with . Although it often feels packed, the city is the most famous spot in Sicily and deserves a visit.

This day trip from Syracuse also comes with an extra: it adds two more stops to your Syracuse itinerary: Ragusa Ibla and Modica. Both of these locations are UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their baroque heritage and beauty. Moreover, the tour’s price includes lunch in a traditional trattoria. Then, after exploring the two locations and having lunch, it’s time to visit Taormina.

Overall, this is a fantastic day trip from Syracuse for history and architecture lovers.

Duration : ~9 hours .

Price : from 259 euros .

How to book : Book the day trip to Taormina .

FAQ about the Syracuse tours

I add a short section here to reply to some frequently asked questions about the Syracuse tours. Consider this short FAQ section as Syracuse travel tips to further enjoy your tour or day trip.

Is Syracuse worth seeing?

Syracuse is one of the prettiest Italian cities. The Ortygia waterfront promenade is one of the most amazing places you’ll find in Sicily, and it’s a must-do when visiting the town.

Do you have some travel tips for the Syracuse tours?

Syracuse can be relatively warm, even off-season. Therefore, I suggest you bring a hat and sunglasses. Also, make sure to have a bottle of water and don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes. All these are must-haves if you don’t want to exhaust yourself while visiting Syracuse.

How much time do you need in Syracuse, Italy?

Despite its compact size, there are plenty of things to see in Syracuse . If you’d like to have a good overview of Ortygia, go on a short boat trip and visit Mount Etna and Taormina, 3-4 days in Syracuse is the ideal timeframe. It will give you enough time to discover the city and its nearby attractions and also have enough time to enjoy your stay.

Is Siracusa walkable?

Yes, Syracuse is a walkable city. Despite being a millennia-old place, its streets are walkable, and it’s pure joy exploring it.

The best Syracuse tours: Conclusion

Syracuse is one of the prettiest cities I’ve visited in Italy. The city’s compact size and the waterfront promenade across Ortygia make Syracuse an unbeatable destination. In addition, the city’s ancient past and the landmarks you’ll see everywhere make Syracuse an ideal place for history lovers. The Neapolis Archaeological Site and the Greek Theater are known worldwide and will create long-lasting memories.

Apart from the city’s highlights, Syracuse’s strategic location will allow you to explore this side of Sicily further. A tour to Mount Etna and a visit to Taormina are two unmissable experiences. Syracuse often stays off the radar of international travelers; however, it is a stunning city with vibrant local life and fantastic sea views.

Therefore, I strongly recommend a visit to Syracuse, Italy, and I encourage you to join at least one of the tours mentioned above. Apart from giving an extra layer of depth to local culture, they’ll help you interact with local guides that know everything about the city.

More about Sicily : Catania guide , Wine tours from Catania , My Syracuse Travelogue

Pin it for later

Sharing is caring. Share this article about the best tours in Syracuse, Italy , with your friends.

Last Updated on July 29, 2023 by George Pavlopoulos

• Share on LinkedIn
• Share on Tumblr!
• Reddit this!
• Save in Pocket
• Share via WhatsApp
• Save on Flipboard
• Send via Viber
• Share via Telegram

Related Posts

Where to stay in siena with a car: hotels with private parking, things to do in lido, venice: a travel guide, gondola ride in venice: what you need to know + tips & review, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Top Food, Wine & Brewery Tours in Syracuse, Italy

Food & wine tours in syracuse.

• Cooking Classes
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Wineries & Vineyards
• Beer Tastings & Tours
• Farmers Markets
• Distillery Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Il Mercato di Ortigia
• Temple of Apollo (Tempio di Apollo)
• Duomo di Siracusa
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. From market to Table Cooking lesson with a local in Sicily

2. Traditional cooking class with tasting in the garden

3. Private course of Sicilian cuisine and more

4. Food + City Tour tour in Ortigia with an authorized guide

5. Ortigia food and wine tour with a local.

6. Sicilian cooking experience with a local chef

7. Local Market Visit and Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's home in Siracusa

8. Food and Culture Tour of Ortigia

9. Wine Tasting in a Castle and Historical Garden near Syracuse

10. Ortigia Market Tour with Cooking Class and Lunch

11. Vegan Street Food Tour

12. Tasting at the Ortigia market, cook and lunch

13. Private 7-Hour Tour of Three Etna Wineries with Tasting from Syracuse

14. Etna and Taormina tour from Syracuse with private driver

15. Vegetarian cooking courses in Sicily

16. Private 8 Days Food & Wine Lovers Tour of Sicily

17. Syracuse Ortigia Street Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience

18. Private cooking class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Siracusa

19. Taste of Sicily Gourmet tour

20. Dining experience at a local's home in Siracusa with show cooking

21. Private tour to Syracuse - Archaeological Park and Ortigia with option of Food and Wine tasting

22. Oil and food tasting in the province of Agrigento

23. Dinner on Rooftop with personal Chef

24. Street Food Tour in Ortigia Syracuse

25. Etna tour from Syracuse with private driver

26. Cooking Course in Osteria da Pillucciu at Graziella the fishermen's quarter

27. Street food and Cooking class in Syracuse

28. Marsala cellar visit with tasting of wines and typical products

29. Full day cruise with lunch and aperitif at sunset

30. Cooking Class and Shopping at the Ortigia Market

What travellers are saying.

• From market to Table Cooking lesson with a local in Sicily
• Food and Culture Tour of Ortigia
• Traditional menu with a Cookinas and visit of the ancient market of Ortigia
• Ortigia Market Tour with Cooking Class and Lunch
• Private course of Sicilian cuisine and more
• Azienda Agricola Pupillo
• Civico Maltato
• Ortigia Flavour
• Giovanni Maltese
• Mercato di Ortigia
• Impavidus - Day Tours
• Sicily Activities
• Angelo Ingrassia Chef & Travel Sicily
• Fiora Sicilian Demo Cooking
• Smile And Food

CNY Pizza Tour, stop #16: This suburban spot might be CNY’s biggest pizzeria

• Updated: Apr. 23, 2024, 10:30 p.m. |
• Published: Apr. 23, 2024, 10:00 a.m.

Jon Sturgis, the floor manager at The Wildcat in Camillus, delivers our tomato and basil pizza. The Wildcat is the 16th stop on our CNY Pizza Tour. (Charlie Miller | [email protected]) (Charlie Miller | [email protected])

• Charlie Miller | [email protected]

(It’s a debate every Central New Yorker has had at some point: Who’s got the best pizza? This year, we’ll do our best to find out. I’m on a quest to find the best pizza shops in the Syracuse area. Throughout 2024, I’ll visit 50-plus pizzerias. At each, I’ll sample their most popular pizza, or whatever they recommend. As I go, I’ll score each one, and tell readers a little bit about the shop itself.)

More from the CNY PIzza Tour

• CNY Pizza Tour, stop #15: At Pies Guys, order this rogue chef’s off-the-menu pizza
• CNY Pizza Tour, stop #14: Is there a nicer guy in the pizza business than Robbie T?
• CNY Pizza Tour, stop #13: What the heck is a Bang Bang chicken pizza? That’s Amore
• CNY Pizza Tour, stop #12: At Angotti’s, sometimes the best pizza is the most simple of all
• CNY Pizza Tour, stop #11: Why Syracuse’s most famous pizzeria probably caused your Freshman 15

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.