Duration: 8 Hours
Today you will visit Siracusa (Syracuse) which was found in 734 B.C. by colonist from Corinth. Enjoy your private driver & expert guided tour today with pickup in Taormina or in region, as we drive south to the southeastern end of Sicily. Here we will arrive in Siracusa, it was a major sea power of the ancient world & the location of a sea battle where the Athenian fleet was sunk offshore in (one of history’s greatest maritime battles).
The ancient Greek famous mathematician Archimedes was born in Siracusa, and the once Greek city reached its zenith under the rule of Dionysius. There are two main sites you’ll see with your guide today. The first is the offshore beautiful island of Ortygia, where you’ll enjoy a walking tour of its medieval structures including the 7th century cathedral which was built over a Greek temple, the pillars of that temple were incorporated into the church.
Then we continue our tour to see the Neapolis archaeological zone. Where you’ll see the stupendous Greek theater from the 5th century B.C. that was able to seat 15,000 people. In antiquity it had great international fame and prestige being the most important building for shows of the Greek-western world. We will visit the grotto named the Ear of Dionysius because of its unusual acoustics & also see the 2nd century A.D. Roman amphitheater where gladiators once battled.
Inclusions:
- Private local expert English speaking guide & all transportation
