easy
2–3 hours
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves moderate walking over cobblestone and some uneven surfaces.
Discover Ortigia's timeless charm on a private, tailored tour with Hermes Sicily Tours. Navigate ancient streets and iconic landmarks with expert guidance.
Perched on a small island off the coast of southeastern Sicily, Ortigia forms the historic heart of Syracuse, Italy, where ancient ruins and vibrant street life collide. Hermes Sicily Tours offers a private, customizable journey through this compact but treasure-rich zone, giving visitors a rare chance to see key landmarks with personalized insights and zero crowds looming nearby. The highlight is the UNESCO-listed Ortigia center itself, framed by crystal-clear Ionian waters and a maze of narrow alleys lined with baroque buildings and bustling piazzas.
Your private guide navigates you through the island's layered history, showcasing monumental sites like the Cathedral of Syracuse, which cleverly incorporates parts of a 5th-century BC temple dedicated to Athena. Feel the rough limestone columns under your fingertips as you imagine the ancient city’s spiritual pulse. Stop in lively squares such as Piazza Duomo, where cafés spill into the sunlight and local vendors offer fresh Sicilian specialties. This tour offers a balance of architectural grandeur and intimate moments — perhaps a quiet moment on the waterfront, gazing at the distant coastline or glimpsing fishermen at work.
Unlike typical crowded group tours, Hermes Sicily Tours tailors your itinerary, welcoming all ages and interests, offering flexibility to linger on ancient ruins or capture photos of the coast’s unique geology. Ortigia’s limestone bedrock creates dramatic cliffs and sheltered bays, a quiet contrast to the city’s lively streets.
Hermes Sicily Tours stands out for blending cultural depth with outdoor enjoyment in one of the Mediterranean’s most evocative settings. This isn’t just sightseeing — it’s a chance to feel connected to centuries of history amid radiant Mediterranean light and sea breezes. For travelers seeking a rich, authentic experience off the beaten path in Sicily, this private tour offers a uniquely immersive doorway into Ortigia’s story.
Ortigia's cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces require sturdy, supportive footwear.
Bring a water bottle, especially when touring during warmer months under the Sicilian sun.
Sunscreen and a hat are important for midday tours when shade is limited.
Expect tight alleyways and limited vehicle access; it's best suited for walking tours.
Ortigia was the original settlement of Syracuse, founded over 2,700 years ago by Greek colonists, blending layers of civilizations from Greek to Baroque.
Efforts focus on preserving Ortigia's historic structures and maintaining the marine environment surrounding the island to support both tourism and local biodiversity.
Necessary for navigating the cobbled streets and uneven terrain of Ortigia.
Protects your skin during exposed walking in strong Sicilian sun.
summer specific
Useful for cooler mornings and evenings, especially in spring and fall.
spring specific
Staying hydrated is essential when touring with minimal shade.
summer specific