Coming in early: suggestions for our two days in Siracusa for what to see/do before tour begins?
We are flying in early to get acclimated to the time zone change (we are from California) and wonder if anyone has suggestions for two full days of sightseeing before the tour begins. We are willing to hire a car and driver. Also, anyone going to be on the April 18, 2025 Sicilian Odyssey tour? Gail and Peter
0
Comments
Hi Zoesydney, usually the tour directors leave a packet of suggestions for the early arrival people. We enjoyed the boat ride around the island (the smaller boats, around 20 people) and the hotel can sell you the tickets and give you instructions. It departs nearby. You can spend time inside the Duomo. The Tauck tour does not spend much time in there. You will get a chance to go to the puppet theatre as part of the tour, and that is interesting. The Ancient Mikveh of Siracusa, and the Da Vinci Museum (best for those who are mechanically minded) are interesting. Just walking around the island with a stop at Castello Maniace is enjoyable.
There is an archeology museum that is a taxi ride away but we did not go, the Paolo Orsi museum.
The beaches in Ortigia are not good. If you are interested and it's beach weather, the hotel desk should be able to help, but you'd have to go south, guessing about an hour.
The popular tours in the area are a Godfather tour, where they take you to the movie set locations, and an Etna excursion, but these are usually done from Taormina. The Tauck tour includes a visit to Etna with a geologist, but if you are a hiker the quick hike only goes to one of the lower craters. If you are a fan of Inspector Montalbano, you could probably find a tour based on the stories.
Ortigia is quite charming but is mainly meant for strolling and eating! Visit Caseificio Borderi for excellent sandwiches (gets crowded at noon, go early, or the Salumeria Fratelli Burgio next door which has tables but is always packed. (Your patience will be rewarded) and we loved our dinner at Sicilia in Tavola. (need reservations). I still remember the swordfish with caponata and pasta with pistachios, as well as the pistachio tiramisu for dessert--do not miss that. The local wines are nice. Of course there are lots of casual foods to sample while you stroll.
I'm sorry, I do not have a guide to recommend but we did use a driver who was fairly reasonable priced and knowledgeable about the area. Journeys Around Sicily-Salvatore Pavone. He speaks English well and is a good driver. info@jasicily.com He might have other suggestions and per his website he does do tours.
By the way, I don't usually buy souvenirs but if you are interested in the table linens, bags and trinkets they sell everywhere, they were much cheaper in Ortigia.
It's a fantastic trip. You will love it. It's also very hilly. Be prepared to walk uphill a lot.
Hi Wan, Thank you so very much for these very valuable suggestions and so promptly! From your prior post, we have already made a dinner reservation at the Sicilia in Tavola. Now we intend to visit the Da Vinci Museum and for sure the Ancient Mikveh and the archeology museum. We are very excited! Thanks again.