Hafen
Syrakus

Eine Entdeckungstour durch diese malerische Stadt, inmitten von Oliven- und Mandelbäumen gelegen, die sich sanft an die Hybläischen Berge schmiegen.

• Rathaus
• Barocke Kirchen S. Francesco und S. Salvatore

• In Begleitung eines ortskundigen Reiseleiters starten wir mit dem Bus an der Mole und fahren nach Noto.
• Diese malerische Stadt mit ihren unzähligen Palästen und Denkmälern im sizilianischen Barock lädt ihre Besucher auf einen gemütlichen Spaziergang durch die Straßen der Innenstadt ein, um sich das Rathaus aus dem 18. Jahrhundert sowie die Barockkirchen S. Francesco und S. Salvatore anzuschauen.
• Auf unserem Stadtrundgang bewundern wir die Schönheit der barocken Paläste, die die Straßen dieses charakteristischen Ortes säumen. Anschließend kehren wir nach Syrakus zurück.

Auf unserem Ausflug begeben wir uns auf die Spuren der Geschichte Syrakus, die unbestritten eine der bedeutendsten Städte der Antike ist.

• Archäologischer Park von Neapolis
• Latomia del Paradiso
• Insel Ortygia
• Apollontempel
• Tempel der Athene
• Brunnen der Arethusa

• Nachdem wir den Hafen verlassen haben, fahren wir zum Archäologischen Park von Neapolis und besichtigen die Steinbrüche Latomia del Paradiso mit dem Altar Hierons und dem berühmten Orecchio di Dionisio (Ohr des Dionysios), eine künstliche Grotte mit einem ganz besonderen Echo, sowie dem griechischen Theater und dem römischen Amphitheater. Im Anschluss statten wir der Insel Ortygia einen Besuch ab, die das historische Zentrum der Stadt mit Überresten antiker griechischer Bauten ist. * Auf dem Parkplatz steigen wir aus dem Reisebus aus und starten unsere Tour zu Fuß über die Insel, die uns zum Apollontempel führt, eines der ältesten Beispiele für einen heute noch erhaltenen dorischen Säulengang, zu dem heute zur Kathedrale gehörenden Athenatempel sowie zur Fontana Aretusa, einem bereits bei Pindar und Virgilius erwähnten Süßwasserbrunnen.
• Danach kehren wir zur Mole zurück.

Gain a historical insight into the town of Noto, which was almost entirely rebuilt in a late Baroque style following a devastating earthquake in 1693. Seven other towns in eastern Sicily were also reconstructed, and UNESCO has recognized them collectively as a World Heritage site for their architecture. They feature distinctive innovations in town planning and urban building, as you will discover while walking through Noto, the most visited of the towns. The honey-hued limestone used in many of its buildings seems to radiate in the sunlight, giving the entire city a soothing glow. Architectural highlights include the church of San Domenico, especially its decorative façade, interior frescoes and complex wrought-iron work. The cathedral is also well worth noting, as it has been brought back to its former glory after its cupola collapsed in a 1996 earthquake. During free time, you might browse the shops on Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the main avenue.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy an enlightening walking tour of Noto, a town noted for its late Baroque architecture.
• Notice the innovative town planning that contributed to Noto being named a World Heritage site.
• Behold Baroque-style gems such as the church of San Domenico and Noto’s cathedral.
• Spend free time browsing the boutiques along the main avenue.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a leisurely cruise around the tiny island of Ortigia, where the Greeks first established Siracusa more than 3,000 years ago, and see landmarks that influenced the city’s history. As the boat circumnavigates the island, you will pass under the bridges that connect it to the mainland and see Maniace Castle, a 13th-century fortress that perches on the very tip of the promontory, a strategic location for guarding the harbor of Siracusa. The aquifer-fed freshwater spring Arethusa is another historical attraction as it surfaced thousands of years ago just a few steps from the sea. Papyruses grow there in abundance, one of only two places in Europe where you will find these aquatic flowering plants. Ortigia’s overall appearance is undeniably Baroque, which lends the entire island a timeless atmosphere. As part of greater Siracusa, Ortigia falls under its World Heritage site designation, which UNESCO awarded for the outstanding Greek and Roman ruins.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See Siracusa’s oldest district from a water perspective by cruising around Ortigia Island.
• Pass Maniace Castle, a still-imposing 13th-century fortress on the island’s extreme tip.
• View rare papyruses growing in Arethusa Spring at the edge of the sea.
• Gain an understanding of Siracusa’s history, which dates back to the 8th century BC.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Explore Ragusa and Modica, two ancient towns that became World Heritage sites for their Baroque architecture. A massive earthquake in 1693 affected both towns, including the way the rebuilt sections were subsequently laid out. While walking through the atmospheric Old Town of Ragusa, you will see treasures such as the Latin cross-shaped Cathedral of St. George. A rocky crest links this old section to the more modern part of Ragusa. Similarly, Modica features two distinct areas: a lower town and an upper town perched above the confluence of two rivers. Following a traditional Sicilian lunch in Modica, you will see the gloriously ornate St. Peter’s Church atop a monumental Baroque staircase. Modica is also well-known for its chocolate, which is typically made from an Aztec recipe that conquistadors introduced to Spain. The recipe made its way to Modica when Spain ruled Sicily. While sampling the chocolate, you will notice that its texture is grainy rather than creamy.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Discover how Ragusa and Modica were rebuilt in a Baroque style following a 1693 earthquake.
• Recognize the innovative urban planning that earned the towns World Heritage site designations.
• See churches that reflect the Baroque style that was prominent in Sicily in the 18th century.
• Sample chocolate made from an Aztec recipe that Spain introduced when it ruled Sicily.

Enjoy free time in medieval Taormina and then see the aftermath of Mount Etna’s eruptions by stopping at a hardened lava flow and sampling wines grown in volcanic soil. While exploring Taormina, you might visit the Arabian-influenced Palazzo Corvaja or the ruins of the 2nd-century Greek theatre. It sits on a seaside hilltop with an inspiring view of Mount Etna. Or you may prefer to shop for designer fashions and exquisite jewelry along boutique-lined Corso Umberto. Not far from town, you will pause at now-hardened river of lava from a 1992 eruption of Mount Etna. While lava can be devastating, on the positive side, it contains nutrients that enrich the soil and lend a distinct flavor to the grapes grown in it. During a wine tasting at a country estate, you will sample several Etna-certified Sicilian wines that may include a classic red made from local Nerello Mascalese grapes. As an accompaniment, local specialties will be served.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Spend free time exploring atmospheric Taormina and perhaps browsing its designer boutiques.
• Pause for photos of a now-hardened river of lava that came dangerously close to several villages.
• Sample distinctive wines produced from grapes grown in volcanic soil from Mt. Etna.

OVERVIEW

Sample a thoughtful selection of wines at Cantine Gulino, a family-run estate that produces wines from grapes that were once nearly extinct. As an introduction to the wine-making, you will follow the guide through the vineyards where historical grape varieties such as Albanello and Moscato di Siracusa flourish. The latter is one of the oldest grape varieties found in Italy. You will also learn about Cantine Gulino’s wine production step by step and how the process has changed since 1793, when the family started making wine. Be sure to notice the ancient grape-pressing millstone that pre-dates the family’s wine endeavors. After the tour, you will enjoy a tasting of wines that will be chosen that day. They may include a Insolia, persistent taste with floral hint, a ruby-red blend made from Nero d’Avola grapes and a golden-yellow Moscato dessert wine. The wines will be paired with Sicilian delicacies.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour the winery Cantine Gulino, which the same family has owned since 1793.
• Walk through vineyards where grapes that were once nearly extinct now flourish.
• Sample some of most distinctive wines paired with Sicilian delicacies.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Explore the nature of Sicily during this half-day excursion visiting the Beautiful Biviere Gardens.

Depart the pier for the 60-minute drive towards Lentini, and a visit to the Biviere Farm.

Biviere Farm, Guided Tour, Fruit Trees, Processing Centre

"Biviere" is the name of a lake that held great historical importance. Its ancient origins can be traced back to Greek mythology. Until the 1930s, the lake, which contained a lot of fish, ​​was very important for the economy of all the surrounding districts and was rich in flora and fauna. Land reclamation works, which had begun in the fascist era, ended in the 1950s. It was during those years that Il Biviere became the residence of the Borghese Princes, Scipione and Maria Carla, who, with love and passion, decided to transform the ancient family estate into an exotic Mediterranean garden and began to plant the first citrus groves.

Today new energies are shaping Il Biviere. Giangiacomo and Virginia have brought life to a dream that embraces nature, healthy nutrition, ecology and a harmonious lifestyle, waiting for everyone who wants to get involved!

Here, approximately 272 acres (about 110 hectares) are cultivated with red and blond oranges, lemons, clementines, pink grapefruits, flat peaches (tabacchiere), and apricots. Upon arrival, meet your host, Virginia Gattai Borghese, who escorts you on a guided tour of the farm and garden. Pass through the fields, where, depending on the time of year, you can learn about and observe the care and maintenance of the trees, then step inside the Processing Centre to observe the fruit selection and packaging processes.

Biviere Garden, Refreshments

Next, proceed for a visit to the exquisite Biviere Garden. Created by the Princess with great love and passion, this garden is a magical and fascinating place, and filled with botanical species from all over the world. It has hosted many luminaries, and, in 1988, had the honour of a visit by the Queen Mother of England. Refreshments including tea, fruit juice and home-made cakes are offered inside the Biviere Garden during your visit. Afterward, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 60-minute drive back to the pier.

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.

This tour involves a minimal amount of walking and is specially designed for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair or a scooter.

This Siracusa shore excursion is a wonderful way to experience the charm, beauty and history of Sicily! On this accessible tour, you will explore the incredible Piazza del Duomo, enjoy a visit to the glorious Syracusa Cathedral, browse the colorful Ortygia Market and experience the fascinating Maniace Castle.

Siracusa

Start your tour by meeting your accessible van and tour guide at the Siracusa cruise dock. From here, you will head out on a short drive to the heart of the town, the main square Piazza Duomo. This architectural and historic gem is peppered with incredible structures, charming cafes, gelaterias, museums, churches, street vendors and much more. Escorted by your tour guide, you will explore the beautiful Square and its many memorable highlights.

The most impressive structure on Piazza Duomo is the Syracusa Cathedral. The Cathedral was built in the 7^th century over the Temple of Athena (5^th century BC). It was a Doric temple with columns that can still be seen incorporated in the walls of the current church. The Façade was rebuilt in 1725-1753 by Andrea Palma. Your tour guide will explore the exterior and interior with you, and point out the most interesting pieces of the site including a font with marble basin from the 12^th-13^th century, a silver statue of Santa Lucia (1599) and a statue of the Madonna della Neve (Madonna of the snow) from 1512.

Ortygia Market

Next, your tour continues to the colorful Ortygia Market. Here, your tour guide will escort you through the narrow market paths, as you soak in the delicious smells, singing voices of the local merchants and browse all the local products offered throughout. If you desire, you will have some time to purchase local foods such as fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, almond cookies, fresh mulberries etc., or a few souvenirs to bring home.

Maniace Castle

The final part of your day will be spent visiting the famous Maniace Castle. This beautiful, old castle sits on the most picturesque coastal area of the town and offers spectacular views of the water and city. Escorted by your tour guide, you will explore the breathtaking outside grounds and also enter to see some of the beautiful features inside, including the impressive arched ceilings in the main hall. Your tour guide will narrate you through the history of the Castle and you will also have some wonderful photo opportunities here.

Afterwards, return to the ship.

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, 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 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 Cantine Nicosia Restaurant in Trecastagni for a typical Sicilian lunch accimpanied by wine of their own production. After lunch, re-board your bus for the approximate 90-minute 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, Old Town walking tour

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.

Free time, Boat Exploration

Following your walking tour, some free time is made available for you to browse the shops at your leisure. Afterward reach on foot the embarkation pier to board the boat reserved for Silversea for a tour around the old island; you may admire from the sea all the maior ancient momunents and buildings (Umberto I bridge, Spanish walls, Jewish quarries, Maniace Castle, Aretusa Spring, etc) and the charming scenary of the bay of Syracuse (Porto Grande). You will have also the possibility of having a swim in the sea.

Disembark the boat and walk back to the pier.

Your host: Corrado Assenza

Pastry chef Corrado Assenza has turned a family sweet shop dating back to 1892 into a destination revered by gourmands everywhere. His granite, gelati, cannoli, cassate and almond nougat are considered to be the country's finest, and his candied orange zests are used by the best panettone-makers. Before taking over Caffè Sicilia, in Noto, he had studied to become an agronomist; he's an exceptionally articulate storyteller, with a deep knowledge of the history and anthropology of Sicilian gastronomy, and a masterful chef, with a distinctive philosophy promoting a lighter, more natural (but no less delicious) approach to patisserie. He sources the best seasonal ingredients, treating them as gently as possible. Today he works alongside his son Francesco, the 4^th generation of Caffè Sicilia.

Scenic Drive towards Noto, Caffè Sicilia

If you sign up for the program departing Siracusa, Corrado Assenza - legendary maestro pasticcere (you might have seen him on Netflix's “Chef's Table”) and “almond whisperer” - will be your guide on a journey to remember. Upon departure from the port you will drive for about 45 minutes towards the Noto area where Mr. Assenza lives and his family's Caffè Sicilia has been in business since 1892.  

“There's a big difference between 'sweet' and 'sugary,'” Assenza says. “And I'm on a constant spasmodic quest for nature's own sweetness. I don't like to add refined sugar,” he points out, a key element in his philosophy which favors honey and pivots around a lighter (less yolks, less fat, no artificial thickenings), gentler patisserie. To hear him explain how savory and sweet mingle in Sicilian tradition, and the story of its influences, from the Arab world to the aristocracy of old Europe, is quite simply mesmerizing. But it's his food that will absolutely blow your mind.

Welcome Snacks, Private introduction and demo on Sicilian Pastry

You will see Assenza in action at Caffè Sicilia, in the center of the jewel of Sicilian Baroque, Noto: the caffè was recently renovated optimising production in the in-house laboratory without changing the atmosphere of the shop. You will first enjoy a welcome snack sitting at the café's tables, observing the lively coming and going of customers and staff. You will then join Corrado Assenza for a lively immersion in Sicilian pastry and seasonal ingredients: he will show you his favorite materia prima and you will taste the delicious creations it inspires, from gelati to sorbets, from cakes to granite, from cookies to biancomangiare (Assenza's signature almond pudding.) This tasting will be different every time, depending on the season.  

Pastry Laboratory, Granita and Biancomangiare Demo, Caffè Sicilia Aperitivo

You will then participate in a very exclusive extended (45 minutes to an hour) visit to Assenza's laboratory (where all products are handmade, slowly): here the pastry maestro will show you how he makes granita and biancomangiare (or another sweet option, if the season’s ingredients inspire him otherwise.) And finally, you will return to the café's tables to enjoy a unique aperitivo, discovering that even in Assenza's cocktails and savory snacks - much like in his sweets - the purity of Sicilian ingredients shines in a delicious, unforgettable way.

After aperitivo walk back to the coach and drive to the Syracusa pier.

Embrace the splendid tastes and flavors of Sicily during this half-day excursion to Zisola Winery.

Sicily has more vineyards than any other Italian wine region, competing with Apulia for first place as Italy's largest wine producer.

The Zisola Estate

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 60-minute drive to the Zisola Winery. The Estate is located in South-East Sicily, the land of origin of the Nero d'Avola vine only a few steps from Noto, famous for its baroque buildings and Unesco World Heritage Site. The Mazzei family identified the latent potential of this land rich with history, culture, and charm, and started an ambitious wine making project in 2003.

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 present 21 hectares of vineyard, provided with plant density of 5,500 vines per hectare with the traditional alberello stock, were planted with Nero d'Avola, and in lesser measure with Syrah, Petit Verdot, Grillo, and Catarratto. The marine breeze coming from the nearby coast participates in moderating the heat in the summer and mellowing the winters, conditions which together with the particular soil characteristics of the land, permit obtaining the perfect ripening of the grapes and wines characterized by their elegance and personality

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board the coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

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, Free Time

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.

After some free time, re-board the coach for the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.