Ortigia Car Tours: Top 5 Unforgettable Island Adventures
Ortigia, that petite island gem connected to Syracuse, Sicily, by just a couple of bridges, is almost too dreamy for words. This little spot is chock-full of ancient Greek history, so it makes you feel like you have stepped back in time. You know, wandering through those skinny streets with baroque buildings popping up everywhere is quite an experience, so it will leave you breathless. Because seeing it all by foot can be tricky, jumping in a car for a guided adventure just might be a super great idea. Below is a run down of a few top picks for touring Ortigia by car, all of which show off something unique on this fantastic island.
1. Ortigia by Night: A Sparkling Evening Tour
There is nothing like experiencing Ortigia when the sun goes down, it’s a totally different vibe than what you will get in the daylight hours. The “Ortigia by Night” tour is almost like riding in a carriage after dark. The tour makes use of open-air cars to allow people to actually soak in that lovely Mediterranean breeze and listen to the night noises. The guides on these tours typically really like pointing out cool spots like the Fountain of Arethusa all lit up and maybe the Temple of Apollo which kinda tells tales of way back when.
What you might find:
- Stops at illuminated historical landmarks.
- Narrations are fun, yet full of historical trivia.
- Great chances for night photos with fewer crowds.
Read our full review: Ortigia Night Tour Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Evening Car Tour)
2. The Classic Ortigia Car Tour: History Unveiled
This option, so it’s very straightforward, is perfect, typically, for first-timers, so it allows for a complete, panoramic tour. It kind of hits all the main attractions around Ortigia. Usually the itinerary includes seeing Piazza del Duomo, that just so happens to be Ortigia’s central square. You will also get a chance to stop at the ruins of the Greek Temple and several baroque palazzi. This kind of tour provides that base understanding of the city, almost as a preview if you want to decide where you might want to come back and visit later, for a deeper, solo dive. Anyway these tour operators and companies make use of eco-friendly cars.
What you might find:
- Tours given by those very informed local guides.
- Planned routes making use of greener transport options.
- An overview perfect for getting familiar with island hotspots.
Read our full review: Classic Ortigia Car Tour Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Historical Car Tour)
3. Ortigia Foodie Tour by Car: Savoring Sicilian Flavors
OK, you may not initially connect food tours and riding around in a car. I mean, seriously though, this particular method offers that chance to zip between samplings at food stalls without losing any precious taste-testing time. In general, these types of tours often swing by Ortigia’s lively markets, artisan shops, so, too it’s almost allowing guests to gorge themselves with local products right from arancini to cannoli. The trips typically throw in bits of local history alongside bites of heavenly foods.
What you might find:
- Convenient travels in-between foodie hot spots.
- An off-the-charts combo of cultural narrative blended right into yummy food experiences.
- Usually there will be smaller group settings, leading to a special and intimate atmosphere.
Read our full review: Ortigia Foodie Tour by Car Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Culinary Car Tour)
4. Ortigia’s Hidden Gems: Off the Beaten Path Car Adventure
Have you done the usual tourist stuff and, like, you’re up for some more, and yet, in some respects, wish to go deeper? So these private driving trips, that go around the outer edges and quiet lanes that, in some respects, average folks miss, might do the trick. On this trip, it can be expected that they’ll drive by parts of ancient defensive structures or very well-kept residential areas that are filled with stories but less Instagram famous.
What you might find:
- Rare, usually passed over, locales that only local insiders are aware of.
- Stories that provide unique details about local life and less-known stories from previous times.
- That personalized tempo and itinerary reflecting your specific wishes and curiosity.
Read our full review: Hidden Gems Ortigia Car Tour Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Secret Spots Tour)
5. Ortigia and Syracuse Combo Tour: Ancient Wonders
If time is kind of not on your side, very, very, that’s perfectly alright! You could check out this particular combination car journey. As a matter of fact, it takes you beyond just Ortigia, as a matter of fact, you are allowed into historic Syracuse, too. I mean this could include visits to the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, featuring spots such as the Greek Theater, that kind of still, hosts performances! This particular type of tour skillfully intertwines both areas in such a way it gives the audience full exposure of all things Syracuse offers!
What you might find:
- Quick transit between Ortigia & Syracuse for seamless adventures.
- A chance at experiencing main historical sites found within both regions without eating into too much downtime moving back and forth between both locales.
- A history heavy experience packed in a condensed period perfect for those who are, like, strapped for time!
Read our full review: Ortigia and Syracuse Combo Tour Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Full-Day Car Tour)