Description
Tour Highlights
Travel Itinerary
Tour Program
Day 1 – Baroque Catania and private palaces
Arrival at Catania airport. Guided walk in the historic center: Piazza del Duomo, Cathedral of Saint Agatha, Via Etnea and the Benedictine Monastery. Private visit to Palazzo Biscari, an 18th-century Baroque jewel, and to Palazzo Asmundo Francica-Nava, with lunch in the rooftop garden overlooking the Greek Theatre. Transfer to Ortygia, check-in at Residence Arco Antico*** and dinner in a typical restaurant.
Day 2 – Ortygia and the classical performance at the Greek Theatre
Breakfast in a local café. Guided tour of Ortygia, the historic heart of Syracuse: medieval streets, Baroque squares, markets and Mediterranean views. Afternoon in the Archaeological Park of Neapolis with the Greek Theatre, the Ear of Dionysius and the Roman Amphitheatre. In the evening, classical performance at the Greek Theatre, followed by a post-show dinner in a characteristic venue in Ortygia.
Day 3 – Il Biviere and the Garden of San Giuliano
Breakfast and departure for Lentini: visit to Il Biviere, the garden of Princess Borghese, rich in historical and botanical suggestions. Then the Garden of San Giuliano (Villasmundo), 60 hectares of citrus groves with four themed areas (Arab, tropical, Mediterranean and aromatic gardens). Aperitif in the garden. Return to Ortygia and private visit of Palazzo Borgia del Casale, welcomed by a member of the family. Final toast and dinner in a selected restaurant.
Day 4 – Lava gardens on the slopes of Etna
Breakfast and departure for the Parco Paternò del Toscano, three hectares of garden on ancient lava flows, with agaves, yuccas, dasylirion and terraced settings that blend natural and scenic charm. Light lunch inside the estate. Transfer to Catania airport and end of services.
Everything you need to know about this trip
What to pack
- Comfortable clothing for walks in towns and gardens.
- Practical, lightweight shoes, also suitable for lava terrain.
- Hat and sunglasses.
- A light jacket or scarf for the evening.
- Foldable umbrella or rain jacket.
- Swimsuit (some properties have wellness areas).
- Camera or smartphone to capture the gardens and archaeological sites.
Required documents
- Valid identity card for travel abroad or a valid passport.
- Health insurance card.
- Copy of the travel booking.
The fee includes
- 3 nights at a 3-star residence in Ortygia with breakfast (served in a café next to the property)
- 1 post-show dinner in Ortygia
- Lunch at Palazzo Asmundo Francica-Nava
- Aperitif at Giardino San Giuliano
- Lunch at Parco Paternò del Toscano
- Drink at Palazzo Borgia del Casale
- Classical performance at the Greek Theatre with numbered seat
- Guide and tour escort for the entire duration of the tour
- Coach service for the entire duration of the tour
- Entrance fees and guided visits to the sites, gardens and palaces included in the tour
- Bookings and guided visits to the private gardens and palaces included in the tour***
In case of serious issues related to the properties, we reserve the right to replace them with other visits - Board and lodging for guide and driver
- Medical and baggage insurance
- Il Giardino Segreto assistance
The fee does not include
- Round-trip airfare
- Airport taxes
- Porterage
- Meals not mentioned
- City tax to be paid on site
- Travel cancellation insurance
- Tips, extras, personal expenses and anything not listed under “The fee includes”
General info
- Duration: 4 days / 3 nights.
- Dates: 11 – 14 May 2026.
- Accommodation: 3-star residence in Ortygia, with breakfast served in a nearby café.
- Meals: lunches, dinners and aperitifs as per program (some included in historic homes and private gardens).
- Transport: private coach available for the entire duration of the tour.
- Climate: in May, temperatures in Syracuse range from 18° to 25°, with mild days and cooler evenings.
- Performance: admission with numbered seat to the classical performance at the Greek Theatre of Syracuse is included.
