Syracuse and Ortigia

On 9 May 1917, archaeologist Paolo Orsi uncovered a stele in the Fusco necropolis proving that archaic Syracuse stretched inland well beyond Ortigia. That single find reframed a city founded by Corinthians in 734 BCE: layers upon layers, from the Greek quarries to post-1693 Baroque façades. Today, just over an hour down the A18 from Taormina (about 92 km), the story reads clearly—Greek Theatre carved into bedrock, the Ear of Dionysius, and sun-bleached palazzi fronting Ortigia’s harbors.

Pick-up at your Taormina hotel at your chosen time and a smooth day in a Mercedes with the vehicle at your disposal. While your dedicated driver handles timing, parking, and access, you explore the Archaeological Park, break for lunch on Ortigia’s waterfront, step into the Duomo built over Athena’s temple, and browse the market on via De Benedictis. Granite at Artale, Caravaggio in Santa Lucia alla Badia, then an unrushed drive back with optional scenic stops at Ognina or along the Riviera dei Ciclopi if conditions are right.