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Syracuse Tours + Trails

When you visit the Salt City, our cozy community feels allow travelers to immediately feel comfortable yet eager to explore the surrounding region. Centrally located in the state, as well as regionally located in the Finger Lakes, the Greater Syracuse Area offers travelers a taste of wine country, beverage trails like Sip on Syracuse, food trials, historic tours, dinner and day cruise tours , and even Haunted History Trails. 

From the city center you’re only 20 minutes in every direction from the next exciting adventure. Travelers can use VEO scooters and bikes to explore downtown and the Syracuse city limits, which can be operated by a simple phone application. With plenty of Lyfts and Ubers in the Syracuse area , if landed in Syracuse by flight there’s no worries regarding transportation.

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Exploring Greek and Roman history on a Syracuse shore excursion

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Have you thought about exploring Greek and Roman history on a Syracuse shore excursion? Alan and I thoroughly enjoyed our excursion in Syracuse, one of Sicily’s most historic cities.

On a Mediterranean cruise, active boomer travelers will find plenty of historical sites to explore. And by history, I mean some of the most ancient places you’ll ever visit.

I’ve walked the ruins of Ephesus , investigated the ancient city of Nora and stood among wildflowers in front of Greek temples at Selinunte —all while participating in Mediterranean cruise excursions.

But when Alan and I cruised on a Silver Wind spring cruise in the Mediterranean, we hit the historical jackpot on a Syracuse shore excursion.

You could argue the point that there’s almost too much history to see in Syracuse, Sicily—or Siracusa, as the Italians say. Located on Sicily’s Ionian Coast, Syracuse is known as one of western civilization’s greatest ancient capitals.

The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage site , having the largest concentration of Greek ruins outside of Greece .

I’ll be honest, when exploring archaeological sites and ancient buildings, a little goes a long way. Alan and I get much more out of a half-day informative shore excursion than dragging through ruins an entire day. I guess you could say that we like our history in short bites so that we can chew on it for a while.

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What to expect on a Siracusa shore excursion

We tendered to Syracuse (Siricusa) from the Silver Wind in perfect May weather. I can’t imagine how hot it would be in the blazing summer sun.

But, of course, you already know that I recommend spring or fall Mediterranean cruises over the busy, and extremely hot, summer season. However if a summer visit is your only choice, follow my advice for surviving a summer cruise in the Mediterranean .

Our Syracuse cruise excursion was mostly a walking tour , although we were bussed between sites. And we lucked out that fellow passengers listened, didn’t talk over the guide, or keep the group waiting. They also asked just enough questions to make the tour interesting without dragging the group down with over-involved discussion.

Boomer Travel Tip

MedjetAssist Members who are hospitalized 150 miles from home receive medical transport to a home-country hospital of choice. Memberships from $99 .

We begin at the Neapolis Archaeological Park

Of all the things to do in Syracuse, Neapolis Archaeological Park is at the top of the list. Founded by Greek colonists from Corinth in 734 BC, Syracuse became the wealthiest city-state in the western world. The city’s power and influence surpassed that of Athens.

Siracusa remained powerful for two centuries, until the Romans conquered the city-state. The sites we visited at the archeological park provide a glimpse into life during the ancient times of the Greeks and Romans.

Altar of Heiron II

After entering by the ticket booth, the group stops at the Altar of Heiron II to listen to our guide’s interpretation of its historical significance. Although Spaniards destroyed much of the altar in the 16th century, the remains are impressive.

According to our guide, it’s the largest altar from antiquity that we know about. Imagine 450 oxen being sacrificed on top of the altar at the same time. Yes, it’s that big.

The Greek Theatre

And now it’s time to explore the jewel of Neapolis Archaeological Park, the Greek Theatre (or Teatro Greco). It does not disappoint, except for the scaffolding over some of the stone seats.

A construction crew works to set up the seating section—also known as cavea—for the annual Greek Theatre festival held from mid-May until the end of June. With 59 rows and seats for 15,000 spectators, this is the largest theater ever built by the ancient Greeks. Of course not all of it remains today.

Ear of Dionysius

After time to explore on our own, the group continues behind the cavea to Paradise Quarry, where limestone rocks were extracted for building the theater. Today, it truly is a paradise that’s shaded by lemon and orange trees, but in ancient times, the quarry probably wasn’t such a pleasant working environment for the slaves who mined the limestone.

Excavating all that rock created a cave known as the Ear of Dionysius, famous for its acoustical properties. However this article from Atlas Obscura suggests it is a natural cave and debunks some of the myths surrounding the cave.

In today’s travel climate, trip insurance is a must. Compare policies and rates at InsureMyTrip .

Roman Amphitheatre

This part of the tour ends with a visit to the Roman Amphitheatre. Standing at an overlook, I imagine what it must have been like to attend gladiator fights at one of the largest amphitheatres ever constructed.

Finding the historic center of Syracuse at the island of Ortigia

And now we’re back on the bus for the ride through the city to the drop-off point for Ortigia where the Syracuse walking tour continues. The historic heart of Syracuse—and also part of the UNESCO World Heritage site designation—this island is made for strolling.

The journey begins at the Temple of Apollo, where remnants of antiquity, including two Doric columns, hold secrets from 6th century BC and more. Imagine being part of the 1930’s excavation team to discover the oldest Doric temple in Sicily.

Through time, the huge Greek temple evolved to a Byzantine church and then a Muslim mosque before becoming a church again. Yes, there are definitely some historical secrets in these remains.

And then the true stroll begins as the group meanders down narrow, winding streets to one of the most beautiful piazzas in Sicily—Piazza Duomo. The Cathedral of Syracuse sits on one corner. But the Temple of Athena (built in 5 BC) stood here first.

Visiting inside the cathedral reveals a wall of ancient, Greek temple columns, thanks to the historic builders who wrapped the building around the temple. It probably wasn’t their intention to preserve ancient Greek history but I’m so glad that they did.

The Church of Saint Lucia stands at the end of the large Piazza Duomo. It houses the painting, Burial of Saint Lucy by Caravaggio.

Will you be cruising in the Mediterranean? Before booking an excursion, check out our Mediterranean shore excursion reviews.

Continuing toward the harbor, we arrive at the Fountain of Aretusa. Like in ancient times, papyrus still grows around the fresh water spring that connects to the sea. It’s a pleasant spot to reflect on the thousands of years of history we’ve just seen before walking to the pier to catch the tender back to the Silver Wind.

Need help dressing for a cruise? Be sure to ready my tips in luxury cruise wear for women .

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The best Syracuse tours: Discover Sicily’s gem

Sicily’s eastern coast is a historic area packed with landmarks and breathtaking landscapes. While most international travelers head to Taormina to admire its elegance, there’s a stunning city that often goes unnoticed: Syracuse. The small Italian town has a millennia-long history and features a dramatic coastline. Therefore, if you’re about to visit Sicily, the best Syracuse tours in this article will enhance your Sicilian journey.

After traveling extensively around eastern Sicily , I believe that Syracuse is a must-see location. The combination of vibrant local life and ancient landmarks make Syracuse one of the best places to see in Italy. Moreover, the city’s proximity to the sea and the marvelous Ortygia create a unique atmosphere that will fascinate you. That said, in this article, you’ll find the best tours in Syracuse to make the most of your stay. In addition, you’ll also find info on how to book these tours, their price, and their duration.

So, let’s discover the best Syracuse tours and what you can enjoy in Italy’s picturesque town.

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The best Syracuse tours – Sicily’s gem

Known for its Greek and Roman heritage and as the birthplace of Archimedes , Syracuse enjoys a fantastic location in the Mediterranean Sea. What appears to be today a medium-sized waterfront city, during the 5th century BC, Ancient Siracusa had Athens’ size.

There are plenty of things to do in Syracuse, and seeing everything in one day might be challenging. However, in the following lines, you’ll read what’s to enjoy in town and how to fit everything into your Syracuse itinerary. So, here’s what to do in Sicily’s hidden gem.

Ortygia and Neapolis guided walking tour

Due to its relatively compact size, Syracuse is a great place to explore its key attractions on foot. This fantastic Syracuse walking tour will take you to the city’s landmarks, and your guide will share plenty of info about the historic town. And, of course, you’ll explore the fascinating Ortygia, the city’s ancient center and UNESCO World Heritage Site .

As you stroll around the city, your guide will tell you about the area’s Greek history, with a strong focus on architecture and religion. The cosmopolitan flair of Syracuse will be omnipresent in this walk, and you’ll get an overview of why it was once the most important Mediterranean city. The impressive Cathedral of Syracuse, the iconic Temple of Athena, the Greek Theater, and the Roman Amphitheater are some of the famous spots you’ll discover.

The Neapolis Archaeological Park , where the famous Ear of Dionysos and the Paradise Latomia are located, are the city’s highlights, and locals are truly proud of them. Moreover, the Ionian Sea views from the Greek Theater are breathtaking, and if you’re an antiquity lover, this walking tour is for you.

Duration : 3 hours .

Price : from 250 euros per group of 4 .

How to book : Book here the Ortigia and Neapolis guided walk .

Siracusa: Ortygia boat tour with Marine Grotto

Ortygia (or Ortigia) is the historical center of Syracuse and the city’s most famous location. There’s no Syracuse tour that won’t take you through Ortygia, and apart from its history, it’s the place to admire the town’s coastline.

Now, this Syracuse boat tour will elevate your Sicilian experience because it’ll show you Ortygia’s beauty from the sea. Instead of walking in Ortygia, this boat trip will let you admire the city’s center from the water. In addition, you will travel along the coast, and you’ll see the fascinating sea caves of the area and the famous Maniace Castle. The celebrated Arethusa Fountain , where the patron figure of the ancient city returned to Earth from her underwater home, is also a spot you’ll see while sailing across the coastline.

To further enhance your boat tour, the operators will offer you fresh fruits and drinks on the way to Maniace Castle. Additionally, you can also swim for some minutes in the Mediterranean before visiting a chain of natural caves, like the Capuchin and the Coral Cave. Overall, this is hands down one of the best Syracuse boat trips , and if you feel like observing an ancient city from the sea, look no further.

Duration : 2 hours .

Price : from 35 euros .

How to book : Book here the Ortygia tour with Marine Grotto .

Bonus Syracuse tour

If you feel like taking a boat tour during sunset and enjoying an aperitivo while admiring ancient Siracusa, there’s an extra option. Specifically, you can embark on a sunset boat trip from Syracuse and enjoy the golden hour onboard a small boat. Touring Syracuse’s coastline at this time of the day is an unforgettable experience that will surely be a highlight of your Sicilian journey.

This tour lasts two hours and costs 55 euros per person. You can book the Ortigia sunset tour with Aperitif here .

Day trip from Syracuse: Visit Mount Etna

If you base yourself for more than one day in Syracuse -I encourage you to do so- visiting Mount Etna should also be in your Sicily itinerary. Walking the slopes of an active volcano is a memorable experience, and it ranks among the best things to do in Sicily. I took a volcano tour while traveling around Sicily, and you can read my Mount Etna impressions here .

Now, Syracuse is not far from Etna, and it’s a great day trip to consider. Europe’s tallest active volcano offers breathtaking views, and the excursion will also expose you to the beauty of Sicilian nature. You will reach an altitude of 2,000 meters , and from there, you will start hiking the craters. If you feel more adventurous, you can also purchase the high-altitude option, which will take you even closer to the volcano’s peak. Finally, at the tour’s end, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a lava flow cave and taste local food on a farm.

For nature lovers, that’s a great addition to your visit to Sicily. The tour operators are highly skilled, and there’s nothing to worry about. Seeing an active volcano is a unique experience, and Syracuse’s proximity to Mount Enta makes it one of the best day trips in the region.

Duration : ~8 hours .

Price : from 108 euros per person .

How to book : Book here the day trip to Mount Etna .

Syracuse traditional cooking class

Sicilian cuisine is famous worldwide for its healthy approach and delicious taste. That said, there’s probably no better place in Italy to take a cooking class and enjoy a visit to the local market.

Your guide will be a local chef, and you’ll visit the ancient market of Syracuse together. The culinary tradition and the loud environment will fascinate you while searching for local ingredients in Ortygia. The smells and the colors of the market will create a memorable canvas of impressions for sure.

Afterward, your chef will take you to their kitchen, and you’ll start cooking a delicious Sicilian meal together . The chef will share recipes and old stories while guiding you through the preparation of traditional Sicilian dishes. Enjoying an Italian meal that you cooked yourself sounds fantastic, right?

Duration : 4 hours .

Price : from 95 euros .

How to book : Book here the traditional cooking class .

A day trip from Syracuse to Taormina

Exactly like with the Etna trip, if you have more than one day in Syracuse, it’s a great option to visit Taormina . Nestled on a hilltop, the small town of Taormina is a stunning location that even Goethe fell in love with . Although it often feels packed, the city is the most famous spot in Sicily and deserves a visit.

This day trip from Syracuse also comes with an extra: it adds two more stops to your Syracuse itinerary: Ragusa Ibla and Modica. Both of these locations are UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their baroque heritage and beauty. Moreover, the tour’s price includes lunch in a traditional trattoria. Then, after exploring the two locations and having lunch, it’s time to visit Taormina.

Overall, this is a fantastic day trip from Syracuse for history and architecture lovers.

Duration : ~9 hours .

Price : from 259 euros .

How to book : Book the day trip to Taormina .

FAQ about the Syracuse tours

I add a short section here to reply to some frequently asked questions about the Syracuse tours. Consider this short FAQ section as Syracuse travel tips to further enjoy your tour or day trip.

Is Syracuse worth seeing?

Syracuse is one of the prettiest Italian cities. The Ortygia waterfront promenade is one of the most amazing places you’ll find in Sicily, and it’s a must-do when visiting the town.

Do you have some travel tips for the Syracuse tours?

Syracuse can be relatively warm, even off-season. Therefore, I suggest you bring a hat and sunglasses. Also, make sure to have a bottle of water and don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes. All these are must-haves if you don’t want to exhaust yourself while visiting Syracuse.

How much time do you need in Syracuse, Italy?

Despite its compact size, there are plenty of things to see in Syracuse . If you’d like to have a good overview of Ortygia, go on a short boat trip and visit Mount Etna and Taormina, 3-4 days in Syracuse is the ideal timeframe. It will give you enough time to discover the city and its nearby attractions and also have enough time to enjoy your stay.

Is Siracusa walkable?

Yes, Syracuse is a walkable city. Despite being a millennia-old place, its streets are walkable, and it’s pure joy exploring it.

The best Syracuse tours: Conclusion

Syracuse is one of the prettiest cities I’ve visited in Italy. The city’s compact size and the waterfront promenade across Ortygia make Syracuse an unbeatable destination. In addition, the city’s ancient past and the landmarks you’ll see everywhere make Syracuse an ideal place for history lovers. The Neapolis Archaeological Site and the Greek Theater are known worldwide and will create long-lasting memories.

Apart from the city’s highlights, Syracuse’s strategic location will allow you to explore this side of Sicily further. A tour to Mount Etna and a visit to Taormina are two unmissable experiences. Syracuse often stays off the radar of international travelers; however, it is a stunning city with vibrant local life and fantastic sea views.

Therefore, I strongly recommend a visit to Syracuse, Italy, and I encourage you to join at least one of the tours mentioned above. Apart from giving an extra layer of depth to local culture, they’ll help you interact with local guides that know everything about the city.

More about Sicily : Catania guide , Wine tours from Catania , My Syracuse Travelogue

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Last Updated on July 29, 2023 by George Pavlopoulos

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Self-Following Smart Carts

Trolley Trolls is a motorized cart designed to assist in carrying items, allowing users to have their hands free for other tasks. This original device was presented as a senior design capstone project at the College of Engineering and Computer Science’s Open House and was created by Ralph Lawrence Graham ‘24, Taylor Michael Madison ‘24, Alfonso Rivas ‘24, and Ernest Whitbeck ‘24. In this Q&A session, team members Graham and Madison discuss their project. 

How does your senior design capstone project work?   

Graham: Our project is a 3-tiered self-following motorized cart. The person using the cart wears a belt with a code on it. The code is then detected and that’s what triggers the cart to move. We used webcams attached to a Fusion 5 running image processing via Python that then feeds data to a PID controller system running on an Itsy Bitsy M4 chip to make the cart function.  

Madison: We also talked about having distance sensors on the lower half of the cart. It goes much slower in reverse than it does forwards. If you go forward, it will go forward but if you come toward it, it will go backward but not as fast.  

What inspired you to pursue this project?   

Madison: Our team member, Alfonso, originally had the idea of a suitcase that would follow you through an airport. Some faculty didn’t know how practical placing a bunch of batteries and cameras on a suitcase would be, especially considering security risks for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Aviation Association (FAA).  

We decided to go with something more utility-based that we could use around campus and came to a cart that could be used for a lab or food.  

Are there other applications this motorized cart can have?   

Madison: It can be applied to maintenance, hospitals, grocery stores, and even restaurants. We see all these areas benefiting from something like our cart for hands-free tasks.  

How do you feel after completing your project?    

Graham: We achieved what we were intending. It took a lot of research and trying things out. It was a process, and it was amazing to see the result of it and how everything works. It helped develop our skills more and we look forward to doing more things in a professional environment. 

Madison: Even as a senior project that was supposed to be a showcase of what we’ve learned, we were learning continuously through this project. Continuously touching on other parts of engineering and developing skills we already have, it was great to put it all together.  

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Seasonal outdoor maintenance & groundkeeper.

The Downtown Committee of Syracuse is a downtown management organization whose purpose is to improve downtown's image, strengthen its economic base, increase its attractiveness, and assure that it's clean, safe, and accessible. The primary focus of the  outdoor maintenance crew  is to keep Downtown Syracuse clean and attractive. The maintenance crew is responsible for litter control, graffiti removal, power washing, lawn mowing, weeding, snowplowing, landscaping, and street furniture repair and maintenance.

Reports To:  Environmental Maintenance Supervisor

Rate is $16/hour.

Position Requirements:

·         Ability to operate small equipment, tractors/ bobcat and perform small engine maintenance

·         Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time

·         Ability to crouch, bend and stoop

·         Ability to perform job duties in a variety of outdoor weather conditions

·         Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and retain information

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·         Must be able to use cell phone and other equipment as required

·         Requires frequent lifting or carrying of objects up to 50 pounds

·         Ability to maintain professionalism and composure

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Responsible, self-motivated individual with a positive outlook who can learn quickly and follow instructions accurately. A valid NYS Driver’s License is required along with a good driving record. Experience driving a truck, van, tractor and utility vehicles to transport equipment, supplies, materials and debris. Must conform to a dress code and High School Degree is preferred. Experience in landscaping and mowing preferred.

Position Environment: The position requires extensive work outdoors in an urban and culturally diverse environment.

Please forward your cover letter and résumé to: Kevin Stanard, Environmental Maintenance Supervisor: [email protected]

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Olivia Rodrigo in Philadelphia: Last-minute tickets to the ‘GUTS: World Tour’ on July 19

• Updated: Jul. 15, 2024, 1:58 p.m.
• | Published: Jul. 15, 2024, 1:57 p.m.

American singer Olivia Rodrigo performs during her “Guts World Tour” in the Royal Arena in OErestad, Denmark, Thursday, May 30, 2024 Martin Sylvest/Ritzau Scanpix via AP, File

• Madison Kemeny | [email protected]

After a short break, an exclusive Stanley collab and two Kids’ Choice Awards later, Olivia Rodrigo is back on her “GUTS: World Tour,” kicking off her second North American leg on Friday, July 19 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m., with special guest PinkPantheress opening.

Although ticket prices aren’t exactly affordable, this will be fans’ last chance to see the “get him back!” singer in the Northeast. Luckily, we’ve compiled the cheapest tickets available on the market, giving you the best chance to secure last-minute tickets to one of the year’s biggest tours.

Prices (before fees) and availability are noted at the time of publishing and are subject to change.

Vivid Seats

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• Taylor Swift in Germany: Cheap tickets to ‘Eras Tour’ concerts in Gelsenkirchen, Hamburg & Munchen

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https://www.barrons.com/news/misinformation-around-trump-shooting-lays-bare-us-political-fissures-eb4ed5a0

• FROM AFP NEWS

Misinformation Around Trump Shooting Lays Bare US Political Fissures

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Barely minutes after the shots had rung out, the assassination attempt on former US president Donald Trump unleashed a firehose of contradictory conspiracy theories that highlight a highly polarised political landscape ahead of elections in November.

The 78-year-old was rushed off stage with blood streaked across his face after the shooting at a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday that also killed a spectator and critically injured two others. Security forces shot the shooter dead.

Unsubstantiated claims that the shooting was "staged" and the blood was "fake", as well as a doctored photo of his security detail smiling just moments after the incident are just some of the unfounded theories that flooded social media.

The stunning attack has supercharged political tensions -- and disinformation –- in an already divided nation ahead of the presidential election, analysts warn, with rampant speculation and conspiracy theories coming from both sides of the political aisle.

"An event like this, in a moment like this, would fuel conspiracy theories", Julien Giry, from the University of Tours in France, told AFP.

"The more images you have, the more opportunity you have to create an alternative discourse," he said, adding actors along the political spectrum would try to capitalise to "shift the blame onto the opposing camp".

Claims of an inside job or a false flag operation spread quickly online, with social media users seeking to blame Trump or his Democratic opponent, President Joe Biden, for the attack.

Some on the left claimed the shooting was staged by Trump to gain political sympathy, while right-wing supporters of the former president suggested his Secret Service detail allowed the attack to happen on orders from the Biden White House.

Social media users also widely circulated photos of two individuals, falsely identifying them as the suspected shooter before authorities released the name of the alleged attacker.

Prominent Democratic strategist Dmitri Mehlhorn -- aide to billionaire Reid Hoffman -- had to apologise after suggesting the assassination attempt was staged.

"No one is immune to conspiracy theories," Anthony Mansuy, an expert in US conspiracies, told AFP.

"The ease of access to social media can galvanise individuals into believing that we're all participating in the collective investigation," he added.

On the right, social media users shared a video of Trump's security detail moving individuals away from the stage as proof of the unfounded claim that the assassination attempt was an "inside job".

A digitally altered image shows Trump's security detail grinning as they hurry the former president off stage, but a reverse image search found the original photo showing the guards not smiling.

The Secret Service on Sunday denied claims that it rejected a request for more security ahead of the rally as "absolutely false".

"In a situation like the attempted assassination, social media gives individuals a megaphone to blast out whatever unedited or unfiltered feelings or fringe theories they might have, and likeminded individuals enthusiastically consume it," Roy Gutterman, a Syracuse University professor, told AFP.

"This certainly fuels a lot of the divisive political rhetoric of today, and it is likely also a result of it."

Giry said the assassination attempt will invigorate Trump's supporters, "giving credence to the fact that this is a man under threat", some of whom believe the so-called Deep State is behind the incident.

The "Deep State" is a popular belief in American far-right conspiracy circles, particularly the QAnon movement, claiming that there is a parallel secret state pulling the world's strings for the benefit of private group interests.

Further accelerating the spread of misinformation, analysts say, many tech platforms recently scaled back content moderation -- seen by many in the divided country as a tool to censor conservative opinions.

Amid a deluge of posts, "misinformation can go viral faster than ever,"  Nora Benavidez, senior counsel at the watchdog Free Press, told AFP.

"These elements create a perfect storm for lies, mislabeled content, misleading headlines to filter into our feeds. We must slow down, breathe, verify before sharing anything we see."

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