We flew into the Catania Airport to join the tour in Syracusa. While still in the air, Mt. Etna was visible, puffing out white smoke (everyone has read about famous Mt. Etna). The airport is approximately one hour away by taxi or bus and it’s easy to get to by taking public transportation. The Park Hotel, Syracusa was around a mile (within walking distance) from the major sites and Ortygia Island.

Syracusa/Siracusa was built on an ancient Greek settlement founded in 734 BC. For a time it even rivaled Athens as the most important city of the Greek world.

Toured the ruins at the different Archaelogical sites, the Roman amphitheatre and its famous Greek theatre. The theatre was very impressive, one of the largest I’ve ever seen.

The older quarter, Ortygia/Ortegia Island, is connected to Syracusa by the “New Bridge.” This medieval city is historic and contains The Temple of Apollo; a 5th century BC temple; and much more. It was interesting just wandering through the little side streets under the hot, Mediterranean sun, and eating in the many tasty restaurants along the sea serving pizza and sea food.