Syracuse and Marzamemi Sicily Tour

If you’re considering a day trip from Malta to Sicily, this Syracuse and Marzamemi tour might catch your eye. It offers an exciting way to see a slice of Sicily’s history, charming fishing villages, and stunning landscapes—all in one day. We’ve looked into it closely to help you decide if it’s worth your time and money.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the combination of a smooth high-speed boat ride and the chance to explore some of Sicily’s most beautiful spots with knowledgeable guides. Plus, the included wine and sweets tasting adds a tasty local touch that many travelers enjoy.

On the flip side, a notable consideration is the long day and lengthy coach rides—about 14 hours in total—making it quite a commitment if you’re not used to full-day excursions. It’s best suited for those who are eager to maximize their time and see multiple highlights, rather than those seeking a relaxed, leisurely experience.

If you’re someone who loves a full itinerary, enjoys learning about local culture, and doesn’t mind a busy schedule, this tour could be a good fit. However, if you prefer to take your time somewhere and avoid long bus rides, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Includes round-trip boat tickets between Malta and Sicily, removing the hassle of separate arrangements.
• Offers guided tours with local guides and climate-controlled transportation for comfort.
• Highlights Syracuse, Ortigia, and Marzamemi, each with unique charm and history.
• Includes a Sicilian wine and sweets tasting, giving you a taste of local flavors.
• Long day with significant coach time, so prepare for a busy schedule.
• Good value for the price, considering the transportation, guide, and included tastings.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour provides a lot of necessities—round-trip ferry tickets, guided tours, and transportation—making it quite convenient. The guides are knowledgeable, and the coach is climate-controlled, which is essential given the summer heat or unpredictable weather.

However, it’s worth noting that food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to bring some snacks or be prepared to buy on your own during free time. Also, hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t part of the package, so you’ll need to manage your own transportation to the meeting point in Malta.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Virtu Ferries

Your day kicks off early, at around 6:30 am, with the start at Sicily Catamaran in Malta. The ferry ride itself is a highlight, offering the chance to enjoy the sea breeze and anticipation of your Sicilian adventure. The ride ensures a smoother journey thanks to the high-speed catamaran, which is appreciated by many reviewing the tour.

Syracuse

The first major stop is Syracuse, one of Sicily’s most historically significant cities. Once a major power, it played a crucial role in Western Europe’s history. Travelers often comment on its beauty and the sense of stepping back in time here. Expect about two hours of exploration, which lets you soak in the sights at your own pace.

Ortigia

Next, the tour takes you to Ortigia, the historic heart of Syracuse, connected to the mainland by a short bridge. This island is full of charm, with narrow streets, quaint cafes, and beautiful waterfront views. Guides usually point out the Piazza Duomo and the Syracuse Cathedral, an incredible mix of Greek, Byzantine, Norman, and Baroque architecture.

Syracuse Cathedral

The Duomo is a standout, built on the site of an ancient Greek temple of Athena. The layering of different styles—Greek, Byzantine, Norman, Baroque—makes it one of the most fascinating architectural sites in Sicily. Visitors often remark on the unique history and beauty of this church, with some noting its continued use for worship.

Marzamemi

After Syracuse, the tour heads to Marzamemi, a picture-perfect fishing village. It’s about 45 minutes from Pozzallo, and here you’ll get to wander among colorful fisherman’s houses, see the historic Tonnara (built by Arabs in the 10th century), and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the central piazza. The scenery with vibrant boats, bright doors, and potted plants makes it a delightful spot to relax and snap photos.

Pozzallo

On the way back to Malta, the bus stops in Pozzallo, roughly two hours before the end of the day. It offers a final chance to stretch your legs and take in some Sicilian coastal scenery.

What Travelers Say: The Good and the Not-So-Good

Several travelers have praised the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, making the experience more engaging. One reviewer mentioned, “The trip was smooth, and the guide very informative and friendly,” which shows how a good guide can really enhance the day.

Others highlight the scenic views and the chance to try some local Sicilian wine and sweets, which adds a flavorful touch to the experience. As one person put it, “Well worth the money, fantastic island with beautiful scenery and places to visit.”

However, not everyone was completely happy. Several reviews mention long hours on the bus, with one noting, “We spent over 5 hours in the bus,” which can be tiring if you prefer more leisure or less travel time. Some also found the itinerary a bit rushed, wishing for more time at each stop or additional places to explore.

One particularly critical review called it a “Rip Off and Total Scam,” emphasizing the importance of managing expectations and reading reviews carefully. But overall, most reviews suggest that if you’re prepared for a full, busy day, the experience delivers good value and interesting sights.

Transportation and Timing

The coach is well-reviewed for comfort and climate control, which matters in the Sicilian summer heat. Starting early ensures you beat some of the crowds and maximize sightseeing time. The total duration, about 14 hours, includes travel time, so be ready for a long day, especially if you’re not used to extensive bus journeys.

The ferry ride is a major part of the experience, offering a smoother, more scenic crossing that many travelers enjoy. Since the tour is limited to 15 travelers, it feels intimate enough for personal interaction but still small enough to keep the group manageable.

Price and Value

At $157.57 per person, the cost covers boat tickets, guided tours, transportation, and tastings—all in one package. When you consider the convenience of pre-arranged transport and expert guides, it’s generally seen as good value, especially if you’re eager to see multiple highlights in one day.

That said, some travelers felt that the long coach rides detracted from the overall experience, so if you’re not comfortable sitting for hours, you might find it less appealing. Still, for those keen on a full-day adventure packed with sights and local flavors, this tour provides a lot for the price.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience appeals most to travelers who enjoy a busy schedule and want to see a variety of Sicilian sites without the hassle of planning logistics. It’s great for those interested in history, culture, and scenic coastal views, and who don’t mind a full day on their feet and on the bus.

If you love guided commentary, the included tours and tastings will enrich your understanding of Sicily. It’s also suitable for those looking for a manageable group size and a straightforward, organized day trip.

However, if you prefer to explore at a slower pace or want to spend more time in a single location, this might not be the best fit. Be prepared for a long day with limited free time, and plan accordingly.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour isn’t explicitly designed for kids, the bus comfort, scenic stops, and interesting sights could appeal to older children. Keep in mind the long hours, so it’s best for children who can sit through extended travel comfortably.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so bring snacks or plan to buy something during free time in Marzamemi or other stops.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport, comfortable shoes for walking, sunscreen, a hat, and water. The boat ride is smooth, but a hat and sunglasses are always handy.

How long is the boat ride?
The ferry ride is part of the total 14-hour schedule and offers a smooth crossing that most find comfortable.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the start. The tour is weather-dependent; poor weather may lead to rescheduling or a full refund.

Is this a full-day tour?
Yes, starting early at 6:30 am and returning late in the evening, it’s a full-day experience.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, you need to meet at the Sicily Catamaran in Malta. Make sure to plan your transport accordingly.

Are there any hidden costs?
No hidden costs are explicitly mentioned, but remember food and personal expenses are not covered.

How many people typically go on this tour?
The group size is limited to 15, creating a more intimate experience.

What’s the main highlight of this tour?
Many find the guided visits and scenic stops like Ortigia and Marzamemi to be the most memorable parts.

Final Thoughts

This Syracuse and Marzamemi tour from Malta offers a pretty full taste of Sicily’s charm—if you’re OK with a long day of travel and sightseeing. The combination of a scenic high-speed ferry ride, expert guides, and the chance to see historic Syracuse, the lively fishing village of Marzamemi, and the stunning architecture of Ortigia makes it a practical way to cover a lot in one go.

It’s especially suited for travelers who want a well-organized, hassle-free experience that includes some local flavors through tastings, without worrying about logistics. But, if you’re hoping for a more relaxed pace or more time in fewer spots, you might feel the day is a bit rushed.

This tour provides solid value and interesting sights for those eager to explore Sicily’s highlights in a single day. Just come prepared for a full schedule, and you’ll likely find it a rewarding adventure.

Note: Always double-check current details and availability before booking, as schedules and conditions can change.