Tour of Syracuse by Ape Calessino

If you’re considering a different way to explore Syracuse, this Ape Calessino tour might catch your eye. We haven’t experienced it ourselves, but from what’s shared, it’s designed to give visitors a charming, relaxed look at the city’s highlights. This short, one-hour ride promises much more than just transportation—it’s about the sights, stories, and those unexpected scenic moments that make travel memorable.

One thing we love about this experience is its casual, intimate vibe. With a small, private group, you won’t feel lost in a crowd. Plus, the scenic views of the coastline and Ortigia are hard to beat, offering perfect photo opportunities. On the flip side, a potential downside is the limited duration—an hour isn’t long to see everything, especially if you’re a history buff or want a more in-depth tour.

This tour hits the sweet spot for travelers who want a light, enjoyable introduction to Syracuse without committing to a full-day itinerary. If you’re after a relaxed, scenic overview—especially if you’re traveling with someone who enjoys sightseeing from a fun, vintage vehicle—this could be just right. But if you’re craving an in-depth historical deep dive or more stops, you might find this a bit too surface-level.

Key Points

• Unique transportation: Travel in style aboard a charming Ape Calessino.
• Scenic views: Enjoy stunning coastline vistas of Syracuse and Ortigia.
• Short and sweet: Ideal if you want a quick overview rather than a full-day guided tour.
• Stops at key monuments: Includes Piazza Santa Lucia, San Giovanni Catacombs, and the War Memorial.
• Informative storytelling: The driver shares stories and secrets, adding local flavor.
• Limited capacity: No more than 2 adults and a child per ride for safety and comfort.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Syracuse by Ape Calessino: What You Can Expect

From the moment you hop into the Ape Calessino, you can tell this isn’t your average city tour. It’s designed to be fun, casual, and personal—an experience that feels more like a friend showing you their favorite spots than a formal guided bus trip. The driver, Italian by origin, acts as your storyteller, weaving tales about Syracuse’s sights and secrets.

The itinerary starts with the city’s most notable monuments, including the Piazza Santa Lucia, a lively square with a historic past. You’ll then visit the San Giovanni Catacombs—an underground site that reveals a deeper layer of Syracuse’s early Christian history. The Sanctuary is also on the list, rounding out the religious and cultural highlights.

One of the most appreciated moments is the trip to the upper part of the city, where you can admire the War Memorial. From here, the views stretch across the Syracuse coastline, with sweeping vistas of Ortigia Island, a jewel of the city. These vantage points are perfect for snapping photos and taking in the scenery that makes Syracuse so special.

Throughout the ride, the driver shares stories, giving you a sense of the city’s character. You’ll have multiple stop opportunities at the most significant sights and lookout points, which is ideal if you want to stretch your legs, take photos, or just soak in the atmosphere.

The Charm of the Ape Calessino

Traveling in a Calessino evokes a sense of nostalgia. It’s a small, vintage-style vehicle that’s perfect for narrow streets and urban sightseeing. It’s safe to say that the speed and size make this more of a sightseeing ride than a practical transport option, but that’s part of the charm. Plus, the private group setting means you won’t be jostled by strangers, making it feel more like a personalized discovery.

The duration of just one hour may seem short, but it’s enough to get a friendly overview. If you’re on a tight schedule or want a quick, scenic taste of Syracuse, this ride hits the mark. However, if you’re looking for deep dives into history or extensive exploration, you might want to combine this with other tours or activities.

Pricing and Value

While the actual cost isn’t explicitly mentioned here, considering this is a private ride in a vintage vehicle, it’s likely priced accordingly. The value lies in the personalized experience, scenic views, and the chance to see key sights without walking long distances or navigating busy streets on your own. It’s a charming way to fit some sightseeing into a busy day, especially if you’re traveling with someone who enjoys quirky, relaxed experiences.

Real Traveler Feedback

The reviews tell a mixed story, but they highlight some important themes. One traveler from Austria gave a 1 out of 5, citing that the experience “did not happen” and called it “mega unprofessional.” That could point to a booking or communication issue rather than the experience itself, so keep that in mind.

On the positive side, a traveler from Australia praised Mirko, calling him a “wonderful guide” and saying they enjoyed the tour very much. This suggests that when the experience runs smoothly, it can be quite charming and informative. The personal storytelling and scenic views seem to be what many travelers appreciate most.

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Practical Details

• Duration: 1 hour—perfect for a quick overview or a fun break in your day.
• Group Size: Private, with no more than 2 adults and a child, ensuring a cozy, personalized experience.
• Availability: Check the schedule; starting times vary, so plan accordingly.
• Weather: Adverse weather might cause cancellations or changes, so keep an eye on the forecast.
• Languages: Tours are conducted in Italian, so some understanding of the language might be helpful, or you could ask about language options if available.
• Booking: Reserve now, pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving you flexibility.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys scenic drives and personalized stories about a city’s highlights, this tour can be quite enjoyable. It’s especially suited for travelers looking for a relaxed, no-pressure introduction to Syracuse’s sights and scenic viewpoints. It’s also great if you prefer short, manageable excursions rather than long walking tours or bus trips.

However, if you’re after a comprehensive historical or cultural deep dive, this might not satisfy your curiosity fully. The one-hour duration naturally limits how much you can see and learn, but it’s perfect for a light, scenic glimpse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are allowed, and no extra cost is specified. Just remember the vehicle can carry only two adults and a child at a time.

What should I wear or bring?
Since it’s an open vehicle, comfortable clothing and sun protection are advisable. Bring a camera for the scenic views and a small bag for essentials.

Can I customize the stops?
The tour includes multiple stops at important sights, but it’s structured as a set itinerary. You can request stops, but it depends on the driver’s flexibility.

What happens in bad weather?
Adverse weather conditions might cause cancellations or changes, so check the forecast beforehand.

How long in advance should I book?
It’s best to reserve ahead, especially in high season, and keep in mind you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before.

Is the tour bilingual or in English?
The tour is conducted in Italian, so some understanding of the language might be helpful.

What makes this tour different from a walking tour?
It’s a quick, scenic ride with the chance to enjoy views from vantage points you might not reach on foot, and it’s more relaxed for those who prefer being on the move.

How much does the tour cost?
Pricing details aren’t specified here, but it’s a private experience, so expect it to be priced accordingly. The value comes from the personalized nature and scenic stops.

Is the tour a good way to see Syracuse quickly?
Absolutely. It’s perfect for a short overview and to get your bearings before exploring further on your own or with other tours.

This Ape Calessino tour offers a fun, relaxed way to get a taste of Syracuse’s most scenic and significant spots. While the one-hour time frame might leave history buffs wanting more, it’s perfect if you’re after a casual, scenic overview with plenty of photo opportunities. The small group setting and personal storytelling make it feel special, especially if you enjoy quirky modes of transport.

It’s a good pick for travelers who want a light, scenic experience that combines beautiful views, monument stops, and a touch of local color. If you’re comfortable with a short, scenic ride and appreciate a personal touch, this could be a charming addition to your Syracuse itinerary.

On the other hand, if you’re after a more comprehensive or in-depth tour, you might want to explore other options that offer longer or more detailed explorations. Always check the weather and availability in advance, and consider combining this with other activities to get a fuller picture of Syracuse.

Happy travels, and I hope your visit to Syracuse is filled with memorable views and stories—whether from a Calessino or on foot!

You can check availability for your dates here: