Syracuse and Marzamemi Sicily Tour

Traveling from Malta to Sicily on a high-speed catamaran sounds like a quick way to see Italy’s southern coast, and this tour offers just that—plus a whirlwind visit to Syracuse, Ortigia, and the charming fishing village of Marzamemi. With a price tag of roughly $157 per person, it’s a popular choice for those eager to combine scenic sailing with cultural highlights.

What makes this experience appealing? First, the sail across the Mediterranean in a speedy, smooth catamaran means you’ll spend less time en route and more time exploring. Second, the inclusion of local guides and a climate-controlled bus ensures you’ll stay comfortable and informed, even on a long day.

However, some travelers might find the long coach rides less engaging and the limited time at each stop a bit rushed, especially considering the total 14-hour duration. Still, if you’re after a convenient way to get a taste of Sicily’s highlights without the hassle of organizing transport and tickets yourself, this tour hits those marks fairly well.

Key Points and Takeaways

• High-speed catamaran offers a quick, steady, and comfortable crossing from Malta to Sicily.
• Guided tours provide insight into Syracuse’s Greek origins, with a special focus on Ortigia’s charm.
• Marzamemi’s colorful fishing village is a highlight, with picturesque houses, traditional boats, and a lively piazza.
• Long travel days are inevitable, so this trip best suits those comfortable with extended coach rides.
• Included tastings of Sicilian wine and sweets add a delightful local flavor.
• Limited free time means you’ll need to prioritize what interests you most at each stop.

Entering the Heart of Sicily: Syracuse’s Ancient Roots

This tour starts early in the morning at the Malta departure point, with a 6:30 am meet-up. Once aboard the high-speed Virtu Ferries catamaran, you’re in for a roughly 2-hour cruise that’s far more comfortable than a bus ride—less bumpiness, more ocean views. Many reviewers, like David B, mention how smooth the crossing was, with a friendly, informative guide on board.

Syracuse is famously one of Sicily’s most remarkable cities, once a dominant power across the Mediterranean, and now a charming, sprawling treasure trove of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Norman, and Baroque architecture. As you arrive, your guide helps contextualize Syracuse’s importance in Western history.

The Greek origins of Syracuse are visible everywhere, from ancient ruins to the city’s layout. I love the way the guided part of the tour introduces you to this fascinating past, making it much more meaningful than wandering aimlessly.

Ortigia: The Beautiful Island in the Heart of Syracuse

The tour’s highlight is a one-hour visit to Ortigia, the ancient island that forms the core of Syracuse. Walking over the short bridge, you enter a neighborhood filled with narrow alleyways, lively cafes, and historic buildings. The charm of Ortigia is undeniable, with colorful facades and a vibrant atmosphere that’s been attracting visitors for years.

The Piazza Duomo, home to the stunning Duomo, is exceptional. Built on the site of a Greek temple, it showcases a combination of Greek, Byzantine, Norman, and Baroque architecture—all in one stunning building. One reviewer, NancyHelen_L, notes that “the Duomo is a unique example of different architectural styles,” which is a perfect way to describe it.

Here, you get about 30 minutes to breathe in the scene, snap photos, and soak up the history. It’s a quick stop but enough to leave a lasting impression of Syracuse’s layered past.

The Long Coach Ride and the Charm of Marzamemi

After Syracuse and Ortigia, the tour moves on to Marzamemi, a tiny fishing village about 45 minutes from Pozzallo. Many travelers find this to be a real gem—a sea of colorful houses, potted geraniums, and traditional wooden boats lining the waterfront. The Tonnara—an old tuna-processing plant built by Arabs in the 10th century—gives you a sense of Sicily’s historic connection to the sea.

Marzamemi’s square, Piazza Regina Margherita, serves as a lively gathering spot, where you can enjoy the vibrant scenery and perhaps a quick snack. Several reviews highlight the village’s picturesque nature, with one reviewer describing it as “the most colorful and lively fishing village you can come across.”

A key consideration: the coach ride from Syracuse to Marzamemi and other stops can be long—some reviewers, like Joann_G, mention spending over five hours on a bus. If you dislike long journeys or prefer more time exploring at each stop, this might not be ideal. Yet, others appreciate the efficient way this tour manages to combine several sites into a single day.

Mt. Etna and Pozzallo: Highlights and Practicalities

While the itinerary mentions visiting Mt. Etna, the details are limited. You might find some brief sights or views from the bus, but most of the focus is on Syracuse and Marzamemi. The final stop in Pozzallo on the return leg offers a chance to stretch your legs before the ferry back to Malta.

The 14-hour duration includes travel time, so don’t expect hours of sightseeing at each location—more like a taste-test of Sicily’s most iconic sights packed into a single day.

The Value of the Tour: What’s Included and What’s Not

For $157.57, you get round-trip boat tickets, guides, and a climate-controlled coach. The included wine and sweets tasting at some point during the day offers a nice touch of local flavor, as several reviews mention enjoying the Sicilian delicacies.

However, food and drinks aren’t included, so you’ll need to budget for meals or snacks elsewhere. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also not part of this tour, which means you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point in Malta.

The small group size, with a maximum of 15 travelers, helps foster a more personalized experience, especially with guides like Monica, who many reviewers praise for her knowledge and friendliness.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This trip is best suited for travelers who want a structured, hassle-free day exploring Sicily’s coastal towns and historic sites. It’s especially great if you’re comfortable with long coach rides and are interested in cultural and scenic highlights rather than detailed, in-depth explorations.

If you’re a history enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the layers of architecture at the Duomo and the Greek origins of Syracuse. If you’re a food lover, the wine and sweets tasting adds some local flavor, but expect to find your own snacks for the day.

Travelers on a tight schedule or with limited mobility should consider the long travel hours and mobility needs, but those who value convenience and guided insights will find this tour worth the price.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This Sicily tour from Malta is a solid choice if you’re after an easy way to see some of eastern Sicily’s most iconic spots without the hassle of planning transport and tickets yourself. The smooth catamaran cruise makes the crossing enjoyable, and the guided visits ensure you gain some context, even in a quick visit.

Despite some criticism about long bus rides and limited free time, many travelers find the value in the included tastings, the opportunity to see Syracuse’s historic core, and the picturesque charm of Marzamemi. It’s a full day, so grit your teeth for the travel time, but come away with a handful of memorable sights and experiences.

This tour suits those who want a structured day trip rather than a laid-back exploration. If you’re happy with a whirlwind look at Sicily and enjoy guided commentaries, it offers good value—especially if you’re keen on combining scenery, culture, and a taste of the sea.

FAQ

How long is the total tour?
The entire day lasts about 14 hours, including travel time on the ferry and coach.

Are meals included in the price?
No, food and drinks are not included, so you should plan to bring snacks or purchase meals during the stops.

What is the size of the tour group?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, which helps keep the experience more personal.

Is a passport required?
Yes, a valid passport is necessary on the day of travel to cross from Malta to Sicily.

What about transportation in Malta?
Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point in Malta.

Can I customize this tour?
This is a fixed-day tour with set stops, so customization isn’t available. However, the guided comments and included tastings make it a well-rounded experience.

This Sicily day trip from Malta offers a meaningful taste of Sicily’s culture, history, and seaside charm—perfect for travelers who want a guided, hassle-free adventure with a good balance of sightseeing and comfort.