Noto Private Tour: Avola to Ortigia & Tonnara Santa Panagia – Review

Are you considering a private tour in the southeastern chunk of Sicily? In that case, maybe you should consider the “Noto Private Tour: Avola to Ortigia & Tonnara Santa Panagia.” Actually, it might just be what you’re looking for. Like your typical tourist, I spent quite a bit of time scouting out different options. That is, for seeing the region, and I figured it was important to share my experiences with you, sort of providing some help to you, or at least that’s what I’m hoping to do. Anyhow, get ready to discover, from what I saw on the tour, plus all that it might be able to give to you!

First Stop: Beautiful Avola

Our first place to look at was Avola. Actually, it was quite charming, way more than I’d even hoped, truly. Anyway, you should know that Avola is pretty famous for two important things: it has almonds with this almost perfect, wonderful flavor and this incredible red wine, naturally known as Nero d’Avola. Really, even just strolling casually down the streets, right, so, you almost have this immediate feeling of what regular life is like in Sicily, so to speak. It just felt quite real.

Of course, that square over there is where we hung out for a bit. What’s interesting is that it’s designed hexagonally. Or at least, that’s the information they provided to us during our travel. I can say for sure is that it’s amazing just sitting back at some café. After all, while sipping a bit of espresso you get that nice feeling that everyone enjoys: relaxing while just watching other people ambling by. Now, that sounds kind of wonderful, right?

By the way, the guide—whose name was Marco—knew practically everybody there. What’s kind of cool is that he showed us a handful of less obvious little spots around town. Seemingly, the real treasures are kind of found far away from the standard tourist spots, it turns out. At the end of the day, one of my favorites would probably have to be this older shop, where this very, very kind guy sells handmade cannoli, right from scratch, so to speak! Naturally, it’s so delicious and one should grab a bite while the opportunity still remains!

Ortigia: An Island Full of History

So, Ortigia was definitely the tour’s big highlight, without question, at least in my humble opinion. You should know that it is a small island, but that doesn’t take away the fact that it has a long, fascinating, and storied past. What I’m talking about is one with Greek temples plus some Baroque architecture. Plus so many stories hidden everywhere you look!

Like your usual history nut, the Greek ruins that were found at the Temple of Apollo almost blew my mind. I mean, really. I mean you could sort of stand right there, as a matter of fact, nearly feeling what it must have been like way back in the past. Of course, though, I probably should say that the Piazza del Duomo had a very huge influence on me, clearly because of the incredible cathedral, I guess.

Did you know that the guide said that they turned an old Greek temple into the cathedral? Or, at least that’s what I remember hearing from the travel guide we were paired up with. To be honest, this combination of architectural styles and histories really almost made my head spin. That, combined with the fountain they had there with Arethusa’s source! Apparently, according to legend, this nymph right over here turned into a spring so she could maybe run away from a god. I mean, as the stories go, at least. Right then and there, I was basically just taken by the sheer beauty of it all. Actually, if you’re ever going to Syracuse, I think you may want to spend your time in Ortigia. Because who knows when you’ll find the time to relax a bit?

Now, what also became a blast was simply getting somewhat lost down the pretty tight, tiny streets. Like your typical traveler, I ended up picking up some trinkets here and there! Anyway, don’t miss out on an amazing dinner down by the water. They are quite spectacular. To be honest, eating some great seafood plus hearing the waves did seem quite ideal.

Tonnara Santa Panagia: A Step Back in Time

I can say, frankly, that Tonnara Santa Panagia was one of those surprise spots, for what it’s worth. It turns out that the old tuna processing plant isn’t exactly something everyone would want to see but I guess they were incorrect. Anyway, I kind of found it really extremely fascinating, really!

You should probably know that they would trap tuna over here, long ago. That, before processing the fish for consumption. Although I am no ocean expert, the local guide mentioned it was an extremely old method, you know. Anyway, what was there seemed nearly empty and lonely. As a matter of fact, though, that somehow gave it this incredibly touching beauty to behold. I’d still claim that it provided kind of a cool glimpse into what life used to maybe feel like way back then.

As I am saying this, right, so, take a tour around the facility with your guide! In that case, he will really tell you basically everything you need to understand how important tuna fishing has maybe been to this place! To be honest, you will probably grow more curious of Sicilian trade after checking out this site.

What Was Good (and Maybe Not As Good)

Basically, here are my main ideas in mind about this tour, actually. What I loved most: how personable it could potentially be. I’m speaking about the guide there plus seeing just where all of those Sicilians hang out! Besides that, that amount of flexibility. Basically, we really were able to choose just what we cared to explore with this plan. After all, how many tours offer that level of personalization these days? I’d also include how interesting it was overall because you end up learning some pretty significant insights that aren’t easy to find yourself.

Although, if there was something that would almost hold me back, clearly, it’d be the overall expense. That, especially for anyone like me that has somewhat of a lower spending budget while venturing out, like your standard traveler. I would also mention that you are always on some time restriction. That, instead of getting some slow leisure time somewhere like this. Now, that does somewhat hinder my chances of relaxation!

Is This “Noto Private Tour” Actually For You?

To be perfectly clear, for people trying to pack their schedules, then it’s very very excellent, truly! At least because they may like things really streamlined for the day, right, so. However, anyone traveling on smaller funds could understandably pass up, I might suspect. Not only that, this should likely suit anyone super thirsty for a deeper experience than your regular bus trip offers somewhere. That aside, though, any people with some deep curiosity of Sicily might like this the most. As a matter of fact, because you aren’t only glancing right at its landscape, but really connecting quite close. From the towns themselves up to their cultural narrative! Basically, do you enjoy tours that may make you slow down while still not losing out on major points across each locale? Then go right at it!