Vegan Street Food Tour

Our meet-up location is in the Piazza Pancali just as you arrive on the island from the Corso Umberto bridge. Tonia will be waiting for you underneath the shade tree, in front of the large white map/sign of Ortigia Island. Tonia is also your "not quite professional but better than average" photographer for the duration of the tour.

Tonia will escort you through the island's popular food market to enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of this interesting piece of Sicilian history. We will also discuss the 8,000-year-old history of Sicily's terracotta ceramics and the stories behind them.

Za Bar is our first savory food stop. We will enjoy a combination of two of Sicily's popular and "accidentally" vegan meals. You will delight in the delicious pairing of flavors of the pizzolo and caponata while learning about the fascinating food history.

Learn a bit of history about the oldest ancient Greek Doric monument in Sicily, about Apollo, the Greek God of Sunshine, and the many rulers who have colonized Sicily over the centuries. We can also spend a few minutes taking Instagram-worthy photos.

Enjoy a short stroll up Corso Matteotti which is one of the island's popular streets and is lined with shops and boutiques. This will give you the opportunity to decide which shops to return to after the tour is completed.

We will view the beautiful Fountain of Diana (Artemis), learn about her history, enjoy the lovely Piazza di Archimede, and have another opportunity to take Instagram-worthy photos.

Beginning in 2025, we will explore the history of Ortigia's Jewish Quarter. Jews created a thriving neighborhood, Giudecca, on the island that included one and two-story homes, synagogues, and purification baths until the Spanish Inquisition in 1492.

Our second food stop includes your first sweet treat. We will savor Sicily's famous and delicious vegan cannoli at MOON - Ortigia's 100% vegan restaurant. Choose between a traditional almond ricotta or delightful pistachio paired with a tasting of sweet Sicilian dessert wine. MOON is closed on Tuesdays so we will have the opportunity to experience the popular Italian crostata instead at Viola Bakery. Whether it's breakfast, a snack, or dessert, anytime is a good time for crostata! Tonia will share the interesting and amusing history of both sweet treats.

The grand Piazza Duomo is the highest point on the island of Ortigia and introduces you to the island's gorgeous Baroque architecture. You can admire the exteriors of the stunning Siracusa Cathedral, the Palazzo Senatario (Town Hall), and the Santa Lucia Church. This is another wonderful opportunity for photos. Admission to the monuments is not included.

This lovely artisan Sicilian chocolate shop features handcrafted, cold-pressed delights. All chocolate tastings are free and unlimited. It also makes excellent gifts.

The beautiful Fountain offers a bit of mystery and mythology to the tour. You will learn about the tragic love story that brought this unique freshwater spring to the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. What adds to the wonder of this lovely spot are the papyruses, grasslike aquatic plants that are very rare in this part of the world. We also take in the incredible view of the Mediterranean Sea from the recently completed overlook. Plan to come back in the evening for the island's beautiful sunset.

Next, we'll wander through the lush, shady garden, along the sunny marina, before heading back to the center of Ortigia.

Next is our third food stop that includes a savory Sicilian favorite - the arancina. This stop will give you the chance to sit, rest, and enjoy your meal while you learn more about the Arab-influenced street food staple.

We will visit the Statue of Archimedes for a bit of history and our final photo opportunity!

This is our last sweet food stop and the tour's grand finale! Whether you are craving sorbet, vegan gelato, or Sicilian granita, you will find many delicious options to devour! Tonia will share more Sicilian food history and give her heartfelt goodbyes while you enjoy the refreshing treat. **This stop may change depending upon the gelateria's hours of operation.