Photos: Quintin Soloviev, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 Berthold Werner, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Berthold Werner, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo credits
Photos: Quintin Soloviev, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 Berthold Werner, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Berthold Werner, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
The spring behind the myth of Arethusa
Your local guide
Giusy Cassar
View profile
Highlights
- A myth behind an actual spring
- Fresh water bubbling beside the open sea
- Papyrus growing wild, far from Egypt
- A nymph's story, told at the source
- One of Ortigia's quieter corners
About this tour
This session looks at the Fountain of Arethusa, a freshwater spring on Ortigia just steps from the open sea, said in myth to be a nymph turned into flowing water. You see the pool itself and the papyrus plants growing wild at its edge, unusual this far from Egypt. The camera stays on the public promenade throughout.
I start with the myth behind the spring, then point out the papyrus and a few of the fish living in the pool. I take questions throughout and send a short note on the legend afterwards.
It suits anyone who enjoys a good story alongside a natural feature. It also works well as a short, calm session before a longer walk elsewhere on Ortigia.
Included
- Live video walk with a local guide
- Questions to your guide all the way
- A short list of places to visit later
Not included
- Internet connection
- Travel to the city
Itinerary
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Welcome and sound check 5 min
The guide joins the video call, checks the picture and sound with you, and gives you a quick sense of Syracuse before heading out.
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The freshwater pool 15 min
The camera holds on the pool of fresh water a few steps from the sea, and I explain how the myth of the nymph Arethusa grew from this unusual meeting of fresh and salt water.
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Papyrus growing at the edge 15 min
Pointing to papyrus plants growing at the water's edge, I explain how rare it is for the plant to grow wild this far from Egypt.
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Your questions 7 min
Time to ask anything about Syracuse: prices, safety, food, or whatever you are curious about.
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A short list to keep 3 min
Before you go, the guide sums up with a few things worth remembering: a dish to try: Scacciata and Neapolis, worth a slower look.
Good to know
- A stable wifi or mobile connection makes the picture smoother than a shaky one.
- Any phone, tablet or laptop with a camera works. You watch, the guide does the walking.
- Times are shown in Rome time, so check the time where you are before you book.
- The session is not recorded, and recording it yourself is not allowed. Feel free to take your own notes.
- Ask questions any time, out loud or in the chat. The guide will pause to answer.
- Sessions run in small groups, up to 8 people, so there is room for everyone to ask something.
Questions about this tour
What will the session cover?
The guide walks through Syracuse, showing you The freshwater pool and Papyrus growing at the edge live on camera, plus whatever else you would like to see.
What happens if my connection drops?
Rejoin with the same link within a few minutes and the guide will catch you up on anything you missed.
Can I ask the guide questions during the session, or is it a fixed script?
Anything, any time. Sessions leave room for your own questions throughout, not just at the end.
How it works
- You get one join link after booking.
- Join from any device: phone, tablet or laptop.
- We meet on Google Meet; the link comes with your booking. I walk Syracuse live with my phone.
Times shown in Rome time (CET)
Cancellation
Flexible
- Cancel up to 24 hours before the start: full refund.
- Cancel less than 24 hours before the start, or no-show: no refund.
- If the guide cancels or the date does not reach its minimum group: full refund.
- Cancel in My Account → Bookings; the refund is calculated from the start time in the tour's local time.
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Next: Thu 29 Oct · 8 seats left From 20,00 €
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