- Embark on a charming road-trip through eastern Sicily, stopping off in Syracuse, Ragusa and Taormina
- Discover ancient Greek theatres and Baroque palaces, before indulging in spaghetti alla Siracusana
- Take private tours of Syracuse and Taormina, alongside an expert local guide, who will introduce you to the best bits of each
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Route
FLIGHT TO CATANIA
Upon arrival in Catania, pick up your hire car and head to Ragusa - part of the Val di Noto UNESCO Heritage Site - where you’ll stay for two nights. Spend your first evening relaxing in the hotel and replenishing your energy levels with some Sicilian pasta dishes.
EXPLORE RAGUSA
Today, you’ll head out on a private tour of Ragusa alongside a local guide. Their expert knowledge of its winding alleyways will allow you to discover some favourite local hangout spots. Learn about the history of this charming city and how much of its architecture was re-built following the Great Earthquake of 1693. Visit the Duomo of San Giorgio (dating back to the 18th century), the Chiesa del Purgatorio (built between 1740 and1787). A more modern part of the city, known as Ragusa Superiore, occupies the hilltops above the original town and is home to the ornate Ragusa Cathedral. The best thing about this walking tour is that the itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to your interests. End the tour with a relaxed aperitif and the chance to sample some of the city’s signature dishes, ragusano cheese and scaccia (stuffed flatbread).
RAGUSA TO SYRACUSE
Depart from Ragusa this morning and drive to Syracuse, where you’ll stay for two nights. Along the way you can stop off at the cities of Noto and Modica to see their Baroque architecture and refuel with some Sicilian food. While in Syracuse, you can spend some time in the company of a private guide and discover its ancient heritage. Visit the central Archaeological Park Neapolis, which comprises the Roman Amphitheatre, the Teatro Greco and the Orecchio di Dionisio, a limestone cave shaped like a human ear. The Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi exhibits terracotta artifacts, Roman portraits and Old Testament scenes carved into white marble. Other landmarks include the Basilica Santuario Madonna delle Lacrime, dating back to 1953, and the Beneventano del Bosco Palace, built in the Syracuse Baroque style.
SYRACUSE TO TAORMINA
Today you’ll head to Taormina for the final two nights of your Sicilian road trip. The road, which runs along Sicily’s eastern coast, offers stunning views and is dotted with picturesque towns. Stop off at the seaside resorts of Acireale and Giardini Naxos to soak up some sunshine, or drive via Cape Schisò for panoramas of Taormina’s rocky spine. Perched on a rocky headland overlooking the sea, the town of Taormina still resembles an ancient city, with its narrow streets, nooks and crannies, small squares, courtyards and gardens. Discover its many hidden treasures with the help of a local guide on a private walking tour of the city.
HOME TIME
Sadly your Sicilian sojourn ends today, so drive back to Catania and return your car, before hopping on your flight home.
A la carte
Private tour of Noto
Every cloud has a silver lining. The earthquake that destroyed Noto Antica in the late 17th century enabled it to be rebuilt in the most up-to-date style of its time: Baroque. As you walk around the city from church to palace and from convent to theatre, you'll be amazed by the diversity of buildings on display. Seven other cities in the Val di Noto suffered the same fate as Noto Antica with the 17th century earthquake. All eight are listed as heritage sites. Visit the site with a guide.Option - Three hour tour, departing from Syracuse
Ortygia, Syracuse
Like all cities facing the sea, Syracuse looks its most beautiful from the water. This especially applies to Ortygia, its historical centre. You'll embark on a cruise at dusk, just as the houses switch on their lights. The royal blue of the sky, the white stone of the buildings and the dots of bright lights make for a beautiful view. The sea breeze, an aperitif and a Sicilian meal served on board make this one of our favourite experiences in this area.Optional - Dinner
A Rough Idea of Price
- Return flight to Catania
- Airline taxes and fuel surcharge
- One checked bag per person
- Our app, loaded with your itinerary, hotel details and recommended places to visit
- Car hire for seven days
- Two-night stay in Ragusa in a double room with breakfast
- Two-night stay in Syracuse in a double room with breakfast
- A private guide for four hours
- Two-night stay in Taormina in a double room with breakfast
- A private guide for two hours
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