Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Ragusa, Syracuse & Taormina The Most Beautiful Places in Sicily
Italy – Ragusa – Syracuse – Taormina
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Your week-long Sicilian road trip begins today, so head to the airport for your three-hour-and-15-minute flight to Catania. Upon arrival in the ancient port city, pick up your hire car and drive around one and a half hours to Ragusa – part of the Val di Noto UNESCO World Heritage site – where you’ll stay for two nights. Spend your first evening relaxing in the hotel and replenishing your energy levels with some traditional Sicilian pasta.
Today, head out on a private walking tour of Ragusa alongside a local guide. Armed with expert knowledge of its winding alleyways, your guide will show you their favourite local haunts and hidden gems. Learn about the history of this charming city and how much of its architecture was re-built following the Great Earthquake of 1693, including the iconic 18th-century Duomo of San Giorgio and the Chiesa del Purgatorio (built between 1740 and1787). The newer part of the city, known as Ragusa Superiore, occupies the hilltops above the original town and is also home to ornate architecture, such as the Ragusa Cathedral. If there’s something you’re particularly interested in seeing, just let your guide know – the tour can easily be tailored to your interests.
After all the sightseeing, enjoy a relaxed aperitif (or two) and the chance to sample some of the city’s signature dishes, including Ragusano cheese and scaccia (stuffed flatbread).
Leave Ragusa behind this morning and drive for around one and a half hours to reach Syracuse, your home for two nights. Along the way, stop off at the Baroque cities of Noto and Modica to refuel with some hearty Sicilian food and take in the spectacular architecture.
While in Syracuse, discover the city’s ancient heritage alongside a private guide, visiting 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 artefacts, Roman portraits and Old Testament scenes carved into white marble. Other must-see landmarks include the 20th-century Basilica Santuario Madonna delle Lacrime and the Beneventano del Bosco Palace, built in the Syracuse Baroque style.
As well as hitting the cultural hotspots, make time to enjoy waterfront drinks at sunset, refreshing dips in the Ionian Sea and the lively local food market on the island of Ortygia.
Today, drive for around two hours to Taormina for the final two nights of your Sicilian road trip. The road runs along Sicily’s eastern coast, which is dotted with picturesque towns and offers stunning views. Stop off at the seaside resorts of Acireale and Giardini Naxos to soak up some sunshine or drive via Cape Schiso for panoramas of Taormina’s rocky spine.
Perched on a rocky headland overlooking the sea, the town of Taormina still resembles an ancient city, filled with narrow streets, small squares, courtyards and gardens. Discover its many hidden treasures on a private walking tour with a local guide. Other must-see spots include Isola Bella, a beautiful island nature reserve, as well as the ancient Greco-Roman theatre. Shop ‘til you drop among the trendy boutiques, indulge in plenty of creamy gelato and even take a trip inland to nearby Mount Etna. For the final night of your trip, why not ask your Concierge for their favourite restaurant recommendations to celebrate in style?
Sadly, your Sicilian sojourn comes to an end today. Wave goodbye to Taormina and hop in your hire car one last time for the hour-long drive back to Catania. Return your car at the airport and pick up any last-minute souvenirs before catching your three-hour-and-15-minute flight home.
Suggestions
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
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 from church to palace and from convent to theatre, you'll be amazed by the diversity of buildings on display in the city. Seven other towns and cities in the Val di Noto suffered the same fate as Noto Antica following the 17th century earthquake and are all UNESCO-listed today. Experience the delights of Noto on a private three-hour guided tour with a local.CRUISE IN ORTYGIA, SYRACUSE
Like all sea-facing cities, Syracuse looks its most beautiful from the water. This especially applies to Ortygia, its historical centre. Embark on a cruise at dusk, when the royal blue sky, the white stone buildings and the twinkling city lights make for a beautiful view. The sea breeze, an aperitif and an authentic Sicilian meal served on board make this one of our favourite experiences in the area.
Why visit Italy with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Italy
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
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