Baroque Sparkle: 8-Day Guided Tour
Discover south-eastern Sicily on an eight-day guided tour through Catania, Ragusa, Modica, Scicli, Noto and Syracuse, combining UNESCO-listed Baroque towns, ancient Greek heritage and local food traditions.
Highlights
- The Baroque Treasures of South-Eastern Sicily
- Ancient Syracuse and the Island of Ortigia
- Sicilian Flavours and Artisan Traditions
Overview
Beginning in Catania, the tour explores the extraordinary Baroque heritage of the Val di Noto, where historic towns were rebuilt with remarkable architectural unity following the devastating earthquake of 1693. From the elegant streets of Ragusa Ibla to the richly decorated churches of Modica and the beautiful historic centre of Scicli, each destination reveals a different character of Sicilian Baroque architecture.
In Modica, discover the town's long-established chocolate-making tradition with a tasting of its distinctive local speciality. Continue to Noto, celebrated for its golden limestone buildings, grand palaces and magnificent cathedral, before reaching Syracuse for a three-night stay.
Syracuse offers a fascinating contrast between Greek antiquity and later Sicilian architecture. Explore the archaeological heritage of Neapolis and the atmospheric island of Ortigia, where ancient temples, Baroque squares and waterfront promenades reflect centuries of Mediterranean history.
The itinerary also allows time to explore Syracuse independently or choose an optional excursion to the fishing village of Marzamemi, known for its picturesque harbour and maritime traditions.
On the return journey towards Catania, discover Palazzolo Acreide and Caltagirone, where historic architecture meets Sicily's celebrated ceramic craftsmanship. Admire the famous Santa Maria del Monte staircase and explore the town's artisan traditions.
With seven nights across Catania, Ragusa and Syracuse, this journey combines guided sightseeing, cultural discovery and traditional Sicilian dining, offering an engaging introduction to the artistic heritage and local character of south-eastern Sicily.
Day by day
- 1
Day 1
Catania - Baroque Magic and Sicilian History
Arrive independently in Catania and make your way to your hotel, where you will spend the first night of your journey through south-eastern Sicily.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy an introductory walk through the historic centre, discovering the atmosphere of Piazza Duomo, the Cathedral of Sant'Agata and the surrounding Baroque streets.
In the evening, meet your tour escort and fellow travellers for a welcome cocktail and an introduction to the programme.
Enjoy your first included dinner featuring traditional Sicilian cuisine.CataniaDinnerCatania area - 2
Day 2
Ragusa Ibla: The Heart of Sicilian Baroque
After breakfast, leave Catania and travel towards Ragusa, one of the eight towns of the Val di Noto recognised by UNESCO for their exceptional Late Baroque architecture.
Discover Ragusa Ibla, the atmospheric historic district set among the limestone hills of south-eastern Sicily. Walk through its narrow streets, elegant squares and stone stairways, where churches and aristocratic palaces reflect the town's remarkable rebuilding after the earthquake of 1693.
Admire the magnificent Cathedral of San Giorgio, designed by Rosario Gagliardi, and explore the surrounding historic centre with its richly decorated façades, traditional shops and panoramic viewpoints.
Enjoy free time for lunch and the opportunity to experience the distinctive atmosphere of this historic town.
Later, continue to your accommodation in Ragusa and check in for the first of two nights.
Dinner and overnight in Ragusa.RagusaBreakfast, DinnerRagusa - 3
Day 3
Modica and Scicli: Chocolate and Baroque Architecture
After breakfast, depart for Modica, a fascinating town built across the slopes of a deep valley and celebrated for its architectural heritage and chocolate-making tradition.
Explore the historic streets and admire the Church of San Pietro, with its impressive staircase decorated with statues of the apostles. Discover the distinctive urban landscape of Modica, where ornate churches, noble palaces and panoramic terraces characterise the town.
During the visit, enjoy an included tasting of traditional Modica chocolate, known for its distinctive grainy texture and a preparation method that preserves the character of its ingredients.
Lunch is at leisure.
In the afternoon, continue to Scicli, another outstanding example of the UNESCO-listed Baroque towns of the Val di Noto.
Walk through its elegant historic centre, admiring the monumental buildings along Via Francesco Mormino Penna and the architectural details of its churches and aristocratic residences.
Return to Ragusa for dinner and overnight.Modica,ScicliBreakfast, DinnerRagusa - 4
Day 4
Noto: The Golden City of Sicilian Baroque
After breakfast, leave Ragusa and travel towards Noto, celebrated for its extraordinary concentration of Late Baroque architecture.
Discover the town's elegant historic centre, rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693 using the warm limestone that gives its monuments their distinctive golden appearance.
Walk along Corso Vittorio Emanuele and admire the impressive Cathedral of San Nicolò, the elegant Palazzo Ducezio and the ornate façades of the surrounding churches and aristocratic buildings.
See the Church of Santa Chiara and explore the streets that make Noto one of the finest examples of Baroque town planning in Sicily.
During your visit, enjoy an included break featuring almond granita or a traditional local sweet.
Lunch is at leisure.
Continue to Syracuse in the afternoon and check into your accommodation for a three-night stay.
Dinner and overnight in Syracuse.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, leave Ragusa and travel towards Noto, celebrated for its extraordinary concentration of Late Baroque architecture.
Discover the town's elegant historic centre, rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693 using the warm limestone that gives its monuments their distinctive golden appearance.
Walk along Corso Vittorio Emanuele and admire the impressive Cathedral of San Nicolò, the elegant Palazzo Ducezio and the ornate façades of the surrounding churches and aristocratic buildings.
See the Church of Santa Chiara and explore the streets that make Noto one of the finest examples of Baroque town planning in Sicily.
During your visit, enjoy an included break featuring almond granita or a traditional local sweet.
Lunch is at leisure.
Continue to Syracuse in the afternoon and check into your accommodation for a three-night stay.
Dinner and overnight in Syracuse.Noto,SiracusaBreakfast, DinnerSiracusa - 5
Day 5
Syracuse: Ancient Greek Heritage and Ortigia
After breakfast, begin your exploration of Syracuse, one of the most important cities of the ancient Greek Mediterranean.
Discover the Neapolis Archaeological Park, home to some of Sicily's most remarkable classical monuments. Admire the impressive Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre and the celebrated Ear of Dionysius, a limestone cave renowned for its unusual acoustic properties.
Admission fees are payable separately.
Continue to Ortigia, the island that forms the historic heart of Syracuse. Walk through its narrow streets and picturesque squares, where ancient Greek remains, medieval buildings and Baroque palaces reveal the city's long history.
Admire the Temple of Apollo, the magnificent Piazza Duomo and Syracuse Cathedral, built around the structure of an ancient temple dedicated to Athena.
Continue towards the waterfront and the Fountain of Arethusa, associated with one of the city's best-known Greek myths.
Enjoy free time for lunch and to discover the atmosphere of Ortigia independently.
Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight in Syracuse.SiracusaBreakfast, DinnerSiracusa - 6
Day 6
Syracuse at Leisure or Optional Marzamemi Excursion
After breakfast, enjoy a day at leisure in Syracuse, with time to explore Ortigia at your own pace, visit local shops and museums, or relax at one of the cafés overlooking the historic streets and waterfront.
Alternatively, an optional excursion to Marzamemi may be arranged, subject to availability and the conditions confirmed for your departure.
This picturesque fishing village on Sicily's south-eastern coast is known for its small harbour, traditional fishermen's houses and historic connection with tuna fishing.
Explore Piazza Regina Margherita and the surrounding streets, where former fishermen's buildings now accommodate cafés, restaurants and artisan shops.
Any additional tastings or food experiences in Marzamemi are subject to the arrangements confirmed for the optional excursion.
Return to Syracuse for your included dinner and overnight stay.SiracusaBreakfast, DinnerSiracusa - 7
Day 7
Palazzolo Acreide and Caltagirone: Ancient Heritage and Ceramics
After breakfast, leave Syracuse and travel inland towards Palazzolo Acreide, a historic town surrounded by the hills of south-eastern Sicily.
Discover its attractive Baroque centre, with elegant churches, traditional streets and richly decorated buildings that reflect the town's architectural heritage.
The area is also home to the ancient Greek settlement of Akrai and its archaeological theatre, which may be visited according to the confirmed arrangements and available time. Admission is not included.
Continue towards Caltagirone, a town internationally recognised for its long-standing tradition of ceramic craftsmanship.
Explore the historic centre and admire the celebrated Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte, decorated with colourful ceramic tiles that reflect the town's artistic traditions.
Discover the character of Caltagirone's workshops and traditional ceramic production, with time to browse locally made pieces.
Lunch is at leisure.
In the afternoon, continue towards Catania and check into your hotel for the final night.
Enjoy your last included dinner and overnight in Catania.Palazzolo Acreide, CaltagironeBreakfast, DinnerCatania - 8
Day 8
Day 8: Goodbye, Sicily!
Your eight-day journey through south-eastern Sicily comes to an end, having explored the architectural heritage of the Val di Noto, the ancient monuments of Syracuse and the distinctive food and artisan traditions of the region.
Make your own way to Catania Fontanarossa Airport or continue independently with your onward travel arrangements.
Airport transfers are not included.CataniaBreakfast
Accommodation
A modern four-star hotel in central Catania, conveniently located near Via Etnea, shopping streets and the city's historic attractions.
A comfortable three-star hotel in central Ragusa, close to the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista, with convenient access to the historic Baroque districts.
A characterful hotel in Ortigia's historic centre, providing a welcoming base for exploring Syracuse's ancient monuments, Baroque streets and waterfront.
A modern four-star hotel in central Catania, conveniently located near Via Etnea, shopping streets and the city's historic attractions.
Included
- 7 nights' accommodation in selected 3- and 4-star hotels or similar, according to the scheduled itinerary.
- 7 breakfasts at the accommodation.
- 7 three-course dinners featuring traditional Sicilian cuisine.
- Grand touring coach transportation for the scheduled group excursions from Day 2 to Day 7, excluding the leisure day on Day 6.
- Professional tour escort from the welcome meeting on Day 1 until the completion of the scheduled programme on Day 7.
- Radio-guide headset system for scheduled guided visits.
- Welcome cocktail and tour briefing in Catania on Day 1.
- Traditional Modica chocolate tasting on Day 3.
- Almond granita or traditional local sweet tasting in Noto on Day 4.
- Local licensed guides for selected visits, only where expressly specified in the confirmed travel proposal.
Not included
- International and domestic flights.
- Arrival transfer from Catania Airport or port to the hotel.
- Departure transfer from the hotel to Catania Airport or port.
- Lunches throughout the itinerary.
- Beverages during meals, except those expressly included in the welcome cocktail or scheduled tastings.
- Admission tickets to archaeological sites, museums, churches, palaces, monuments and other attractions.
- Optional excursion to Marzamemi on Day 6, including transportation, guiding and any additional food tastings unless expressly specified in the optional excursion proposal.
- Additional food tastings, experiences and activities not specifically listed under Services Included.
- Local tourist taxes, where applicable.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities.
- Anything not expressly mentioned under Services Included.
Entrance fees & tickets
- Siracusa Archaeological Park
- Siracusa Cathedral
- Noto Palazzo Nicolaci
- Palazzo Beneventano Scicli
Good to know
- Insider tip
- Take time to admire the architectural details of the Val di Noto's Baroque towns, especially the ornate balconies of Ragusa Ibla, the churches of Modica and the golden limestone façades of Noto.
In Syracuse, explore Ortigia's quieter streets beyond Piazza Duomo, where small artisan shops, traditional food stores and picturesque waterfront corners reveal another side of the island.
In Caltagirone, look closely at the individual ceramic tiles decorating the Santa Maria del Monte staircase, which illustrate the town's long artistic tradition. - Accessibility
- This itinerary involves a moderate amount of walking through historic town centres, including cobbled streets, slopes, steps and uneven surfaces.
Ragusa Ibla, Modica and parts of Caltagirone have steep streets and stairways. Some archaeological sites also have uneven paths and limited accessible routes.
The tour is not fully wheelchair accessible in its standard format. Travellers with reduced mobility should contact us before booking so that individual requirements, hotel accessibility and suitable arrangements can be assessed.
Climbing the staircase of Santa Maria del Monte in Caltagirone is not compulsory. - What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are recommended for cobbled streets, historic stairways and archaeological sites.
Bring lightweight, breathable clothing, sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and a reusable water bottle. A light waterproof jacket is useful during spring and autumn, together with an extra layer for cooler evenings.
Carry a small day bag, personal medication and suitable clothing for visits to churches and religious buildings. - Important information
- The tour includes seven nights' accommodation, seven breakfasts and seven dinners. Lunches and beverages are not included unless expressly specified.
Airport and port transfers on arrival and departure are not included. Travellers are responsible for arranging transportation between Catania Airport or port and their accommodation.
Admission tickets to archaeological sites, museums, churches, palaces and other monuments are excluded. Opening times and access conditions may vary.
Day 6 is a leisure day in Syracuse. The optional excursion to Marzamemi is not included and is subject to availability, minimum participation requirements where applicable and a separately confirmed price.
The programme may require adjustments due to weather conditions, local events, monument closures or operational circumstances, while maintaining the essential character of the itinerary.
Hotel accommodation is subject to availability, and equivalent properties may be used where necessary. Final hotel details, meeting instructions and scheduled activities will be confirmed in the travel documents.