Baroque Sicily at Your Own Pace – 8-Day Self-Drive Tour
Discover the Baroque treasures of south-eastern Sicily on an 8-day self-drive tour from Catania. Explore Ragusa Ibla, Modica, Scicli, Noto and Syracuse, with time for local cuisine, historic towns and traditional crafts.
Highlights
- The Baroque Towns of South-Eastern Sicily
- Authentic Flavours and Artisan Traditions
- Syracuse, Ortigia and the Freedom to Explore
Overview
Starting and ending in Catania, this carefully designed itinerary takes you through the heart of the Val di Noto, where elegant architecture, picturesque streets and centuries of history create one of Sicily's most distinctive cultural landscapes.
Explore the charming streets of Ragusa Ibla, admire the magnificent churches of Modica and discover the architectural treasures of Scicli. In Modica, take time to sample the town's celebrated chocolate, still produced using a distinctive traditional method.
Continue to Noto, renowned for its golden limestone buildings and grand Baroque façades, before reaching Syracuse. Here, ancient Greek monuments and the atmospheric island of Ortigia reveal the city's remarkable history. With three nights in Syracuse, you can explore at a comfortable pace or enjoy an optional excursion to the seaside village of Marzamemi.
On your return towards Catania, discover Palazzolo Acreide and Caltagirone, celebrated for its colourful ceramics and spectacular Santa Maria del Monte staircase.
With the independence of a rental car and an itinerary combining cultural discovery with time for personal exploration, this journey offers an engaging way to experience Sicily beyond its most familiar attractions.
Day by day
- 1
Day 1
Arrival in Catania: Your Sicilian Journey Begins
Arrive at Catania Fontanarossa Airport and collect your rental car to begin your independent journey through south-eastern Sicily.
Drive to your hotel in Catania and settle in. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy your first introduction to the city with a leisurely walk through its historic centre.
Discover Piazza del Duomo, dominated by the Cathedral of Sant'Agata and the famous Elephant Fountain, before exploring the surrounding streets, lively squares and distinctive Baroque architecture built from limestone and dark volcanic stone.
Take time to experience the atmosphere of Catania, perhaps stopping at a traditional café or discovering some of the city's local specialities.CataniaCatania - 2
Day 2
Catania to Ragusa: Discovering Ragusa Ibla
After breakfast, leave Catania and drive south towards Ragusa, crossing the landscapes of south-eastern Sicily.
On arrival, explore Ragusa Ibla, the city's enchanting historic district, renowned for its magnificent Baroque architecture and dramatic hillside setting.
Park in a suitable area outside the narrow historic streets and continue your exploration on foot. Wander through picturesque lanes, admire the impressive Church of San Giorgio (Duomo) and discover the elegant palaces and churches that characterise this UNESCO-listed town.
Enjoy a walk through the Giardino Ibleo, a peaceful garden offering lovely views over the surrounding countryside.
The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy Ragusa at a relaxed pace, discovering its charming squares, cafés and local restaurants.RagusaBreakfastRagusa - 3
Day 3
Modica and Scicli: Baroque Beauty and Chocolate Traditions
After breakfast, set off on a scenic self-drive excursion to two of the most fascinating towns in the Val di Noto.
Begin in Modica, a remarkable town built across the slopes of a deep valley. Explore its historic streets and admire the impressive Church of San Giorgio (Duomo) and the Church of San Pietro, two outstanding examples of Sicilian Baroque architecture.
Modica is also famous for its traditional chocolate, recognised for its distinctive grainy texture and rich flavour. Take the opportunity to visit a local chocolate shop and discover this celebrated culinary tradition at your leisure.
Continue to Scicli, a charming UNESCO-listed town surrounded by rocky hills. Stroll along Via Francesco Mormino Penna, admire the beautifully decorated noble palaces and discover the town's elegant churches and atmospheric squares.
After exploring Scicli, return to Ragusa, where the evening is free.Modica, Scicli, RagusaBreakfastRagusa - 4
Day 4
Noto and Syracuse: The Golden Heart of Sicilian Baroque
After breakfast, leave Ragusa and drive towards Noto, one of Sicily's most celebrated Baroque towns.
Park near the historic centre and enjoy a leisurely walk along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the town's elegant main street, lined with magnificent palaces, churches and golden limestone façades.
Admire the Cathedral of San Nicolò, Palazzo Ducezio and the Church of Santa Chiara, discovering the architectural beauty that makes Noto one of the highlights of the UNESCO-listed Val di Noto.
Take time for lunch or a coffee in one of the town's welcoming cafés before continuing towards Syracuse.
On arrival, reach your accommodation and settle in. If time permits, enjoy an introductory walk through Ortigia, Syracuse's atmospheric historic island district, where narrow lanes, beautiful squares and sea views create a memorable Mediterranean setting.
The evening is free to explore Ortigia independently.Noto, SyracuseBreakfastSyracuse - 5
Day 5
Syracuse: Ancient Greek Heritage and the Island of Ortigia
After breakfast, dedicate the day to discovering Syracuse, one of the most important cities of the ancient Mediterranean.
Begin with an independent visit to the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, home to the magnificent Greek Theatre, the impressive Ear of Dionysius and other remains of ancient Syracuse. Explore the archaeological area at your own pace, according to the sections open to visitors.
Later, return to Ortigia and enjoy a walking exploration of its historic centre.
Discover the Temple of Apollo, stroll through Piazza Archimede and continue to Piazza Duomo, one of Sicily's most beautiful squares. Here, admire the Cathedral of Syracuse, built around the ancient Greek Temple of Athena.
Continue towards the legendary Fountain of Arethusa and the picturesque seafront, enjoying views of the Mediterranean and the island's historic waterfront.
Spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring Ortigia's small streets, artisan shops and charming squares at your leisure.
Overnight in Syracuse.Syracuse, Neapolis Archaeological Park, OrtigiaBreakfastSyracuse - 6
Day 6
Syracuse at Leisure or Optional Visit to Marzamemi
Enjoy breakfast and a full day at your leisure, with the freedom to choose between further exploring Syracuse or discovering the beautiful coastline south of the city.
You may spend the day relaxing in Ortigia, browsing its local shops, visiting additional cultural attractions or simply enjoying the atmosphere of its historic streets and waterfront cafés.
Alternatively, take your rental car and drive south towards Marzamemi, a picturesque fishing village known for its maritime heritage and charming seaside setting.
Explore Piazza Regina Margherita, surrounded by traditional fishermen's houses, small restaurants and historic buildings connected with the village's tuna-fishing past.
Enjoy time at your own pace, perhaps stopping for a seafood lunch or a walk along the waterfront before returning to Syracuse.
This is a flexible day, allowing you to balance cultural discovery with relaxation according to your personal interests.
Overnight in Syracuse.Syracuse; Marzamemi (optional)BreakfastSyracuse - 7
Day 7
Palazzolo Acreide and Caltagirone: Baroque Towns and Ceramics
After breakfast, leave Syracuse and drive inland towards Palazzolo Acreide, a charming town in the Hyblaean Hills, known for its Baroque heritage and ancient history.
Enjoy a walk through the historic centre, admiring Piazza del Popolo, the Church of San Sebastiano and the picturesque streets lined with traditional buildings.
If time and opening hours allow, you may also consider visiting the archaeological area of Akrai, home to the remains of an ancient Greek settlement.
Continue towards Caltagirone, one of Sicily's most important centres of ceramic craftsmanship.
Explore the historic town and admire the spectacular Santa Maria del Monte staircase, decorated with colourful ceramic tiles. Wander through the surrounding streets and discover the town's traditional ceramic shops, where local craftsmanship remains an important part of daily life.
After your visit, drive onwards to Catania for your final overnight stay.
The evening is free to relax or enjoy a last walk through the city.
Overnight in Catania.Palazzolo Acreide, Caltagirone, CataniaBreakfastCatania - 8
Day 8
Departure from Catania
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and prepare for your departure.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time in Catania before driving to Fontanarossa Airport.
Return your rental car according to the agreed rental conditions, allowing sufficient time for vehicle inspection, check-in and airport formalities.CataniaBreakfast
Accommodation
A stylish boutique hotel housed in a restored historic building in central Catania, combining Baroque architecture with contemporary design, within walking distance of Via Etnea and the main attractions.
An elegant boutique hotel set in a historic residence in Ragusa Superiore, blending period architecture with modern comfort. A convenient base for exploring Ragusa and the surrounding Baroque towns.
A charming boutique hotel overlooking the seafront of Ortigia, housed in restored historic buildings. Its distinctive interiors and central location make it an excellent base for discovering Syracuse on foot.
A design hotel in central Catania, combining an eighteenth-century building with contemporary interiors.
Included
- 7 nights' accommodation in selected hotels or similar, with breakfast, subject to the confirmed proposal.
- 7 breakfasts at the hotels.
- Rental car, Category A2 (Fiat 500 or similar), collected and returned at Catania Airport, with insurance coverage according to the rental agreement.
- Detailed self-drive tour map.
Not included
- Flights to and from Sicily.
- Lunches, dinners and beverages.
- Entrance fees to archaeological sites, museums, monuments and other attractions.
- Fuel, motorway tolls and parking fees.
- Local tourist taxes, where applicable.
- Additional car rental charges or optional extras not covered by the rental agreement.
- Guided tours, optional excursions and food tastings.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under "Services Included".
Entrance fees & tickets
- Baroc Museum in Ragusa: 5.00 €
- Ceramic museum in Caltagirone: 4.00 €
- Neapolis Archaeological Park, Syracuse: € 16.50
- Siracusa Duomo: € 2.00
- Palazzolo Acreide – Archaeological Area of Akrai: € 7.00
Good to know
- Insider tip
- Ragusa Ibla: Leave your car in an authorised parking area and explore the historic centre on foot. The Giardino Ibleo offers a peaceful break and beautiful views.
Modica: Stop at a traditional chocolate shop to discover the town's distinctive chocolate-making heritage. Take time to explore both the lower town and its hillside streets.
Noto: Enjoy a walk along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, taking time to admire the golden limestone architecture and elegant Baroque façades.
Ortigia: Park your car in an authorised area and discover the island on foot. An evening stroll around Piazza Duomo and the waterfront is particularly atmospheric.
Caltagirone: Visit the traditional ceramic shops around the historic centre and admire the decorative tiles of the Santa Maria del Monte staircase. - Accessibility
- This self-drive itinerary involves independent driving and walking through historic towns with cobbled streets, steep slopes, staircases and uneven surfaces.
Ragusa Ibla, Modica and parts of Noto and Ortigia may present challenges for travellers with reduced mobility. The Santa Maria del Monte staircase in Caltagirone is particularly demanding.
The itinerary is not fully wheelchair accessible as standard. Suitable accommodation, vehicle arrangements and accessible sightseeing options must be checked individually before booking. - What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes suitable for cobbled streets, steps and archaeological sites.
Lightweight, comfortable clothing, with a jacket for cooler evenings.
Sunglasses, sunscreen, a sun hat and a reusable water bottle.
A valid driving licence, passport or identity document, and all documents required by the rental company.
An International Driving Permit or official translation of your driving licence, where required.
A credit card in the main driver's name, subject to the rental company's conditions.
A smartphone with navigation, offline maps and a car charger.
A small day bag for sightseeing and personal essentials. - Important information
- This is an independent self-drive holiday. No tour escort or guided sightseeing is included.
The rental car is collected and returned at Catania Fontanarossa Airport. Vehicle category, insurance coverage, excess, deposit and rental conditions are subject to confirmation.
Historic centres may have restricted traffic zones (ZTL). Follow local signs and the parking instructions supplied by each accommodation.
Parking, fuel and motorway tolls are not included unless expressly stated.
Accommodation is planned on a bed-and-breakfast basis. All lunches and dinners are at leisure and are not included.
Entrance tickets, food tastings and optional activities are not included.
The optional excursion to Marzamemi on Day 6 is entirely at the travellers' discretion.
Day 7 includes several destinations. An early departure is recommended, and the optional visit to Akrai should only be considered if time and opening hours permit.
Opening hours of museums, archaeological sites and monuments may vary by season.
Driving times may vary according to traffic, weather, road conditions and sightseeing stops.
Hotels and final travel arrangements are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.