Ragusa, Syracuse & Taormina: The Most Beautiful Places in Sicily

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).

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.

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.