Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip

Ragusa, Syracuse & Taormina
The Most Beautiful Places in Sicily

Ragusa - Syracuse - Taormina

Starting from between £1,690 to £2,320 per person for 7 days depending on the time of year, type of accomodation and activities

Itinerary Highlights

  • 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
This trip takes you to the Mediterranean island of Sicily, suspended just off the ‘toe’ of Italy’s ‘boot’ and filled with an abundance of stunning scenery. Think a kaleidoscope of blue hues, rugged coastline and, of course, the smoke-spewing silhouette of Mount Etna. Travel through the Baroque cities of the Val di Noto, classified by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, on this seven-day road trip across the island. Stay in Syracuse, Taormina and Ragusa along the way. Explore their ancient Greek architecture, indulge in fresh Sicilian cuisine and learn about the history of each city. You'll quickly adapt to the relaxed Sicilian way of life, while locals are always happy to give visitors a warm welcome. Local guides will take you on private tours of each city, so you can really get an in-depth insight into their history and culture. The Sicilian cuisine is another highlight, and along the way you’ll be able to sample the iconic dishes of pasta alla Norma and spaghetti alla Siracusana. Our local Concierge will be on hand to offer restaurant recommendations and assist with any requests during your trip.
Siracusa - Sicily © imagesef / Fotolia.com
Siracusa - Sicily © imagesef / Fotolia.com
Taormina church - Sicily - Italy © Droits reservés
Taormina church - Sicily - Italy © Droits reservés
Noto - Sicily - Italy © Droits reservés
Noto - Sicily - Italy © Droits reservés
Syracuse - Sicily - Italy © Eli Franssens/imagesef/Fotolia
Syracuse - Sicily - Italy © Eli Franssens/imagesef/Fotolia
Taormina - Sicily - Italy © Droits reservés
Taormina - Sicily - Italy © Droits reservés
Uggiano la Chiesa - Puglia  - Italy © Olivier Romano
Uggiano la Chiesa - Puglia - Italy © Olivier Romano
Sicily - Italy © Olivier Romano
Sicily - Italy © Olivier Romano

Itinerary

100% customisable for you

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.

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.

Sadly your Sicilian sojourn ends today, so drive back to Catania and return your car, before hopping on your 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 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

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.

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A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Italy

  • Our local Concierges
  • The Original Travel app
  • Airport lounge access
  • Destination Dossier
  • 24-hour helpline
  • Expert guides
  • 100% carbon absorption

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A rough idea of the price

Depending on the time of year, type of accommodation and activities

The cost for this trip starts from £1,690 per person. The final cost of the trip depends on the way we tailor it especially for you. The final cost varies according to several factors, which include the level of service, length of trip and advance booking time. The exact price will be provided on your personalised quote. The average starting price for this trip is £1,965 per person.
Included in this suggestion

  • 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
  • Our on-site Concierge service

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