Discover Sicily in three days

Day 1: Taormina – Noto – Modica – Ragusa

City of Noto

After breakfast, we embark on an unforgettable journey to explore the stunning Sicilian Baroque architecture. Our first stop is Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its elegant 18th-century palaces and breathtaking cathedral. Entering through the Porta Reale, we walk along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, admiring the exquisite details of Baroque artistry in the Duomo di Noto and the historic noble residences that make this town a true open-air museum.

Next, we head to Modica, another gem of the Val di Noto, famous not only for its architectural beauty but also for its rich culinary traditions. You will enjoy a free walking tour through its charming streets, discovering historic churches and picturesque alleys. A highlight of the visit is exploring the oldest chocolate factory in Sicily, where you will taste its world-renowned Modican chocolate, produced using an ancient Aztec technique that gives it a unique grainy texture and intense flavor. After a delightful break for lunch, we continue our journey.

In the afternoon, we reach Ragusa, a city split into two distinct areas: Ragusa Superiore and the historic Ragusa Ibla, the latter being the soul of Baroque Sicily. Destroyed by the 1693 earthquake and rebuilt in the 17th century, Ragusa Ibla is home to magnificent churches and the stunning San Giorgio Cathedral, standing majestically in the central square. As the sun sets, enjoy dinner in one of the town’s traditional restaurants before resting overnight in this historic setting.

Day 2: Ragusa – Caltagirone – Piazza Armerina – Agrigento

Piazza Armerina, Villa Romana

After breakfast, we set off for Caltagirone, renowned as Sicily’s ceramic capital. This town is famous for its handcrafted majolica tiles, beautifully displayed along the Scala di Santa Maria del Monte—a monumental staircase featuring 142 lava-stone steps, each adorned with hand-painted ceramic tiles reflecting Sicilian history and culture. Here, you can visit local artisan workshops and perhaps take home a piece of this timeless craftsmanship.

Our next destination is Piazza Armerina, home to the extraordinary Villa Romana del Casale, a well-preserved Roman villa boasting over 3,500 square meters of intricate mosaics. These mosaics, depicting mythological and everyday scenes, provide a fascinating insight into Roman life and are considered among the finest of their kind in the world.

After a lunch break, we proceed to Agrigento, where we explore the Valley of the Temples, one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Here, you can walk among ancient Greek temples, including the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concordia, and the Temple of Hercules, all dating back to the 5th century BC. This site, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers breathtaking views, especially at sunset, when the golden light enhances the beauty of the ruins. After an enriching day, we enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Agrigento.

Day 3: Agrigento – Palermo – Monreale

Agrigento, Temple of Concordia

Our final day begins with a scenic drive to Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily, rich in history and diverse cultural influences. We start our tour at Quattro Canti, a magnificent Baroque square marking the intersection of the city’s two main streets. Nearby, we visit the Pretoria Fountain, often referred to as the “Fountain of Shame” due to the nude statues adorning it.

Continuing our exploration, we visit the Norman Cathedral of Palermo, an architectural masterpiece blending Arab, Norman, and Byzantine styles. Inside, you can admire royal tombs and intricate mosaics. Another highlight is the Royal Palace of Palermo (Palazzo dei Normanni), home to the spectacular Palatine Chapel, adorned with dazzling Byzantine mosaics and gold embellishments.

In the afternoon, we drive to Monreale, a charming medieval town known for its stunning cathedral, an extraordinary example of Arab-Norman architecture. Inside, you’ll find one of the largest Byzantine mosaic cycles in the world, covering over 6,500 square meters with biblical scenes. The Christ Pantocrator, dominating the apse, is a breathtaking sight, complemented by intricate depictions of Old and New Testament stories.

Before concluding our journey, we explore the Benedictine Cloister, a serene and elegant space featuring 216 intricately carved columns and an Oriental-style fountain at its center. After a final farewell to Sicily’s unparalleled beauty, we return to Palermo, where our tour ends, leaving you with unforgettable memories of this extraordinary island.