The Baroque Tour

First day: Brucoli, Syracuse, Neapolis, Ortigia, and the coast

Syracuse

On the first day of The Baroque Tour, you will be picked up from your hotel or directly from the airport in a comfortable vehicle provided by New Travel Services. Your adventure begins with a visit to Brucoli, a quaint fishing village near Syracuse. Nestled between the rocks and the sea, this hidden gem resembles a Mediterranean fjord, offering stunning coastal views.

Next, you will arrive in Syracuse, one of the most historically significant cities of Greek civilization. The tour continues at the Neapolis Archaeological Park, where you will explore:

• The Greek Theatre, one of the largest of its kind in the world
• The Latomie stone quarries, once used as prisons
• The Ear of Dionysius, a fascinating cave with exceptional acoustics
• The Roman Amphitheater and the Ierone Arena, testaments to Rome’s influence in Sicily

After immersing yourself in ancient history, the journey continues to Ortigia, the historic heart of Syracuse. Walking through its charming streets, you will visit:

• The Temple of Apollo, one of the oldest Greek temples in Sicily
• The Cathedral of Syracuse, built over a Greek temple and dedicated to St. Lucia
• The Fountain of Arethusa, where papyrus plants grow naturally near the sea

For an unforgettable experience, you can also take a traditional fisherman’s boat tour along the Syracuse coast, discovering hidden sea caves and picturesque landscapes. The day concludes with an overnight stay in Ortigia, where you can enjoy a delightful Sicilian dinner by the sea.

Second day: Noto, Modica, Scicli, and Ragusa

Baroque balcony in Noto

The second day of The Baroque Tour begins with a scenic drive to Noto, often called the capital of Sicilian Baroque. Rebuilt after the devastating 1693 earthquake, this UNESCO-listed town is an open-air museum of 18th-century architecture. Walking along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, you will admire:

• The majestic Noto Cathedral, with its striking baroque facade
• Palazzo Ducezio, now the Town Hall
• San Carlo Church, offering a panoramic view from its bell tower
• Palazzo Nicolaci, famous for its lavish balconies adorned with intricate sculptures

From Noto, the tour continues along scenic countryside roads lined with traditional dry stone walls towards Modica, a city known for its chocolate-making tradition and stunning baroque churches. Highlights include:

• San Giorgio Church, an architectural masterpiece
• San Pietro Church, featuring an impressive staircase with statues of saints
• A visit to an artisanal chocolate shop, where you’ll learn about the unique Aztec-inspired chocolate-making process

Next, you will reach Scicli, a lesser-known but equally stunning baroque town. Famous as a filming location for the Inspector Montalbano series, Scicli boasts impressive sites such as:

• Beneventano Palace, considered one of the most beautiful Sicilian baroque buildings
• Piazza Italia, a picturesque town square surrounded by historical buildings

The final destination of the day is Ragusa Ibla, one of the most enchanting towns in Sicily, known for its stunning panoramic views, charming alleys, and historical landmarks. A guided walking tour will take you through:

• The Hyblean Gardens, a lush green oasis with stunning views of the valley
• The Cathedral of San Giorgio, a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque architecture

After a day full of discoveries, you will spend the night in Ragusa Ibla, savoring an authentic Sicilian dinner in a local trattoria.

Third day: Ragusa, Donnafugata, Punta Secca, and Marina di Ragusa

Puntasecca, house of Inspector Montalbano

The final day of The Baroque Tour starts with a visit to the Castle of Donnafugata, an elegant noble residence featuring:

• Beautifully restored baroque-style rooms
• An extensive garden with exotic plants and neoclassical sculptures
• A mysterious labyrinth, adding a touch of adventure to your visit

Next, you will head to Punta Secca, a charming Sicilian fishing village famous for being the home of Inspector Montalbano. Here, you can stroll along the scenic coastline and see the famous TV series house.

Before concluding the tour, you will enjoy a traditional Sicilian lunch at a local restaurant, tasting fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and Sicilian desserts.

The tour’s final stop is Marina di Ragusa, a vibrant seaside town with golden beaches and a lively promenade. After some free time to relax by the sea, you will be transferred back to your hotel or the airport, concluding an unforgettable journey through Sicily’s baroque wonders.

Book your baroque adventure today!

The Baroque Tour is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the history, architecture, and flavors of Sicily’s most enchanting baroque cities. Book your trip now and experience the perfect blend of art, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.