Ragusa Baroque tour from Catania or Taormina: Three UNESCO towns

Golden-stone palaces and baroque churches without the tour bus crowds

A private tour of three UNESCO-listed Sicilian Baroque towns (Ragusa Ibla, Modica and Noto) departing from Catania or Taormina with an English-speaking driver, air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water and WiFi included. A licensed guide can be arranged for an additional fee. The tour runs 10 to 12 hours and suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Sicilian Baroque towns

• Visit Ragusa Ibla historic center
• See Cathedral of San Giorgio and Hyblean Gardens
• Walk through Modica streets
• Taste Modica chocolate (optional)
• Visit Noto starting at Porta Reale gate
• See Cathedral of San Nicolò and Palazzo Nicolaci

The experience

The Cathedral of San Giorgio rises above Ragusa Ibla's steep streets, and you'll see it first from a panoramic point before walking down to the church itself, the Church of San Pietro, and the Hyblean Gardens. Your driver stays with you throughout the day, offering flexibility to linger where you want and local knowledge about what you're seeing. The Conversation Club, also known as the Coffee of the Knights, is a filming location for the television series "il commissario Montalbano" and the film "Italian Divorce." In Modica, the same approach applies: you start from above and descend through the streets to admire the Church of San Giorgio and Church of San Pietro, with the option to stop for the town's famous chocolate or other local pastries if you want them.

Noto's aristocratic palaces line streets you'll walk from the Porta Reale gate onward, passing the Cathedral of San Nicolò and Palazzo Nicolaci. Because this is a private tour, not a group excursion, the pace is yours. You move faster through what doesn't grip you and spend time where it does. Your vehicle is fully licensed and insured, air-conditioned, and stocked with complimentary bottled water and WiFi. If you want a licensed guide to narrate the history and architecture at any of the three towns, that can be arranged in advance for an additional cost. Otherwise, your driver provides the local context and flexibility that a fixed itinerary doesn't.

Pickups are available from Catania, Taormina, Giardini Naxos or Letojanni, depending on which option you choose at checkout. The day runs 10 to 12 hours total. Parking fees are covered, and the tour is suitable for all fitness levels. Infant seats and strollers are available if you're traveling with small children.

What’s included

• Private transportation in a licensed, air-conditioned vehicle.
• English-speaking Sicilian driver with local knowledge.
• complimentary bottled water and WiFi on board.
• parking fees.
• pickup from Catania, Taormina, Giardini Naxos or Letojanni.
• infant seats and stroller accommodation available on request.

Options for this experience

2 options

Departure from Catania8 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 10:30What will we visit? Three magnificent sites of Sicilian Baroque: Ragusa Ibla, Modica and Noto. Private and exclusive: this is a private group. Duration: 11 hours, with a variable schedule since we are in no rush. A free bottle of water is provided on board. Baroque tour: we leave from Catania, first stopping in Ragusa Ibla, then making a stop in Modica and another in Noto. Vehicle options: for 1, 2 or 3 passengers, a sedan; for up to 7 passengers, a sedan; for up to 14 passengers, a van; or 2 vehicles. Pickup is included.

Departure from Taormina8 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 10:30What will we visit? Three magnificent sites of Sicilian Baroque: Ragusa Ibla, Modica and Noto. Private and exclusive: this is a private group. Duration: 12 hours, with a variable schedule since we are in no rush. A free bottle of water is provided on board. Baroque tour: we leave from Taormina, first stopping in Ragusa Ibla, then making a stop in Modica and another in Noto. Vehicle options: for 1, 2 or 3 passengers, a sedan; for up to 7 passengers, a sedan; for up to 14 passengers, a van; or 2 vehicles. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesSaturday and Sunday8 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 10:30Last departure this season: 23 Dec

Book up to23h before

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Walk Around Sicily - Taxi, Transfer Airport and Port Shuttle Service and Excursions

Is this one for you?Choose the private format if you want to move through the three towns at your own pace and linger where the architecture or the light catches you. A licensed guide can be added if you want narration, but the flexibility to skip or extend any stop is what the private vehicle gives you that a group tour doesn't.

Top questions

What's inside the Cathedral of San Giorgio in Ragusa Ibla?

The Cathedral of San Giorgio is one of the most important landmarks in Ragusa Ibla and anchors the historic center. You'll see it from the panoramic viewpoint first, then walk down to explore it and the surrounding streets up close, along with the Church of San Giuseppe and the Hyblean Gardens.

Can I stop to buy Modica chocolate during the tour?

Yes. In Modica, you have the option to taste the town's famous chocolate or other local pastries from the pastry shops. The private format means you can choose to stop or move on depending on what interests you.

Do I need to book a guide, or does the driver provide information?

Your English-speaking Sicilian driver is included and offers local insights and personalized service throughout the day. A licensed guide can be arranged on request with advance notice for an additional cost if you want detailed historical and architectural narration at specific locations.

Which departure point should I choose?

Pickups are available from Catania, Taormina, Giardini Naxos or Letojanni depending on where you're staying. Select the option that matches your location at checkout.

What's included in the price?

Private transportation in a fully licensed and insured vehicle, bottled water, WiFi on board, air conditioning, and parking fees are all included. Entrance fees to museums or attractions are not covered and are paid separately if you choose to enter them.

How long does the tour take?

The tour runs 10 to 12 hours total, giving you time to walk through all three towns and explore at a pace that suits you rather than a fixed group schedule.