Self-Drive Tour: Discover the Baroque Gems of Southeastern Sicily

Welcome to Italy! Upon arrival at the airport, reach the car hire office to collect your car and drive to your hotel for check-in. Spend the day exploring Catania on your own. Start your tour in the heart of the city. Visit the Cathedral of Saint Agata dedicated to the city’s patron. Admire the stunning baroque facade and the beautifully decorated interior. Located in the same square, have a look at the Fontana dell’Elefante. This unique fountain features an ancient lava stone elephant which is the symbol of the city. Just a short walk from Piazza del Duomo, admire the impressive architecture of the historical building, home to one of Italy’s oldest universities. Stroll along Via Etna, the city’s main shopping street, lined with shops, cafes and historic buildings. This is a great place to soak in the city’s lively atmosphere. Continue your walk to the beautiful public gardens and enjoy the lush greenery, fountains and statues and take a break in this peaceful oasis. Choose a local trattoria or café in that area and try traditional Sicilian dishes such as pasta alla norma, arancini or seafood specialties. After lunch, visit the Roman Amphitheatre, located near Piazza Stesicoro. This well-preserved structure dates to the 2nd century AD and offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s ancient past. Walk to Castello Ursino, a 13th-century castle built by Frederick II. The castle now houses a Civic Museum, showcasing art and artefacts from different periods of Catania’s history. If you’re interested in local culture, visit the bustling fish market near Piazza del Duomo. This vibrant market offers a variety of fresh seafood and other local products. In the night, if you like to enjoy cultural activities, check if there is a performance at the Teatro Massimo Bellini. Named after the famous composer Vincenzo Bellini, the theatre is known for its stunning interior and excellent acoustics.Overnight in Catania.

After breakfast check out and reach your next destination, Siracusa. Check in at the hotel and take some time to explore the city on your own. Begin your day at the heart of Ortigia. Visit the magnificent Cathedral of Siracusa, built on the ruins of a Greek temple. Admire its baroque facade and explore the beautiful interior. A short walk from the Duomo, there is the Fountain of Arethusa. This legendary freshwater spring is associated with ancient Greek mythology. Enjoy the scenic view and the lush surroundings. Located at the entrance of Ortigia, the Temples of Apollo, is one of the oldest Doric temples in Sicily. Take some time to explore the ruins and learn about their historical significance. Head to the vibrant Ortigia Market, where you can experience the local culture and purchase fresh produce, seafood and other Sicilian specialties. Try some local snacks like arancini or cannoli. Walk to the southern tip of Ortigia to Visit Castello Miniace, a 13th-century castle offering stunning views of the sea. Explore the castle’s interior and enjoy the panoramic vistas from its ramparts. After lunch in a local seafood restaurant, drive to the mainland to visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park. The Greek Theatre. Is one of the largest and best-preserved ancient theaters offering stunning views and an insight into ancient Greek culture. Explore also the Roman Amphitheater in the same complex, it was used for gladiator combat and public spectacles. Discover the Ear of Dionysius. This limestone cave with excellent acoustics have been used by the tyrant Dionysius to eavesdrop on prisoners. Nearby the Neapolis Archeological Park, there is the Archeological Museum. This museum houses an extensive collection of artefacts from prehistoric times to the Roman era. It provides a comprehensive overview of Siracusa’s history.Overnight in Siracusa.

Today after breakfast at the hotel, we suggest visiting Scicli and Marzamemi. Reach Scicli and start your day at the historic Palace, Palazzo Beneventano known for its beautiful Baroque architecture. Admire the intricate details of the facade. Visit the nearby Chiesa di San Bartolomeo, known for its stunning interior and Baroque decorations. Take a stroll along Via Francesco Mormino Penna a picturesque street lined with baroque palaces and churches. Choose a local eatery in Scicli to enjoy Sicilian cuisine. After lunch reach Marzamemi. Begin your visit with Piazza Regina Margherita, the main square of this fisherman village. Admire the historic buildings and the quaint atmosphere. Explore the Historic Tuna Fishery which was restored and converted into shops, cafes, and cultural spaces. Learn about the history of tuna fishing in Sicily. Visit the Church of San Francesco di Paola to admire its simple yet charming architecture. Take some strolls along the waterfront promenade and enjoy the sea breeze and the views of the Mediterranean. Don’t miss an aperitivo in one of the bars located just over the sea and try local specialties like granita, cannoli and Sicilian wines.Overnight in Siracusa.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. For today we suggest having a natural beauty experience in Vendicari Reserve. Start your day at the Vendicari Nature Reserve Visitor Center. Gather maps and information about trails and learn about the reserve’s flora and fauna. Begin your exploration with a visit to the Tonnara di Vendicai, an ancient tuna processing plant. Explore the ruins and learn about the history of tuna fishing in the area. Spend some time relaxing on Vendicari Beach. Enjoy the clear waters and pristine sands of this natural beach. For lunch pack a picnic or visit a local café nearby. In the afternoon explore the various nature trails within the reserve. Each trail offers unique views and opportunities to observe wildlife and plants native to Sicily. Visit Panto Grande, a large brackish lagoon within the reserve. It’s a prime spot for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons. Look out for flamingos, herons and other bird species. If time permits, visit Tonnara di Eloro, another historic tuna processing plant nearby. Explore the ruins and enjoy the coastal views. End your day by watching the sunset from the scenic viewpoints within the reserve.Overnight in Siracusa.

After breakfast at the hotel check out. Before reaching Ragusa we suggest visiting Modica, the city of the chocolate. Begin your visit in the heart of Modica’s historic center. Admire the beautiful baroque architecture surrounding the square, including the Church of San Pietro and Palazzo Polara. Walk up the steep steps or take a car to the top of the hill to visit the Church of San Giorgio. Marvel at the stunning facade and enjoy panoramic views of Modica from the top. Modica is famous for its traditional chocolate-making techniques. Visit a local chocolate shop to sample some authentic Modica chocolate, known for its grainy texture and unique flavors. The most famous shop is Antica Dolceria Bonajuto, established in 1880. Learn about the history of chocolate-making and purchase some treats to take home. Wander through the narrow street of Modica Alta, the upper part of the city. Discover hidden gems, charming courtyards and more baroque architecture. Enjoy a traditional Sicilian lunch at one of Modica’s local eateries. Try local specialties such as pasta with ragù alla sicilia, cannoli or arancini. Return to Piazza Matteotti to visit the Modica Cathedral. Admire its grand baroque facade and explore the interior with ornate decorations. Take a walk along Corso Umberto I, Modica’s main square. Browse shops selling local crafts, ceramics and more chocolate. Cool off with a refreshing gelato from one of the gelaterias along Corso Umberto I. Choose from a variety of flavors including Sicilian classics like pistachio and almond. At the end of the day drive to Ragusa and check in to your hotel.Overnight in Ragusa.

After breakfast at the hotel explore Ragusa on your own. Start your visit in Ragusa Ibla, the historic center. Visit the Duomo di San Giorgio, an iconic Baroque cathedral with a magnificent facade and stunning interior. Explore the nearby Giardino Ibleo, a peaceful garden offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. Admire the Palazzo Cosentini, an outstanding example of Sicilian Baroque architecture and visit the nearby Chiesa delle Anime del Purgatorio known for its intricate decorations. In the afternoon reach Ragusa Superior and visit the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista, another stunning example of Baroque architecture. Explore Palazzo Zacco, a historic palace featuring beautiful balconies and ornate decorations. Take a walk along Corso Italia, the main street of Ragusa Superior. Admire the architecture, and numerous shops and enjoy the atmosphere. At sunset we strongly suggest reaching the Belvedere. Capture panoramic views of both parts of the city and the surrounding countryside.Overnight in Ragusa.

After last breakfast at the hotel spend the day at leisure. In the afternoon reach the car hire office at the airport to return your car.