Discover Southeastern Sicily through history and culture immersed in emotions that evoke other times. Walking among the Sicilian Baroque cities means immersing yourself in a world of majestic churches, sumptuous palaces, and harmonious squares. A journey to the heart of Baroque is a fascinating experience among art, history, and timeless beauty.
7 days / 6 nights from Catania to Catania
Arrival at Catania airport. Transfer to hotel or agriturismo.
Breakfast, departure for the excursion of Catania, including: the Cathedral, Piazza Duomo, the Baroque Via dei Crociferi, the Collegiata Church, the area of the Benedictine Monastery and the characteristic fish market. The excursion continues with the visit of the coastal villages of Catania where you can admire the magnificent view of the Faraglioni at Acitrezza. Legend says Polyphemus threw them to prevent Ulysses' escape. Continue to Acireale, cradle of Catania Baroque: the Churches of San Sebastiano, Saints Peter and Paul, and the Cathedral are the town's highlights.
Breakfast, early morning departure for the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento with the Temple of Concord, Temple of Hercules, Temple of Juno, and Temple of Castor and Pollux. In the afternoon, proceed to Caltagirone, famous for artistic ceramics and rich in Baroque buildings. The historic center redesigned after the 1693 earthquake is connected to the lower city by the suggestive 142-step staircase covered with polychrome ceramic tiles.
Breakfast, visit Ragusa Ibla, an 18th-century town with splendid constructions: Cathedral of San Giovanni, Bertini and Cosentini Palaces, San Giorgio portal, examples of Baroque architecture. In the afternoon, transfer to Modica, known as the city of lace for its finely decorated palaces and Baroque churches. The Church of San Giorgio, with its 250-step staircase, and the Duomo of San Pietro, Cappuccini Convent, and Palazzo dei Mercedari are highlights. Famous pastry shops offer the typical "Modican" chocolate.
Breakfast, visit Noto, UNESCO World Heritage site and cradle of Southeastern Sicilian Baroque. Near Noto, the villa of Tellaro, a 4th-century Roman villa, with restored floors revealing extraordinary mosaics. In the afternoon, proceed to Siracusa, the largest and most beautiful Greek colony in Sicily. Visit the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, Ortigia's monuments including the famous Fountain of Arethusa, Latomie del Paradiso, and the Orecchio di Dionisio. Optional boat excursion around Ortigia.
Breakfast, excursion to Etna, the highest volcano in Europe. Reaching 2,000 m, enjoy the panorama of the Ionian coast. Optional ascent to summit craters via cable car and Jeep. In the afternoon, transfer to Taormina for a walk through its characteristic streets. Founded in the 4th century BC by the Siculi on Mount Tauro, later a prosperous Greek and Roman city. Famous monument: the theater from the 3rd century BC.
Breakfast, free time until transfer to Catania airport.