Noto, Ragusa and Modica (from Siracusa)

Today you are greeted at Siracusa hotel and departure to the “Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto”, an area that belongs to the UNESCO Heritage Site. All this area was badly damaged in the 1693 earthquake and then rebuilt in Baroque style.

The town of Noto is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and not for nothing is this town that gives the name at the Unesco heritage site. In your short stay you will admire the historical centre with old palaces skillfully adorned and the wonderful Cathedral.

Modica is an old Baroque town worldwide known for its tasty chocolate. Here chocolate is still made the same way the ancient Aztecs made chocolate in Mexico and its tradition dates back to the 16th century. The technique was brought over by the Spaniards who in turn learned about it in what is now Mexico. If you are interested in tasting chocolate you can visit one of the oldest confectionary shop in Sicily.

Ragusa Ibla, constructed on an isolated spur, is one of the most fascinating towns in Sicily. After the terrible earthquake was rebuilt in two different sites: the upper part has its fair share of architectural delights, but it is the smaller Ragusa Ibla down below that really draws visitors. Whether you approach it from Modica to the south or from Ragusa Superiore, the sight of the jumble of houses, churches and civic palazzi piled on top of each other, clinging to the walls of the gorge, is really quite breathtaking.

At the end of the tour return to Siracusa.