Tour highlights:
Charming Modica – our base for seven nights
Historic Siracusa
Wonderful Baroque architecture in Ragusa
Lovely villages and towns – the fishing village of Marzememi and UNESCO gem Scicli are delightful
A day in the foosteps of TV detective, Montalbano
This wonderful tour to Sicily focusses on the Baroque towns and villages of the Southeast corner of Sicily, popularised in recent years by the atmospheric TV series Inspector Montalbano. The area is rich in artistic and architectural heritage as well as charming piazzas and lanes reminiscent of an age gone by, that also happen to serve as settings for the TV series. The Baroque style is seen throughout this region of Sicily and we will witness the impressive buildings in the towns of Ragusa, Siracusa and Scicli. Our base for the tour, Modica, is a charming town with its beautiful baroque architecture and the added bonus of being famous for its chocolate.
Available Departures |
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| 10 - October - 2026 | £ 2149.00 | Travel Info Book Now |
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Provisional Timings London Gatwick Departing: 10th October 2026 at 11:50 Returning: 17th October 2026 at 16:30 |
Day 1: Fly from London Gatwick to Catania.
On arrival, transfer from Catania airport to Modica for check in to the hotel for seven-night stay on bed and breakfast basis. Welcome drink on arrival at the hotel.
Day 2: Morning tour of Modica.
Comprised of two separate areas “Alta” (high) and Bassa (low), connected by flights of steps, Modica offers a wealth of sights and is the ideal central base from which to explore this stunning region of the Mediterranean’s largest island. Highlights include the Duomo, a remarkable example of Sicilian Baroque, Santa Maria di Betlem, San Pietro, the main street, Corso Umberto I lined with impressive palazzi, churches and the Corso Regina Margherita in the Alta district. We will have a guided walking tour of the town including a chocolate tasting for which Modica is famous. The rest of the afternoon is at lesiure for you to explore independently.
Day 3: Full day to the capital of the south east of Sicily, Siracusa.
This morning we will have a guided walking tour and visit the Neapolis archaeological area, including the impressive Greek amphitheatre and the ‘Ear of Dionysus’. There will also be free time to wander around the mystical peninsular of Ortigia, surrounded on all sides by the Mediterranean, with a wealth of sights from the Roman era through to the Baroque. Continue down the south east coast to the delightful fishing village of Marzememi with its whitewashed houses and lovely waterfront location. Fish lunch included today.
Day 4: Full day tour to the stunning baroque centre of Ibla di Ragusa, located in a dramatic canyon.
Also divided into two distinct districts – Ragusa, built in Baroque style after the 1693 earthquake, and much older Ibla. We will have a guided walking tour and see highlights of the town including the Duomo, Archaeological Museum plus many more gorgeous churches, piazzas and streets. Many scenes from Montalbano were filmed here. In the afternoon, enjoy a cheese tasting of local cheeses.
Day 5: Catania
Explore Catania, admiring its black lava stone Baroque architecture. Visit the fish market with a local chef, followed by a home-cooked lunch in Acitrezza.
Day 6: Day at leisure to explore Modica
Day 7: In the tracks of Montalbano
Today our focus turns to Montalbano as we visit the small UNESCO gem of Scicli, where Montalbano’s police station is located. Admire the architecture and many small baroque churches in Scicli’s narrow lanes. This afternoon is spent along the lovely southern coastline with a stop at Montalbano’s house in Punta Secca. Farewell dinner tonight.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer from Modica to Catania airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.
NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.
Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 30 passengers.
Tour Grading: Please note this tour has been graded as moderate due to the amount of walking involved, and lots of standing for viewing at attractions. Also due to the nature of the area, some of the towns are divided into an upper and lower section with many stairs/steps between them.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
Hotel Principe d’Aragona, Modica
The Hotel Principe d'Aragona is a small and modern four-star hotel with just 35 rooms, located in the historic centre of Modica within walking distance of the main attractions and shopping areas. Facilities include an outdoor pool, sun terrace, free wi-fi and lounge bar serving light snacks as well as drinks. Bedrooms all have a private bathroom with shower, air-conditioning, TV, telephone, safe, minibar and hairdryer.
Hotel Principe d’Aragona Website
OUR VIEW OF THE HOTEL
The hotel’s superb location is its main selling point, but the hotel also offers comfortable rooms and close proximity to a host of restaurants, including one of TV chef’s Giorgio Locatelli’s Sicilian favourites, Locanda Del Colonnello.
Your local tour manager: Aure Garozzo
A certified tour guide since 2014, Aure’s goal is to show Sicily through the eyes of a local friend and embark on a journey that will stay with you forever. A native Sicilian, Aure prides himself on his knowledge which he loves to share with his tour groups in an accessible and entertaining way. A passionate ‘foodie’, Aure will guide you to uncover secret corners of Sicily that only a local can reveal.
