Day 1 in Ragusa

Welcome to the Ragusa, one of the best known of the baroque towns of South Eastern Sicily! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Make your transfer to your destination, arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

Ragusa Ibla (the old town) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site - one of the Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto. It was destroyed in a big earthquake in 1693, and then rebuilt in the Baroque style. The town has two different sections: The Ibla is the old town and the more modern section, Ragusa Superiore, both connected by stairs. You can get gorgeous views of the town while enroute on these stairs!

Begin your afternoon getting acquainted with a train tour of the city that departs from Piazza Duomo. Offered by the locals, the tour features some amazing views of Ragusa, and provides some great history of the city. Afterward, wander through the charming, narrow streets and alleys of Ragusa Ibla (Old Town), getting lost within it all! This area was largely rebuilt in the Baroque style after the 1693 earthquake. So you`ll see many examples of 18th-century architecture scattered among other buildings that survived from before the earthquake, and even a few traces of ancient structures. From Piazza della Repubblica a broad flight of steps leads up to the Baroque church of Anime del Purgatorio. Nearby stand two 18th-century palazzi, Palazzo Cosentini and Palazzo Bertini.

After you`ve worked up an appetite, we suggest taking a break over an Aperitivo at any of the panificio (bakery) or restaurants. Grab an outside table under the shade and enjoy a selection of Sicilian nibbles, and some great wines or a cold beer!

As night falls, enjoy the ambiance of the city at night over a delicious meal at one of town`s quaint restaurants. There are a wide variety of amazing restaurants (some of the best in Sicily) and even a few Michelin starred restaurants to choose from. After a busy day of sightseeing, head back to your hotel for a restful night sleep.

Day 2 in Ragusa

Wake up early today and continue your exploration of beautiful Ragusa. The city`s palazzo and churches are elegant and covered with a profusion of floral detail. The grandest building in Ibla is the cathedral, the Duomo di San Giorgio, designed by the architect Rosario Gagliardi. Up a flight of steps and segregated from the streets by ornate railings, this is the heart of the old town and contains some of its best, and most prized artworks. These include a statue of St. George which is carried around town in devout processions. Alongside the church is the small Museo del Duomo (open weekends), a museum that contains stone statues and reliefs from the original pre-earthquake, architectural drawings by Gagliardo, some extravagant reliquaries and religious paintings.

Ilba`s streets contain many highlights, from elaborately-sculpted balconies to views over the narrow valleys below town. At the end of Ibla`s rocky ridge is the town`s public park, the Giardino Ibleo. The pride of the town, these manicured and leafy gardens have views over the surrounding valleys. This is a great spot to escape the midday heat and cool off under the shade of palm trees. Take in the stunning views and enjoy the bursts of color and delightful scents all around you.

Take some time for lunch before making your way to Ragusa Superiore. The two towns meet at a saddle of land marked by the small Piazza della Repubblica. One of the town`s tourist offices is alongside, and also the attractive Chiesa delle Anime del Purgatorio. The upper town can be reached by an active climb or by the local bus from the Giardino Ibleo or Piazza della Repubblica. Ragusa Superiore is more than just the `modern` part of town. This area also boasts charming streets and noble palazzi. It also has its own Church (Duomo), the Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista, another 18th-century Baroque structure. The main street, Corso Italia, which descends towards Ibla, is lined with attractive buildings. However, there is no denying that the best part of the upper town is the descent, via flights of steps or the winding road, towards Ibla, with the hilltop town spread out before your eyes in an unforgettable panorama.

Make sure to allow yourself an Authentic Italian Gelato treat - refreshing, wonderful, and delicious. It is the perfect snack on a warm day after exploring all that the city of Ragusa has to offer.

If time allows, we recommend a visit to Ragusa`s archaeological museum (Museo Archeologico). Situated in Ragusa Superiore, this museum contains some captivating and important exhibits from the surrounding area. Fascinating artifacts include an articulated doll with moving joints from a child`s grave at Greek Kamarina, and the sculpture of a warrior known as the Guerriero di Castiglione.

Spend the remaining part of your day enjoying a wine tasting at Planeta Dorilli Winery to discover some of the best wines in Ragusa and possibly Sicily. Planeta Dorilli Winery is a popular vineyard for wine tasting, as well as some scrumptious Italian cuisine. Discover the view of the vineyard, which is framed by stately palm trees and learn about the history of wine as you sip.

Additional Days in Ragusa

Should you be able to spend additional days in Ragusa we recommend a visit to one of the best sights in the Ragusa area, the Castello di Donnafugata, a pseudo-Venetian-Gothic country villa in the countryside. In Montalbano this castle is the home of retired Mafia boss Balduccio Sinagra. The building is a strange blend of influences, mostly dating to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Reachable by car, taxi and the occasional trains, this grand country villa is a fascinating insight into the lives of the Sicilian aristocracy. There are gardens for exploring and a handful of places to eat and drink outside the entrance of the villa.

Alternatively, enjoy a day at Donnafugata, a popular day out in the Ragusa area; another is the seaside - local seaside resort Marina di Ragusa and fishing village Punta Secca (another Montalbano location) are connected to Ragusa by bus.

Modica, another dramatic town, is the nearest and easiest to visit. Famous for its chocolate as well as its Baroque architecture, it`s a town well worth a visit. The archaeological site of Cava d`Ispica, a green valley lined with rock-cut tombs, is easy to reach by car. Noto and Scicli are two more sights worth seeing.

Your Last Day in Ragusa

Depart your hotel for the ferry station or airport where you will head home or make your way to more Sicilian adventures. Savor the memories of a very special time in the Sicily region.