Visiting Ragusa or Modica? See the best of it on a private Ragusa or Modica tour with a friendly and experienced ToursByLocals guide!

Find the perfect itinerary below, or customize your own tour and see and do exactly what you want, at your own pace.

Ragusa-Modica

I will show you around my home town rich in history and art: Noto.

You will feel like in the open space museum being surrounded by churches and palaces of significant beauty.

Apart from religious buildings like the cathedral we cannot miss seeing breathtaking baroque balconies of Nicolaci Palace. Many other interesting monuments like Fontana d'Ercole and Tina di Lorenzo Theatre will make your visit unforgettable.

Discover this Baroque town known as the Stone Garden

Noto Half Day Private Tour

Discover Ragusa, Modica, Scicli in a Full-Day Tour

In this tour we'll visit 3 charming towns, Unesco Sites for their Baroque style. These 3 sister-towns are also known for the famous TV series "Inspector Montalbano" that is shot here.

We'll have 3 beautiful walks exploring the city center of each town, with their "piazza", churches with monumental Baroque facade, noble palaces with charming balconies, narrow alleys, suggestive stairways, mediterranean gardens and amazing sights. We'll start in Ragusa and after we'll move to Modica, where we'll also have the opportunity to taste the typical chocolate "modicano". After Modica, we'll finish the tour discovering the smaller town of Scicli, seat of the Commissariat in the famous TV series of Inspector Montalbano.

This is one of my favourite day tours in Sicily, because we visit 3 charming towns and also the countryside is filled of majestic carob trees, century olive trees, cows and sheep grazing in the meadows. Last but not least, you can also taste the typical food products of these fertile hills!

With 2 guests in Modica, Church of San Giorgio

Explore the land of the Inspector Montalbano surrounded by a baroque atmosphere

Ragusa Highlights Walking City Half Day Tour

In this half day tour we will have an amazing walking tour of Ragusa, although in reality, we will see 2 towns: Upper Ragusa (built after the earthquake of 1693) and Ragusa Hybla (the historic center of Ragusa). We will move down through a charming ancient stariways that connects the two towns.

Ragusa (and other seven Sicilian towns) was listed as Unesco World Heritage Site since 2002 for its baroque heritage. We will admire noble palaces, churches and convent in baroque style, typical of the 18th century. We will also have the opportunity to discover other monuments from different ages, such as medieval remains and strong building from Fascism age. We will finish this exciting journey through time and history in the fresh public garden (Giardino Ibleo) of the town and, of course, we will have time to enjoy a Sicilian almond granita or a fresh orange juice!

I am excited to meet you and show you the most hidden treasures of this suggestive town and very Sicilian soul!

Discover the hill of Hybla

Half Day Walking Tour from Upper Ragusa to Ragusa Ibla

Ragusa was listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002 thanks to its Baroque heritage.

Besides its 18th-century monuments, the city hides a very long history that is shown not only by both prehistoric necropolis and Early Christian catacombs but also by its Medieval ruins. However, the contemporary history of Ragusa is quite charming as well. Many prestigious early 20th-century architects contributed to the artistic decoration of the city, by leaving their signatures on some important buildings in Ragusa.

Through this walking tour from Upper Ragusa to Ragusa Ibla (the oldest district of the city), we are going to delve deep into the three architectural souls of this city, which still emanate their halo through the ruins of the pre-earthquake buildings, the amazing facades of the Baroque churches, palaces and convents, and government buildings of the Fascist period.

It will be a pleasure to guide you through the city where I live, and to share my passionate stories about layer upon layer of history.

A Unesco city to discover through its three souls

The town of Noto is renowned for its exceptional Baroque heritage that inspired the Tuscan art critic Cesare Brandi to name it a "Stone Garden". Noto, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, is also the hub of a wide area, which is rich in important archaeological, architectural, and landscape data, extending from the Hyblaean plateau to the Ionian coast.

After the tragic 1693 earthquake, Noto was rebuilt on the Meti Hill during the 18th century. Therefore, this reconstruction represents only a phase in the long and complex history of the town, whose origins are to be found in the Early Bronze Age.

This tour will be interesting for geology, architecture, and archaeology lovers, as you will have the chance to understand how nature deeply impacts on the monumental history of a site.

Thanks to my in-depth knowledge for this area, I will do my best to bring Noto's immense archaeological and architectural heritage to life for you.

A tour through the history of the "ingenious town"

Noto Antica and Noto Full Day Tour

In the land of Noto: Wine Cellar, Nature, Sea and Baroque Art Tour

I will take you anywhere in the province of Syracuse and we will visit the beautiful baroque town of Noto and after we will explore the fertile land around it, full of surprises.
So we will have the opportunity to have a relaxing walk in a vineyard, visit the wine cellar and have a food and wine tasting.
After the refreshment, our journey continues in the Nature Riserve of Vendicari where we can admire flamingos and the remains of a historical Tuna Factory in front of a suggestive bay.
Later on we will visit the little fishing village of Marzamemi where we can have an ice cream or a drink and possibility to buy typical food in the famous shop of Campisi.
After that I will take you back in your place.

Let's explore the amazing terrytory of Noto

Birds Sanctuary + Roman Villa mosaics private tour

"Please before booking always contact me, also we can move the experience starting time and date to suit you. Don't be shy drop me a message for any information. "

In this tour we will be able to dive into the history and the nature of the only coastal nature reserve in Sicily. We will be visiting a roman villa with stunning mosaics and With this tour you will discover Europe's most important Nature reserve for migratory birds from Africa, with high probability to view Pink Flamingos, possibility to swim in most beautiful beaches in Sicily.

The Secret love pool light at sunset , lots of fun!!

View of the canyon where The secret love pool is located

Refreshing pool at the end of the path that take us into the canyon..so small brake before carry on in the search of love pool

Europe's most important Nature reserve for migratory birds

Full Day Tour in Modica and Cava d'Ispica

On this tour, through my historic knowledge for these sites and my passion for their century-old food&wine tradition, Modica and Cava Ispica will strike your imagination by virtue of its different landscapes, monuments, and amazing delicacies.

The city of Modica, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, was the the capital of one of the most important feudal states in South Italy. Nestled between two narrow valleys, Modica features a twine of restricted alleys disclosing wonderful Medieval and Baroque buildings. The territory of Modica rises in a geographical landscape whose beauty is more than rare. It boasts a series of deep canyons cutting the calcareous Hyblaean plateau.

The white limestone is the absolute protagonist of the history of Cava Ispica. Prehistoric rock-cut tombs, Paleo-christian catacombs, rocky churches and dwellings were all dug by human beings along the cliff faces of these canyons since the 2nd millennium BC.

Cava Ispica - The so-called "Castello Sicano"

Cava d'Ispica - A rock-cut tomb from the prehistoric necropolis of Calicantone

A dive into the Hyblaean Baroque and archaeology

Ragusa Ibla is considered to be one of the most incredible baroque cities of Sicily.
It was built after the earthquake of 1693, which devastated south eastern part of the island.
In the last 25 years Ragusa has become very popular due to the mystery series Montalbano.
Ibla is a little city, but charming and elegant.
Walking through the public garden you can image the noble people of the old time spent their moment in it reading or just strolling .

Unforgettable baroque city in Sicily : Ibla

Ragusa Ibla Half Day Walking Tour

The city of Noto is the capital of Sicilian baroque. The new city was built after the earthquake in 1693 on the new site of the hill called Meti. Four architects Gagliardi, Sinatra, Labisi and Mazza worked together to build the new city of Noto. The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Our ancestors, the Siculi, have left traces on the Alveria hill nearby.

Campanile e gelosie della Chiesa di San Salvatore

The capital of Sicilian Baroque

Noto Half Day Walking Tour

I will show you around my home town rich in history and art: Noto.

It is named stone garden and it is like an open space museum. . . Apart from religious buildings, like the cathedral, we cannot miss seeing breathtaking baroque balconies of Nicolaci Palace.

Ragusa Ibla will invoke further emotions thanks to its art and above all a stunning panoramic view.

Stone garden and baroque architecture

Noto and Ragusa Ibla Full-Day Trip

Up and down the hills of Modica - Half Day Tour

The city of Modica, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, lies along a series of canyons that cut the white Hyblaean limestone tableland. Its characteristic medieval urban system, which had been considerably changed by the 1693 earthquake, was then shaped according to the Late Baroque architecture. Besides being the capital of one of the most important feudal states in Southern Italy, the County of Modica, it also treasured the secrets of an old Aztec recipe, namely chocolate that was imported by Spanish conquistadores in the 16th century.

It will be my pleasure to guide you up and down the maze of narrow alleys and stairways of this Unesco site, and share with you my knowledge and passion for its historic legacy.

Through this cultural hike, you will appreciate the unique cityscape and heritage of Modica, and discover the special routine and fantastic lives of its people.

Church of San Paolo and Church of Carmine

Urban trekking through the history and the architecture of Modica

The ancient city of Modica was located on the Hyblean plateau, it was destroyed by the terrible earthquake of 1693.  Modica is another exquisite example  of the baroque style of the 18th century. The city was carefully rebuilt by the great masters of baroque architecture of that time.  

Modica is well known for the art of its chocolate makers, also well known in Europe. Due to the mystery stories regarding Montalbano, written by Andrea Camilleri.
In Modica food, traditions and culture are all one. While visiting the scent of the sweet desserts, fills your nose and captures the curiosity of visitors. . . and you can only try.

Stunning town nestled inside a canyon

Modica Half Day Walking Tour

Scicli, the pearl of Hyblaean Baroque, is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in South East Sicily. It is dominated by three hills on whose tops you can admire the Convent of Santa Maria della Croce and the Church of San Matteo. The sides of these three rocky acropoleis are tied up like a nativity scene thanks to peculiar dwellings. The cliffs also feature rocky dwellings as shown in the exemplary archaeological area of Chiafura.

After the 1693 earthquake, the town was moved down to the valley and centred in the area between via Mormino Penna and the Church of San Bartolomeo, where all the extraordinary late Baroque buildings, which render the town of the Val di Noto unique, meet.

I will be delighted to guide you in this charming and authentic Sicilian town, and share with you the offbeat characteristics of its history, architecture, and traditions.

Via Mormino Penna - "U Gioia" Easter feast

Let's visit and learn about the pearl of the Hyblaean Baroque

Half Day Walking Tour in Scicli

Scicli was originally located on top of a hill. It was entirely destroyed by the earthquake of 1693 and was rebuilt within a flat plane surrounded by 3 deep valleys. The first inhabitants of this area were the Sikels, whom were later conquered by the Greek and Roman civilizations.

To this day, the Christian faith is strong that it reflects its purity even from the bright white limestone used for the rebuilding of the city, this faith can be felt just by strolling through the enchanting streets. One of the experiences that can't be missed is to try the exquisite "Testa di Turco" a huge cream puff stuffed with ricotta cheese or rich cream , a true delight for the palate.

The pearl of Baroque Archictecture

Scicli Half Day Walking Tour

We will visit the city centre of Noto walking in the main streets where there are the most important buildings: churches, convents, noble palaces, the Town Hall and the Theater of Music.
The town was built in this area after the earthquake of 1693 that destroyed the old town. 
Walking in the town we will understand how they applied, for the first time in Europe, anti-seismic rules to remake a new safer town
We will also appreciate the beauty if the baroque style in the facades of churches and in the balconies of noble palaces.
We will stay in Noto about 2 hours and we will have the opportunity to stop for a refreshing drink or food-
After Noto we will move in the fishing village of Marzamemi (20 minutes away from Noto) where we will enjoy a relaxing walk beside the fisherman's house and in the old Tuna Factory located in a very suggestive square.


Ragusa tours

Explore with 18 tours and 5 guides.

Emilia S.

$ 229 (USD)

Paolo C.

$ 596 (USD)

Paolo C.

$ 298 (USD)

Alessandro R.

$ 258 (USD)

Alessandro R.

$ 401 (USD)

Paolo C.

$ 482 (USD)

Carlo M.

$ 354 (USD)

Alessandro R.

$ 401 (USD)

Anna Maria M.

$ 459 (USD)

Anna Maria M.

$ 344 (USD)

Emilia S.

$ 459 (USD)

Alessandro R.

$ 258 (USD)

Anna Maria M.

$ 401 (USD)

Alessandro R.

$ 241 (USD)

Anna Maria M.

$ 401 (USD)

Paolo C.

$ 367 (USD)

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