Tour difficulty

  • Easy
  • Medium
  • Hard

Duration

3 hours

Sicily Walking Tours: City Tours

Day Trip to Ragusa for Tour and Visit to Modica

 

Discovering Ragusa: A City Divided and Reunited

A Day Trip to Ragusa and Modica with Your Own Italy offers an enchanting journey through the heart of Sicily’s baroque splendor. These two towns, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are celebrated for their stunning architecture, rich history, and unique contributions to Sicilian culture and gastronomy. This personalized tour immerses you in the beauty of Ragusa’s dramatic landscapes and the charm of Modica’s ancient streets, with their deep-rooted traditions of chocolate making and baroque art.

Discovering Ragusa: A City Divided and Reunited

Ragusa Ibla and Ragusa Superiore
Your adventure begins in Ragusa, a city that enchants visitors with its two distinct areas: Ragusa Ibla, the ancient lower town, and Ragusa Superiore, the modern upper town. Explore the winding streets of Ragusa Ibla, where baroque churches and palaces cling to the hillside, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Highlights include the Cathedral of San Giorgio, a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque architecture, and the Ibleo Garden, with its serene vistas of the surrounding countryside.

A Stroll Through History
As you wander through Ragusa, you’ll encounter the city’s rich history, which spans from ancient times through the devastating earthquake of 1693, which led to the town’s remarkable baroque reconstruction. The blend of ancient and baroque elements in Ragusa’s architecture tells a story of resilience and artistic achievement.

Venturing to Modica: A Town of Chocolate and Churches

Baroque Beauty and Artisanal Chocolate
Next, the tour takes you to Modica, a town famous not only for its striking baroque buildings but also for its centuries-old tradition of chocolate making. Visit the Church of San Giorgio, a symbol of Modica’s baroque beauty, and stroll down Corso Umberto, the main street lined with historic buildings, cafes, and chocolate shops.

Modica’s Chocolate Tradition
In Modica, chocolate making has retained ancient Aztec methods brought to Sicily during the Spanish rule. This unique chocolate is distinguished by its grainy texture and intense flavor, often combined with chili pepper, cinnamon, or vanilla. Enjoy a chocolate tasting at one of Modica’s renowned chocolatiers, where you’ll learn about the traditional chocolate-making process that has been preserved for generations.

Your Own Italy: Unveiling Sicily’s Baroque Gems

With Your Own Italy, your day trip to Ragusa and Modica is designed to offer a deep dive into the heart of Sicily’s baroque elegance and culinary heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the architectural beauty of these towns, the rich history, or the unique flavors of Sicilian chocolate, we ensure your experience is as enriching as it is memorable.

Embark on Your Sicilian Baroque Adventure

Are you ready to explore the baroque wonders of Ragusa and the ancient chocolate traditions of Modica? Contact Your Own Italy to plan your personalized tour. Discover the enduring charm of these Sicilian towns, where history, art, and gastronomy combine to create an unforgettable journey.

What's Included

  • Expert, licensed English-speaking guide
  • Private tour of Ragusa and Modica
U

Tips for Your Ragusa and Modica Tour

Comfortable Footwear: Be prepared for walking on uneven cobblestone streets and navigating hillsides, especially in Ragusa Ibla.
Sun Protection: Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect against the Sicilian sun.
Hydration: Keep a water bottle handy to stay hydrated throughout your exploration.
Camera: The baroque architecture and picturesque landscapes provide ample photo opportunities.

Faq

Is there a dress code I should know about?
There is a dress code for churches and basilicas. Shoulders and knees must be covered; shorts, miniskirts, and sleeveless shirts are not permitted. It is also recommended that you not take large bags or backpacks on tours that include churches as you may not be permitted to enter and storage accommodations are not usually available.
What if there is bad weather?
Our tours operate rain or shine!
Is tipping customary in Italy?
Tipping is indeed customary in Italy ! It is considered a kind gesture and proper etiquette to leave “a little something extra” depending on the level of service you receive. For a private guide it is suggested to leave 15 – 25 euros for a typical 3-hour tour.
What happens after I’ve requested a booking through your website?
Your Own Italy will send a confirmation email within 24 hours of your booking. You will then be invited to make your payment using a link that will be provided.
Can wheelchair users go on this walking tour?
Not all walking tours are fully accessible for wheelchair users or those with walking disabilities. However, if anyone in your group requires special accommodation, please let us know when completing the booking and we will work out suitable alternative routes.
Can tours be modified?
Yes, we will do our best to adjust any tour to accommodate special requests.
How far in advance should I book my walking tour?
Tours should be booked 48 hours in advance. While we cannot guarantee availability if booking occurs in less than 48 hours, we will do our best to accommodate your request.
What are Your Own Italy’s payment terms?
Full payment is due when the tour confirmation email is sent, within 24 hours of your booking. You will be provided with a link to our payment page. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
What is your cancellation policy?
Tours must be canceled by email 24 hours prior to the start of the tour. If cancellation is made in less than this time, Your Own Italy cannot guarantee a full refund.
How do I amend a reservation?
Any changes to existing reservations must be requested by email. All efforts will be made to accommodate changes, but they cannot be guaranteed.
What should I do if I have a larger group than the size suggested on the website?
Your Own Italy is delighted to accommodate large groups. Please specify the number in your party when booking, and every effort will be made to organize a tour within the time limits provided.

Meeting Point

Please specify when booking whether you would prefer to meet your private guide at your accommodations or at a designated point near the highlights of the tour.

Duration Of Tour

Walking Tours last approximately 3 hours unless otherwise specified.
Tour times are average – some groups prefer a more leisurely pace with fewer sites, with your private guide, this is your option.