Sicily South Oriental Exploration Self-Drive

Welcome to Italy. Upon arrival at Catania airport, collect your hire car and drive to your hotel for check-in. Spend the day exploring Catania at your own pace. Begin in the city centre with a visit to the Cathedral of Saint Agata, dedicated to the city’s patron saint, where you can admire the striking Baroque façade and richly decorated interior. In the same square, see the Fontana dell’Elefante, a unique fountain featuring an ancient lava stone elephant, the symbol of Catania. A short walk away, take in the impressive architecture of one of Italy’s oldest universities. Stroll along Via Etna, the main shopping street, lined with shops, cafés and historic buildings, perfect for soaking up the lively atmosphere. Continue to the public gardens, a peaceful green space with fountains and statues, ideal for a relaxing break. For lunch, choose a local trattoria or café to sample traditional Sicilian dishes such as pasta alla norma, arancini or fresh seafood. In the afternoon, visit the Roman Amphitheatre near Piazza Stesicoro, a well-preserved 2nd-century AD structure offering insight into the city’s ancient past. Then explore Castello Ursino, a 13th-century castle built by Frederick II, now home to a Civic Museum displaying art and artefacts from Catania’s history. If you wish to experience local culture, visit the bustling fish market near Piazza del Duomo, where fresh seafood and regional products are on offer. In the evening, consider checking for performances at Teatro Massimo Bellini, renowned for its beautiful interior and excellent acoustics. Overnight in Catania.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Syracuse. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and take some time to explore the city independently. Begin in the heart of Ortigia with a visit to the Cathedral of Syracuse, built on the site of an ancient Greek temple. Admire its baroque façade and explore the richly decorated interior. A short walk from the cathedral brings you to the Fountain of Arethusa, a freshwater spring steeped in Greek mythology, set amid lush surroundings. At the entrance to Ortigia, visit the Temples of Apollo—among the oldest Doric temples in Sicily—and explore the ruins to appreciate their historical significance. Head to the lively Ortigia Market to experience local culture and sample Sicilian specialties such as arancini and cannoli. Continue to the southern tip of Ortigia to visit Castello Maniace, a 13th-century fortress offering impressive sea views. Explore the castle’s interior and enjoy panoramic vistas from its ramparts. After lunch at a local seafood restaurant, drive to the mainland to visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park. Here, we explore the Greek Theatre, one of the largest and best-preserved ancient theatres, offering insight into classical Greek culture. We also visit the Roman Amphitheatre, once used for gladiatorial contests and public events, and the Ear of Dionysius—a limestone cave famed for its remarkable acoustics, historically used for eavesdropping. Nearby, the Archaeological Museum houses an extensive collection of artefacts spanning from prehistoric times to the Roman era, providing a comprehensive overview of Syracuse’s rich history. Overnight in Syracuse.

After breakfast, we suggest a visit to Scicli and Marzamemi. Begin in Scicli at Palazzo Beneventano, a fine example of Baroque architecture with an intricately detailed facade. Nearby, explore the Chiesa di San Bartolomeo, noted for its richly decorated interior. Take a leisurely walk along Via Francesco Mormino Penna, a charming street lined with Baroque palaces and churches. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, savouring traditional Sicilian dishes. In the afternoon, drive to Marzamemi, a quaint fishing village. Start at Piazza Regina Margherita, the village’s main square, where you can admire historic buildings and soak up the relaxed atmosphere. Visit the restored Historic Tuna Fishery, now home to shops, cafés and cultural spaces, and learn about the region’s tuna fishing heritage. Stop by the Church of San Francesco di Paola, known for its simple yet appealing architecture. Take a stroll along the waterfront promenade to enjoy views of the Mediterranean and the sea breeze. Before returning to Siracusa, consider an aperitivo at one of the seaside bars, sampling local treats such as granita, cannoli and Sicilian wines. Overnight in Siracusa.

After breakfast, we head to the Vendicari Nature Reserve for a day immersed in natural beauty. Begin at the Visitor Centre to collect maps and learn about the reserve’s diverse flora and fauna. We then visit the Tonnara di Vendicari, an ancient tuna processing plant, exploring the ruins and discovering the history of local tuna fishing. Take time to relax on Vendicari Beach, enjoying its clear waters and unspoiled sands. For lunch, you may choose to bring a picnic or visit a nearby café. In the afternoon, we explore several nature trails, each offering unique views and opportunities to observe native wildlife. A highlight is Panto Grande, a large brackish lagoon renowned for birdwatching—keep an eye out for flamingos, herons and other species, especially during migration. If time allows, we visit the nearby Tonnara di Eloro, another historic tuna processing site with striking coastal views. The day concludes with a sunset from one of the reserve’s scenic viewpoints before returning to Siracusa for the night.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and set off for Modica, renowned for its chocolate heritage. Begin your visit in the historic centre, taking in the elegant baroque architecture around the main square, including the Church of San Pietro and Palazzo Polara. You can either climb the steep steps or drive to the hilltop to visit the Church of San Giorgio, where the impressive facade is matched by panoramic views over the city. Modica is famous for its traditional chocolate-making methods—stop by a local chocolate shop, such as the historic Antica Dolceria Bonajuto, established in 1880, to sample and learn about the distinctive grainy chocolate. Wander through the narrow streets of Modica Alta, discovering charming courtyards and further baroque details. Enjoy a traditional Sicilian lunch at a local restaurant, with dishes like ragù alla siciliana, cannoli or arancini. Return to Piazza Matteotti to visit the Modica Cathedral, noted for its grand baroque facade and richly decorated interior. Stroll along Corso Umberto I, the main street, where you can browse shops offering local crafts, ceramics and more chocolate, and refresh yourself with a gelato featuring Sicilian flavours such as pistachio or almond. At the end of the day, continue to Ragusa and check in to your hotel for the night.

After breakfast, explore Ragusa at your own pace, beginning in Ragusa Ibla, the town’s historic heart. Visit the Duomo di San Giorgio, a striking Baroque cathedral renowned for its impressive facade and richly decorated interior. Wander through the nearby Giardino Ibleo, a tranquil garden offering sweeping views over the city and surrounding countryside. Take time to admire Palazzo Cosentini, a fine example of Sicilian Baroque architecture, and visit the Chiesa delle Anime del Purgatorio, noted for its elaborate interior decorations. In the afternoon, head to Ragusa Superior to see the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista, another remarkable Baroque landmark. Explore Palazzo Zacco, a historic palace distinguished by its ornate balconies and detailed stonework. Stroll along Corso Italia, the main street, where you can enjoy the lively atmosphere, browse shops, and appreciate the architecture. As the day draws to a close, we recommend visiting the Belvedere viewpoint to capture panoramic views of both parts of Ragusa and the surrounding landscape at sunset. Overnight in Ragusa.

After breakfast, enjoy a day at your leisure to relax or explore independently. In the afternoon, make your way to the car hire office at the airport to return your vehicle and prepare for your onward journey.