From Siracusa to Taormina: Ragusa, Noto & Chocolate Tasting

Sicily , Italy

From Siracusa to Taormina: Ragusa, Noto & Chocolate Tasting

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(4 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

If you want to discover the Baroque beauty secrets, this is the tour for you!

You can admire numerous eighteenth-century churches and buildings and the Gardens. Soon after, you will discover another jewel of the of the Sicilian Gastronomy: the local Chocolate in Modica. This particular chocolate is made with a very old recipe, the one coming from the Aztecs. If you are wondering what the Aztecs have to do with Sicily, think about the Spanish conquistadors in South America and you will see that the same Spanish have dominated this island for a couple of centuries.
We then continue to Noto. Unfortunately, it was totally destroyed by the 1693 Sicilian earthquake and rebuilt in a new position nearer to the Ionian Sea. But the new Noto is a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque! Most of the buildings, including churches and noble palaces follow one another along the main street and are characterized by the honey tonality of tufa stone.

Later we continue to Taormina (estimated arrival time 4pm)

Available options

Ragusa, Noto & Chocolate

Independent visit to Noto and Ragusa Ibla (Baroque towns), with Chocolate Tasting in Modica

What's included

Vehicle with air conditioning

Tasting of Modica Aztec's Chocolate

Independent visits as per itinerary

English speaking Team

What you'll see

Travel in comfort from from Siracusa to Taormina with stopovers into Modica and Ragusa, two wonderful example of the Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto, declared Unesco World Heritage Site in 2002.

Please note that if the tour does not reach at least two partecipants it will not be operated.
Lunch is included in a typical trattoria to enjoy the food specialties of this side of Sicily where a strong spanish influence is still alive.
Obviously, you will have the opportunity to taste the local chocolate made following the tradition that origined from the aztec of central America brought in Sicily from the Spanish in the 17^ century.

At the end of the tour Continue to Taormina.

This tour will be operated Rain or Shine.
Guaranteed departure with minimum 2 travelers

Important Note:
This tour may include passengers who have booked the same itinerary with departure and return to Siracusa. In this case, the vehicle will return to the meeting point in Siracusa before continuing the journey to Taormina

What's not included

Pick-up/Drop off at hotel

Gratuities & Tips

Licensed local guide

Meals and Beverages not specified

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

It is required to be at the meeting point 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Delays will be considered a NO SHOW and NO REFUND will be authorized.

This tour is subject to a minimum of clients. In case this number will not be reached, the tour will be cancelled even after Confirmation and all the amount paid refunded.

Contact Us at: +39 091 6269685
Open: Mon-Fri: 9AM-1PM | 2PM-6PM (Italian Working Time)
Closed: Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays
E-mail: info@tourofsicily.com
Emergency number: +39 3355994022

• Please advise any mobility restriction at time of booking

About Sicily

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its rich Greek and Roman heritage, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine, Sicily offers a unique travel experience that captivates visitors with its diverse attractions and warm hospitality.

Top Attractions

Valley of the Temples

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the most well-preserved ancient Greek temples outside of Greece. The site is a testament to Sicily's rich Greek heritage and offers a glimpse into the island's ancient past.

Historical 2-3 hours €10

Mount Etna

Europe's highest and most active volcano, offering stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and the opportunity to witness volcanic activity up close. Mount Etna is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Nature Half day to full day €30-€100 (depending on the tour and activities)

Palermo Cathedral

A stunning example of Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture, Palermo Cathedral is a masterpiece of religious art and history. The cathedral's interior is adorned with beautiful mosaics, sculptures, and tombs of notable historical figures.

Architectural 1-2 hours €7

Taormina

A charming hilltop town known for its stunning views of the Ionian Sea and the iconic Greek Theatre. Taormina is a popular tourist destination offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore, €10 for the Greek Theatre

Cefalù

A picturesque coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and charming medieval streets. Cefalù is a popular destination for both relaxation and cultural exploration.

Beach Half day to full day Free to explore, €5 for La Rocca

Must-Try Local Dishes

Arancini

Fried rice balls filled with ragù, mozzarella, and peas, often shaped like small oranges.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Cannoli

Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese, often garnished with pistachios or chocolate chips.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta with a sauce made from tomatoes, fried eggplant, ricotta cheese, and basil.

Main Course Vegetarian

Granita

A semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavors, typically served with a brioche for breakfast.

Dessert Vegan and gluten-free options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Madonie Regional Park Volcano trekking on Mount Etna Beach lounging in Cefalù Spa treatments in Taormina Visiting the Valley of the Temples Exploring the historic center of Palermo Snorkeling and diving in the Aeolian Islands Boat tours along the coast

Best Time to Visit

May to June, September to October

The peak seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for exploring Sicily's attractions. The sea is warm enough for swimming, and the countryside is lush and green.

20-28°C 68-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: Sicilian, English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution

Sicily is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and scams can occur in tourist areas, and some regions may have higher crime rates.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting your journey.
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions, distractions, or overly friendly advances.

Getting there

By air

Palermo Airport • 32 km (20 miles) from Palermo city center
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport • 7 km (4.3 miles) from Catania city center

By train

Palermo Centrale, Catania Centrale

By bus

Palermo Bus Terminal, Catania Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Sicily, with regular services connecting major cities and towns. The network can be complex, but it is affordable and convenient.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Palermo Centro Storico Taormina Catania Centro Agrigento

Day trips

Aeolian Islands

25-50 km (16-31 miles) from Milazzo • Full day to overnight

A group of seven volcanic islands known for their stunning landscapes, hot springs, and unique geological features. The islands offer a variety of activities, including hiking, swimming, and relaxing in natural hot springs.

Erice

100 km (62 miles) from Palermo • Half day to full day

A medieval hilltop town known for its stunning views, historic landmarks, and charming streets. Erice is a popular destination for those interested in history, culture, and panoramic views.

Noto

90 km (56 miles) from Syracuse • Half day to full day

A picturesque Baroque town known for its stunning architecture, charming streets, and rich history. Noto is a popular destination for those interested in art, history, and culture.

Festivals

Infiorata di Noto • May Taormina Film Fest • June Sagra del Miele • September

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Italian or Sicilian phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
Visit local markets and try street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience.
Explore the island's hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, such as the Aeolian Islands, the Madonie Regional Park, and the Zingaro Nature Reserve.
Rent a car for flexibility and access to remote areas, but be prepared for narrow roads, aggressive drivers, and limited parking.
Visit during the shoulder or off-peak seasons (April-June, September-October) for better prices, fewer crowds, and pleasant weather.