Ragusa is one of Sicily’s most captivating towns, with its dramatic elevation changes and stunning architecture making it a natural stage for memorable tours. Unlike many destinations, Ragusa’s blend of UNESCO-listed Baroque buildings, vibrant culinary traditions, and scenic landscapes mean you can choose from a variety of authentic experiences. We personally love the 3-hour Discovering Ragusa Baroque walking tour for its comprehensive insight into Ragusa’s heritage, walking along panoramic stairs that connect the upper town with Ibla. The guide’s stories and anecdotes bring the city’s history to life, making it a perfect choice for history lovers and those wanting a relaxed introduction to Ragusa’s charm.
From cultural walks and culinary experiences to wine tastings and film tourism, Ragusa offers diverse ways to explore its rich culture. Whether you prefer exploring on foot, sitting down for a private meal, or following in the footsteps of Inspector Montalbano, there’s something on this list for every traveler. Let’s dive into the 12 best tours, each with its own unique appeal and practical details to help you plan your perfect trip.
Types of Tours in Ragusa
The tours below cover a broad range of interests, from guided walks of the Baroque architecture and private cooking classes to wine tastings and film-inspired adventures. Whether you want to learn about Sicily’s culinary traditions with a local’s home dining experience or explore the scenic Iblean landscapes, each option provides a meaningful way to experience Ragusa.
Here’s a quick overview:
- Historical and Architectural Tours: Walk through Ragusa’s UNESCO sites with expert guides.
- Culinary Experiences: Participate in cooking classes or enjoy private dinners with local families.
- Wine and Food Tasting: Sample Sicily’s signature wines paired with regional delicacies.
- Specialty Activities: Discover secret gardens or follow the filming locations of Inspector Montalbano.
Now, let’s explore each tour in detail.
1. 3-hour walking tour Discovering Ragusa Baroque
At number 1 on our list, this 3-hour walking tour discovering Ragusa Baroque offers a rich immersion into Ragusa’s architectural gems. Led by a passionate guide, you’ll stroll along panoramic stairs linking the upper town with Ibla, stopping at key UNESCO World Heritage sites like San Giovanni Battista’s Cathedral and Santa Maria delle Scale. The guide shares detailed stories about the history and myths behind these buildings, making it more than just a sightseeing walk—you come to understand Ragusa’s soul.
The tour is praised for its intimate size and knowledgeable guide Serena, who brings 25 years of experience and engaging storytelling. Highlights include admiring the late Baroque facades and the decorative balconies with grotesque masks. The walk ends with splendid views of Ibla, often a photographer’s favorite spot. The cost is $73.37 per person, and reviews consistently mention the warmth and expertise of Serena, making it ideal for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike.
Bottom line: A perfect balance of history, stunning views, and cultural insights—this tour offers a meaningful introduction to Ragusa’s Baroque heart.
2. Ragusa: Dining Experience at a Local’s Home
For an authentic culinary journey, the Dining Experience at a Local’s Home provides a private, 3-hour immersion into Sicilian family life. During this experience, you’ll enjoy a four-course meal showcasing recipes passed down through generations, plus an exclusive cooking demo where you learn to prepare regional favorites.
What makes this tour special is the chance to connect directly with local families, sharing stories and wine as you cook. It’s ideal for foodies craving a genuine experience beyond restaurants—plus, it’s limited to small groups for an intimate atmosphere. The reviews highlight the warmth and authenticity of the hosts, as well as the delicious food. For around $73 per person, it’s a highly valuable experience for those who want to taste Sicily’s flavors firsthand.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a heartfelt introduction to Sicilian cuisine and culture, this private home dinner is unbeatable.
3. Radici: Enjoy the heady scents of our garden
At number 3, Radici’s garden experience offers a 45-minute aromatic stroll through one of Ragusa’s secret gardens. This garden tour is perfect for those wanting a peaceful escape to enjoy the scents and visual beauty of Mediterranean herbs, flowers, and fruit trees. The guide introduces you to aromatic plants like lavender, oregano, lemon, and pomegranate trees, all while sharing insights about their historical and culinary uses.
The tour’s charm lies in its simplicity and sensory focus, making it ideal for travelers who want a relaxing, fragrant experience. It costs just $17, with reviews praising the garden as a lush oasis and the guide’s knowledge. It’s suitable for all ages, including families, and offers a unique way to engage with Sicily’s herbal traditions.
Bottom line: A fragrant, calming walk that deepens your appreciation of Sicilian plant life and culinary heritage.
4. Tour in the heady scents of our garden in Ragusa
This 1-hour aromatic journey, Tour in the heady scents of our garden, emphasizes training your nose through a fun, hands-on experience. You’ll explore historic plots of land and aromatic plants like lavender, lemongrass, and local citrus trees. The guide helps you “discover” the smells and teaches you how to identify and appreciate different scents.
The highlight is creating your own aromatic plant to take home, making the experience memorable. With only 2 reviews, it’s clear that this is a niche experience best suited for fragrance enthusiasts or families with children. It costs just $17.36 per person, making it an accessible introduction to Sicily’s herbal traditions.
Bottom line: A brief but engaging olfactory experience, perfect for sensory explorers and curious travelers.
5. Piazza Armerina and Caltagirone with wine tasting and lunch in the winery
A full-day adventure, this Piazza Armerina and Caltagirone tour combines history, ceramics, and Sicilian wines. Starting early, you visit the Roman Villa of Casale to marvel at its exquisite mosaics, then continue to Caltagirone to see famous ceramic workshops—famous for their colorful tiles. The highlight is a wine tasting at a local winery paired with a hearty lunch.
Costing around $370, this private tour offers excellent value for those with limited time, especially cruise travelers or history buffs craving a rundown. Reviews praise the high-end transportation, the quality of the mosaic and ceramic visits, and the wine tasting. The only caveat is the high price, but the private, all-inclusive nature makes it worthwhile.
Bottom line: Perfect for a full-day, all-in-one Sicilian experience blending archaeology, artisanship, and gastronomy.
6. Montalbano commissioner private tour from Noto and Siracusa
Fans of the TV series Inspector Montalbano will love the private Montalbano tour. Starting from Ragusa, this 6- to 7-hour tour visits filming locations like Ragusa Ibla, Scicli, and Punta Secca, where you’ll see the houses and streets that brought the stories to life. Your guide shares behind-the-scenes stories and tips for exploring on your own afterward.
The tour is highly personalized, with a driver-guide who is well-versed in the show and local architecture. Guests mention how Dario’s local knowledge made the experience engaging and seamless, with plenty of time to explore on your own after the tour ends. It’s best suited for fans of the series or those interested in Sicily’s scenic towns and film locations.
Bottom line: A tailored, fun-filled day for Montalbano lovers that combines sightseeing with character-driven storytelling.
7. Private cooking class with lunch or dinner at a local’s home in Ragusa
For food lovers, this private Sicilian cooking class in a local home offers a hands-on experience preparing three traditional dishes, from pasta to regional specialties. Hosted in a warm family environment, you’ll learn authentic techniques and enjoy the meal with local wine.
The class lasts around 3 hours and costs $174.13 per group, making it particularly good for couples or small groups wanting a personalized culinary lesson. Several reviews emphasize the warmth of the hosts and the deliciousness of the food, with guests leaving with new recipes and memories. The focus on local ingredients and techniques makes this a standout for foodies.
Bottom line: A genuine, intimate culinary experience—perfect for those who want to cook, taste, and connect.
8. Winery Tour and Wine & Local Food Tasting near Ragusa
This wine and food tasting tour near Ragusa lets you explore Sicilian viticulture with a guided walk through vineyards and a visit to a historic winery. You’ll sample four wines—including Salipetr and Siclys—paired with local cheeses and stuffed flatbreads. It lasts about 1.5 hours and is suitable for those looking for a relaxed, flavorful experience.
While the price isn’t specified, reviews highlight the quality of the wines and the engaging guided tour. It’s ideal for a quick, flavorful introduction to Sicilian wines and culinary traditions, perfect for travelers with limited time or those who want to add a flavorful note to their trip.
Bottom line: A compact, tasty experience that pairs wine tasting with regional snacks, great for wine novices and connoisseurs alike.
9. Ragusa: Traditional Sicilian Cooking Class
This cooking class runs about 5 hours and is geared toward those wanting an immersive culinary experience. You’ll prepare dishes like vegetable caponata and ricotta ravioli in a Sicilian countryside setting, then sit down to enjoy your creations with local wine.
Priced at $328.53 for up to 2 people, it’s a good value for couples or small groups seeking a full, hands-on cooking day. Reviews mention the relaxed atmosphere and the expert guidance, with many emphasizing the knowledge gained about Sicilian ingredients and traditions.
Bottom line: Perfect for passionate cooks eager to learn authentic recipes in a scenic, rural setting.
10. Organic Winery Tour, Wine Tasting & Light Lunch near Ragusa
This organic winery tour combines sustainable farming with tastings of three regional wines, accompanied by a light Sicilian lunch. You’ll explore vineyards and cellars, learning how organic practices influence wine flavor.
Cost details aren’t provided, but reviews praise the biodiversity of the farm and the quality of the wines. It’s suited for eco-conscious travelers who want a relaxed, educational experience blending culture and cuisine.
Bottom line: An eco-friendly way to taste Sicily’s wines while learning about sustainable agriculture.
11. Ragusa: Sicilian cooking workshop in the countryside
This cooking workshop offers a 3- to 4-hour session in a rural Sicilian home. You’ll learn to prepare local dishes like scacce, ravioli, or handmade bread, then share a relaxed meal with wine amid nature. It’s suited for travelers looking for a slow-paced, authentic experience.
Reviews aren’t available, but the emphasis on preparing traditional dishes and sharing stories makes it appealing for culinary travelers. The experience is flexible and includes optional pool access, adding leisure to your culinary immersion.
Bottom line: For those craving a laid-back, hands-on cooking day in the countryside, this is a great choice.
12. Ragusa: Sunday Brunch with Sparkling Welcome Drink
Finally, the Sunday Brunch offers a relaxed, elegant way to enjoy Sicily’s flavors. You choose three dishes from a curated à la carte menu, complemented by a sparkling drink, in a stylish setting.
Pricing is $58 per person, and reviews highlight the refined atmosphere and quality of the food. It’s an excellent option for travelers seeking a leisurely and delicious weekend meal with a touch of Sicilian flair.
Bottom line: A lovely, relaxed brunch option that combines local flavors with a refined setting.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Ragusa
When selecting a tour, think about your interests and what kind of experience you want. If you’re passionate about architecture and history, the Baroque walking tour offers a rundown. For foodies, the private cooking class or home dining experience provide authentic tastes and personal connections.
If you enjoy wine, Sicily’s vineyards like those featured in the wine tasting tour are excellent choices, while film fans may prefer the tailored Montalbano tour. Budget considerations, activity level, and time availability will also guide your choice—some tours are full-day extravaganzas, others are short and sweet.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular experiences like private cooking classes or Montalbano tours, to secure your preferred dates.
Final Thoughts
Ragusa offers visitors a wide variety of ways to explore its sights, flavors, and stories. Whether you opt for a historic walk, a culinary class, or a scenic wine tour, each experience provides a chance to connect more deeply with Sicily’s unique atmosphere. For many travelers, the standout options are the Baroque walking tour for its cultural richness or the cooking classes for their warmth and authenticity.
No matter your choice, booking early will help you lock in the best times and avoid disappointment. Ragusa’s many experiences promise memorable moments—just pick the one that suits your interests, and enjoy Sicily’s charm at its best.
