Unkown Sicily: Ragusa – Modica – Scicli – Donnafugata Castle from Taormina

Discover Sicily’s Hidden Charms: A Private Tour of Ragusa, Modica & Scicli from Taormina

Planning a trip to Sicily and wondering how to make the most of its incredible towns? This private tour offers an opportunity to explore three UNESCO World Heritage sites—Ragusa, Modica, and Scicli—in a single day, with the convenience of a private vehicle and personalized experience. We haven’t done this exact tour ourselves, but based on what’s included and feedback from other travelers, it looks like a solid way to soak in the baroque splendor and authentic vibe of southern Sicily.

What makes this experience appealing? First, the focus on iconic locations and hidden gems in towns renowned for their architecture and atmosphere—perfect for history buffs or anyone craving a taste of Sicily beyond the usual. Second, the special access to filming locations from the TV series Montalbano adds a dash of fun and pop culture to the journey, making it more memorable for fans or curious travelers.

However, a key thing to keep in mind is the price point—$833.87 for a group of up to 8—which isn’t cheap, especially considering it’s a 10-hour day. It’s worth weighing whether the private convenience, guided insights, and exclusive stops match your travel style and budget. This tour is best suited for those who want a curated, immersive experience with comfort and flexibility, rather than a rushed sightseeing bus.

If you love discovering picturesque towns, enjoy architecture and cultural stories, and prefer a relaxed, private setup, this trip might fit the bill. Just be prepared for a full day on the move, and consider whether the highlights align with your own Sicilian wishlist.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience allows you to explore at your own pace.
• Includes visits to three UNESCO towns, full of baroque architecture and scenic streets.
• Exclusive access to Montalbano filming locations adds a fun cultural angle.
• Comfortable transportation with WiFi, bottled water, and parking fees covered.
• Cost reflects a full-day, private service, so evaluate if the price aligns with your expectations.
• Good for travelers wanting in-depth local insight without the hassle of self-driving.

A Detailed Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Duration

The tour begins early at Porto di Giardini Naxos around 9:30 am, offering a convenient pick-up for visitors in the Taormina area. It’s a full-day outing, approximately 10 hours long, so be prepared for a fair amount of driving and sightseeing. The private nature means your group will be the only participants, which helps keep the pace flexible and personalized.

Transportation and Comfort

Travel is in an air-conditioned vehicle equipped with WiFi and bottled water, which is a real plus on a Sicilian summer day. Parking fees are included, removing the hassle of paying on-site, and the private setup means you won’t be stuck with strangers—ideal if you prefer a more intimate experience.

Stops and Highlights

Modica

Your first stop is Modica, which is often called “an island within an island” because of its unique atmosphere. We love the way Modica blends past and present, with noble facades, enormous pillars, and baroque decorations. Travelers should note that the streets can be quite steep and uneven, so comfortable shoes are a must.

One reviewer mentioned the town’s “beautiful baroque style decorations” and the warmth of local people, which really captures the town’s charm. However, it seems cleanliness might be an issue for some visitors, with a note that the town can appear a bit “dirty” or “decadent” in places. This is typical of historic towns that see many travelers but still offers authentic flavors and stunning architecture.

Scicli

Next is Scicli, which one traveler described as “unexpectedly beautiful and elegant”—a good reminder that Sicily still surprises many visitors. Known for inspiring the TV series Montalbano, this town offers sophisticated streets and picturesque views. The guide will likely point out the “mystic stories” behind some of its features, like jutting balconies and grotesque masks.

A reviewer mentioned the “tightly plotted local mysteries”, which is a fun way to think about the town’s atmosphere. Expect quiet streets, charming squares, and perhaps some local cafes or small clubs if you’re craving a taste of real Sicilian life.

Ragusa Ibla

The third main stop is Ragusa Ibla, a highlight for many due to its magnificent palaces and ornate churches. The guide emphasizes the need for comfortable shoes because exploring Ragusa involves walking through cobbled streets that wind through the town’s hillside setting.

One review describes the town as “splendid,” and notes that the best way to appreciate Ragusa is to cross it slowly, taking in its beauty. It’s easy to get lost in its narrow streets and admire the baroque façades. The town’s hospitality and warmth are often remembered fondly by visitors, making it a perfect spot for memorable photos and local interactions.

Castello di Donnafugata

The final stop is the Donnafugata Castle, a grand structure reminiscent of royal grandeur. Though admission isn’t included, the castle’s architecture and gardens are worth the visit if you’re into historic castles and elegant landscapes. It’s a fitting end to a day steeped in beauty and history.

What’s Not Included

Lunch isn’t part of the package, so you’ll want to plan ahead or bring snacks for the day. The focus is really on sightseeing and learning about the towns, so this tour suits those who enjoy walking and exploring without feeling rushed.

Tour Highlights and Practicalities

The tour promises skip-the-line access to famous filming locations from Montalbano, which many fans will appreciate. It also offers a chance to see artifacts like “Jesus in Skirt” and “Madonna on a Horse” inside historic churches, adding cultural depth.

The group size of up to 8 allows for a cozy, personalized experience, and the transportation features make the day comfortable. Given the reviews, the overall experience seems decent, but not flawless. One critique mentioned the old town being quite dirty, which may bother travelers expecting pristine conditions. Still, this doesn’t overshadow the fact that the towns are stunning with their baroque charm.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who want a comfortable, private day trip with flexibility and personalized insights. It’s ideal if you enjoy architecture, film locations, and authentic local vibes but don’t want to navigate on your own or deal with crowded tours.

If you’re a history or architecture lover, you’ll find the towns fascinating. However, if you’re sensitive to cleanliness or looking for a more leisurely, scenic experience—perhaps with less driving or more time in each town—this might feel a bit rushed.

Overall, if you’re eager to uncover some of Sicily’s most beautiful towns with someone guiding the way and sharing stories, this tour could be a good fit. But do consider whether the budget reflects your preferences for a full, immersive experience or if a more budget-friendly approach might suit you better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While the tour is generally flexible, it involves some walking on uneven cobbled streets, making it better suited for older children or teenagers comfortable with walking. It’s not specifically designed as a family-focused activity but can work if your kids enjoy sightseeing and history.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi, bottled water, parking fees, and the exclusive use of the private tour. Admission to Donnafugata Castle is not included.

What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable shoes are a must since many towns have cobblestone streets. Bringing some snacks or a packed lunch is advisable because lunch isn’t included. Also, consider sun protection and a camera for capturing the scenic views.

How long is the drive between stops?
While the exact driving times aren’t specified, you can expect a fair amount of travel between towns, given Sicily’s distances. The total duration of about 10 hours suggests a well-paced day with enough time at each location.

Is this tour customizable?
Since it’s a private experience, your guide might be flexible to some degree, but the itinerary is fixed. It’s designed to give a rundown of the main sites and filming locations.

What are the main criticisms from past travelers?
One review mentioned that the old town of one of the stops was “very dirty” and “decadent,” which might disappoint visitors expecting pristine conditions. Also, some may find the price high for what’s included, so weigh whether the personalized service and exclusive access justify the cost.

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of southern Sicily’s fascinating towns, combining beauty, culture, and a touch of cinema magic. Perfect for those who want a guided, intimate experience without the hassle of organizing on their own. Just keep your expectations balanced, and you’ll find plenty to enjoy—and remember—about this scenic slice of Italy.