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Authentic Sicily Tour

This wonderful tour to Sicily focuses on the Baroque towns and villages of the Southeast corner of Sicily, popularised in recent years by the atmospheric TV series Inspector Montalbano.

The area is rich in artistic and architectural heritage as well as charming piazzas and lanes reminiscent of an age gone by, that also happen to serve as settings for the TV series. The Baroque style is seen throughout this region of Sicily, and we will witness the impressive buildings in the towns of Ragusa, Siracusa and Scicli. 

Our base for the tour, Modica, is a charming town with its beautiful Baroque architecture and the added bonus of being famous for its chocolate. 

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what’s included

At A Glance

  • The Travel Editions Experience
    Our tours are thoughtfully crafted and meticulously planned, with every destination, hotel, excursion and stop along the way having been selected to form a truly memorable experience.
  • Meals Included
    2026 departure: All breakfasts, two lunches and one dinner.

    2027 departure: All breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners.
  • Handpicked Accommodation
    Seven nights’ accommodation at the four-star Hotel Modica Inn Centro (formerly Hotel Principe d’Aragona) based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room.
  • Discover the Authentic Sicily
    From Baroque Ragusa and historic Siracusa to Montalbano’s sun-baked haunts and the charming fishing village of Marzamemi, uncover the irresistible character of Sicily’s magnificent southeast.
  • Touring Itinerary
    Full coach touring itinerary including entrances and walking tours.
  • Tour Manager
    Local tour manager, Aure Garozzo throughout.  
  • Flights from the UK
    Return flights from London Gatwick to Catania.
Meet Your Expert LOCAL Guide

Aure Garozzo

Aure is a native Sicilian and certified tour guide who has been welcoming visitors to the island since 2014. His aim is to reveal Sicily through the eyes of a local friend, sharing his knowledge in an accessible and entertaining way.

A passionate foodie, Aure knows where to find the character, flavours and secret corners that only a local can reveal. His warmth and enthusiasm create a personal introduction to Sicily, helping travellers understand both its celebrated sights and the everyday culture that brings the island to life.

itinerary & excursions

Your Itinerary

Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.

Day 1: Fly from London Gatwick to Catania 

On arrival, transfer from Catania airport to Modica for check in to the hotel for seven-night stay. Welcome drink on arrival at the hotel.

Day 2: Morning tour of Modica

Comprised of two separate areas “Alta” (high) and Bassa (low), connected by flights of steps, Modica offers a wealth of sights and is the ideal central base from which to explore this stunning region of the Mediterranean’s largest island. Highlights include the Duomo, a remarkable example of Sicilian Baroque, Santa Maria di Betlem, San Pietro, the main street, Corso Umberto I lined with impressive palazzi, churches and the Corso Regina Margherita in the Alta district.

We will have a guided walking tour of the town including a chocolate tasting for which Modica is famous. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure for you to explore independently. 

Day 3: Full day to the capital of the south east of Sicily, Siracusa

This morning we will have a guided walking tour and visit the Neapolis archaeological area, including the impressive Greek amphitheatre and the ‘Ear of Dionysus’.

There will also be free time to wander around the mystical peninsula of Ortigia, surrounded by the Mediterranean, with a wealth of sights from the Roman era through to the Baroque. Continue down the south-east coast to the delightful fishing village of Marzamemi with its whitewashed houses and lovely waterfront location. Fish lunch included today.

Day 4: Full day tour to the stunning baroque centre of Ibla di Ragusa, located in a dramatic canyon.

Full day tour to the stunning baroque centre of Ibla di Ragusa, located in a dramatic canyon. Also divided into two distinct districts : Ragusa, built in Baroque style after the 1693 earthquake, and much older Ibla. We will have a guided walking tour and see highlights of the town including the Duomo, Archaeological Museum plus many more gorgeous churches, piazzas and streets.

Many scenes from Montalbano were filmed here. In the afternoon, enjoy a cheese tasting of local cheeses.

Day 5: Catania

Explore Catania, admiring its black lava stone Baroque architecture. Visit the fish market with a local chef, followed by a home-cooked lunch in Acitrezza.

Day 6: Free Day in Modica

Day at leisure to explore this incredible location.

Day 7: In the tracks of Montalbano

Today our focus turns to Montalbano as we visit the small UNESCO gem of Scicli, where Montalbano’s police station is located. Admire the architecture and many small baroque churches in Scicli’s narrow lanes. This afternoon is spent along the lovely southern coastline with a stop at Montalbano’s house in Punta Secca. Farewell dinner tonight.

Day 8: Departure

Transfer from Modica to Catania airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.

Availability

Choose Your Departure

Date
Departing From
Price From
Availability
10/10/2026
London Gatwick
£2,425
Last Few Places
19/04/2027
London Gatwick
£2,789
Solo Traveller Supplement From: £294
HOTELS

Tour Accommodation

Hotel Modica Inn Centro
The Hotel Modica Inn Centro, formerly known as Hotel Principe d’Aragona, is a small and modern four-star hotel with just 35 rooms, located in the historic centre of Modica within walking distance of the main attractions and shopping areas. Facilities include an outdoor pool, sun terrace, free wi-fi and lounge bar serving light snacks as well as drinks. Bedrooms all have a private bathroom with shower, air-conditioning, TV, telephone, safe, minibar and hairdryer.
Hotel Website

Our View of the Hotel

The hotel’s superb location is its main selling point, but the hotel also offers comfortable rooms and close proximity to a host of restaurants, including one of TV chef’s Giorgio Locatelli’s Sicilian favourites, Locanda Del Colonnello.

our regular tours

Mobility Information

This tour has a moderate fitness rating, reflecting a fuller itinerary with a good balance of visits, walking and time spent exploring on foot.
 
Some visits may involve cobbled streets, uneven paving, slopes, steps, stairs, limited seating, or walking from the coach drop-off point to the entrance of a site or attraction. The exact demands will vary from day to day, and we highlight specific practical details within the itinerary wherever possible.
 
You should feel comfortable walking at a steady group pace, standing during visits and enjoying a full day of sightseeing.
 
If you are unsure whether this tour is right for you, please contact us before booking.

Your questions answered

Tour FAQ

If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.

Simply complete our online booking form or give us a call on 020 7251 0045 between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday where you can speak to a real person. A 20% deposit per person is required at the time of booking, to book your place. Payments by debit card or credit card incur no charge. 

You must pay for the balance of your holiday at least 12 weeks before departure. Please note: no reminder for balance payments is sent to you and are not receipted unless requested. If you book your holiday within 12 weeks of departure, full payment is required at time of booking. Please note that some tours may require final payment to be paid earlier than 12 weeks, due to financial commitment with suppliers. The exact date will be notified to you at the time of booking. Final joining instructions and documentation will be dispatched approximately 10 days before travel.

In almost all cases, the price includes your accommodation, meals as described in the itinerary, all excursions shown in the programme, and travel arrangements from the UK. Excursions are taken by private coach exclusively for Travel Editions guests. If anything is ever excluded from the price, it will be clearly marked as optional and payable locally, you won’t find any hidden extras on your final bill. Travel Editions operates a firm no-surcharge policy, so the price you are quoted is the price you pay.

The specifics vary by tour and are set out in your individual itinerary, but most of our tours depart from London, either by Eurostar from St Pancras International or by air. For rail tours, we advise allowing at least one hour before the Eurostar departure when planning your journey to London. For flights, all costs are based on economy class unless otherwise stated, and all times shown are local time. For tours in the UK, these often start at the hotel in question.

Flight upgrades and connections from regional airports are available on request and subject to availability, contact us on 020 7251 0045 or at tours@traveleditions.co.uk for details. We strongly recommend not booking non-refundable connecting travel until you have received your final joining instructions, which are sent around 10 days before departure and confirm all timings and meeting points.

Yes, and you’re very welcome. Single room supplements apply on most tours, reflecting the fact that single and double rooms are generally priced similarly by hotels. If you would prefer to share with another solo traveller of the same gender, we are happy to arrange this, simply let us know at the time of booking. Sharing is subject to another traveller in the same situation being booked on the same tour.

Each tour is accompanied by a dedicated tour manager, who in most cases will travel out from the UK with the group. On some tours, the tour manager will meet you at your destination station or airport, with full details being confirmed in your joining instructions 10 days before travel. Many of our tours are also led by expert lecturers or specialist guides whose knowledge brings each destination to life; details of who will be accompanying your particular tour are included in the individual tour pages and itineraries.

Fresh Adventures for Inquisitive Travellers

Why Choose Travel Editions?

Travel with purpose, passion, and like-minded companions, here’s what sets Travel Editions apart.

Designed for Travellers,
Not Tourists

Founded in 1994 offering unique cultural tours beyond typical high street itineraries.

Personal Service, Real People

Small, friendly team with no automated phone lines. Enjoy personal attention from our team.

Expert Tour Guides, Unique Insights

Industry-leading guides, some since day one, who speak local languages and have detailed knowledge.

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