Ragusa Ibla & Modica
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port
Syracusa, Sicily, Italy
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activityLevel
Moderate Activity
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excursionType
Information Not Currently Available
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wheelchairAccessible
No
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startingAtPrice
$169
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minimumAge
Information Not Currently Available
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duration
Approximately 8 Hours
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mealsIncluded
Meals included
A scenic 1½-hour drive brings you to Ragusa Ibla--a fascinating town that has two distinct sections. The first section is Ragusa Supra (the upper town)--a "new" Baroque town rebuilt after a devastating earthquake. It is set on a plateau and houses the land-owning nobility. The other part is Ragusa Ibla, the lower town, where the "ordinary" people live. You’ll explore Ragusa Ibla on foot, walking with your guide for about 1½ hours. Highlights of the city include St George’s Church with its impressive Baroque façade and belltower, the Giardino Ibleo Garden created in 19th century and the 14th-century church of St James the Apostle, rebuilt in 18th century. The impressive cathedral was built between 1706 and 1760; it stands on a wide terrace on a loggia overlooking the central Piazza San Giovanni. Its campanile (belltower) makes the monumental façade strangely asymmetrical. After your walking tour you’ll have 30 minutes of free time for shopping, browsing or visiting the Giardino Ibleo. Meet up with your guide and proceed to a local restaurant for lunch. This afternoon you’ll drive to Modica, situated on the southern slopes of the Hiblean Mountains. The upper town is on a wedge-shaped plateau, while the lower part surrounds it in the unusual shape of a Y. It has been described as a town growing from the rock because of its caves were still inhabited until a few decades ago. Afterwards, taste some chocolate made according to an ancient maya recipe at a local dolceria. You’ll return to the ship in the late afternoon.
Please note: Not suitable for guests with walking difficulties.