Baroque Beauty: Reviewing the Syracuse to Noto Minivan Tour

Right, so you’re thinking of checking out some seriously stunning Sicilian towns, eh? Well, the “Baroque Tour By Minivan From Syracuse to Noto Modica Ragusa” tour, like it has a name as long as the drive itself, might just be what you need. It’s almost a full day of soaking in some remarkable architecture, experiencing that true Sicilian vibe, and stuffing yourself silly with possibly too many cannoli. What I plan to do here is tell you all about what makes this specific tour worth your time, and give you maybe a tip or two to make the most of your adventure. After all, travel needs a plan.

What’s the Big Deal About the Baroque?

Alright, first things first: what even is “Baroque,” like the actual style? Think curves. Loads and loads of dramatic, opulent, over-the-top curves. Seriously, it’s kinda the opposite of plain. It’s a style that was pretty popular in the 17th and 18th centuries, and these towns in southeastern Sicily, yeah they were basically rebuilt in this style after a pretty nasty earthquake in 1693. So, the result? A gorgeous, visually exciting series of towns that feel kinda like stepping into an awesome movie set, just to make the point clear. Very dramatic, very Sicilian, really.

Syracuse: The Starting Point, in a way

The tour kicks off, often pretty early in the morning, from Syracuse. So, make sure you’ve had your caffeine. It’s a super ancient city with some proper Greek roots, yeah it’s way more than just a launchpad for this Baroque extravaganza. Before you get whisked away in the minivan, maybe take a brief walk around Ortigia, the island bit of Syracuse. Ortigia is a fantastic spot with loads of history and absolutely gorgeous sea views. It might give you some idea, that, of the contrasts between the various eras of Sicilian architecture you’ll be looking at, later on, like I mean. Now that would be amazing, right?

Noto: The Stone Garden

Noto, too it’s almost the quintessential Baroque town. The buildings glow with this really distinctive golden color in the sunlight; that is, you know, if the weather is agreeable. Walking along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the main street, is like walking in some open-air museum. The guide, and it’s worth noting, it might be me here, will usually point out little architectural details, yeah maybe stories about the families who lived in those fancy palazzi. A visit to Noto Cathedral, or the Chiesa di San Domenico, is like required by law. You can get an excellent espresso, if you want, from a cafe, on the way back, so maybe prepare for a quick stop there before departing!

Modica: Chocolate Heaven and More

Modica is arguably more than just architecture. The town is split into two halves, a higher part and a lower part, connected by maybe what feels like a million steps. That alone can be a proper workout. Of course, the Baroque architecture is still magnificent – the Duomo di San Giorgio, too it stands guard over the city and its winding streets are probably picture-perfect. Now the thing Modica is possibly most famous for is chocolate, which, I think you know, they make with this really old, Aztec-inspired method. Very grainy texture, yet delicious, I assure you. Don’t leave without sampling some. Trust me.

Ragusa Ibla: A Tale of Two Cities (Kind Of)

Ragusa Ibla, really that’s the old part of Ragusa, almost feels like another dimension. It was rebuilt after the earthquake too, you see. This area features streets so winding they are pretty hard to keep track of, seriously picturesque squares, and I should know, because it happened to me so many times. Piazza Duomo, is maybe the heart of Ibla and features the Duomo di San Giorgio. The cathedral is definitely an excellent example of Sicilian Baroque at its finest. That could be true, at least! Walking around Ragusa is like getting lost in the prettiest maze you could possibly that could exist. In a good way, though, totally.

The Minivan Experience: Expect It to be There, I Hope

Alright, that’s how you go around places, isn’t it? The minivan part. So, let’s be fair. The tour typically uses a comfy minivan, not that I didn’t say anything wrong now, with air conditioning. Air conditioning is extremely necessary, depending on when you visit, yeah you know when. Driving between these towns is pretty scenic, I guarantee it. The guide usually tells you loads of facts and figures, which is awesome, maybe points out specific landmarks, tells you silly things to pay attention to and perhaps a story or two about the history, and culture of the area. That depends, now.

What to bring with You on this Day Tour

So you can almost be ready with it as soon as you go there. Think of yourself walking around all day and exposed, or the other way around if you like indoors places more. But on average: comfortable walking shoes (you will thank yourself, seriously), sunscreen, that depends on what your skin likes, a hat, sunglasses, bottled water (stay hydrated, yeah!), and a camera for, you get the picture, pictures. It can be sunny here in Sicily so a light jacket may work.

Is This Tour Good, Then?

Very well, at the end of the day that is. Who can really tell for you. Well I think there’s many reasons why this minivan tour from Syracuse to the baroque beauties, which include Noto, Modica and Ragusa should totally make it on your sicily travel itinerary. From learning all the historical trivia in a very picturesque scenery while being comfortable in a chauffeured van while moving from destination to destination (almost), this trip will create memories that will certainly impress yourself when you look back.

Quick Recap on the Tour Stops

Syracuse: the ancient kick-off point, which arguably features a touch of Greek history.
Noto: the ‘Stone Garden’, pretty glowing with perfect Baroque structures.
Modica: A true must for a chocolate fanatic.
Ragusa Ibla: Old streets and fancy Sicilian Baroque buildings abound.

In the light of all the good said here about the Baroque minivan tour, there is little reason why this great tour wouldn’t make the checklist in your Sicily plans, yet again.

Happy touring!

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