Ragusa, Syracuse & Taormina - The Most Beautiful Places in Sicily

Seven days through the Baroque south east of Sicily, which exists in its current form because of a catastrophe: the earthquake of 1693 flattened the region and the towns were rebuilt in one architectural style over the following decades. The result is UNESCO listed and remarkably coherent.

Ragusa gets two nights and a private walking tour. The eighteenth-century Duomo of San Giorgio there is the showpiece of the rebuilding, and the town divides into the new upper city and the older Ibla below, connected by a great many steps.

Syracuse follows for two nights, reached through Noto and Modica, both of them Baroque set pieces and the latter known for its cold-worked chocolate. Syracuse was one of the most powerful cities of the Greek world, and the Neapolis archaeological park holds the Greek theatre, a Roman amphitheatre and the Orecchio di Dionisio, a limestone cave shaped like an ear whose acoustics turn a whisper into something much louder. Ortygia, the island old town, has the waterfront and the food market.

Taormina closes it with two nights, reached along the coast through Acireale and Giardini Naxos. The old town sits on a cliff with Mount Etna behind it and a Greco-Roman theatre looking straight at the volcano, and there is an optional trip inland to Etna itself. Original Travel include the hire car, accommodation, private guided tours in all three cities, local concierge access, a 24-hour helpline and carbon absorption through their own programme. Flights and most meals are separate. Prices run from 2,350 to 3,200 pounds per person by season, booking window and choices.