Sicily in Depth - With 6-Day Malta Option, Classic Group
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Sicily and Malta with the "Sicily in Depth - With 6-Day Malta Option, Classic Group" tour. Begin your adventure in Palermo, exploring the stunning Palatine Chapel and the vibrant local culture. Discover the ancient wonders of Agrigento's Valley of the Temples and the intricate mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale. Delight in Modica's renowned handmade chocolate and the breathtaking views from Taormina's Greek Amphitheatre. In Malta, wander through the historic streets of Valletta, visit the serene Mdina, and enjoy the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk. Travel in comfort aboard a luxurious coach, with complimentary Wi-Fi and personal radio headsets enhancing your experience. Enjoy the convenience of included hotel and restaurant tips, baggage handling, and scheduled transfers, ensuring a seamless and enriching cultural exploration. ...more ...less
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Syracuse: Walk through the gardens of Paradise Quarry, listen to the acoustics in the mysterious Ear of Dionysius and visit the Greek theatre.
- Syracuse: Stroll through Old Town Syracuse on the island of Ortygia and learn the legends of the Fonte Aretusa.
Top Rated Highlights
- Palermo: Visit the spectacular 12th-century Palatine Chapel. Its sombre exterior gives away few clues to the riches inside. Step into a world where the walls glitter with 12th-century mosaics, the best of their kind in the world.
- Agrigento: Admire magnificent Hellenistic remains in the Valley of the Temples, such as the massive Temple of Concord and clifftop Temple of Juno.
- Piazza Armerina: Travel to the Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO site since 1997. The Villa is one of the most luxurious of its kind, showcasing it's rich and intricate mosaics which decorate almost every room.
- Ragusa: During your walking tour with your Local Expert see the famous Baroque buildings and churches.
- Modica: Experience Modica's celebrated hand-made chocolate.
- Taormina: Should you awake early, you may see why this is known as 'The Dawn Coast of Europe.'
- Taormina: Visit the ancient Greek Amphitheatre with your Local Expert. Set on a cliff, open to the sky, take your seats and enjoy the view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna.
- Taormina: Visit Taormina with a Local Expert and enjoy free time to stroll along Corso Umberto to Piazza IX Aprile.
- Valletta: Explore the capital with your Local Expert. Visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens and get lost in its beautiful 16th-century buildings including St John’s Co-Cathedral, designed in a baroque fashion.
- Mdina: Explore Mdina with a Local Expert in the late afternoon to discover this golden city, known as the Silent City for its shady streets and peaceful atmosphere.
Make Travel Matter
Trapani: Discover how the ancient traditions of salt extraction has been handed down from generation to generation. Set in a breathtaking natural landscape, home to pink flamingos and various aquatic birds, the salt pans and windmills create a picturesque scene against a backdrop of sea and sky. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 11 & 12 - Sustainable Cities and Communities & Responsible Consumption and Production
Mdina: Experience the ambiance of Palazzo Falson, a prestigious museum that highlights the rich heritage of the island. Visit the exclusive rooftop garden, where Malta's endemic species thrive, creating a sophisticated pollinator haven for the local ecosystem.
Authentic Dining
Palermo: Embark on a fun exploration of Palermo's tasty culinary scene on a Dine-Around evening.
Marsala: Enjoy a tasting of some of the island's richest Sicilian wines at a local winery in Marsala.
Ragusa: Savour the flavours of Ragusa during your Farm-to-Table dining experience, highlighting the freshest locally sourced ingredients.
Giardini Naxos: Your Celebration dinner reflects some of Sicily's top culinary heritage.
Sliema: Enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers at your luxury hotel in Sliema.
Sliema: Toast to your trip with your fellow travellers over a wonderful dinner.
Insight Choice
Syracuse: Walk through the gardens of Paradise Quarry, listen to the acoustics in the mysterious Ear of Dionysius and visit the Greek theatre.
Syracuse: Stroll through Old Town Syracuse on the island of Ortygia and learn the legends of the Fonte Aretusa.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Palermo
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: Casena dei Colli, Palermo
Meals Included: Dinner
Relax and settle in before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Palermo & the Golden Age of the Normans
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: NH Palermo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Discover Palermo on a walking tour featuring a visit to the stunning 12th-century Palatine Chapel with a Local Expert. This afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring Palermo Cathedral, a fascinating site with its unique blend of architectural styles reflecting centuries of history. For your dining pleasure, you can try the foods the locals like to eat and experience how they like to eat it on your Dine-Around Evening.
Day 3: Trapani and Marsala
Location: Trapani, Marsala
Accommodation Name: Seawater, Marsala
Meals Included: Breakfast
Nestled along its crescent-shaped coastline, Trapani is embraced by the Mediterranean Sea. Discover the age-old tradition of salt production when you visit the colourful salt pans and an ancient stone windmill during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to see where sea water is transformed into salt crystals. Then, savour the flavours of Marsala with a tasting at a local winery, where you can enjoy the town's renowned wine in beautiful surroundings.
Day 4: Explore the Valley of the Temples
Location: Agrigento
Accommodation Name: The Scala dei Turchi Resort, Agrigento
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel along the southern coast of Sicily en route to Agrigento. In Agrigento, explore the Valley of the Temples with a Local Expert. Recognised by UNESCO, these temples are exceptional examples of ancient Greek architecture. Marvel at the imposing Temple of Concordia and the cliff-top Temple of Juno, both overlooking the sea. Reflect on this unforgettable day with your fellow travellers over dinner at the hotel, sharing insights and experiences.
Day 5: Discover Villa Romana del Casale and Ragusa
Location: Villa Romana del Casale, Ragusa
Accommodation Name: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel inland to the Villa Romana del Casale, a luxurious Roman villa renowned for its rich and intricate mosaics. This UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized since 1997, showcases the opulence of ancient Rome. Continue to Ragusa and explore the labyrinthine alleyways of Ragusa Ibla with your Local Expert. This town, with origins dating back to the Bronze Age, was inhabited by the Sicels tribe, who lent their name to Sicily. Admire the significant Sicilian Baroque architecture that has earned Ragusa UNESCO recognition. In the evening, savour the rich flavours of locally sourced ingredients with a delicious Farm-to-Table dinner at a charming local restaurant.
Day 6: Modica Relaxed Start
Location: Noto, Modica
Accommodation Name: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a Relaxed Start this morning or join an Optional Experience to the Val di Noto and the town of Noto. Later, explore the town of Modica, rebuilt after the 17th-century earthquake, and discover its artisanal techniques used to create the town's celebrated handmade chocolate.
Day 7: Ancient Syracuse
Location: Syracuse, Giardini Naxos
Accommodation Name: Delta by Marriott Giardini
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover Syracuse through Insight Choice. Opt for sightseeing with your Local Expert at Syracuse’s Paradise Quarry, home to the unique Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped grotto with remarkable acoustics. Next, visit the impressive Greek theatre, carved from solid rock, and one of the largest of the ancient world. Alternatively, take time to explore the atmospheric Old City on the island of Ortygia, a labyrinth of narrow streets lined with palaces. This historic area is where the famed mathematician Archimedes famously ran through the streets, exclaiming 'Eureka!' Continue your journey along Sicily’s picturesque Ionian Riviera to the charming town of Giardini Naxos.
Day 8: Taormina and the Dawn Coast of Europe
Location: Mount Etna, Taormina
Accommodation Name: Delta by Marriott Giardini
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Your hotel faces east, offering early risers a glimpse of why D.H. Lawrence dubbed this 'The Dawn Coast of Europe.' After breakfast, consider an Optional Experience through the vineyards to Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Journey to the charming old town of Taormina, perched on Mount Tauro with views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. With your Local Expert, visit the ancient Greek theatre, set on a cliff and open to the sky. Sit and absorb the breath-taking view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna. Stroll along the elegant Corso Umberto and enjoy panoramic views from Piazza IX Aprile. Celebrate your time in Sicily with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, savouring Sicilian cuisine with exquisite Italian wines.
Day 9: Fly from Catania to Malta
Location: Catania, Malta
Accommodation Name: Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
During your transfer to Catania airport, appreciate the vistas of Mount Etna one last time. Board your short flight to Malta where on arrival you will be met and taken to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and settle into your hotel. Join your Travel Director at 18:30 for dinner.
Day 10: Free time in Sliema Relaxed Start
Location: Sliema, Ħaġar Qim, Marsaxlokk
Accommodation Name: Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your day is at leisure. You may want to explore the World Heritage Site of Haġar Qim and Mnajdra temples before proceeding to the idyllic fishing village of Marsaxlokk, enjoy a stroll around the many market stalls whilst admiring the colourful ‘luzzu’ fishing boats in the harbour.
Day 11: Explore Valetta Relaxed Start
Location: Valletta
Accommodation Name: Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
With a Local Expert, you’ll visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens and the impressive St. John's Cathedral, designed in a baroque fashion. Find yourself captivated by the abundance of history as you walk through the elegant streets to see why it is named The Fortress City with its restored golden-stone buildings that mould the cityscape.For lunch feast on a delicious meal made from fresh local ingredients.This afternoon visit the National War Museum. Learn about Malta’s important role in WWII while exploring with a historian.
Day 12: Free Day in Malta
Location: Malta
Accommodation Name: Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free for you to relax at leisure by the Mediterranean sea. Perhaps take a relaxing stroll along the promenade lined with restaurants and bars. If you’re feeling active, why not take an Optional Experience with lunch on Gozo Island? Calypso Cave, found on the island, is said to be the one Homer wrote about in his acclaimed epic poem, The Odyssey.
Day 13: Mdina the Silent City
Location: Mdina
Accommodation Name: Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Head to Mdina with a Local Expert to explore this golden city, known also as the silent city for its shady streets and peaceful atmosphere. Experience Palazzo Falson on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Return to the coast for an afternoon at leisure. This evening, enjoy dinner at a wonderful local restaurant where you’ll toast to your trip with your fellow travellers.
Day 14: Depart Malta
Location: Malta
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s time to say goodbye to this beautiful island and your fellow travellers, as a transfer takes you to Malta International Airport for your onward journey.
What's Included
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Luxurious Coach Travel
Travel in style with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach featuring double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom.
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and personal radio headsets for guided tours.
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Scheduled Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times for flights aligning with the itinerary.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Hotel and restaurant tips are included, so you don't have to worry about how much to give.
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Baggage Handling
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as the visit to the Val di Noto and the town of Noto, and the trip to Gozo Island are not included.
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Flights Outside Scheduled Times
Transfers for flights outside the itinerary start and end dates are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach featuring double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and personal radio headsets for guided tours. Transfers are available at scheduled times for flights aligning with the itinerary.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and luxury at NH Palermo, Seawater in Marsala, The Scala dei Turchi Resort in Agrigento, Mediterraneo Palace in Ragusa, and Delta by Marriott Giardini. Conclude your stay at the Waterfront Hotel in Sliema, offering a blend of modern amenities and local charm.
Dining Summary
- 13 Breakfast (B)
- 7 Dinner (D)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Insight Experiences
- Sliema: Visit the National War Museum, site of a former air raid shelter. Learn about the important role Malta played during WWII while you explore with a historian.
Travel Director
- "A type of food I really love introducing my guests to is the street food because it tells a lot about the habits of the locals, it can be a slice of pizza folded up or a sfogliatella in Naples, an arancini, a gelato in Sicily, or a cannolo. "
- "One fun fact people don't usually know before they come to Italy is that the Italian alphabet only has 22 letters."
- "One thing I really love about showing guests about Italy is how art and beauty can be found around every corner of some of Italy's cities, which are real open air museums."
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Summary
- Visit Paradise Quarry and the Old City of Ortygia in Syracuse • Valley of the Temples in Agrigento • Palermo Cathedral • Monreale Cathedral • Greek Ampitheatre in the Taormina Riviera.
- City tours of Syracuse, Agrigento, Palermo and Taormina, all with Local Experts.
- Welcome Dinner in Catania • Dine-Around options in Palermo • Farm-to-Table dinner in the Taormina Riviera.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. Complimentary Wi-Fi and personal radio headsets for guided tours are also included.
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Are hotel and restaurant tips included in the tour package?
Yes, hotel and restaurant tips are included in the tour package, so you don't have to worry about how much to give.
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What is the Insight Flourish mentioned in the tour inclusions?
The Insight Flourish is a special treat provided by your Travel Director, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Valley of the Temples?
During the visit to the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, you will explore with a Local Expert and see exceptional examples of ancient Greek architecture, including the imposing Temple of Concordia and the cliff-top Temple of Juno.
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What is unique about the Villa Romana del Casale?
The Villa Romana del Casale is renowned for its rich and intricate mosaics and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It showcases the opulence of ancient Rome.
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What experiences are offered in Syracuse?
In Syracuse, you can choose to explore the Paradise Quarry with its unique Ear of Dionysius and the impressive Greek theatre, or explore the atmospheric Old City on the island of Ortygia.
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What is special about the town of Modica?
Modica is known for its celebrated handmade chocolate, and you will have the opportunity to discover the artisanal techniques used to create it.
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What can I do during the free day in Malta?
During the free day in Malta, you can relax on the rooftop terrace, stroll along the promenade lined with restaurants and bars, or take an optional experience with lunch on Gozo Island.
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What is the significance of Mdina, the Silent City?
Mdina is known as the Silent City for its shady streets and peaceful atmosphere. It is a golden city where you can explore with a Local Expert and visit Palazzo Falson.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Nov 28, 2025 - Dec 11, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Sicily in Depth - With 6-Day Malta Option, Classic Group
14 Days Starting in Palermo, Italy and ending in Valletta, Malta
Visiting: Palermo, Trapani, Marsala, Agrigento, Villa Romana del Casale, Ragusa, Noto, Modica, Syracuse, Giardini Naxos, Mount Etna, Taormina, Catania, Malta, Sliema, Ħaġar Qim, Marsaxlokk, Valletta, Mdina ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
