Sicily in Depth - With 6-Day Malta Option, Small Group
Sicily in Depth - With 6-Day Malta Option, Small Group
$5735
Sicily in Depth - With 6-Day Malta Option, Small Group
14 Days Starting in Palermo, Italy and ending in Valletta, Malta
Visiting: Palermo, Trapani, Agrigento, Ragusa, Modica, Syracuse, Taormina, Malta, Sliema, Valletta, Mdina
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
See every slice of Sicily during this 14-day guided tour. Take off to Paradise Quarry in Syracuse with a Local Expert, who will show you its Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped limestone grotto: call out to your fellow travellers here, and your voice may echo as many as 16 times. Visit the Palatine Chapel to marvel at the glittering gold mosaics for a stunning sight. Travel to the salt pans and windmills on the western coast and taste Marsala wine in its home town. In Taormina, perched above the Ionian Sea, join a Local Expert at the city’s cliffside Greek theatre, from where you can see Mount Etna, the island’s active Strato volcano.Venture from your waterfront hotel in Sliema to the capital of Malta. In Valletta, meet a Local Expert who will guide you through the Fortress City, filled with golden-hued buildings and anchored by St. John's Cathedral. Later, in Mdina, join a Local Expert on a walk through the fortified Silent City, nicknamed for its peaceful atmosphere. Then, toast to an incredible journey during a final celebration dinner with your fellow travellers.
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- 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.
- Palermo: Learn about the civil anti-mafia movement and discover the lesser known history of Palermo. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.
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 explore this golden city. Known as the Silent City for its shady streets and peaceful atmosphere.
Make Travel Matter
Palermo: Learn about the civil anti-mafia movement and discover the lesser known history of Palermo. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.
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.
Taormina: Your Farm-to-Table 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.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Palermo
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: NH 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 through Insight Choice. Opt for a walking tour featuring the stunning 12th century Palatine Chapel with a Local Expert. Alternatively, engage in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on the Anti-Mafia tour, learning about modern efforts to combat organized crime in Palermo. 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
Accommodation: Seawater, 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 colorful salt pans and an ancient stone windmill during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to see where sea water is transformed into salt crystals. Then, savor the flavors of Marsala with a tasting at a local winery, where you’ll enjoy the town’s renowned wine amidst beautiful surroundings.
Day 4: Explore The Valley Of The Temples
Location: Agrigento
Accommodation: The Scala dei Turchi Resort, Agrigento
Accommodation Name: The Scala dei Turchi Resort, Agrigento
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel along the southern coast of Sicily en route to Agrigento. In Agrigento, explore the Valley of the Temples with a Local Expert. Recognized 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 travelers over dinner at the hotel, sharing insights and experiences.
Day 5: Discover Villa Romana Del Casale And Ragusa
Location: Ragusa
Accommodation: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa
Accommodation Name: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 6: Modica Relaxed Start
Location: Modica
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 discover Modica's artisanal techniques used to create the town's celebrated handmade chocolate.
Day 7: Ancient Syracuse
Location: Syracuse
Accommodation Name: Delta by Marriott Giardini
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sightseeing with your Local Expert begins 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. 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: Taormina
Accommodation: RG Naxos Hotel, Taormina
Accommodation Name: Delta by Marriott Giardini
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. Conclude your day with dinner at a local restaurant, featuring delicious, freshly prepared Farm-to-Table cuisine and exquisite Italian wines.
Day 9: Fly From Catania To Malta
Location: Malta
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
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
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
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free for you to relax at leisure on the rooftop terrace. 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
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, 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 travelers.
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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Meals
13 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners with Wine, 3 Dinners, and 2 Lunches are included.
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Activities
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Palermo.
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Palatine Chapel Visit
Visit the spectacular 12th-century Palatine Chapel in Palermo.
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Anti-Mafia Movement Tour
Learn about the civil anti-mafia movement in Palermo.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets are provided for visits to famous highlights.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Hotel and restaurant tips are included.
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Baggage Handling
Bags are carried and delivered to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
Travel Director will delight you with a local specialty representing the destination.
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
Stay connected with complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times for arrival and/or departure flights as per the itinerary.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as the Val di Noto tour, Mount Etna tour, and Gozo Island tour are not included.
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Flights Outside Scheduled Times
Transfers for flights outside the scheduled times are not included.
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Additional Nights Accommodation
Accommodation for additional nights not booked with Insight Vacations is not included.
Dining Summary
- 13 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 2 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 an 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.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the Palermo visit?
In Palermo, you can choose between a walking tour featuring the stunning 12th-century Palatine Chapel or engage in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on the Anti-Mafia tour, learning about modern efforts to combat organized crime.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Valley of the Temples?
In the Valley of the Temples, you will explore with a Local Expert and admire magnificent Hellenistic remains, such as the massive Temple of Concordia and the clifftop Temple of Juno, both overlooking the sea.
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What is special about the Villa Romana del Casale visit?
The Villa Romana del Casale is a luxurious Roman villa renowned for its rich and intricate mosaics. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the opulence of ancient Rome.
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What culinary experiences are offered on this tour?
The tour includes a Dine-Around evening in Palermo, wine tasting in Marsala, and a Farm-to-Table dinner in Taormina, reflecting Sicily's top culinary heritage.
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What is the significance of the Palazzo Falson visit in Mdina?
The visit to Palazzo Falson in Mdina is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that highlights the rich heritage of the island. You can explore the exclusive rooftop garden, which is a sophisticated pollinator haven for the local ecosystem.
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What are the highlights of the Taormina visit?
In Taormina, you will visit the ancient Greek Amphitheater with a Local Expert, enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Etna, and have free time to stroll along Corso Umberto to Piazza IX Aprile.
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What activities are available 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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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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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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