Sicily in Depth - With 6-Day Malta Option, Small Group
Sicily in Depth - With 6-Day Malta Option, Small Group
$5790
Sicily in Depth - With 6-Day Malta Option, Small Group
14 Days Starting in Palermo, Italy and ending in Valletta, Malta
Visiting: Palermo, Trapani, Marsala, Agrigento, Villa Romana del Casale, Ragusa, Modica, Syracuse, Giardini Naxos, Mount Etna, Taormina, Catania, Malta, Sliema, Ħaġar Qim, Marsaxlokk, Valletta, Mdina
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Sicily in Depth - With 6-Day Malta Option, Small Group" tour, exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Italy and Malta. Begin in Palermo, where you'll marvel at the 12th-century Palatine Chapel and savor local delicacies. Discover the ancient salt pans of Trapani and indulge in Marsala's renowned wines. Wander through the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and admire the intricate mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale. In Syracuse, choose between exploring the Greek theatre or the charming Old Town. Conclude your Sicilian adventure in Taormina, with its breathtaking views of Mount Etna. Fly to Malta to explore Valletta's historic streets, the serene city of Mdina, and enjoy leisure time in Sliema. Travel in style on a luxurious coach, with expert guides enhancing your experience at every step. This tour promises a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation.
Highlights
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: 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 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: The Scala dei Turchi Resort, Agrigento
Accommodation Name: The Scala dei Turchi Resort, Agrigento
Meals Included: 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: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa
Accommodation Name: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa
Meals Included: 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.
Day 6: Modica Relaxed Start
Location: 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: RG Naxos Hotel, Taormina
Accommodation Name: Delta by Marriott Giardini
Meals Included: 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. 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: 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, 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 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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Choice Highlights
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Syracuse, including a walk through the gardens of Paradise Quarry and a stroll through Old Town Syracuse.
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Top Rated Highlights
Visit the 12th-century Palatine Chapel in Palermo, admire the Hellenistic remains in the Valley of the Temples, and explore the Villa Romana del Casale.
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Make Travel Matter
Discover the ancient traditions of salt extraction in Trapani and experience the ambiance of Palazzo Falson in Mdina.
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Transport
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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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.
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 arrival and departure flights.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and luxury at the 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 relaxing atmosphere and stunning views.
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.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of unique experiences such as visiting the ancient stone windmills and salt pans in Trapani, exploring the luxurious Roman Villa Romana del Casale with its intricate mosaics, and experiencing the ambiance of Palazzo Falson in Mdina. Additionally, you can enjoy a Dine-Around evening in Palermo, wine tasting in Marsala, and a Farm-to-Table dinner in Taormina.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour in Sicily?
In Sicily, the tour highlights include visiting the 12th-century Palatine Chapel in Palermo, exploring the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, and discovering the Baroque architecture in Ragusa. You will also visit the ancient Greek Amphitheatre in Taormina and have the opportunity to experience Modica's celebrated hand-made chocolate.
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What can I expect during the visit to Syracuse?
In Syracuse, you have the option to explore the Paradise Quarry, home to the unique Ear of Dionysius, and visit the impressive Greek theatre. Alternatively, you can explore the atmospheric Old City on the island of Ortygia, known for its narrow streets lined with palaces and historical significance.
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What is included in the Malta portion of the tour?
In Malta, the tour includes exploring Valletta with visits to the Upper Barrakka Gardens and St. John's Co-Cathedral. You will also visit the National War Museum in Sliema and explore Mdina, known as the Silent City. The tour concludes with leisure time to explore Malta's beautiful coast and optional experiences such as a visit to Gozo Island.
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What kind of dining experiences are offered on the tour?
The tour offers a variety of dining experiences including a Dine-Around evening in Palermo, a wine tasting in Marsala, and a Farm-to-Table dinner in Taormina. In Malta, you will enjoy a delicious meal made from fresh local ingredients and a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
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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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Terms and Conditions