Compare 14 Day Discover Sicily & Malta 2020 Itinerary by Discovery Tours by Gate 1 Travel vs Sicily in Depth - Classic Group by Insight Vacations

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Trip	14 Day Discover Sicily & Malta 2020 Itinerary by Discovery Tours by Gate 1 5 \| Excellent 93 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip Customize	Sicily in Depth - Classic Group by Insight Vacations 5 \| Excellent 10543 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip Reserve

Duration	14 days	9 days
Price From	$ 4,199	$ 2,725
Price Per Day	$ 300	$ 303
Highlights	N/A	Choose between two carefully selected activities Palermo: Visit the spectacular Arab-Norman Monreale Cathedral. 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: Join your Local Expert for a walk through the lively local market. : Our Well-Being Directors take a proactive approach to your welfare ensuring all well-being regulations are met (available on tours with 21 or more guests). : 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. : Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols. : We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues. : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day. : "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." Catania: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests for your Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. Palermo: Choose between a variety of restaurants and cuisines on your Dine-Around Evening. Taormina: Your Farm-to-Table Celebration Dinner reflects some of Sicily's top culinary heritage. Dining Summary: 4 Dinner with Wine (DW), 7 Breakfast (B), and 1 Lunch with Wine (LW) Syracuse: Walk through the gardens of Paradise Quarry, listen to the acoustics in the mysterious Ear of Dionysius and visit the Greek theatre. Ragusa: During your orientation with your Travel Director see the famous Baroque buildings and churches. Agrigento: A Local Expert will lead you through the magnificent remains of the Greek colony in the Valley in the Temples. See the massive Temple of Concord and clifftop Temple of Juno. Palermo: Visit the spectacular Arab-Norman Monreale Cathedral. 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: Join your Local Expert for a walk through the lively local market. Erice: Led by your Travel Director, explore the quiet alleys of this ancient walled town, as if you've stepped into the Middle Ages. See the medieval churches and marvel at the sea views from the gardens of the Castle of Venus. Cefalu: Your Travel Director will show you the cathedral, built to fulfil a vow. Walk to the medieval stone fountain in the old fishermen's quarter, find the Gothic arch of the Porta Marina and see the harbour. Taormina: Should you awake early, you may see why this is known as 'The Dawn Coast of Europe.' Taormina: Visit the ancient Greek Ampitheatre 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: During your orientation with your Travel Director, visit the courtyard of Palazzo Corvaja, seat of the first Sicilian parliament, and stroll along Corso Umberto to Piazza IX Aprile. Trapani: Enjoy a light lunch and a tasting of some of the island's freshest olive oil and Sicilian wines at Villa Immacolatella. The estate employs innovative farming techniques that favour the productive rhythm of the olive grove, including organic pest control and natural decantation of the oil.
Trip Style	Small group tour	Group tour
Lodging Level	Standard	Premium
Physical Level	2- Easy	3- Moderate
Travel Themes	Cultural Nature & Wildlife 50 plus	Cultural 50 plus Education / Learning
Countries Visited	Italy Malta	Italy
Cities and Attractions	Grand Tetons Mount Etna Rabat	Mount Etna Sicily
Flights & Transport	Airfare included	Airfare included
Activities	Culture History Nature Winetasting	Culture Historic sightseeing
Meals Included	N/A	N/A
Description	2 Palermo, 2 Marsala Area, 1 Agrigento, 2 Ragusa, 2 Catania, 3 Sliema	See every slice of Sicily during this 8-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 travelers here, and your voice may echo as many as 16 times. Visit the Palermo Cathedral, a blend of architecture styles that combine for a stunning sight. Sample fresh olive oil at a lunch made of local produce from a farm near Trapani. Travel to the quaint fishing town of Cefalu, where you will stroll to the Porta Marina for a picture-perfect view of the harbor. In Taormina, perched above the Ionian Sea, join a Local Expert at the city��s cliffside Greek theatre, from which you can see Mount Etna, the island’s active stratovolcano.

Itinerary: 14 Day Discover Sicily & Malta 2020 Itinerary

DAY 1, Saturday - Depart for Italy
Depart for Italy

DAY 2, Sunday - Arrive in Palermo
Welcome to Sicily! Arrive in Palermo, the energetic capital of Sicily, and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest and relax. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting at approximately 6 PM (exact time will be advised on tour arrival day) with your Tour Manager on the upcoming journey that awaits you, followed by a Welcome Dinner with the group
Overnight: Palermo
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Monday - Palatine Chapel and Palermo City Tour
Start your tour of Palermo with a visit to the Palatine Chapel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located inside the complex of Palazzo dei Normanni. Its glittering gold mosaics, complemented by inlaid marble floors and wooden ceilings, reflect Norman Sicily's cultural complexity. Continue with a walking tour of the Cathedral, Piazza dei Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria, and the church of Casa Professa, an expression of the Baroque style in its most amazing form. Visit a Puppet Theater, which is a traditional form of Sicilian entertainment that dates back to the 15th century and is still alive today. Discover Palermo on your own with its winding alleyways and colorful back streets during free time
Overnight: Palermo
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Tuesday - Segesta, Farm Lunch, Erice
Embark on a morning drive through western Sicily and view the famous Doric Temple of Segesta rising high on a hill, which was constructed in the 5th century B.C. and is one of the greatest examples of this Doric style of architecture. Afterward, savor lunch with an olive oil tasting at a local farm. Continue to the mountaintop Erice, a wonderfully preserved medieval town with breathtaking views and a great historical presence. Walk along the cobbled streets lined with superb examples of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture, home of the “Ericina” ceramic handicraft art. Continue to your hotel for dinner
Overnight: Marsala Area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Wednesday - Saltpans, Motya Charioteer, and Mazara Kasbah Maze & Dancing Satyr
A short drive to the salt pans area before boarding your boat to cruise on the Stagnone Lagoon to the island of Motya, an ancient trading outpost for Phoenician merchants. Here, you will see the beautiful and unique marble statue of the Motya Charioteer, a Greek influenced masterpiece dated back to the 5th century BC. It was found inside Phoenician fortifications, which were quickly erected before Dionysios I of Syracuse invaded and sacked Motya in 397 BC. Time for lunch before continuing to Mazara to walk the Kasbah maze of streets and view the statue of the Dancing Satyr, a rare example of Greek bronze sculpture, which was accidentally discovered by a fishing boat in 1998. End your day with dinner facing the sea before returning to your hotel
Overnight: Marsala Area
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Thursday - Valley of Temples
This morning, view the stone quarries of Cusa before enjoying lunch featuring local specialties. In the afternoon, continue to discover Agrigento's celebrated Valley of the Temples, the largest and best preserved temple ruins outside of mainland Greece. Tour this magnificent archaeological park, built between 430 and 510 B.C. and majestically positioned on rocky crests south of modern day Agrigento
Overnight: Agrigento
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Friday - Make your own Pizza and Piazza Armerina
Today, enjoy making your own Pizza using local, fresh ingredients. After tasting your own creation, travel to Piazza Armerina to view the intricate examples of Roman mosaics at the famous Roman Villa del Casale, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These extraordinarily vivid mosaics deal with numerous subjects, ranging from Homeric escapades and mythological scenes to portrayals of daily life. The villa itself was rediscovered in the 19th century after being almost completely covered by a landslide. Continue on to check into your hotel in Ragusa
Overnight: Ragusa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 8, Saturday - Ragusa-Ibla, Modica, Aromatic Herb & Plant Gardens
This morning, indulge in the baroque atmosphere of Ragusa-Ibla, with its breathtaking sights of houses, churches, and palaces that seem layered on top of one another. After lunch, travel to Modica, known all over the world for its chocolate production. Then, visit a garden of aromatic herbs & plants. Test your senses as you learn how to identify, grow, and use the herbs. Return to your hotel in Ragusa in the evening
Overnight: Ragusa
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Sunday - Noto, Siracusa with its Neapolis & Ortigia
Today, travel to Noto, a wonderful Baroque town, where you will have time to wander and discover one of the most spectacular urban settlements. Arrive in Siracusa to admire the “Old City,” Città Vecchia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on the island of Ortigia. After free time for lunch, continue with a visit to the archaeological area of the Neapolis and get a glimpse of Siracusa as it was in ancient times with its Greek theater, the remains of Roman Amphitheater, and the "Ear of Dionysius," an awe-inspiring artificial limestone cave renowned for its outstanding acoustics. Travel to Catania, a wonderful combination of ancient and modern, under the shadow of Mt. Etna
Overnight: Catania
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Monday - Mt. Etna Summit & Taormina
Begin the day with a visit to the lava-crusted slopes of Mt. Etna, which dominates the scenery and is the most active volcano in Europe! Ascend via cable car and bus to reach the altitude of 9,000 feet; step carefully on the varied layers of lava which have solidified over the centuries. Learn about Etna’s impact on the surrounding area and its unique geology. Stop to sample some typical street food for lunch before heading toward Taormina, where you will take a walk on the main Corso, followed by free time to enjoy the city. Perhaps visit the massive Greek theater, from where you can admire the remarkable panoramas of the city and countryside. Return to Catania in the late afternoon
Overnight: Catania
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11, Tuesday - Arrival in Malta, Valletta Sightseeing
This morning, depart for your early flight to Malta. Begin your discovery in Valletta, the beautiful walled capital of Malta. The town was built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century, and maintains the same historical feel with its majestic gardens and baroque art & architecture. Afterwards, head across the Grand Harbor to explore the historical area known as the Three Cities: Vittoriosa, Cospicua & Senglea. Tonight, experience your first taste of Maltese cuisine during dinner at your hotel
Overnight: Sliema
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Wednesday - Explore Gozo
Begin your day early and travel to Malta’s sister island of Gozo, an island where time stands still and traditions and customs form the daily life of the islanders. Gozo is greener, more rural, and offers beautiful scenic views, having most of the population still following their forefathers' trades of farming and fishing. During this excursion, visit the Temple of Ggantija, which is the only major prehistoric site on the Island of Gozo. The temple is among the oldest and best preserved in the world. Afterwards, enjoy a Mediterranean tasting of wine and local delicacies followed by lunch. This afternoon, return to Sliema and spend the rest of your day at leisure
Overnight: Sliema
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 13, Thursday - Mdina & Rabat
Your tour today will first take you to Rabat to explore St Paul’s Catacombs, which feature an extensive underground system of tombs that date back to the medieval period. Continue to Mdina, the ancient capital of Malta, located in the central part of the island. This walled city dates back to prehistoric times and has witnessed Malta's major historical events, having a strategic position on one of the land´s highest plateaus. During your walk in the silent city, visit the Mdina Cathedral and the imposing bastions that allow you to admire panoramic views of most of the island. Proceed to Naxxar, the oldest village on the island, to visit Palazzo Parisio, a unique 19th century palace with splendid gardens. Afterward, return to your hotel in Sliema. Tonight, enjoy dinner together and bid farewell to your Tour Manager and newfound friends
Overnight: Sliema
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14, Friday - Depart Malta
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

Itinerary: Sicily in Depth - Classic Group

Day 1: Welcome to Sicily

On arrival at Catania airport, transfers leave for your hotel at 10:00, 12:30 and 15:30. Relax and settle in before meeting your Travel Director at 17:30, for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.

NH Catania Centro.

Dinner with Wine

Day 2: Ancient Syracuse

Sightseeing with your Local Expert takes you to Syracuse’s Paradise Quarry with its unusual Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped grotto with an unusual echo. Continue to the superb Greek theatre, carved out of solid rock, one of the largest of the ancient world. There is time to explore the atmospheric Old City, a maze of narrow streets lined with palaces, sprawling over the island of Ortygia. It was here that the famous geometrician Archimedes ran naked through the streets, crying ‘Eureka!' Continue around the southeastern corner of Sicily to Ragusa.

Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa.

Breakfast

Day 3: Explore the Valley of the Temples and on to Palermo

Journey along the southern coast of the island, past the oil producing town of Gela to Agrigento. Explore the Valley of the Temples with a Local Expert. See the massive Temple of Concordia and the clifftop Temple of Juno overlooking the sea. Your travels continue to the Sicilian capital of Palermo.

NH Palermo.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 4: Palermo & the Golden Age of the Normans

Explore Palermo with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the spectacular Arab-Norman Monreale Cathedral with a Local Expert. Alternatively, join your Local Expert for a walk through the lively market. This afternoon, visit Palermo Cathedral which has been altered many times over the years and observe its unique blend of architectural styles. For your dining pleasure, you are offered a selection of local restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening, each with their own ambience and cuisine.

NH Palermo.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 5: Exploring Erice

Venture to the charming hilltop walled town of Erice and explore the labyrinth of quiet alleyways. Pause to enjoy the sea views from the gardens alongside the Castle of Venus. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the enchanting Villa Immacolatella near Trapani, enjoy a light lunch and a tasting of some of the island's freshest olive oil and Sicilian wines. The estate employs innovative farming techniques that favour the productive rhythm of the olive grove, including organic pest control and natural decantation of the oil. Back in Palermo the evening is at your leisure.

NH Palermo.

Breakfast, Lunch with Wine

Day 6: Cefalu and the Taormina Riviera

Travel to the quaint fishing town of Cefalu. The town's imposing cathedral was erected to fulfil a vow made by the Norman King Roger II. Stroll down to the medieval stone fountain and seek out the Gothic arch of the Porta Marina for a picture-perfect view of the little harbour.

RG Naxos Hotel, Taormina.

Breakfast

Day 7: Taormina and the Dawn Coast of Europe Relaxed Start

Your hotel faces east, so early risers may experience why D.H. Lawrence christened this 'The Dawn Coast of Europe.' After breakfast, perhaps take an Optional Experience through the vineyards to Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano. Travel to the old town of Taormina, which clings to the side of Mount Tauro overlooking the Ionian Sea and the peak of Mount Etna. With your Local Expert, visit the Greek theatre set on a cliff and open to the sky. Take a moment to sit in this ancient theatre and absorb the view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna. Stroll on to the tiny courtyard of the Palazzo Corvaja, Taormina’s grandest building and further along the elegant Corso Umberto, the Piazza IX Aprile offers panoramic views. At a local restaurant, rejoice with your new-found friends over your Celebration Dinner of delicious, freshly prepared Farm-to-Table cuisine, accompanied with exquisite Italian wines.

RG Naxos Hotel, Taormina.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 8: Depart Catania

Appreciate the vistas of Mount Etna one last time on your departure transfer to Catania Airport. Transfers arrive at the airport at 06:30 and 08:30.

Breakfast

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