Overview
Walk through the 24-centuries-old read more Valley of the Temples with your Local Guide in Agrigento, visit Piazza Armerina’s Villa Romana del Casale to admire the world’s largest collection of Roman mosaics. In Syracuse, the birthplace of mathematician Archimedes, you’ll take a guided visit to the archaeological site of the 5th-century-BC Greek Theater, Garden of Paradise, Ear of Dionysus, Altar of Hieron II, Roman Amphitheater, and the Cordmaker’s Cave. Visit Catania en route to the spectacular Taormina Riviera, your base for a fascinating excursion to Mount Etna—the largest active volcano in Europe. Explore Taormina and complete your Sicilian Escape with a fabulous dinner at a local restaurant. Discover the marvelous sights of Malta to explore the ancient archaeological sites and amazing seaside sights along the way.
Join us to experience these two countries' exquisite beauty that will stay with you for years to come—a guided vacation in Sicily and Malta you’ll treasure forever.
Winter Escape
4 - 4.5 Star
Premium
5-99 Years
45
Fully Guided
KIM
Itinerary
Welcome to Palermo!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Sicilian Specialties
Your introduction to Palermo starts this morning with a guided sightseeing tour of Palermo's highlights, including a visit to the cathedral. Take a scenic drive to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d'Oro and a visit to the Norman Cathedral. This afternoon and evening, enjoy free time to see more of Palermo.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC FAITH: The story of the splendid Monreale cathedral starts when the Arabs took control of Palermo. They transformed the cathedral into a mosque and banished the Bishop of Palermo from town. Not wishing to venture too far from his beloved cathedral, the bishop settled in a small village in the hills overlooking Palermo, the site of modern-day Monreale. There, he built a modest church to keep the flame of local Christian worship alive. Today the cathedral is known for its stunning mosaics that cover an area of over 64.500sq ft.
Timeless Temples
This morning, depart Palermo and drive to Agrigento, location of a real cultural treasure, the UNESCO nominated Valley of the Temples. Join your Local Guide for a walk through this remarkable archaeological site to see the beautiful Greek temples. 87 mi / 140 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGY: The ruins of Akragas remain Sicily's most amazing archaeological site. The impressively well-preserved Tempio della Concordia sits in a spectacular setting upon a ridge where it served as a beacon for homecoming sailors and today draws enthralled visitors to revel in the remarkable Valley of the Temples.
Ancient Artistry In Sicily
Travel through Central Sicily and stop in Piazza Armerina for a guided visit of the Villa Romana del Casale, housing one of the largest and richest collections of Roman mosaics, including the famous “Ancient Bikini Girls.” Enjoy lunch with regional specialties at a local restaurant before continuing to Syracuse. Enjoy an evening at leisure. 162 mi / 260 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ART & ARCHITECTURE: Explore the extraordinary example of Roman power in one of the most luxurious villas of its kind in the Italian countryside. Marvel at the magnificently preserved mosaics that embellish the Villa Romana del Casale, designed and installed by African mosaic workers and the strength of the Roman influence and power throughout the Mediterranean region.
Coastal Treasures
This morning, join your Local Guide for a visit to Syracuse's Archaeological Park featuring the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater, the Ear of Dionysus, and the Cordmakers' Cave. Continue to the bustling city of Catania and enjoy free time, admire the main square, Piazza del Duomo, browse the stores along Via Etnea, and try some of the delicious local specialties such as arancini and cannoli. Later, drive to the Taormina Riviera for free time this evening. 75 mi / 120 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LOCAL TASTES: Sicily's love affair with food goes back a long way. Cooking traditions originating from the Greeks, Arabs, and Normans blend with those from Spain and North Africa resulting in a fabulous melting pot of flavors and unique dishes. Celebrate this feast of cultures and take time to sample some of Sicily's most famous street food.
The Pearl of the Mediterranean
Come face to face with Europe's tallest active stratovolcano with a guided excursion to Mount Etna (weather permitting). Enjoy a scenic drive en route to a panoramic viewpoint from where you can observe the extinct craters and solidified lava flows. This afternoon, after an orientation walk, spend some free time exploring the breathtaking town of Taormina. Later, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDER: Mount Etna, Europe's tallest volcano and one of the most active in the world. Learn how in 1669, an eruption that lasted 112 days developed a record long stream of lava that destroyed the city of Catania.
Gardens and a Grand Harbor
This morning head to Catania airport to board a plane to Malta. Start your Maltese discovery with an orientation walk in La Valletta, the capital city. See the main highlights, including a visit to the Barakka Gardens before driving to St. Julian. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore more.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOT: Welcome to the marvelous sights of Malta with an overnight stay in St. Julian. Named for the patron Saint that bears his name, this seaside town is rich with history and lovely views of the rocky stretch along the promenade.
Home of Giants
Spend a full day at leisure in St. Julian: explore more sights, browse the stores, and relax, or join an optional excursion to Gozo, Malta's sister island.
ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: with a visit to the little island of Gozo, home to the oldest freestanding structures in the world: the 5,500-year-old complex of the Ggantija Temples. Locals claim the site was built by giants, hence the name “Ggantija.”
Catacombs & Silent Cities
A full day to get acquainted with some of Malta's famous towns. First visit Rabat, one of the oldest towns on the island and known for its catacombs. In Mosta, take photos of the stunning “Rotunda of Mosta” a Roman Catholic church featuring an incredible dome. Lastly, stop in Mdina, the former capital of Malta, find out why it is called the “Silent City” when you walk through it and admire the ancient walls. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURAL GEM: When the capital city was moved out of Mdina, the city was left uninhabited, so people started to consider it a ghost town, and the “silent city” nickname was born. This name is still fitting today as there are many signs around the city urging us to be silent and no cars are allowed in the city.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Trip Inclusions
- Guided sightseeing in Palermo followed by a scenic drive and visit to Monreale
- Guided walking tour of Agrigento's Valley of the Temples
- Guided visit to Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina
- Guided visit to Syracuse's Archaeological Park
- Visit to Catania
- Guided excursion to Mount Etna (weather permitting)
- Orientation walk in Taormina
- Sicilian specialty lunch
- Orientation walk in Valletta, featuring the Barrakka Gardens Full-day excursion to visit Mdina, Mosta, and Rabat
- Included flight between Sicily and Malta
- 9 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinner
- Palermo: Central Palace Hotel Federico II (First-Class):
A fusion of classic and innovative design, Hotel Federico II is a family- run 65 room establishment located near the city's most important streets of culture, tourism and shopping, halfway between the Teatro Massimo and the Teatro Politeama. Breakfast is served with a rich buffet while the in-house restaurant offers traditional Mediterranean dishes revisited along with a great wine selection. Free WiFi access is available throughout the property. - Agrigento: Della Valle (First-Class):
Set amid a beautiful garden with olive and palm trees, Hotel Della Valle features a bar serving snacks and cocktails throughout the day, an outdoor swimming pool and two restaurants one located in the park and one overlooking the swimming pool - where to enjoy international cuisine, and traditional Sicilian dishes. All 112 guest rooms are modern and decorated in Sicilian style, offering air conditioning, minibar, in-room safe and flat screen TV with international channels. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property. The famous Temples Valley is within easy reach. - Syracuse: Grand Hotel Villa Politi (First-Class):
This 100-room historical hotel is itself a part of Syracuse's rich history, located north of the city centre close to Siracuse's famed archaeological zone. Set in a magnificent 19th-century former noble residence, the villa has glamorous interior features echoing the Art Deco era and overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. Local Italian cuisine is served in the restaurant and there is a lounge bar serving a good choice of international liqueurs as well as classical Italian aperitivi and digestivi. The elegant Liberty style guest rooms feature Art-Nouveau furniture and are equipped with air conditioning, minibar and hardwood or parquet floors. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property. - Taormina Riviera: Hellenia Yachting Hotel (First-Class):
Hellenia Yachting Hotel is an elegant 4-star hotel in Giardini Naxos, the first Greek colony of Sicily. The property is directly overlooking the waterfront and features a private beach, a spa and a pool. There is a piano bar located in the main terrace area and immediatly adjacent to the main in-house restaurants which boasts some of the finest Sicilian cuisine, presenting traditional local dishes with a fresh and original touch. - St. Julians: Mercure St. Julian's Malta (First-Class):
Mercure St. Julian's Malta is a modern hotel with stylish and contemporary interiors combined with a Mediterranean charm. Centrally located within walking distance from the St. Julian's promenade and casinos, with many restaurants, bars and entertainment options nearby. From the rooftop pool area on the 11th floor, breathtaking 360° views over Spinola Bay can be enjoyed. A fully equipped fitness centre is available and Free Wi-Fi internet access is included throughout the property. All 111 colorful guestrooms are elegantly furnished and feature air conditioning, flat screen TV's with international channels, coffee and tea making facilities, an in-room safe and minibar.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- High altitudes may be challenging for some guests. The ascent to Mount Etna reaches an elevation of 6,500 ft. (1,981 m).
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