Overview
As you trace the sparkling coast from the flamboyant capital city of Palermo to the ultra-chic read more Taormina Riviera, you can expect stunning archaeological treasures, ancient works of art, and a warm welcome at every turn, and a cool gelato on every corner. 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. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Ragusa so you can plan your day your way.
Itinerary
Welcome to Palermo!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Sicilian Sights
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. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDARY LIVES: The story of the splendid Monreale Cathedral began as 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.
Sweet & Salty Sicily
Stop at the medieval hilltop town of Erice. Enjoy some free time to meander the narrow, cobbled streets and admire the views. Drive to the coastal town of Marsala, learn about one of its oldest industries with a guided visit of a Salt Mill. Later, try the famous Marsala wine during a tasting experience. (B) 99 mi / 160 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: Lagoons, salt pans and windmills can be found along the coastline near Marsala. Learn all about the production of salt when visiting one of the original salt mills.
Timeless Temples
This morning, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Mazara del Vallo which includes a visit to the cathedral and old town. Appreciate the Arabic influence on the town when you follow a Local Guide through the alleyways of the Kasbah. Later, continue 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. (B/D) 93 mi / 150 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.” Later, continue your journey to Ragusa. (B/D) 118 mi / 190 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.
Spend your day your way in Ragusa
This morning, join a Local Guide for a walking tour of Ibla, Ragusa's historic center and admire the Baroque buildings. Visit the 19th century Giardini Iblei, and St. George's Cathedral.
Explore more of Ragusa with your choice of included Globus Choice Excursions.
- Echoes of Aristocracy - Feel the nostalgic allure of a historic noble residence with a visit to Palazzo Arezzo di Trifiletti. The owner takes you on a personal tour, featuring the palace's elegant furnishings, frescoed ceilings, and marble floors, while sharing fascinating stories of family ancestors and traditions.
- Cart Art - Discover one of Sicily's beloved symbols'the Sicilian carretti (carts)'an artistic tradition passed down through generations. Visit a workshop in Ragusa Ibla to learn how these donkey-drawn carts developed from work vehicles into vibrant works of art. Hear how this proud Sicilian tradition rolls on!
Enjoy leisure time this evening. (B)
World Stages
Enjoy free time in Noto, a town famed for its Baroque architecture. Walk along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele and admire San Nicolò Cathedral. Drive to Syracuse for a guided visit of the Archeological Park featuring the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater, the Ear of Dionysus, and the Cordmakers' Cave. (B) 56 mi / 90 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ARCHITECTURE & ARCHAEOLOGY: Discover the extraordinary evidence of history found at Neapolis Archaeological Park of Siracusa. The stars of this show are the magnificent ancient ruins of the Greek Theatre and remarkable Roman Amphitheatre which are revered as one of the greatest archaeological sites in all of Italy.
Coastal Treasures
Drive to the bustling city of Catania. After an orientation walk, enjoy free time in the main square, Piazza del Duomo, and to browse the stores along Via Etnea. Try some of the delicious local specialties such as arancini and cannoli. Later, drive to the Taormina Riviera for free time this afternoon and evening. (B) 75 mi / 120 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: Catania is an ancient port city on Sicily's east coast. It sits at the foot of Mt. Etna, Europe's tallest volcano. The city's wide central square, Piazza del Duomo, features the whimsical Fontana dell 'Elefante statue and richly decorated St. Agata Cathedral. Nearby, La Pescheria weekday fish market is a rowdy spectacle surrounded by seafood restaurants.
Frozen in Time
This morning visit Savoca, one of the film locations for “The Godfather.” After an orientation walk enjoy a Granita (semi-frozen drink) and brioche tasting at Bar Vitelli. Later, join an orientation walk in Taormina with a visit to the ancient Greek theatre. Free time to explore the town, stroll along stylish Corso Umberto and enjoy a leisurely lunch. This evening, join your travel companions for dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D) 43 mi / 70 km.
LOCAL FAVORITE - LOCAL TASTES: Not quite the same as sorbet, the Sicilian invention of granita is Sicily's take on frozen concoctions that varies with the delightful tastes of lemon, mandarin orange, jasmine, almond, mint, coffee, or berries. A frozen blend of Sicilian pistachios is also a tempting way to enjoy this traditional treat.
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. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOT: Enjoy superb views over the whole of the Gran Harbour, with the Three Cities in the background from the Barakka Gardens. Perched atop the Grand Harbour, these colonnaded gardens were created in 1661 and were actually the private gardens and exercise grounds of the Knights of the langue of Italy, whose auberges lie very close by.
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. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: with a visit to the little island home's 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 and 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. (B/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURAL GEM: When the capital city was moved out of Mdina, the city was left uninhabited and was considered a ghost town, hence the “silent city” nickname was born. This name is still fitting today as there are many signs around the city as reminders to be silent and no cars allowed in the city.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Guided sightseeing tours of Palermo, Mazaro del Vallo, and Ragusa Ibla
- Visit to a traditional salt mill with wine-tasting experience in Marsala
- Guided walking tour of Agrigento's Valley of the Temples
- Guided visits to Villa Romana del Casale, Piazza Armerina, and the Syracuse Archaeological Park
- Globus Choice Excursions in Ragusa – Included in your tour with your choice of a visit to an authentic Carrettieri (Sicilian carts) workshop or visit to Palazzo Arezzo di Trifiletti with a guided owner-led tour
- Complimentary [LF] Granita (semi-frozen drink) and brioche tasting at the Bar Vitelli of Savoca− “The Godfather” filming location
- Visit to Taormina's ancient Greek theater
- Orientation walks in Catania and Taormina
- Orientation walk in Valletta, featuring the Barrakka Gardens
- Full-day excursion to visit Mdina, Mosta, and Rabat
- Included flight between Sicily and Malta
- 12 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners
- Palermo: Mercure Palermo Centro (First-Class):
The Mercure Palermo Centro has a prime location with the Politeama theatre, the Harbor, the Cathedral and the lively Vucciria Market within walking distance. It offers free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and 93 modern rooms with design furniture. Rooms have a refined atmosphere and mostly come with white, beige and black color combinations. Each one has air conditioning, coffee and tea maker facilities, flat screen TV with international channels and in-room safe. In the evening enjoy a cocktail at the bar. Many restaurants, bars and local shops are available nearby. - 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. - Mazara Del Vallo: Mahara Hotel & Wellness (First-Class):
Ideally located on Sicily's southwest coast overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Mahara Hotel & Wellness is just a short walk away from the center of Mazara del Vallo. This relaxed 81-room property offers free Wi-Fi, a wellness center complete with Turkish bath, chromotherapy shower, and hot tub, as well as a seasonal outdoor swimming pool with a terrace and sun loungers. The elegant guestrooms are spacious, air conditioned, and equipped with satellite TV and minibar with either a balcony or a terrace. The in-house restaurant is recommended by Italy's most prestigious food guides and serves traditional Sicilian dishes for lunch and dinner. Drinks and snacks are available in the lounge bar. - 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. - Ragusa: Poggio Del Sole Resort (First-Class):
Poggio del Sole Resort is beautifully situated in the hyblean landscape. Those buldings which were once parts of an elegant "masseria" now frame a tastefully and uniquely designed hotel with restaurants, bars and Spa. The hotel, in spite of its rustic location and origins, comes with all modern comfort and is elegantly embellished by a sober mix of contemporary and traditional sicilian furniture. Free Wi-Fi access is available in all guestrooms and public areas of the hotel. An outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a lounge bar are also available. - 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.
- We encourage all guests to prebook their preferred included Globus Choice Excursions to ensure your selection is available. If your preference is not selected 35 days prior to departure, we will select a Choice excursion on your behalf based on availability.
Don't waste your precious time qeuing up, skip the lines with special VIP access at the must-see sites. Read more
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Globus Worldwide (2025-26)
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