Sicily in Depth with 6 days Malta Option

Welcome to Sicily. Relax in your hotel or take a stroll along the beach before meeting your Travel Director and traveling companions this evening. Your Sicily and Malta adventure begins with two glorious nights on the Taormina Riviera. (DW) Stay: RG Naxos Hotel, Taormina.

Your hotel faces east, so early risers may learn 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 Mount Etna.

With your Local Expert, visit the Greek theater set on a cliff and open to the sky. Take a moment to sit in this ancient theater and admire the view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna. Stroll through the tiny courtyard of the Palazzo Corvaja, Taormina's grandest building, and along the elegant Corso Umberto. (B)

Travel to the quaint fishing town of Cefalu. The town's imposing cathedral was erected to fulfill 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 harbor.

Later, travel onwards to Palermo. (B) Stay: NH Palermo.

Explore Palermo with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the spectacular 12th century Palatine Chapel with a Local Expert. Alternatively, join your Local Expert for a walk through the lively market.

Later this morning, 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. (B/DW)

Journey to Agrigento. Explore the Valley of the Temples with a Local Expert and see the massive Temple of Concordia and the clifftop Temple of Juno overlooking the sea. Your travels continue to the hilltop town of Ragusa. (B) Stay: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa.

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. See the superb Greek theater, 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 to Catania to celebrate your time in Sicily over Dinner with your fellow travelers. (B/DW) Stay: NH Catania Centro.

During your private transfer to Catania airport, appreciate the vistas of Mount Etna one last time. Board your short flight to Malta where on arrival you are 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 with wine. (B/DW) Stay: Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.

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 colorful ‘luzzu' fishing boats in the harbor. (B)

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 delicious meal made from fresh local ingredients.

This afternoon visit the National War Museum. Learn about Malta's important role in WWII with a lecture from an historian. (B/LW)

Today is free for you to relax at leisure on the rooftop terrace and enjoy the marvelous seascapes from the seafront hotel. 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. (B)

Head to Mdina with a Local Expert in the late afternoon to explore this golden city, known also as the silent city for its shady streets and peaceful atmosphere. Enjoy a Celebration Dinner at a wonderful local restaurant where you'll toast to your trip with your fellow travelers. (B/DW)

It's time to say goodbye to this beautiful island and your fellow travelers, as a transfer takes you to Malta International Airport for your onward journey. (B)