Insight's First Class Services

• Escorted by a professional Tour DirectorLuxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Return ferry crossing Sicily/Malta by catamaran
• Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 12

Quality Dining

• Highlight Dinner of Mediterranean cuisine in Valletta (HD)
• 10 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 6 three-course table d’hôte Dinners,or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

12 Days ~ Sicily ~ Malta

Tour Pace
This tour operates at a comfortable pace. There are two early starts, which are necessary to catch the ferries. However, these are offset by the short driving distances in Sicily, the relaxing three nights on Malta, and two night stays in Palermo and Giardini Naxos.

DAY 1 – THU – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Catania.

DAY 2 – FRI – ARRIVE CATANIA – GIARDINI NAXOS
Welcome to Sicily! On arrival there are complimentary transfers to your hotel in Giardini Naxos. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink, before enjoying dinner "Sicilian style" at the hotel.
Hotel: Sant Alphio Garden. (D)

DAY 3 – SAT – SIGHTSEEING IN TAORMINA
Only a mere 10 minutes away is the elegant cliff-top town of Taormina. Founded in 400 BC, Taormina is beautifully located overlooking the Ionian sea and facing the snowy peak of Mount Etna. Visit the Greek Theatre (3rd Century B.C.), the glorious sub-tropical terraced gardens, then stroll along elegant Corso Umberto to Piazza 9 Aprile for splendid panoramic views across the bay to the Ionian Sea. Later return to the beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters of Giardini Naxos. (BB)

DAY 4 – SUN – TAORMINA – PALERMO
Cross over to the northern side of the island drive along the coast to the small fishing town of Cefalu, hemmed between the sea and a rocky promontory. Visit the impressive cathedral, which was erected to fulfil a vow made by the Norman King Roger II before continuing to the Sicilian capital of Palermo.
Hotel: Grand Albergo Sole. (BB,D)

DAY 5 – MON – PALERMO SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing with a local guide includes a visit to the unusual Church of St John of the Hermits and nearby Palace of the Normans, with it's Palatine Chapel and dazzling mosaics. You also see the spectacular fountain in the Piazza Pretoria and the delightful Piazza Bellini - a square featuring both Moorish and Norman styles. Later drive to the town of Monreal, to visit the finely decorated cathedral and enjoy views over the fertile plain known as the Conca d’Oro (Golden Conch Shell). (BB)

DAY 6 – TUE – PALERMO – AGRIGENTO
Head west to the ancient walled city of Erice, with it’s labyrinth of quiet alleyways. Enjoy sea views from the gardens next to the Castle of Venus – on a clear day you see the Tunisian coast! Continue to Agrigento, "man's finest town" according to the Greek poet Pindar. Spend the remainder of the day exploring Agrigento's Valley of the Temples, considered the finest Greek sanctuary in Sicily. Especially impressive are the massive Temple of Concordia and cliff-top Temple of Juno overlooking the sea.
Hotel: Kaos. (BB,D)

DAY 7 – WED – AGRIGENTO – RAGUSA
Investigate the heart of Sicily today. Stop in the fortress town of Enna, nicknamed the ‘Belvedere of Sicily’. Then continue to the grey houses of Piazza Armerina and nearby Roman Villa of Casale. This immense 3rd or 4th century building is noted for its famous mosaics, which cover almost the entire floor space. Cupids playing with dolphins, wild animals and even bikini clad girls are all depicted in the picturesque scenes. Stay tonight in the tranquil regional capital of Ragusa, only steps from the Ibla (old Baroque area).
Hotel: Mediterraneo. (BB,D)

DAY 8 – THU – RAGUSA – MALTA (ST JULIANS)
Drive to the port of Pollazzo for the 90 minute ferry crossing to Valletta on the island of Malta. Your tour starts with a guided walk to the Upper Barracca Gardens boasting 180 degree views of the Grand Harbor and the famed 3 cities. Continue along the narrow streets to the Co-Cathedral of St. John before proceeding to the Grand Master's Palace and Armoury. Now Malta's history comes to life as you view the ‘Malta Experience’. Sit back and enjoy the coming of the Romans and Arabs, and the rule of the Knights as it all unfolds on the giant screen. Your hotel is centrally located in Malta’s prime coastal resort, just seven kilometres from the historic capital.
Hotel: InterContinental. (BB,D)

DAY 9 – FRI – HISTORIC MALTA EXCURSION
This morning visit Vittoriosa which played a vital role in the great Siege of Malta in 1565. Proceed to the southern fishing village of Marsaxlokk. Visit the Tarxien Temples and the prehistoric caves of Ghar Dalam, where the earliest inhabitants of this island resided. Return to the hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure. Tonight enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at its best with a Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant. (BB,HD)

DAY 10 – SAT – MALTA AT LEISURE
Today is completely free to relax by the pool, or hit the beach. Only a stones throw away are the shops, restaurants and nightclubs of St. Julian’s. Or perhaps take an optional excursion to explore other parts of the island? (BB)

DAY 11 – SUN – MALTA – CATANIA
Transfer back to the Sicilian mainland and drive to the town of Syracuse, founded by Corinthians eight centuries before Christ. Sightseeing with a guide takes you to the superb Greek theatre, carved out of solid rock overlooking the sea and one of the largest of the ancient world. You also visit the Paradise Quarry, from which the city's building materials came, and its unusual 'Ear of Denis' - a grotto in the shape of an earlobe, with an unusual echo. Then time to explore the 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'! Return to Cantania tonight where dinner is included at the hotel.
Hotel: UNA Palace. (BB,D)

DAY 12 – MON – RETURN TO USA
After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your return flights home. (BB)

Hotels
Experience contemporary Sicilian style at the UNA Hotel Palace in the heart of Catania and Malta’s ultra-modern, elegant, InterContinental. In contrast, Sant Alphio Garden Hotel is traditionally designed with fine views of Taormina, Mount Etna and the sea.

Fellow Passengers
History buffs will be delighted with the treasure trove of historical sights and visits, dating from antiquity right up to modern times. However, lovers of natural beauty, wine and food, as well as keen photographers will not be disappointed.

Enjoy our Premium Highlights plus these extra tour features

Excursions & Sights

• Guided visit to the Greek Theatre & views of Mt Etna in Taormina
• Visit the sub-tropical terraced gardens in Taormina
• Stroll along Corso Umberto to Piazza 9 Aprile in Taormina for panoramic views
• Visit the Church of St John of the Hermits and the Palace of the Normans in Palermo
• Visit the beautifully decorated Cathedral of Monreale
• Visit the ancient walled city of Erice
• Visit the Valley of the Temples, Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Juno in Agrigento
• Visit the fortress town of Enna in the heart of Sicily
• Visit the Upper Barracca Gardens, Co-Cathedral of St. John and the Grand Master's Palace and Armoury in Valletta
• Excursion to Vittoriosa, Marsaxlokk, the Tarxien Temples and prehistoric caves of Ghar Dalam
• Visit Syracuse’s Greek theatre, Paradise Quarry and the Old City on the island of Ortygia

Guided City Tours

• In-depth sightseeing tours in Taormina, Palermo, Valletta & SyracuseOrientation tour in Agrigento

Insight's First Class Services

• Escorted by a professional Tour DirectorLuxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Return ferry crossing Sicily/Malta by catamaran
• Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 12

Quality Dining

• Highlight Dinner of Mediterranean cuisine in Valletta (HD)
• 10 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 6 three-course table d’hôte Dinners,or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)