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Insight's First Class Services
Quality Dining
SICILY ~ MALTA Tour Pace -This tour operates at a reasonable 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.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. Day 1 - THU - DEPART USA Overnight flight. Day 2 - FRI - ARRIVE CATANIA - GIARDINI NAXOS Welcome to Sicily, the largest of the Mediterranean Islands, and compendium of the greatest civilisations and cultures of all time. On arrival at Catania Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel in Giardini Naxos at 10:00, 12:30 & 15:30. Tonight, join your Tour Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Drink, before enjoying dinner ‘Sicilian style’ at the hotel. Day 3 - SAT - SIGHTSEEING IN TAORMINA Nearby 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.), 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. 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 Monreale, 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 to spend the remainder of the day exploring the 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. Day 7 - WED - AGRIGENTO - RAGUSA Investigate the heart of Sicily today as you head for Piazza Armerina and the 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 Ragusa, one of the most fascinating towns in Sicily, a magnificent blend of narrow streets, old churches and scenic views. Day 8 - THU - RAGUSA - VALLETTA (MALTA) Drive to the port of Pozzallo 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 splendour of the Grand Master's Palace. The armoury, contains fine examples of medieval armour and weapons used by the Knights of St. John. Now enjoy some free time to explore this fascinating city at your own pace. Tonight, your hotel is centrally located adjacent to the magnificent sixteenth century bastions of Valletta. Day 9 - FRI - HISTORIC MALTA EXCURSION This morning visit the ‘victorious city’ of Vittoriosa which played a vital role in the great Siege of Malta in 1565. Proceed to the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk. Glimpse the daily life of the local fishermen and find out how it has changed over the centuries. Continue to the megalithic Tarxien Temples, constructed between 3600 and 2500 BC and renowned for their detailed carvings. Return to your hotel where the rest of the afternoon 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 free to relax by the pool or hit the beach. A couple of minutes walk brings you to the city gates; why not indulge in the shops and restaurants. Alternatively, ask your Tour Director about optional excursions to explore Gozo or other parts of the island? (BB) Day 11 - SUN - MALTA - CATANIA Catch the early morning ferry back to Sicily and continue 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 and overlooking the sea. You also visit the Paradise Quarry, from which the city's building materials came, and its unusual 'Ear of Dionysius' - a grotto in the shape of an earlobe, with an unusual echo. For the energetic, there is 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 Catania tonight where dinner is included at the hotel. Day 12 - MON - RETURN TO USA Take your final glimpse of Mount Etna this morning. Departure transfers arrive at Catania Airport at 06:30 & 08:30. (BB)
Highlights - At the cross roads of the Mediterranean, Sicily and
Malta have been the subject of numerous invading forces over the years. Hotels - The Colleverde is ideally located to visit the Valley of the Temples. Whereas Valletta’s stylish Grand Hotel Excelsior has stunning views of Marsamxett Harbour. In contrast, the Sant Alphio Garden Hotel is traditionally designed, with fine views of Mount Etna. Enjoy Your Included Tour FeaturesPremium Highlights
Personal Insights
Additional Excursions & Sights
Insight's First Class Services
Quality Dining
CURRENT SPECIALS: GREAT SAVINGS AND DISCOUNTS FAMILY AND FRIENDS DISCOUNTS SAVE 5% FOR 5-8 PASSENGERS Why not share your Insight tour experience with your friends and family – and save money! If 5-8 passengers book together we offer a discount of 5%. Further savings are available for 9 or more passengers! This discount cannot be combined with Frequent Traveller, Young Traveller or Triple Room Discounts. To qualify, the names of all passengers travelling must be advised to Insight at the time of booking. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, and tours with Mediterranean cruises.
YOUNG TRAVELLER SAVINGS 5-17 YEAR-OLDS SAVE UP TO 10% Insight offers you the opportunity of sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren. Young Travellers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date, and MUST be accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveller Discount per room). Children under 5 years old are NOT accepted on any escorted tour. This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount”. This discount applies to the Land-only portion of your tour. This discount only applies to tours that feature the “Young Traveller Discount” in the price panel on the itinerary pages. Check your chosen tours now to see how much you can SAVE.
SINGLE TRAVELLER SAVINGS SAVE WITH INSIGHT’S ROOM MATE MATCHING For people travelling alone on an Insight coach tour, we'll match you with someone of the same gender, so you don't have to pay the single room supplement. If we fail to match you, we'll provide a single room at no extra cost. Please note there is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London and Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Irish Elegance, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, and tours with Mediterranean or River cruises.
FREQUENT TRAVELLER SAVINGS SAVE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TOUR In recognition of our loyal customers, Insight now extends to all travelled guests automatic membership into our Club Bon Voyage, as well as a 5% Discount off the Land portion of their next Insight trip. You will need to travel within the next two years. So act NOW and take full advantage of this great offer. Enrolment forms and discount vouchers are available from your Tour Director. Insight’s Club Bon Voyage and 5% Discount is not available retroactively. Only one voucher is available per person, per tour, per year and only one voucher can be redeemed against each further tour booking. This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount”. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, and tours with Mediterranean cruises.
EXTRA TOURS DISCOUNTS SAVE 5% ON YOUR 2ND TOUR Book two Insight vacations, each 8 days or longer and you will receive a reduction of 5% off the cheaper of the two tours. Take three tours and save on two! Ask your Travel Agent for suggestions! Both tours must be booked at the same time. This discount is per person. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, and tours with Mediterranean cruises. |
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Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.
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