Sicily in Depth - With 6-Day Malta Option, Classic Group

Sicily in Depth - With 6-Day Malta Option, Classic Group

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Sicily in Depth - With 6-Day Malta Option, Classic Group

14 Days Starting in Palermo and ending in Valletta

Visiting: Palermo, Trapani, Marsala, Agrigento, Ragusa, Modica, Syracuse, Giardini Naxos, Catania, Sliema, Valletta, Mdina

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

See every slice of Sicily during this 15-day guided tour. Take off to Paradise Quarry in Syracuse with a Local Expert, who will show you its Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped limestone grotto: call out to your fellow travellers here, and your voice may echo as many as 16 times. Visit the Palatine Chapel to marvel at the glittering gold mosaics for a stunning sight. Travel to the salt pans and windmills on the western coast and taste Marsala wine in its home town. In Taormina, perched above the Ionian Sea, join a Local Expert at the city’s cliffside Greek theatre, from which you can see Mount Etna, the island’s active Strato volcano.Venture from your waterfront hotel in Sliema to the capital of Malta. In Valletta, meet a Local Expert who will guide you through the Fortress City, filled with golden-hued buildings and anchored by St. John's Cathedral. Later, in Mdina, join a Local Expert on a walk through the fortified Silent City, nicknamed for its peaceful atmosphere. Then, toast to an incredible journey during a final celebration dinner with your fellow travellers.

Highlights

  • 10 Breakfast (B)

  • 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)

  • 1 Lunch with Wine (LW)

  • Choose between two carefully selected activities

  • Palermo: Visit the spectacular 12th Century Palatine Chapel. Its sombre exterior gives away few clues to the riches inside. Step into a world where the walls glitter with 12th century mosaics, the best of their kind in the world.

  • Palermo: Learn about the civil anti-mafia movement and discover the lesser known history of Palermo.

  • : From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

  • : We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

  • : Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

  • : Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival In Palermo

Location: Palermo

Meals Included: Dinner with Wine

Relax and settle in before meeting your Travel Director for a dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Palermo & The Golden Age Of The Normans

Location: Palermo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Discover Palermo through Insight Choice. Opt for a walking tour featuring the stunning 12th-century Palatine Chapel with a Local Expert. Alternatively, engage in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on the Anti-Mafia tour, learning about modern efforts to combat organized crime in Palermo. This afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring Palermo Cathedral, a fascinating site with its unique blend of architectural styles reflecting centuries of history.

Day 3: Trapani And Marsala

Location: Palermo, Trapani, Marsala

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Nestled along its crescent-shaped coastline, Trapani is embraced by the Mediterranean Sea. Discover the age-old tradition of salt production with a visit to the colourful salt pans and ancient stone windmills where sea water is transformed into salt crystals. Then, savour the flavours of Marsala with a tasting at a local winery, where you’ll enjoy the town’s renowned wine amidst beautiful surroundings.

Day 4: Explore The Valley Of The Temples

Location: Palermo, Agrigento

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Travel along the southern coast of Sicily, passing the oil-producing town of Gela en route to Agrigento. In Agrigento, explore the Valley of the Temples with a Local Expert. Recognized by UNESCO, these temples are exceptional examples of ancient Greek architecture. Marvel at the imposing Temple of Concordia and the cliff-top Temple of Juno, both overlooking the sea. Reflect on this unforgettable day with your fellow travellers over dinner at the hotel, sharing insights and experiences.

Day 5: Discover Villa Romana Del Casale And Ragusa

Location: Agrigento, Ragusa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Travel inland to the Villa Romana del Casale, a luxurious Roman villa renowned for its rich and intricate mosaics. This UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized since 1997, showcases the opulence of ancient Rome. Continue to Ragusa and explore the labyrinthine alleyways of Ragusa Ibla with our Local Expert. This town, with origins dating back to the Bronze Age, was inhabited by the Sicels tribe, who lent their name to Sicily. Admire the significant Sicilian Baroque architecture that has earned Ragusa UNESCO recognition.

Day 6: Modica

Location: Ragusa, Modica, Ragusa

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a Relaxed Start this morning or join an Optional Experience to the Val di Noto and the town of Noto. Later discover Modica during an orientation tour and discover the artisanal techniques used to create the town's celebrated handmade chocolate.

Day 7: Ancient Syracuse

Location: Ragusa, Syracuse, Giardini Naxos

Meals Included: Breakfast

Sightseeing with your Local Expert begins at Syracuse’s Paradise Quarry, home to the unique Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped grotto with remarkable acoustics. Next, visit the impressive Greek theatre, carved from solid rock, and one of the largest of the ancient world. Take time to explore the atmospheric Old City on the island of Ortygia, a labyrinth of narrow streets lined with palaces. This historic area is where the famed mathematician Archimedes famously ran through the streets, exclaiming 'Eureka!' Continue your journey along Sicily’s picturesque Ionian Riviera to the charming town of Giardini Naxos.

Day 8: Taormina And The Dawn Coast Of Europe

Location: Giardini Naxos

Accommodation: RG Naxos Hotel, Taormina.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Your hotel faces east, offering early risers a glimpse of why D.H. Lawrence dubbed this 'The Dawn Coast of Europe.' After breakfast, consider an Optional Experience through the vineyards to Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Journey to the charming old town of Taormina, perched on Mount Tauro with views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. With your Local Expert, visit the ancient Greek theatre, set on a cliff and open to the sky. Sit and absorb the breath-taking view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna. Stroll along the elegant Corso Umberto and enjoy panoramic views from Piazza IX Aprile. Conclude your day with dinner at a local restaurant, featuring delicious, freshly prepared Farm-to-Table cuisine and exquisite Italian wines.

Day 9: Fly From Catania To Malta

Location: Catania, Sliema

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Day 10: Free Time In Sliema Relaxed Start

Location: Sliema

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 colourful ‘luzzu’ fishing boats in the harbour.

Day 11: Explore Valetta Relaxed Start

Location: Sliema, Valletta, Sliema

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine

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.

Day 12: Free Day In Malta

Location: Sliema

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is free for you to relax at leisure on the rooftop terrace. 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.

Day 13: Mdina The Silent City

Location: Sliema, Mdina, Sliema

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

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 travellers.

Day 14: Depart Malta

Location: Sliema

Meals Included: Breakfast

It’s time to say goodbye to this beautiful island and your fellow travellers, as a transfer takes you to Malta International Airport for your onward journey.

Check out our Q&As

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

Reviews of this operator

Peggy Lindenborn  

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Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily is a delightful trip and our travel guides and driver, Enzo, Chris and Greg were amazing and made the trip very memorable. We saw so many places and had great experiences along the way! Thanks to them for such a wonderful vacation.!

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Trusted Customer  

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11-Jan-2023

Great itinerary, good pace, tour director was friendly and very knowledgeable and organised. Bus was very spacious and driver was great. Yes would recommend insight to friends and families

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The trip was fantastic. Everything was well planned and exceeded my expectations. All insight personal were courteous helpful and professional Ann Manual and Kevin were a topnotch team There was attention to every detail and at all times felt safe and always a personal touch to the trip. The motor coach was clean and roomy and there was multiple wipe downs during the day All hotels were top notch and all staff at the hotels and restaurants were helpful and courteous I would recommend this trip as it gave you a fantastic view of the natural wonders of the the West.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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