Sicily in Depth - With 6 Days Malta Option, Classic Group
Sicily in Depth - With 6 Days Malta Option, Classic Group
Sicily in Depth - With 6 Days Malta Option, Classic Group
12 Days Starting in Catania and ending in Valletta
Visiting: Giardini Naxos, Taormina, Cefalu, Palermo, Agrigento, Ragusa, Syracuse, Catania, Sliema, Valletta, Mdina
Tour operator:
Tour code:
E834MZM19
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
20 - 40
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
See every slice of Sicily and experience the heart of Malta during this 12-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 quaint fishing town of Cefalú and stroll to the Porta Marina for a picture-perfect view of the harbour. 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 stratovolcano. 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
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Giardini Naxos
Location: Giardini Naxos
Accommodation: RG Naxos Hotel, Taormina.
Accommodation Name: RG Naxos Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner with Wine
Welcome to Sicily. Relax in your hotel or take a stroll along the beach before meeting your Travel Director and travelling companions this evening. Your Sicily and Malta adventure begins with two glorious nights on the Taormina Riviera.
Day 2: Taormina And The Dawn Coast Of Europe
Location: Taormina
Accommodation Name: RG Naxos Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 theatre set on a cliff and open to the sky. Take a moment to sit in this ancient theatre 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.
Day 3: Cefalu And Palermo
Location: Taormina, Cefalu, Palermo
Accommodation: NH Palermo.
Accommodation Name: NH Palermo
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 harbour. Later, travel onwards to Palermo.
Day 4: Palermo & The Golden Age Of The Normans
Location: Palermo
Accommodation: NH Palermo.
Accommodation Name: NH Palermo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Explore Palermo with Insight Choice. Choose a walking tour with a visit to the spectacular 12th century Palatine Chapel with a Local Expert. Alternatively, join the Anti-Mafia tour of Palermo, part of a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and find out how locals are working together in modern day Palermo. In your free time this afternoon, you could 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 can experience the foods the locals like to eat and experience how they like to eat it on your Dine-Around Evening.
Day 5: Explore The Valley Of The Temples And On To Ragusa
Location: Palermo, Agrigento, Ragusa
Accommodation: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa.
Accommodation Name: Mediterraneo Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 6: Ancient Syracuse And Catania
Location: Ragusa, Syracuse, Catania
Accommodation: NH Catania Centro.
Accommodation Name: NH Catania Centro
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
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 theatre, 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 travellers.
Day 7: Fly From Catania To Malta
Location: Catania, Sliema
Accommodation: Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Accommodation Name: Waterfront Hotel Sliema
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
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.
Day 8: Free Time In Sliema Relaxed Start
Location: Sliema
Accommodation: Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Accommodation Name: Waterfront Hotel 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 9: Explore Valetta Relaxed Start
Location: Sliema, Valletta, Sliema
Accommodation: Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Accommodation Name: Waterfront Hotel 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 10: Free Day In Malta
Location: Sliema
Accommodation: Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Accommodation Name: Waterfront Hotel Sliema
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free for you to relax at leisure on the rooftop terrace and enjoy the marvellous 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.
Day 11: Mdina The Silent City
Location: Sliema, Mdina, Sliema
Accommodation: Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Accommodation Name: Waterfront Hotel 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 12: 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.
What's Included
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Meals Included
11 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch with Wine (LW), and 5 Dinners with Wine (DW) as per itinerary.
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Exclusive Experiences
Enjoy unique experiences such as a walk through Vucciria market in Palermo, a visit to the spectacular Arab-Norman Monreale Cathedral, a Dine-Around Evening in Palermo, a Celebration Dinner in Mdina, and a Welcome Dinner in Sliema.
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Local Expert Guides
Benefit from the knowledge of Local Experts for guided tours in Palermo, the Valley of the Temples, Taormina, Agrigento, Mdina, Syracuse, and Valletta.
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Luxury Transportation
Travel in comfort with an air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom, onboard washroom, and complimentary Wi-Fi in hotels and coach where available.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Tips for hotel and restaurant staff are included, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
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Insight Flourishes
From time to time, enjoy Insight Flourishes - local specialties that represent the destination.
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Baggage Handling
Enjoy the convenience of having your bags carried for you and delivered to your hotel room.
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Airport Transfers
Scheduled airport transfers on arrival and departure days (conditions apply).
What's Not Included
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International Airfare
International airfare to and from the start and end of your tour is not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Experiences
Costs of optional experiences are not included and are available for an additional fee.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, mini-bar, room service, and other personal items are not included.
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Additional Meals
Any meals not listed in the inclusions are not covered.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers outside of the itinerary start and end dates, or additional nights accommodation booked through Insight Vacations, are not included.
Check out our Q&As
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What countries does the tour visit?
The tour visits Italy and Malta.
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How many dinners with wine are included?
There are 5 Dinners with Wine included.
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Is there a visit to a Greek theatre included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to the ancient Greek Ampitheatre in Taormina.
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Does the tour include any meals?
Yes, the tour includes 11 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch with Wine, and 5 Dinners with Wine.
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Are there any visits to museums or historical sites?
Yes, the tour includes visits to the National War Museum in Sliema, the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, and St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta among other historical sites.
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Is transportation provided during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Transfers are available at scheduled times if arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.
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What type of accommodations can be expected?
Accommodations include luxury hotels such as RG Naxos Hotel, NH Palermo, Mediterraneo Palace, NH Catania Centro, and Waterfront Hotel Sliema.
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Are there any activities related to local culture?
Yes, the tour includes activities related to local culture such as a Dine-Around Evening in Palermo, a Celebration Dinner in Mdina, and a Welcome Dinner in Sliema. Additionally, there are visits to local markets, historical lectures, and opportunities to learn about the civil anti-mafia movement in Palermo.
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What are the main highlights of the tour?
Main highlights include visits to the Arab-Norman Monreale Cathedral, the ancient Greek Ampitheatre in Taormina, the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, and the capital of Malta, Valletta. The tour also features a variety of dining experiences and insights into local culture and history.
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Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?
Yes, complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi is available where available.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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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.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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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.
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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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Terms and Conditions
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