Sicily in Depth - With 6-Day Malta Option, Classic Group
Tour Type: Regional
Brochure Type Europe Winter 25 26
See every slice of Sicily during this 14-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 travelers 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 theater, 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 travelers.
Additional Included Highlights
Brochure Type Europe Winter 25 26
See every slice of Sicily during this 14-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 travelers 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 theater, 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 travelers.
Additional Included Highlights
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, y
- 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.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- Palermo Fun exploration of Palermo's tasty culinary scene on a Dine-Around evening.
- Sliema Enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers at your luxury hotel in Sliema.
- Marsala Enjoy a tasting of some of the island's richest Sicilian wines at a local winery in Marsala.
- Mdina Toast to your trip with your fellow travelers and enjoy a Celebration Dinner at a wonderful local restaurant.
- Taormina Your Farm-to-Table dinner reflects some of Sicily's top culinary heritage.
- 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. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10 Reduced Inequalities.
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- 1 Lunch with Wine (LW)
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 13 Breakfast (B)
- 5 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- Sliema Visit the National War Museum, site of a former air raid shelter. Learn about the important role Malta played during WWII over a lecture by an historian.
- Mdina Experience the ambiance of Palazzo Falson, a prestigious museum that highlights the rich heritage of the island. Visit the exclusive rooftop garden, where Malta's endemic species thrive, creating a sophisticated pollinator haven for the local ecosy
- Palermo Learn about the civil anti-mafia movement and discover the lesser known history of Palermo. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10 Reduced Inequalities.
- Taormina Visit the ancient Greek Amphitheater with your Local Expert. Set on a cliff, open to the sky, take your seats and enjoy the view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna.
- Trapani Discover the age-old tradition of salt production with a visit to the colorful salt pans and ancient stone windmills where sea water is transformed into salt crystals.
- Piazza Armerina Travel to the Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO site since 1997. The Villa is one of the most luxurious of its kind, showcasing it's rich and intricate mosaics which decorate almost every room.
- Agrigento Admire magnificent Hellenistic remains in the Valley of the Temples, such as the massive Temple of Concord and clifftop Temple of Juno.
- Mdina Explore Mdina with a Local Expert in the late afternoon to explore this golden city. Known as the Silent City for its shady streets and peaceful atmosphere.
- Modica Explore Modica and discover the artisanal techniques used to create the town's celebrated hand-made chocolate.
- Valletta Explore the capital with your Local Expert. Visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens and get lost in its beautiful 16th century buildings including St John's Co-Cathedral, designed in a baroque fashion.
- Ragusa During your orientation with your Travel Director see the famous Baroque buildings and churches.
- Taormina Should you awake early, you may see why this is known as 'The Dawn Coast of Europe.'
- Taormina Visit Taormina with a Local Expert and enjoy free time to stroll along Corso Umberto to Piazza IX Aprile.
- 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.
- "One fun fact people don't usually know before they come to Italy is that the Italian alphabet only has 22 letters."
- "A type of food I really love introducing my guests to is the street food because it tells a lot about the habits of the locals, it can be a slice of pizza folded up or a sfogliatella in Naples, an arancini, a gelato in Sicily, or a cannolo. "
- "One thing I really love about showing guests about Italy is how art and beauty can be found around every corner of some of Italy's cities, which are real open air museums."
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical
Call 410-638-5822 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18824596
- Tour Operator
- Insight Vacations
- Offer
- Offer valid through 12/30/2024
- Duration
- 14 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
Day | Destination | Description |
Day 1 | Palermo | Arrival in Palermo: Relax and settle in before meeting your Travel Director for a dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodations: |
Day 2 | Palermo | Palermo & the Golden Age of the Normans: 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. For your dining pleasure, you can try the foods the locals like to eat and experience how they like to eat it on your Dine-Around Evening. Accommodations: |
Day 3 | Marsala | Trapani and Marsala: 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 colorful salt pans and ancient stone windmills where sea water is transformed into salt crystals. Then, savor the flavors of Marsala with a tasting at a local winery, where you'll enjoy the town's renowned wine amidst beautiful surroundings. Accommodations: Seawater, Marsala |
Day 4 | Agrigento | Explore the Valley of the Temples: 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 travelers over dinner at the hotel, sharing insights and experiences. Accommodations: The Scala dei Turchi Resort, Agrigento |
Day 5 | Ragusa | Discover Villa Romana del Casale and Ragusa: 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. Accommodations: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa |
Day 6 | Ragusa | Modica: 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. Accommodations: |
Day 7 | Giardini Naxos | Ancient Syracuse: 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 theater, 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. Accommodations: |
Day 8 | Giardini Naxos | Taormina and the Dawn Coast of Europe: 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 theater, 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. Accommodations: RG Naxos Hotel, Taormina |
Day 9 | Sliema | Fly from Catania to Malta: 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. Accommodations: |
Day 10 | Sliema | Free time in Sliema Relaxed Start: Your day is at leisure. You may want to explore the World Heritage Site of Hagar 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. Accommodations: |
Day 11 | Sliema | Explore Valetta Relaxed Start: 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. Accommodations: |
Day 12 | Sliema | Free Day in Malta: 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. Accommodations: |
Day 13 | Sliema | Mdina the Silent City: 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. Experience Palazzo Falson on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience. Enjoy dinner at a wonderful local restaurant where you'll toast to your trip with your fellow travelers. Accommodations: |
Day 14 | Sliema | Depart Malta: 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. Accommodations: |
- Disclaimer
- Twin prices are per person.
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class