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The Sicilian with Malta 2027
13 days from Palermo to St. Julian
Tour Description:
Trekked by more than half of humankind’s ancient world, modern day Sicily still offers off-the-beaten-path discoveries that reveal an undiscovered side of Italy. The Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, French, Germans, Spanish, Italians, and even the British have left an impression on this gorgeous island, and it shows in its diverse architecture, unique culture, and multinational cuisine. As you trace the sparkling coast from the flamboyant capital city of Palermo to the ultra-chic Taormina Riviera, you can expect stunning archaeological treasures, ancient works of art, and a warm welcome at every turn, and a cool gelato on every corner. Discover the marvelous sights of Malta to explore the ancient archaeological sites and amazing seaside sights along the way. Join us to experience these two countries' exquisite beauty that will stay with you for years to come—a guided vacation in Sicily and Malta you’ll treasure forever.PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Ragusa so you can plan your day your way.
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Dates & Pricing
Start Dates Listed Below are US departure dates, please verify specific dates with your Pavlus Travel Planner
| Friday 26 Mar 27 — Thursday 08 Apr 27 | Starting at $4,367 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 02 Apr 27 — Thursday 15 Apr 27 | Starting at $4,537 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 09 Apr 27 — Thursday 22 Apr 27
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $5,267 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 16 Apr 27 — Thursday 29 Apr 27 | Starting at $4,537 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 23 Apr 27 — Thursday 06 May 27 | Starting at $4,567 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 30 Apr 27 — Thursday 13 May 27 | Starting at $4,567 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 07 May 27 — Thursday 20 May 27 | Starting at $4,567 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 14 May 27 — Thursday 27 May 27 | Starting at $4,567 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 21 May 27 — Thursday 03 Jun 27 | Starting at $4,567 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 28 May 27 — Thursday 10 Jun 27 | Starting at $4,567 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 04 Jun 27 — Thursday 17 Jun 27
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $5,257 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 11 Jun 27 — Thursday 24 Jun 27 | Starting at $4,567 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 18 Jun 27 — Thursday 01 Jul 27
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $5,257 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 20 Aug 27 — Thursday 02 Sep 27 | Starting at $4,597 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 27 Aug 27 — Thursday 09 Sep 27 | Starting at $4,597 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 03 Sep 27 — Thursday 16 Sep 27
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $5,267 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 10 Sep 27 — Thursday 23 Sep 27 | Starting at $4,597 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 17 Sep 27 — Thursday 30 Sep 27 | Starting at $4,597 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 24 Sep 27 — Thursday 07 Oct 27 | Starting at $4,537 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 01 Oct 27 — Thursday 14 Oct 27 | Starting at $4,567 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 08 Oct 27 — Thursday 21 Oct 27
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $5,257 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 15 Oct 27 — Thursday 28 Oct 27 | Starting at $4,317 | Get a Quote |
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingSpecial Features Included in this Tour:• Guided sightseeing tours of Palermo, Mazaro del Vallo, and Ragusa Ibla • Visit to a traditional salt mill with wine-tasting experience in Marsala • Guided walking tour of Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples • Guided visits to Villa Romana del Casale, Piazza Armerina, and the Syracuse Archaeological Park • Globus Choice excursions in Ragusa – Included in your tour with your choice of a visit to an authentic Carrettieri (Sicilian carts) workshop or visit to Palazzo Arezzo di Trifiletti with a guided owner-led tour • Complimentary [LF] Granita (semi-frozen drink) and brioche tasting at the Bar Vitelli of Savoca− “The Godfather” filming location • Visit to Taormina’s ancient Greek theater• Orientation walks in Catania and Taormina• Orientation walk in Valletta, featuring the Barrakka Gardens • Full-day excursion to visit Mdina, Mosta, and Rabat • Included flight between Sicily and Malta
Notes:
We encourage all guests to prebook their preferred included Globus Choice excursions to ensure your selection is available. If your preference is not selected 35 days prior to departure, we will select a Choice excursion on your behalf based on availability.
We encourage all guests to prebook their preferred included Globus Choice excursions to ensure your selection is available. If your preference is not selected 35 days prior to departure, we will select a Choice excursion on your behalf based on availability.
MEALS
MEALS ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1 ARRIVE IN PALERMO, ITALY
Welcome to Palermo! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Dinner
DinnerDay 2 PALERMO
Sicilian Sights Your introduction to Palermo starts this morning with a guided sightseeing tour of Palermo’s highlights, including a visit to the cathedral. Take a scenic drive to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d’Oro and a visit to the Norman Cathedral. This afternoon and evening, enjoy free time to see more of Palermo. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES The story of the splendid Monreale Cathedral began as Arabs took control of Palermo. They transformed the cathedral into a mosque and banished the Bishop of Palermo from town. Not wishing to venture too far from his beloved cathedral, the bishop settled in a small village in the hills overlooking Palermo, the site of modern-day Monreale. There, he built a modest church to keep the flame of local Christian worship alive. Today the cathedral is known for its stunning mosaics that cover an area of over 64.500sq ft
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 3 PALERMO–ERICE–MARSALA–MAZARA DEL VALLO
Sweet & Salty Sicily Stop at the medieval hilltop town of Erice. Enjoy some free time to meander the narrow, cobbled streets and admire the views. Drive to the coastal town of Marsala, learn about one of its oldest industries with a guided visit of a Salt Mill. Later, try the famous Marsala wine during a tasting experience. (B)
99 mi / 160 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Lagoons, salt pans and windmills can be found along the coastline near Marsala. Learn all about the production of salt when visiting one of the original salt mills
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 4 MAZARA DEL VALLO–AGRIGENTO
Timeless Temples This morning, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Mazara del Vallo which includes a visit to the cathedral and old town. Appreciate the Arabic influence on the town when you follow a Local Guide through the alleyways of the Kasbah. Later, continue to Agrigento, location of a real cultural treasure, the UNESCO nominated Valley of the Temples. Join your Local Guide for a walk through this remarkable archaeological site to see the beautiful Greek temples. (B,D)
93 mi / 150 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGY The ruins of Akragas remain Sicily's most amazing archaeological site. The impressively well-preserved Tempio della Concordia sits in a spectacular setting upon a ridge where it served as a beacon for homecoming sailors and today draws enthralled visitors to revel in the remarkable Valley of the Temples
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 5 AGRIGENTO–PIAZZA ARMERINA–RAGUSA
Ancient Artistry in Sicily Travel through Central Sicily and stop in Piazza Armerina for a guided visit of the Villa Romana del Casale, housing one of the largest and richest collections of Roman mosaics, including the famous “Ancient Bikini Girls.” Later, continue your journey to Ragusa. (B,D)
118 mi / 190 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE Explore the extraordinary example of Roman power in one of the most luxurious villas of its kind in the Italian countryside. Marvel at the magnificently preserved mosaics that embellish the Villa Romana del Casale, designed and installed by African mosaic workers and the strength of the Roman influence and power throughout the Mediterranean region
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 6 RAGUSA
Spend your day your way in Ragusa This morning, join a Local Guide for a walking tour of Ibla, Ragusa’s historic center and admire the Baroque buildings. Visit the 19th century Giardini Iblei, and St. George’s Cathedral. Explore more of Ragusa with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.
Echoes of Aristocracy
Feel the nostalgic allure of a historic noble residence with a visit to Palazzo Arezzo di Trifiletti. The owner takes you on a personal tour, featuring the palace's elegant furnishings, frescoed ceilings, and marble floors, while sharing fascinating stories of family ancestors and traditions.
Cart Art
Discover one of Sicily's beloved symbols¿the Sicilian carretti (carts)¿an artistic tradition passed down through generations. Visit a workshop in Ragusa Ibla to learn how these donkey-drawn carts developed from work vehicles into vibrant works of art. Hear how this proud Sicilian tradition rolls on!Enjoy leisure time this evening. (B)
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 7 RAGUSA–NOTO–SYRACUSE
World Stages Enjoy free time in Noto, a town famed for its Baroque architecture. Walk along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele and admire San Nicolò Cathedral. Drive to Syracuse for a guided visit of the Archeological Park featuring the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater, the Ear of Dionysus, and the Cordmakers’ Cave. (B)
56 mi / 90 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ARCHITECTURE & ARCHAEOLOGY Discover the extraordinary evidence of history found at Neapolis Archaeological Park of Siracusa. The stars of this show are the magnificent ancient ruins of the Greek Theatre and remarkable Roman Amphitheatre which are revered as one of the greatest archaeological sites in all of Italy
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 8 SYRACUSE–CATANIA–TAORMINA RIVIERA
Coastal Treasures Drive to the bustling city of Catania. After an orientation walk, enjoy free time in the main square, Piazza del Duomo, and to browse the stores along Via Etnea. Try some of the delicious local specialties such as arancini and cannoli. Later, drive to the Taormina Riviera for free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
75 mi / 120 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Catania is an ancient port city on Sicily's east coast. It sits at the foot of Mt. Etna, Europe’s tallest volcano. The city's wide central square, Piazza del Duomo, features the whimsical Fontana dell 'Elefante statue and richly decorated St. Agata Cathedral. Nearby, La Pescheria weekday fish market is a rowdy spectacle surrounded by seafood restaurants
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 9 TAORMINA RIVIERA. EXCURSION TO SAVOCA
Frozen in Time This morning visit Savoca, one of the film locations for “The Godfather.” After an orientation walk enjoy a [LF] Granita (semi-frozen drink) and brioche tasting at Bar Vitelli. Later, join an orientation walk in Taormina with a visit to the ancient Greek theatre. Free time to explore the town, stroll along stylish Corso Umberto and enjoy a leisurely lunch. This evening, join your travel companions for dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
43 mi / 70 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Not quite the same as sorbet, the Sicilian invention of granita is Sicily’s take on frozen concoctions that varies with the delightful tastes of lemon, mandarin orange, jasmine, almond, mint, coffee, or berries. A frozen blend of Sicilian pistachios is also a tempting way to enjoy this traditional treat
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 10 CATANIA–LA VALLETTA, MALTA–ST. JULIAN
Gardens and a Grand Harbor This morning head to Catania airport to board a plane to Malta. Start your Maltese discovery with an orientation walk in La Valletta, the capital city. See the main highlights, including a visit to the Barakka Gardens before driving to St. Julian. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore more. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Enjoy superb views over the whole of the Gran Harbour, with the Three Cities in the background from the Barakka Gardens. Perched atop the Grand Harbour, these colonnaded gardens were created in 1661 and were actually the private gardens and exercise grounds of the Knights of the langue of Italy, whose auberges lie very close by
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 11 ST. JULIAN
Home of Giants Spend a full day at leisure in St. Julian: explore more sights, browse the stores, and relax, or join an optional excursion to Gozo, Malta’s sister island. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE with a visit to the little island home’s oldest freestanding structures in the world: the 5,500-year-old complex of the Ggantija Temples. Locals claim the site was built by giants, hence the name “Ggantija.”
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 12 ST. JULIAN: EXCURSION TO RABAT–MOSTA & MDINA
Catacombs and Silent Cities A full day to get acquainted with some of Malta’s famous towns. First visit Rabat, one of the oldest towns on the island and known for its catacombs. In Mosta, take photos of the stunning “Rotunda of Mosta” a Roman Catholic church featuring an incredible dome. Lastly, stop in Mdina, the former capital of Malta, find out why it is called the “Silent City” when you walk through it and admire the ancient walls. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM When the capital city was moved out of Mdina, the city was left uninhabited and was considered a ghost town, hence the “silent city” nickname was born. This name is still fitting today as there are many signs around the city as reminders to be silent and no cars allowed in the city
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 13 ST. JULIAN
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Accommodations
Accommodations| Palermo | Palermo | Mazara Del Vallo | Agrigento | Ragusa | Syracuse | Taormina Riviera | St. Julians |
Mercure Palermo Centro
First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
via Mariano Stabile, 112 Palermo Italy
The Mercure Palermo Centro has a prime location with the Politeama theatre, the Harbor, the Cathedral and the lively Vucciria Market within walking distance. It offers free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and 93 modern rooms with design furniture. Rooms have a refined atmosphere and mostly come with white, beige and black color combinations. Each one has air conditioning, coffee and tea maker facilities, flat screen TV with international channels and in-room safe. In the evening enjoy a cocktail at the bar. Many restaurants, bars and local shops are available nearby.
First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
via Mariano Stabile, 112 Palermo Italy
The Mercure Palermo Centro has a prime location with the Politeama theatre, the Harbor, the Cathedral and the lively Vucciria Market within walking distance. It offers free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and 93 modern rooms with design furniture. Rooms have a refined atmosphere and mostly come with white, beige and black color combinations. Each one has air conditioning, coffee and tea maker facilities, flat screen TV with international channels and in-room safe. In the evening enjoy a cocktail at the bar. Many restaurants, bars and local shops are available nearby.
