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Sicily in Depth
With 6 Days Malta Option, Classic Group
Tour Description:
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 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 quaint fishing town of Cefalú and stroll to the Porta Marina for a picture-perfect view of the harbor. 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 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 travelers.
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Dates & Pricing
| Sunday 12 May 24 — Thursday 23 May 24 | Starting at $5,291 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 02 Jun 24 — Thursday 13 Jun 24 | Starting at $5,319 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 14 Jul 24 — Thursday 25 Jul 24 | Starting at $4,549 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 28 Jul 24 — Thursday 08 Aug 24 | Starting at $4,549 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 08 Sep 24 — Thursday 19 Sep 24 | Starting at $4,761 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 15 Sep 24 — Thursday 26 Sep 24 | Starting at $4,680 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 06 Oct 24 — Thursday 17 Oct 24 | Starting at $4,581 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 18 Apr 25 — Thursday 01 May 25 | Starting at $5,204 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 25 Apr 25 — Thursday 08 May 25 | Starting at $5,304 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 02 May 25 — Thursday 15 May 25 | Starting at $5,304 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 09 May 25 — Thursday 22 May 25 | Starting at $5,304 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 16 May 25 — Thursday 29 May 25 | Starting at $5,304 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 23 May 25 — Thursday 05 Jun 25 | Starting at $5,359 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 30 May 25 — Thursday 12 Jun 25 | Starting at $5,359 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 06 Jun 25 — Thursday 19 Jun 25 | Starting at $5,359 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 20 Jun 25 — Thursday 03 Jul 25 | Starting at $5,304 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingDestination Highlights:
: Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
: 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.
: We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
: From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
: Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
: 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, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
: Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
: 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.
: We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
: From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
: Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
: 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, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
ITINERARY
ITINERARYArrive in Giardini Naxos
Welcome to Sicily. Relax in your hotel or take a stroll along the beach before meeting your Travel Director and traveling companions this evening. Your Sicily and Malta adventure begins with two glorious nights on the Taormina Riviera.
Taormina and the Dawn Coast of Europe
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 theater set on a cliff and open to the sky. Take a moment to sit in this ancient theater and admire the view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna. Stroll through the old town and admire Taormina's grandest building and along the elegant Corso Umberto.
Cefalu and Palermo
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 harbor. Later, travel onwards to Palermo.
Palermo & the Golden Age of the Normans
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.
Explore the Valley of the Temples and on to Ragusa
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.
Ancient Syracuse and Catania
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 theater, 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 travelers.
Free time in Sliema Relaxed Start
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 colorful ‘luzzu’ fishing boats in the harbor.
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.
Free Day in Malta
Today is free for you to relax at leisure on the rooftop terrace and enjoy the marvelous 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.
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. Enjoy a Celebration Dinner at a wonderful local restaurant where you’ll toast to your trip with your fellow travelers.
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.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
