Itinerary Details
Sicilian Escape With Malta
Day 1ARRIVE IN PALERMO, ITALY Welcome to Palermo! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)
Day 2PALERMOSicilian Specialties 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
HISTORIC FAITH The story of the splendid Monreale cathedral starts when the 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.
Day 3PALERMO–AGRIGENTO Timeless Temples This morning, depart Palermo and drive 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)
87 mi / 140 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.
Day 4AGRIGENTO–PIAZZA ARMERINA–SYRACUSE 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.” [LF] Enjoy lunch with regional specialties at a local restaurant before continuing to Syracuse. Enjoy an evening at leisure. (B,L)
162 mi / 260 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.
Day 5SYRACUSE–CATANIA–TAORMINA RIVIERA Coastal Treasures This morning, join your Local Guide for a visit to Syracuse’s Archaeological Park featuring the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater, the Ear of Dionysus, and the Cordmakers’ Cave. Continue to the bustling city of Catania and enjoy free time, admire the main square, Piazza del Duomo, browse the stores along Via Etnea, and try some of the delicious local specialties such as arancini and cannoli. Later, drive to the Taormina Riviera for free time this evening. (B)
75 mi / 120 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LOCAL TASTES Sicily’s love affair with food goes back a long way. Cooking traditions originating from the Greeks, Arabs, and Normans blend with those from Spain and North Africa resulting in a fabulous melting pot of flavors and unique dishes. Celebrate this feast of cultures and take time to sample some of Sicily’s most famous street food.
Day 6TAORMINA RIVIERA The Pearl of the Mediterranean Come face to face with Europe’s tallest active stratovolcano with a guided excursion to Mount Etna. Enjoy a scenic drive en route to a panoramic viewpoint from where you can observe the extinct craters and solidified lava flows. This afternoon, after an orientation walk, spend some free time exploring the breathtaking town of Taormina. Later, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDER Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest volcano and one of the most active in the world. Learn how in 1669, an eruption that lasted 112 days developed a record long stream of lava that destroyed the city of Catania.
Day 7CATANIA-LA VALLETTA, MALTA–ST. JULIANGardens 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 Welcome to the marvelous sights of Malta with an overnight stay in St. Julian. Named for the patron Saint that bears his name, this seaside town is rich with history and lovely views of the rocky stretch along the promenade.
Day 8ST. 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 of Gozo, home to the 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.”
Day 9ST. JULIAN: EXCURSION TO RABAT–MOSTA & MDINA Catacombs & 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, so people started to consider it a ghost town, and the “silent city” nickname was born. This name is still fitting today as there are many signs around the city urging us to be silent and no cars are allowed in the city.
Day 10ST. JULIAN Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Vacations by Stephanie
