Sicilian Escape with Malta
Sicilian Escape with Malta
Sicilian Escape with Malta
10 Days Starting in Palermo, Italy and ending in St. Julian, Malta
Visiting: Palermo, Agrigento, Syracuse, Taormina, La Valletta, St. Julian, Malta
Tour operator:
Tour code:
KIMX-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Sicily and Malta with the "Sicilian Escape with Malta" tour. Begin in Palermo, where you'll explore historic sites like the Church of Immacolata and the Norman Cathedral in Monreale. Wander through the ancient Valley of Temples in Agrigento and marvel at the Roman mosaics in Piazza Armerina. Discover the Greek and Roman ruins in Syracuse, taste traditional arancino in Catania, and visit the majestic Mount Etna. Fly to Malta for an orientation walk in La Valletta, and enjoy free time in St. Julian. Conclude with a visit to Rabat, Mosta, and the "Silent City" of Mdina, before bidding farewell in St. Julian.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Palermo,Italy
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: Garibaldi
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Palermo! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel.ARRIVE 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 2: Palermo
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: Garibaldi
Meals Included: Breakfast
PALERMO Sicilian Specialties PALERMO Guided sightseeing includes the Church of Immacolata, and a visit to the cathedral. Drive up to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d’Oro and visit the Norman Cathedral. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT 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 3: Palermo,Agrigento
Location: Agrigento
Accommodation Name: Della Valle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
PALERMO–AGRIGENTO Timeless Temples AGRIGENTO Take a guided walking tour of the Valley of Temples. (B,D) 87 mi / 140 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGY The ruins of Akragas remain Sicily's most amazing archaeological site. The impressively well-preserved Tempio della Concordia sits in 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 4: Agrigento,Piazza Armerina,Syracuse
Location: Syracuse
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Villa Politi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
AGRIGENTO–PIAZZA ARMERINA–SYRACUSE Ancient Artistry In Sicily PIAZZA ARMERINA Take a guided visit of the Villa Romana del Casale with the largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world. Enjoy lunch with regional specialties at a local restaurant. (B,L) 162 mi / 260 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTART & 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 5: Syracuse,Catania,Taormina Riviera
Location: Syracuse
Accommodation Name: Hellenia Yachting Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
SYRACUSE–CATANIA–TAORMINA RIVIERA Coastal Treasures SYRACUSE Guided visit to the Greek and Roman ruins of the Archaeological Park features the Greek Theatre and the Roman Amphitheater. CATANIA [LF] Arancino tasting and free time on the way to Taormina Riviera. (B) 75 mi / 120 kmLOCAL FAVORITELOCAL 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 with a traditional arancino tasting one of Sicily’s most famous street food.
Day 6: Taormina Riviera
Location: Taormina
Accommodation Name: Hellenia Yachting Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
TAORMINA RIVIERA The Pearl of the Mediterranean TAORMINA RIVIERA Guided excursion to Mount Etna. Orientation walk through Taormina town and free time. Dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL 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 7: Catania-La Valletta,Malta,St. Julian
Location: La Valletta
Accommodation Name: Mercure St. Julian's Malta
Meals Included: Breakfast
CATANIA-LA VALLETTA, MALTA–ST. JULIAN Gardens and a Grand Harbor CATANIA Fly to La Valletta airport.LA VALLETTA Orientation walk includes the Barakka Gardens. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC 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 8: St. Julian
Location: St. Julian
Accommodation Name: Mercure St. Julian's Malta
Meals Included: Breakfast
ST. JULIAN Home of Giants ST. JULIAN Free day to explore the city. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE with a visit to the little island of Gozo 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.”TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL 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 to be silent and no cars are allowed in the city.
Day 9: St. Julian: Excursion To Rabat-Mosta & Mdina
Location: Malta
Accommodation Name: Mercure St. Julian's Malta
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
RABAT Stop in the city famous for its catacombsMOSTA Take pictures of the stunning Roman Catholic church with a unique architectural history.MDINA Walk through the “Silent City” and take in views of the ancient walls followed by a glass blowing demonstration. Farewell dinner at local restaurant.ST. JULIAN: EXCURSION TO RABAT-MOSTA & MDINA Catacombs & Silent CitiesRABAT Stop in the city famous for its catacombsMOSTA Take pictures of the stunning Roman Catholic church with a unique architectural history.MDINA Walk through the “Silent City” and take in views of the ancient walls followed by a glass blowing demonstration. Farewell dinner at local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 10: St. Julian
Location: St. Julian
Accommodation Name: Mercure St. Julian's Malta
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.ST. JULIAN Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation in Palermo, Agrigento, Syracuse, Taormina Riviera, and St. Julian.
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Meals
Daily breakfast, 3 dinners, and 1 lunch.
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Guided Sightseeing
Guided sightseeing tours in Palermo, Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, Syracuse, and Taormina Riviera.
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Excursions
Excursions to Monreale, Valley of Temples, Villa Romana del Casale, Mount Etna, and Barakka Gardens.
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Local Experiences
Arancino tasting in Catania and a glass blowing demonstration in Mdina.
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Transportation
Flight from Catania to La Valletta.
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Tour Director
Services of a professional Tour Director.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions and activities not listed in the itinerary.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for the Tour Director, driver, and local guides.
UNESCO Sites
Arab-Norman cathedral of Monreale|Archeological area of Agrigento|City of Valletta|Mount Etna|Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica|Villa Romana del Casale
Accommodation
Palermo: Garibaldi, Agrigento: Della Valle, Syracuse: Grand Hotel Villa Politi, Taormina Riviera: Hellenia Yachting Hotel, St. Julians: Mercure St. Julian's Malta
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
Notes
High altitudes may be challenging for some guests. The ascent to Mount Etna reaches an elevation of 6,500 ft. (1,981 m).
Meals
9 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinner
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of welcome can I expect on the first day in Palermo?
On the first day in Palermo, you will meet your Tour Director and traveling companions at 6 pm for a welcome dinner at the hotel.
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What are some of the key sites visited in Palermo?
In Palermo, the guided sightseeing includes the Church of Immacolata and a visit to the cathedral. You will also drive up to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d’Oro and visit the Norman Cathedral.
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What can I expect during the visit to Agrigento?
In Agrigento, you will take a guided walking tour of the Valley of Temples, which includes the impressively well-preserved Tempio della Concordia.
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What is special about the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina?
The Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina is known for having the largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world. The mosaics were designed and installed by African mosaic workers, showcasing the strength of Roman influence and power throughout the Mediterranean region.
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What unique experience is offered in Catania?
In Catania, you will have an arancino tasting, which is one of Sicily’s most famous street foods, and some free time to explore the area.
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What activities are planned in Taormina Riviera?
In Taormina Riviera, you will have a guided excursion to Mount Etna, an orientation walk through Taormina town, and free time. The day will end with dinner at a local restaurant.
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What will I see during the orientation walk in La Valletta, Malta?
During the orientation walk in La Valletta, Malta, you will visit the Barakka Gardens and enjoy the marvelous sights of Malta.
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What is the significance of the Ggantija Temples in Gozo?
The Ggantija Temples in Gozo are some of the oldest freestanding structures in the world, dating back 5,500 years. Locals claim the site was built by giants, hence the name 'Ggantija.'
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What can I expect during the excursion to Rabat, Mosta, and Mdina?
During the excursion to Rabat, Mosta, and Mdina, you will stop in Rabat, famous for its catacombs, take pictures of the stunning Roman Catholic church in Mosta, and walk through Mdina, known as the 'Silent City.' The day will also include a glass blowing demonstration and a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
Reviews of this operator
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Low Deposit
Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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