Sicily in Depth - With 6 Days Malta Option, Small Group
Tour Operator:
Tour Code:
SE834MZN19-1
Start City:
Catania
End City:
Valletta
Tour Style:
Tour Quality:
First Class
Tour Length:
12 days
Age Requirement:
5+ Years Old
Tour Capacity:
40
Dates & Prices
| Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, Aug 11, 2024 | Thursday, Aug 22, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote |
Promotions
LOW UNPUBLISHED PRICES ON INSIGHT VACATIONS TOURS
Why pay full price? Call us or click above for a quick quote and save money on Insight Vacations Tours.
Limited-Time Air Offer: up to $400 Off Air-Inclusive Vacations
Limited-Time Air Offer: up to $400 Off Air-Inclusive Vacations
Promotion Details
Save $100 per person on Economy or Premium Economy airfare; save $200 per person on Business Class airfare. Valid for Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Trafalgar, Insight, Brendan Vacations or Costsaver vacations booked with Economy, Premium Economy or Business Class airfare for travel April 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024. Must be booked with deposit between April 1, 2024 and May 30, 2024. Mention promotion code at time of booking; not valid online. Not valid on group bookings and offer is not combinable with group discounts, Future Travel Credit carry forward discount, Last-Minute Deals or any other airfare discounts; savings are combinable with Global Tour Rewards benefits or other general market promotions on the land portion of the tour. Standard commission on airfare applies. Other conditions may apply.
Global Tour Rewards Members Exclusive Sale, Extra 10% Savings
Global Tour Rewards Members Exclusive Sale, Extra 10% Savings
Promotion Details
Receive an extra 5% Global Tour Rewards Discount, combinable with the standard Global Tour Rewards 5% Member Benefit, for savings up to 10% on select 2024 departures. New bookings only made with deposit between March 29, 2024 and May 30, 2024. Standard booking and payment policies apply. If guests change to another tour or date not on sale, they are responsible to pay the difference and adhere to different payment conditions. Savings are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Extra savings may be combined with Global Tour Rewards 5% Member Benefit, but is not combinable with other promotional offers (including Seasonal Sale, Last Minute Deals, etc.), group discounts, Future Travel Credit carry forward discount or any other discount or promotion. Other conditions may apply.
Roommate Match Solo Traveler Savings
Roommate Match Solo Traveler Savings
Promotion Details
Offer does not apply to all vacations, contact your travel consultant for applicable vacations. There is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Does not apply to additional accommodation, stopovers, airfare or flight supplements, Independent City Breaks, Israel, Jordan, Eastern Mediterranean trips with included cruises or cruise extensions. Exceptions apply.
Tour Itinerary
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.
-
Day 1
Arrive in Giardini NaxosWelcome 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.Accommodation: RG Naxos Hotel, Taormina.
Meals: Dinner -
Day 2
Taormina and the Dawn Coast of EuropeYour 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.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 3
Cefalu and PalermoTravel 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.Accommodation: NH Palermo.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 4
Palermo & the Golden Age of the NormansExplore 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.Accommodation: NH Palermo.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 5
Explore the Valley of the Temples and on to RagusaJourney 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.Accommodation: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 6
Ancient Syracuse and CataniaSightseeing 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.Accommodation: NH Catania Centro.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 7
Fly from Catania to MaltaDuring 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.Accommodation: Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 8
Free time in Sliema Relaxed StartYour day is at leisure. You may want to explore the World Heritage Site of Ha?ar 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.Accommodation: Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 9
Explore Valetta Relaxed StartWith 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.Accommodation: Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 10
Free Day in MaltaToday 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.Accommodation: Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 11
Mdina the Silent CityHead 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.Accommodation: Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 12
Depart MaltaIt’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.
Meals: Breakfast
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch with Wine (LW)
- 1 Dinner (D)
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- 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.
Additional Included 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.
Authentic Dining
- Palermo: Sample a variety of cuisine on your Dine-Around evening.
- Mdina: Toast to your trip with your fellow travelers and enjoy a Celebration Dinner at a wonderful local restaurant.
- Sliema: Enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers at your luxury hotel in Sliema.
Insight Experiences
- 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.
Make Travel Matter
- Palermo: Learn about the civil anti-mafia movement and discover the lesser known history of Palermo.
Top Rated Highlights
- : 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.
- Taormina: Should you awake early, you may see why this is known as 'The Dawn Coast of Europe.'
- Taormina: Visit the ancient Greek Ampitheatre 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.
- Taormina: During your orientation with your Travel Director, visit the courtyard of Palazzo Corvaja, seat of the first Sicilian parliament, and stroll along Corso Umberto to Piazza IX Aprile.
- 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.
- Cefalu: Your Travel Director will show you the cathedral, built to fulfil a vow. Walk to the medieval stone fountain in the old fishermen's quarter, find the Gothic arch of the Porta Marina and see the harbor.
- 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.
- Agrigento: A Local Expert will lead you through the magnificent remains of the Greek colony in the Valley in the Temples. See 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.
- Syracuse: Walk through the gardens of Paradise Quarry, listen to the acoustics in the mysterious Ear of Dionysius and visit the Greek theater.
- Catania: During an exploration with your Travel Director see the Duomo, Piazza and the noble buildings of Palazzo Senatorio.
Travel Director
- : "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. "
- : "I really love about showing guests the huge variety that Italy has to offer, from quaint countryside villages to cities full of stupendous art and architecture."
- : "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."
Well-being
- : 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 distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?
Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?
Insight Vacations consistently provides excellent tours, services, drivers and tour directors.
This is my 5th Insight Tour in 5 years...they are great at what they do; their staff, the tour bus and the great optional excursions. I am ready to book my tour for next year.
Insight is a wonderful company and offered an amazing experience traveling throughout Europe. We would highly recommend it!
Toured with Insight before and have never been disappointed! Understand, you are on the go and walk a lot. But, that is what we wanted and paid for!
This was a perfect vacation!! We loved being on a boat and having one room to return to each night no packing and unpacking or hauling belongings from place to place. We were surprised how roomy and very comfortable our room on board was. Even the bathroom gave us plenty of room to move around in. And the boat itself was spacious, clean, and laid out with lots of thought put into the needs of guests. The staff onboard was phenomenal. They went above and beyond, always smiling, helpful, and spoiling us. Everything was clean, the food excellent and plentiful, and planned stops included keeping passengers safe at all times. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants to relax and enjoy the Adriatic! Thank you Affordable Tours.
I have been on 4 trips with Insight and will continue to use them. They are a wonderful company
This was our 2nd tour with Insight Vacations and it was a wonderful experience. Michael, our tour director, was excellent!
The Tour Director and Driver were excellent! Very enjoyable.
Insight took care of everything! Great hotels and excursions!
Insight not only provides an educational and cultural experience, but they also lessen the stress that can come with traveling as they provide airport pick ups and drop offs, and just tell us when to have our luggage outside our hotel door. We would definitely travel with Insight again.
Got my money's worth! This was a fabulous trip! American the Beautiful has a deeper meaning after seeing unimaginable beauty every mile of the way. The Tour Guide and Wellness Coordinator were fabulous, and you just can't find a better bus driver. The extra legroom available on Insight Tours makes all the difference when you are on a bus for 10 glorious days.
This trip was one of my best. The itinerary was just right. Everything went to perfection
This was my third trip with Insight Tours. It was a very good tour. I chose Insight because of their itinerary for this particular tour.
The best of the trip, definitely the staff! Thanks!
Call Us Now 1-800-935-2620
How It Works
Vacationing has never been easier or cheaper with the help of a dedicated travel consultant from AffordableTours.com
1. Free Quote
Find your perfect trip on our website and simply request a free quote. Need to speak to a live person? Call us 7 days a week at 1-800-935-2620. No robots here!
2. Dedicated Travel Consultant
Your personal travel consultant will reach out and be your point of contact for your entire travel experience from start to finish. Did we mention you'll be working with an award winning team? Sweet!
3. Lowest Price Guaranteed
Because we're one of the largest sellers of travel, we're able to give you a discount on your vacation package. No one beats our prices!
4. Stress Free Travel
Knowing you got the best deal, all that's left is for you to pack your bags and enjoy your vacation!
Insight Vacations is a reputable company with a great formula for success. This is our fifth trip with them. We know what to expect and we are always very pleased with our trips.