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- Itinerary
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8 Day / 7 Nights – Departures every Tuesday
PRICE AND DATE ON REQUEST
This tour of 8 days and 7 nights will allow you to visit Sicily and the wonderful island of Malta. Sicily is a land that offers its visitors an incredible travel experience during which it is impossible not to fall in love with this island. Since ancient times it has been a land of wars and conquests, all the peoples who have lived there over the centuries have left traces of their artistic, architectural and culinary culture. It was precisely the union and mixture of many peoples with very different customs that has created over time a unique artistic, architectural and cultural heritage in the world. Many are the marvels of the work of the man of this island, but above all nature is the undisputed queen of this suggestive territory: in fact, some of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean belong to Sicily. Finally he, the Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. The tour will then continue on the island of Malta. Malta is located in the heart of the Mediterranean, halfway between North Africa and Sicily and is the ideal destination for those who want to combine the visit of artistic and architectural works with the exploration of wonderful natural reality and beautiful beaches. You can admire Valletta, a fortress-city, with its splendid architectural works, both historical and modern, and its museums. In Gozo you will be enchanted to admire the incredible Blue Lagoon, a crack carved into the rock by the action of the waves over the millennia. Check out the detailed travel program in the itinerary section.
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COD: SICMAL/DIMSI
Itineraries
Day 1
PALERMO
Arrive independently to the hotel in the charming city of Palermo (optional private transfer on request). In the evening meet our tour-leader and your travel companions and enjoy welcome dinner. Overnight in hotel.Day 2
PALERMO - MONREALE - MARSALA
After breakfast in hotel, the morning will be spent visiting the capital of Sicily Palermo, one of the richest towns in the island for its history and art. Palermo stands on a bay at the foot of Mt Pellegrino, a headland described by Goethe as the loveliest he had ever seen. While the Baroque predominates, there is a profusion of different architectural styles reflecting the city’s multicultural past, including an elegant opera house. We will visit the wonderful Arab-Norman Cathedral, the astonishing Martorana Church and the amazing Cappella Palatina, mirable example from an historical and an artistic point of view, of how different cultures, religions and way of thinking apparently incompatible can coexist. Ruggero II in fact employed both Byzantine, Muslim and Latin workers. Continuing our walk we will admire the debated fountain in Pretoria Square, situated in the ancient Kalsa area and adorned with XVI century sculptures. Along the visiting day we will have a stop for a food surprise in the famous Antica Focacceria San Francesco. Free time for lunch. Later on we will proceed to Monreale to visit its huge Norman Cathedral, proclaimed the Eighth Wonder of the World, and its splendid Cloister in Arab-Norman style: admirable masterpiece of art, sculpture, and semi-precious stones marquetry! In the afternoon we will continue to Marsala in whose port Garibaldi landed in 1860. Visit of a prestigious wine cellar and wine tasting. Dinner and overnight in hotel.Day 3
MARSALA SALT ROAD - SELINUNTE – AGRIGENTO
This morning the tour will continue along the charming and well-known Salt Road: the west coast of Sicily with many salt marshes, which have given rise to one of the oldest salt-extracting industries in the world. Between Trapani and Marsala they are now protected, in part because of the interesting birdlife, and also as important sites of industrial archaelogy. On the way you will see the nice Island of Mothia (situated at the centre of a large lagoon in Marsala, known today Stagnone), and the famous Salt pans and windmills. Departure to Selinunte to visit the largest Archaeological Park in whole Mediterranean and World Heritage Site. Surrounded by a splendid landscape near the African Sea, we will walk among the rests of the ancient Greek city. Free time for lunch. Transfer to Agrigento and visit of the Valley of the Temples stated World Heritage Site, where among hundreds of almond trees, the rests of the ancient Akragas rise. It was defined by Pyndar “the most beautiful city of mortals”. Once one of the most prosperous of the ancient Greek cities on the island, Agrigento presents a remarkable series of Doric Temples of the 5 th century. You will see the “Temple of Hera”, the “Temple of Concordia” and the “Temple of Heracles”. Accommodation in hotel, dinner and overnight.Day 4
PIAZZA ARMERINA - RAGUSA – MODICA – VALLETTA
Proceeding on we will reach Piazza Armerina where we will admire the splendid polychrome mosaics of the famous Villa Romana del Casale, World Heritage Site. The complex, which has some of the most extensive and most beautiful Roman mosaics known, is a World Heritage Site. This majestic villa, belonged to a member of the Roman Senatorial aristocracy, hosts prestigious mosaics representing mythological and historical episodes and scenes of hunting and entertainments. After free time for lunch, departure to Ragusa Ibla and visit of its historical centre cradle of Sicilian baroque, with its Cathedral, situated in the beautiful square of the Dome and the “giardino Ibleo”. Used as a location of the extremely popular Police Inspector Montalbano Tv series, it is today stated among the 44 Italian World Heritage Sites. This little precious ancient city, well known thanks to the Commissario Montalbano television series, hosts more than 50 churches and many baroque architectural treasures. Free time in the Ragusa city center. The group will continue with our private driver to Modica, a treasure chest full of Baroque treasures and UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll conclude the visiting day with a tasting of local products. Transfer to Pozzallo harbour, boarding on the catamaran to reach Malta. Arrive in Malta Valletta and private transfer to your hotel. Free dinner and overnight.Day 5
VALLETTA – MEDINA
After breakfast in hotel, our guide will lead you through an half day excursion discover the treasures of the charming capital Valletta. You will visit the wonderful Casa Rocca Piccola ancient palace of the sixteenth century belonged to the Maltese nobility and still today private residence of the Marquis De Piro; proceeding on you will visit the Cathedral of St. John where we will admire the beautiful "Beheading of St. John the Baptist", Caravaggio masterpiece and continuing the Barraca Gardens from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the picturesque port of Valletta. Later on you will visit the Grand Master's Palace, nowadays seat of the Maltese Parliament. Our tour continues on to Mdina, the former capital of Malta. You will visit the Cathedral of St. Paul and then you’ll have free time to walk along its lovely streets and discover its viewpoint from which to enjoy a splendid view. After the visit, transfer to your hotel. Free afternoon. Overnight at your hotel.Day 6
COTTONERA - MARSAXLOKK – BLUE GROTTO – DINGLI – GOLDEN BAY
This morning the tour continues with a full day excursion with private driver to discover the beauty of this magical Island. You will reach Cottonera also called "The Three Cities": the three fortified cities of Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua. Afterwards you will visit the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk whose waterfront is decorated with traditional colorful fishing boats called "luzzi". Free time to stroll along the streets of the city centre and browse among the stalls of the famous local market. Continuing you will visit the town of Wied iz-Zurrieq where you will embark on an excursion sea towards the famous Blue Grotto, a beautiful and picturesque natural cave that reflects the fluorescent colors of the underwater flora. Our tour will continue on board of a private vehicle in the direction of Dingli through the Maltese countryside. Then, the tour goes to Golden Bay in Mellieha, one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. Free time to enjoy the place and for a refreshing swim in its crystal clear waters . Return to your hotel. Overnight.Day 7
COMINO – BLUE LAGOON - GOZO – MALTA CAVES
After breakfast in hotel, our driver will pick you up for another day of excursion in the Maltese archipelago. You will be accompanied to Bugibba, where you will board on a comfortable boat for a fantastic mini cruise. Sailing through the north of the Maltese coast to the island of Comino; you will stop at the famous Blue Lagoon for about an hour. Time to take some pictures, sunbathe and have a swim in the turquoise waters of the bay or if you prefer, you can relax in the bar of the boat which is equipped with drinks and snacks. Afterwards you will reach Gozo for here a visit of about 3 hours, discovering the most charming places of the island: TaPinu, Dwejra, the capital Victoria with its historic market square and the Citadelle St. Georges. At the end of tour, you will return on board to circumnavigate Comino and visit the famous caves. Return to Bugibba at late afternoon. Transfer to your hotel and overnight.Day 8
MALTA
After breakfast in hotel, check-out and end of our services.Sicily
Multilingual Tour leader and professional travel guide* (English, Italian, Spanish) from the evening of the 1st day to the evening of the 4th day, local guides or audio-guides where necessary.
– Deluxe bus from day 2 to day 4
– Whisper kit
– Accommodation in charming 4 stars hotels mostly located in the city centre
Palermo: Mercure Palermo Centro 4*/ Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal 4* or similar
Agrigento: Baia di Ulisse Wellness &SPA 4* or similar
– Half board basis in hotels or local restaurants (dinner – 3 main courses fixed menu – beverages not included) to have a taste of Sicilian and Italian cuisine.
– Visit of the main suggestive Unesco World Heritage Sites: Monreale, Palermo, Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, Ragusa.
– 1 lunch: day 3 in a local winery in Marsala.
– Tasting of Sicilian typical products: Palermo (day 2) tasting of local street food; Marsala (day 3): visit of a wine cellar and wine tasting; Ragusa (day 4): tasting of local cheese.
– Private transfer from Ragusa to Pozzallo harbour.
Private tour extension to Malta
– 4 nights in 4* hotels – BB treatment (bed and breakfast)
Malta: Hotel Argento St Julians 4* / Seashells Resort at Suncrest 4* or similar
– Private Transfer from Valletta harbour to your Hotel
– Virtu Ferries Ticket one way Pozzallo-Malta
– 1 half-day excursion with a private driver-guide (1st day in Malta)
– 1 full day excursion with private driver-guide(2nd day in Malta)
– 1 excursion to the Blue Lagoon, Comino, Gozo and The Caves (3rd day in Malta)
Sicily
– Transfers in/out
– all lunches except for the one on day 3 in Marsala
– beverages
– entrance fees at monuments/museums
– city taxes (where compulsory)
– tips and extras in general
– anything not specified under “The rate includes”
Private tour extension to Malta
– All meals
– entrance fees for monuments/museums
– tips and extras in general
– anything not specified under “The rate includes”
SUPPLEMENTS:
– Pre-night in hotel in Palermo (BB treatment): € 70,00 p.p. in Standard double room per night – € 128,00 in single room per night.
– Transfers from Palermo airport to hotel in Palermo: 1/3 pax € 43,00 each way per car.
– Post-night in Malta upon request
– Assistance – Medical Expense Reimbursement – Luggage insurance – Travel Cancellation Expenses Insurance: on request.
