Upon arrival in Sicily, you will be met by your tour director & transferred to your hotel in Palermo. Palermo's history is marked by outside rulers who rose & fell, from the Phoenicians to the Moors to the Normans to the Spanish & beyond. Today, Palermo showcases all those influences fused into an ambiance, a range of customs, traditions, & a distinctively Sicilian culture! This evening, you will savor a delicious dinner to welcome you to Sicily. (D) 

After breakfast at your hotel, you will embark on a half-day tour of Palermo. Palermo bears witness to its rich history for centuries at the crossroads of civilizations, offering a unique mix of Byzantine mosaics, Arabesque domes, & frescoed cupolas. Discover Sicily's capital, see highlights such as Palermo Cathedral, the famous Palazzo dei Normanni, & Massimo Vittorio Emanuel Theatre, one of Europe's most prominent opera houses. Then visit the vibrant Palermo market & stop to sample some Sicilian delicacies. Continue to Monreale & visit the Benedictine Abbey & its Cloister, known for its exquisite mosaics depicting episodes from the Old & New Testaments. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure. (B)

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel, then enjoy a day at your leisure or embark on an optional tour to Marsala, known worldwide for its world-class wines, including the traditional "Marsala." Drive along Trapani's coastline & visit the region's famed salt pans, where Sicilians still harvest salt using centuries-old methods. You will visit a historic winery in Marsala to learn about their wine production where hundreds of barrels & wooden kegs each tell their own story. This wonderful place is the theatre where the oenologist creates Marsala wine by slowly blending all its sensorial potentials. Here you will taste this wonderful libation. (B)

This morning, depart for Sicily’s east coast. Stop en route in Agrigento, where Sicily's most impressive Greek ruins are found. Known for its fabulous archeological finds, you will participate in a guided tour of the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 5th century B.C. Afterwards enjoy some free time in Agrigento to explore the town's vibrant medieval center, local shops, trattorias, & bars. Like a precious gem between the barren volcanic Etna & the azure Ionian Sea, the Taormina region is a multi-faceted wonderland. Truly captivating thanks to the richness of its Baroque architecture & its historical & artistic heritage, but also because of the spirit of a young & vibrant Sicily. Dinner tonight is at the hotel (B,D)

Your day starts with breakfast at your hotel before heading out to explore Taormina on a half-day city tour with a visit to the Greek Theater built in the 3rd century B.C. As we explore the streets of Taormina, learn the history & significance of Granita in Sicilian culture, & then join a tasting of Granita, a frozen dessert. This afternoon, keep the adventure going with an optional tour of Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano. Sweeping views from thousands of meters high in the mountain welcome you. A starkly different ambiance from the coastal vistas & azure seas down below, Mt Etna's volcanic rock & black lava sand surround you, offering a distinctive experience beyond the beaches & quaint towns that Sicily is best known for. A transfer back to the hotel will be provided for those not joining the Etna Tour. (B)

This morning, after breakfast, join a full-day tour of Catania & Syracuse. Start with a half-day exploration of Catania, the vibrant heart of Sicily, rich in history, culture, & architecture. See the ancient Roman Amphitheaters & Ursino Castle & delve into the city's evolution with your guide's fascinating stories. Experience the lively local market, filled with fresh produce & aromatic spices. In Syracuse, your guide will lead you through the historical Neapolis archaeological park, showcasing ancient wonders like the 5th-century B.C. Greek Theatre & the unique Ear of Dionysus cave, known for its acoustics & historical significance. (B)

Today, you can join an optional tour of Messina, with its storied port & history as a trading city. As the closest city to mainland Italy, Messina is unique compared to Sicily's smaller villages & towns. Your tour through Messina offers a window into its rich cultural tapestry. Here marvel at the architectural wonders such as the Church of San Francesco & the Fountain of Neptune. As you explore, you'll cross the historic landmarks of City Hall, the revered Church of the Annunziata dei Catalani, & the bustling Piazza del Duomo, where the town's grand cathedral stands proudly. Take advantage of the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring astronomical clock, celebrated as the world's largest. Later today, you will participate in an unforgettable Godfather tour, where you can relive the renowned Godfather movies as we explore the medieval hilltop town of Savoca. This town served as the backdrop for scenes from the famed films. The tour includes visiting the famous "Bar Vitelli" for a gelato tasting. Dinner this evening is included at your hotel. (B,D)

After breakfast, your departure transfer awaits you to the airport for your flight home. (B)

Key: (B) – Breakfast, (L) – Lunch, (D) – Dinner

Please note: Hotel (when listed) and Itinerary are subject to change. This program is classified as a level 2 program - A light activity tour. There is easy walking throughout the day. Plan to get on and off the coach/boat, with light walking tours, some stairs and uneven surfaces, through cities and sights such as museums. All optional Day tours and extensions require a minimum of 15 passengers. 

Today depart from Sicily to Malta via highspeed ferry. Upon arrival relax & check-in to your hotel. Enjoy dinner at the hotel tonight. (B,D)

Today, start your Valletta experience with a guided walking tour. Your guide will take you through the charming narrow streets for external visits to key sites such as Valletta City Gate, Triton Fountain, the new parliament building, Republic Street, St. George Square, & the Court of Justice while outlining the rich history of Valletta. See the Manoel Theatre, built in 1731, showcasing the Maltese embrace of operas & theatrical productions. You will also visit St. John's Co-Cathedral, a Roman Catholic co-cathedral in Valletta dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, known for its stunning Baroque interior & masterpieces by Caravaggio. Then you head back to the hotel, enjoy some free time for lunch, and relax. In the afternoon you can take an optional tour to Birgu and the fabulous Maltese military museum. Start your adventure by boarding a typical Maltese boat to Birgu (Città Vittoriosa). This old fortified city has a rich history with maritime, mercantile, & military activities. Then, head to the War Museum, which is housed in an 18th-century army barracks & features a restored underground rock-cut air raid shelter. (B)

Set off from the hotel & journey to the Megalithic Temple Complex of Hagar-Qim & Mnajdra, with a panoramic stop above the Blue Grotto before reaching the temple entrances. Hagar Qim, unearthed in 1839, is a testament to the ancient civilizations that once thrived here, dating back to c. 3600 - 3200 BC. Perched on a cliff, it offers a breathtaking view of the sea & the islet of Filfla. Nearby, you'll find Mnajdra, a remarkable temple site nestled in a hollow above the Southern cliffs. The impressive complex of Mnajdra comprises three temples, with the most notable featuring an intact façade & bench from 3150–2500 BC. (B)

As your journey in Malta comes to an end, enjoy breakfast before your departure transfer to the airport. Reflect on the memories you've made & the experiences you've had as you prepare for your flight home. (B)

Key: (B) – Breakfast, (L) – Lunch, (D) – Dinner

Please note: Hotel (when listed) and Itinerary are subject to change.   

On some dates the ferry Sicily to Malta will be replaced with a flight. 

This program is classified as a level 2 program - A light activity tour. There is easy walking throughout the day. Plan to get on and off the coach/boat, with light walking tours, some stairs and uneven surfaces, through cities and sights such as museums. All optional Day tours and extensions require a minimum of 15 passengers.