Sicily and Malta
Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
We depart for Palermo, Sicily with a change of planes in Rome.
We arrive in Palermo and transfer to our hotel for a 2-night stay. The balance of the day is at leisure.
Today our city tour of Palermo will show us the Old and New quarters, the Cathedral of Monreale - a stunning architectural treasure, the theatres of Massimo and Politeama, and the Capo Market.
Our tour of western Sicily continues with a visit to the medieval city of Erice, built an impressive 750 metres above sea level. In the afternoon we visit the ancient seaside town of Marsala, well known for its famed quality wines. Later we proceed to Mazara del Vallo for a 3-night stay.
Today we enjoy a full day tour of Mazara del Vallo. This is one of Italy’s foremost fishing harbours, and this region of Sicily boasts one of the most beautiful coastlines in the Mediterranean. Lunch is included at a local winery.
Today we enjoy a boat ride to the island of Mozia to visit what was once an ancient Phoenician city. We will see the original landscape of the salt marshes, windmills, and vineyards.
We travel inland to the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, one of the most outstanding examples of Greek architecture, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch is included before we proceed to the eastern side of Sicily. Upon arrival in Catania we enjoy a walking tour of the historical centre of the city, before proceeding to our hotel for a 2-night stay.
We drive to the ancient city of Syracuse, and we’ll visit the Archaeological Park with its Greek theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the island of Ortigia, and the Spring of Arethusa Fountain. After our visit of Syracuse we proceed to the charming cliff-side town of Taormina for a scenic walking tour, before returning to our hotel in Catania.
We fly to Malta and upon arrival transfer to our hotel for a 7-night stay in seaview rooms!
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon we will have a welcome orientation, followed by a delightful cruise around the Grand Harbour with beautiful views of Valletta.
Our city tour of Malta’s capital, Valletta, will include the Upper Barracca Gardens, St. John's Cathedral, the Casa Rocca Piccola Palace, the Living Museum, and a viewing of the film The Malta Experience. The afternoon is at leisure and you may want to take advantage of the very user-friendly, inexpensive public bus system that Malta is known for.
On today’s full day excursion we take the short ferry ride to Malta’s second largest island, Gozo. Here we visit the sites of Calypso's Cave, the Citadel, Gozo Cathedral, Xlendi Bay, and the pre-historic temples. Lunch is included while in Gozo.
This morning our excursion takes us to “Malta's Three Cities”: Senglea, Cospicua, and Vittoriosa. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening a local historian will give a talk on Malta and its traditions.
Our morning excursion to Mdina, Malta's old capital city, includes a visit to the Cathedral and the catacombs in Rabat. We finish at Ta' Qali Crafts Village where you can admire the local artisans at work and find some souvenirs.
A free day to enjoy a stroll along the harbour, visit St. Julian’s, see the countryside or try your luck at Sliema’s popular casino. This evening will be our Farewell Dinner.
We transfer to the airport for our flight home via Rome.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
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