ITALY: SICILY & MALTA FROM CATANIA TO MALTA - 11 DAYS

CATANIA – SYRACUSE – ORTIGIA – NOTO – RAGUSA – MODICA – PIAZZA ARMERINA – AGRIGENTO – MARSALA – MONREALE – PALERMO – CEFALU – CATANIA – ETNA – TAORMINA – VALLETTA – MDINA – COTTONERA – MARSAXLOKK – DINGLI

Italy has been, since antiquity, the center of history, culture and art.  Artistic wonders can be found everywhere, and every corner of the country holds countless and wonderful surprises.  Italy offers an exciting journey through time, from the Ancient Greeks and Romans to the present day, which is also filled by a wealth of art and culture. 

itinerary & prices

Day 1 - Saturday: CATANIA (hotel in Catania)
Arrive independently to your hotel in Catania (optional private transfer on request). In the evening meet the tour leader and your travel companions and enjoy welcome dinner. IL PRINCIPE HOTEL / ROMANO HOUSE HOTEL

Day 2 - Sunday: CATANIA - SYRACUSE – NOTO - RAGUSA (hotel in Ragusa)
After breakfast in hotel departure to Syracuse to visit the most beautiful and greatest Greek colony in Sicily and World Heritage Site! The visit will start with the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, with its Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Latomie of Paradise and the Ear of Dionysius. Proceeding on and visit of the splendid Ortigia, a small island which is the historical centre of Syracuse. In Ortigia you will admire the beautiful Cathedral which dominates the square with its authoritative presence. The façade is a powerful Sicilian-Baroque composition but it gives no hint that this building was once a Doric temple! From Piazza Duomo you will reach a wide terrace on the waterfront surrounding the famous Arethusa’s Fountain, one of the most famous fresh-water sources of the Greek world. Free time for lunch. Departure to Noto, the capital of Sicilian Baroque, famous for its fine buildings of the early eighteenth century and declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inspired by Baroque ideals of “open city”, Noto is a rare masterpiece and the clearest example of theatrical tastes in 18th century architecture whose local limestone has been burnt gold by the sun. Noto’s Baroque is a game of elegant curves, floral weaves, perspective views, palaces and gardens, capitals and ornaments that adorn the facades of churches and monasteries. Visit of Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata, beautiful noble residence in Baroque style. Free time for a walk along the town. Transfer to Ragusa for dinner and overnight in hotel. MEDITERRANEO PALACE HOTEL

Day 3 – Monday: RAGUSA IBLA – MODICA – PIAZZA ARMERINA - AGRIGENTO (Hotel in Agrigento)
Today visit of Ragusa Ibla and its historical centre cradle of Sicilian Baroque. 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 town hosts more than 50 churches and many Baroque architectural treasures! You will be fascinated by its Cathedral, situated in the beautiful Dome square and you will love the “Giardino Ibleo”, the oldest of the four main gardens in Ragusa… At 383 meters above sea level, from this beautiful garden you can admire a spectacular panorama! The tour proceeds towards Modica chest of innumerable Baroque architectural treasures and for this reason stated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking along the tiny streets of this charming town, you will have a stop to visit Sabadì, one of the most renowned chocolate manufacturers whose chocolate has been awarded as the best Modica chocolate in the last 9 years! You will enjoy a multisensorial chocolate tasting discovering the authentic Sicilian perfumes… the local nepitella (wild mint), the orange blossom honey, the raw PGI - quality Sicilian lemon and the PGI – quality Sicilian red orange are just some of the many flavors you can taste! Proceeding on you will visit the beautiful and perfectly preserved noble seventeenth-century Palazzo Castro Polara Grimaldi. You will be astonished by its amazing balcony which dominates the town with a spectacular view and you will feel to be brought back to the past at the beginning of the XX century where time seems to have stopped. The style of the interior has the typical flavor of Sicilian noble palaces: frescoes of landscapes, wallpapers in splendid satins, vases and furnishings of the most precious manufacture, together with the private collections of Donna Grazietta Grimaldi are all signs which give you the impression that nothing has changed and that the ancient traditions of the house are still alive. You will then be brought back to present time savoring some local delicacies under the shadow of the amazing Orti di San Giorgio: 7 gardens suspended between light and beauty. A breath-taking panorama will be the setting of your relaxing lunch! The day goes on to the charming Piazza Armerina to visit the famous Villa Romana del Casale, UNESCO World Heritage Site, to admire the splendid polychrome mosaics! 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: you will love it! Departure to Agrigento. Dinner and overnight in hotel. BAIA DI ULISSE WELLNESS & SPA

Day 4 – Tuesday: AGRIGENTO - MARSALA - SALIE - PALERMO (hotel in Palermo)
This morning the tour continues in Agrigento visiting the famous Valley of the Temples stated World Heritage Site. It was defined by Pyndar “the most beautiful city of mortals”. As one of the most prosperous of the ancient Greek cities on the island, Agrigento presents a remarkable series of Doric Temples of the 5th century. Among hundreds of almond trees you will admire the rests of the ancient Akragas. You will see the “Temple of Hera”, the “Temple of Concordia” and the “Temple of Heracles”. Proceeding on, visit of the charming and well-known town of Marsala, where Garibaldi went ashore in May 1860. Marsala is a Mediterranean modern city, divided between sea and land, featuring unforgettable colors: bright yellow, intense blue, strong red, dazzling white and natural green. After a walk along the city center, guided tour of the Florio Cellars. The visit starts in front of the majestic giant vats, built at the end of the 19th century and still used for the refinement of Marsala wine. It continues inside the 3 fascinating barrel chambers, 165 meters long and running beneath 104 arches, under which 1.400 small barrels and about 600 larger barrels and vats of different capacities are arrayed, as c. 5.500.000 liters of Marsala wines age in silence and stillness. After a thirty minute tour through the barrel vaults, where the ancient tuff stone floor has been restored, you will reach the avant-garde tasting rooms named Donna Franca and Duca Enrico. You will enjoy a delicious light lunch and a memorable wine tasting experience! The tour will continue visiting the popular Salt Road: here the salt marshes have given rise to one of the oldest salt-extracting industries in the world! Between Trapani and Marsala, the Salt Road is now protected for its interesting bird life, and also as an important site of industrial archaeology. Transfer to Palermo, accommodation in hotel, dinner and overnight. MERCURE PALERMO CENTRO / IBIS STYLE PALERMO CRISTAL

Day 5 - Wednesday: MONREALE - PALERMO (hotel in Palermo)
After breakfast in hotel, the morning will be spent visiting Monreale, 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! Later you will discover the stunning Palermo, one of the richest towns in the island for its history and art. Palermo stands on a bay dominated by Mount 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: Punic walls, Art Nouveau villas, noble residences, 17th century squares, including an elegant opera house. Visit of the wonderful eclectic Cathedral, the astonishing Martorana Church and the amazing Cappella Palatina, admirable example from an historical and an artistic point of view, and a prove of how different cultures, religions and way of thinking apparently incompatible can coexist. Ruggero II employed Bizantyne, Muslim and Latin workers. During the day, you will have a stop for a surprise to taste the local street food in the famous Antica Focacceria San Francesco. Free time for lunch. Along the path you will admire the famous Teatro Massimo and the debated fountain in Pretoria Square, situated in the ancient Kalsa area and adorned with 16th century sculptures. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 6 - Thursday: PALERMO - CEFALU’- CATANIA (hotel in Catania)
After breakfast transfer to Cefalù, charming Medieval town situated at the northern coast of Sicily. Visit of its stunning Norman Dome and free time to stroll through the town or to visit the famous and well-known Mandralisca Museum. Arrival in Catania and free time for lunch. Later on the tour will continue visiting Catania’s historical center stated UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its original Baroque style and its unique streets built with black lava stone. The color scheme of the city-center buildings is black and dark grey, relieved with white limestone details around doors and windows. The effect is extremely elegant! The walking tour will start from the scenic Duomo square with its magnificent Cathedral and the famous “Liotru” statue, antique lava-stone elephant, symbol of the city. Not far from here we will reach University Square and we will have a walk along the splendid baroque Via dei Crociferi, the most representative 18th century street in Catania, where we will admire the famous S. Benedict Monastery, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continuing the visit enjoy a break in a historical bar of the city center to taste the typical “granita & brioche”. Dinner at the hotel or in a restaurant nearby and overnight. IL PRINCIPE HOTEL / ROMANO HOUSE HOTEL

Day 7 – Friday: CATANIA - ETNA – TAORMINA (hotel in Catania)
This morning after a short visit of the famous “pescheria” (the ancient fish market) in Catania, the tour will continue with an excursion to the Mount Etna, the highest (c. 3350m) volcano in Europe and one of the largest and most active in the world, nowadays UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its regional park protects 59.000 hectares of unique geology, flora and fauna, villages and farms, and traditional methods of forestry, bee-keeping, wine manufacture, stonework and carpentry. Views of stunning landscapes will amaze you heading to Rifugio Sapienza. You will reach the “Crateri Silvestri”, small volcanic cones now inactive, surrounded by ancient lava flows. The view beyond the mountain’s hundreds of subsidiary cones and craters, can extend across the whole of Sicily, the Aeolian islands and Calabria. The spectacle is unique! You will have a stop to enjoy the local homemade honey and some typical products of the area. The tour continues towards Taormina, charming town renowned for its magnificent position above the sea commanding a celebrated view of Etna. Free time for lunch and in the afternoon visit of Taormina’s fascinating Greek theater which will leave you breathless for its commanding view on Giardini Naxos bay and the Etna mountain! Free time for a nice walk among the picturesque Medieval typical narrow streets, to go shopping and looking around the local handicrafts (coral jewels, precious laces, ceramics, pastries and much more). The day will end with an overview of the beautiful Riviera dei Ciclopi. Back to the hotel in Catania for dinner and overnight.

Day 8 - Saturday: CATANIA - LA VALLETTA (Hotel in Malta)
After breakfast, free time to discover the city center of Catania. According to flights’ schedule, private transfer to the airport and direct flight to Malta. The tour continues now without the tour leader. Arrive to Malta and private transfer to the hotel. Free dinner and overnight. HOTEL ARGENTO ST JULIANS / SEASHELLS RESORT AT SUNCREST

Day 9 – Sunday: COTTONERA - MARSAXLOKK - BLUE CAVE - DINGLI
The tour includes an all-day excursion with private driver and guide to discover the beauty of the Island! You will discover the so-called Three Cities: the set of fortified cities of Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua. Then you will reach the charming fishing village Marsaxlokk whose waterfront is decorated by the traditional colorful fishing boats called "luzzi": you will stroll along the downtown streets and browse the stalls of the famous local market. Next, visit the town of Wied iz-Zurrieq and then take a sea excursion to the famous Blue Cave: a beautiful and picturesque natural cavern whose surrounding cave system reflects the fluorescent colors of the underwater flora. The tour will continue by private vehicle in the direction of Dingli through the Maltese countryside. Return to the hotel and overnight stay. Alternatively, a boat tour to Comino, the Blue Lagoon and the Malta Caves may be offered. In this case, after breakfast at the hotel, a private driver will take you to the town of Bugibba, where you will board a comfortable boat for a mini-cruise to the north of the Maltese coast towards the island of Comino. A stop at the famous Blue Lagoon is a must: for about an hour you can take some photos, sunbathe and take a dip in the turquoise waters of the bay or possibly relax in the boat's bar area equipped with drinks and snacks! You will continue on to Gozo, with a visit lasting about 3 hours, to appreciate the Island's major attractions: Ta' Pinu, Dweira, the capital Victoria with its historic market, the Citadelle and St. Georges Square. At the end of the excursion, you will return aboard a final coffin ride between Comino and its famous caves before returning to Bugibba in the late afternoon. Private transfer to hotel and overnight stay.

Day 10 - Monday: VALLETTA - MDINA
After breakfast at the hotel, you will take a guided tour of Valletta, the capital of the island. Highlights include the splendid Casa Rocca Piccola ancient 16th-century palace; St. John's Cathedral with its splendid "Beheading of St. John the Baptist," a masterpiece by Caravaggio; and continuing on to Barraca Gardens. Right from there you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Valletta's picturesque harbor. Finally, the Grand Master's Palace, now the seat of the Maltese Parliament. You will leave Valletta and head for Malta's ancient capital: Mdina, nicknamed the silent city. Strolling along its delightful narrow streets you will discover its belvedere from which to enjoy a splendid panorama. At the end of the visit, transfer to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 11 - Tuesday: MALTA
After breakfast in hotel, check-out and end of our services.

Note:Please note the company is not responsible for any disruption due to weather and sea conditions concerning all hydrofoil and ferry crossings among the islands.

Single room supplement is extra. Please contact us for Single travel alone and Single room supplement.

INCLUSIONS
■ 1+2 nights in a 4 * hotel in Catania
■ 1 night in a 4 * hotel in Ragusa
■ 1 night in a 4 * hotel in Agrigento
■ 2 nights in a 4 * hotel in Palermo
■ 3 nights in a 4 * hotel in Malta
■ Half board treatment (6 meals, 3 course fixed menu - drinks not included): lunch in local restaurants/cellar or dinner in hotel/local restaurants.
■ Light lunch in Modica
■ Typical product tastings: Palermo (5th day): gastronomic surprise with street food tasting; Catania (6th day): “granita and brioche” tasting; Etna (7th day): Visit to a honey factory tasting typical Etna products; Modica (3rd day): Visit to the famous Sabadì chocolate shop with tasting; Marsala (4th day): visit to the Florio wine cellar with tasting.
■ Multilingual tour leader for the entire itinerary
■ Local guides or audio guides when necessary
■ Visit of Monreale, Palermo, Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, Ragusa, Siracusa, Noto, Etna,Taormina, Catania old town centre, Cefalù
■ Tickets NOT included - To be paid on site or pre-paid purchasing the privilege package Unescorted extension to the Malta
■ 1 full-day excursion with private driver and licensed Italian-speaking guide (Day 1) or, alternatively, 1 boat/motorboat excursion to the Blue Lagoon, Comino, Gozo and The Caves
■ 1 half day excursion with private driver and licensed Italian-speaking guide (Day 2)
■ Individual arrival and departure transfers are NOT included
■ Transport by air conditioned bus from the 2nd day until the 7th day Unescorted extension to the Malta
■ Direct scheduled flight Catania-Malta with 23kg baggage included
■ Private transfer Valletta airport - hotel.

CITY TAX NOT INCLUDED. TO BE PAID DIRECTLY TO THE HOTEL. CHILDREN ABOVE THE AGE OF 12 ARE PERMITTED WITH PAYMENT OF THE ADULT

EXCLUSIONS
• Personal expenses, International airfare, Visa fees
• Customary gratitude to your guide and driver