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13-Nights Sicily in Depth - With Malta Option, Classic Group from $4,775

Insight Vacations

OFFER ID 1617134

Sicily In Depth - With 6-Day Malta Option, Classic Group
See every slice of Sicily during this 14-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 salt pans and windmills on the western coast and taste Marsala wine in its home town. In Taormina, perched above the Ionian Sea, join a Local Expert at the city’s cliffside Greek theater, from where you can see Mount Etna, the island’s active Strato volcano.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.


Dining Summary

  • 7 Dinner (D)
  • 14 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
Choice Highlights
  • Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • Syracuse: Walk through the gardens of Paradise Quarry, listen to the acoustics in the mysterious Ear of Dionysius and visit the Greek theater.
  • Syracuse: Stroll through Old Town Syracuse on the island of Ortigia and learn the legends of the Fonte Aretusa.
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: Embark on a fun exploration of Palermo's tasty culinary scene on a Dine-Around evening.
  • Marsala: Enjoy a tasting of some of the island's richest Sicilian wines at a local winery in Marsala.
  • Ragusa: Savor the flavors of Ragusa during your Farm-to-Table dining experience, highlighting the freshest locally sourced ingredients.
  • Catania: Your Celebration dinner reflects some of Sicily's top culinary heritage.
  • Sliema: Enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers at your luxury hotel in Sliema.
  • Sliema: Toast to your trip with your fellow travelers over a wonderful Farm-to-Table dinner.
Insight Choice
  • Syracuse: Walk through the gardens of Paradise Quarry, listen to the acoustics in the mysterious Ear of Dionysius and visit the Greek theater.
  • Syracuse: Stroll through Old Town Syracuse on the island of Ortigia and learn the legends of the Fonte Aretusa.
Insight Experiences
  • Sliema: Visit the National War Museum, site of a former air raid shelter. Learn about the important role Malta played during WWII while you explore with a historian.
Make Travel Matter
  • Trapani: Discover how the ancient tradition of salt extraction has been handed down from generation to generation. Set in a breathtaking natural landscape, home to pink flamingos and various aquatic birds, the salt pans and windmills create a picturesque scene against a backdrop of sea and sky. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities.
  • Mdina: Experience the ambiance of Palazzo Falson, a prestigious museum that highlights the rich heritage of the island. Visit the exclusive rooftop garden, where Malta's endemic species thrive, creating a sophisticated pollinator haven for the local ecosystem.
Top Rated Highlights
  • 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: Admire magnificent Hellenistic remains in the Valley of the Temples, such as the massive Temple of Concordia and clifftop Temple of Juno.
  • Piazza Armerina: Travel to the Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO site since 1997. The Villa is one of the most luxurious of its kind, showcasing it's rich and intricate mosaics which decorate almost every room.
  • Ragusa: During your walking tour with your Local Expert see the famous Baroque buildings and churches.
  • Modica: Experience Modica's celebrated hand-made chocolate.
  • Taormina: Visit the ancient Greek Amphitheater 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: Visit Taormina with a Local Expert and enjoy free time to 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.
  • Mdina: Explore Mdina with a Local Expert in the l


13 nights from $4,775 per person

Itinerary
Click here for Full Itinerary Details
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Itinerary Details

Insight Vacations: Sicily in Depth - With 6-Day Malta Option, Classic Group

Day 1 - Welcome to Palermo
Relax and settle in before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodations: Palazzo Liberty Unique, Splendid Hotel La Torre
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Palermo & the Golden Age of the Normans
Discover Palermo on a walking tour featuring a visit to the stunning 12th-century Palatine Chapel with a Local Expert. This afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring Palermo Cathedral, a fascinating site with its unique blend of architectural styles reflecting centuries of history. For your dining pleasure, you can try the foods the locals like to eat and experience how they like to eat it on your Dine-Around Evening.
Accommodations: Palazzo Liberty Unique, Splendid Hotel La Torre
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 - Trapani and Marsala
Nestled along its crescent-shaped coastline, Trapani is embraced by the Mediterranean Sea. Discover the age-old tradition of salt production when you visit the colorful salt pans and an ancient stone windmill during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to see where sea water is transformed into salt crystals. Then, savor the flavors of Marsala with a tasting at a local winery, where you can enjoy the town's renowned wine in beautiful surroundings.
Accommodations: Seawater, Marsala
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 - Explore the Valley of the Temples
Travel along the southern coast of Sicily en route to Agrigento. In Agrigento, explore the Valley of the Temples with a Local Expert. Recognized by UNESCO, these temples are exceptional examples of ancient Greek architecture. Marvel at the imposing Temple of Concordia and the cliff-top Temple of Juno, both overlooking the sea. Reflect on this unforgettable day with your fellow travelers over dinner at the hotel, sharing insights and experiences.
Accommodations: The Scala dei Turchi Resort, Agrigento
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 - Discover Villa Romana del Casale and Ragusa
Travel inland to the Villa Romana del Casale, a luxurious Roman villa renowned for its rich and intricate mosaics. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1997, showcases the opulence of ancient Rome. Continue to Ragusa and explore the labyrinthine alleyways of Ragusa Ibla with your Local Expert. The town, with origins dating back to the Bronze Age, was once inhabited by the Sicels tribe, who gave their name to Sicily. Admire the remarkable Sicilian Baroque architecture that has earned Ragusa UNESCO recognition. In the evening, savor the rich flavors of locally sourced ingredients with a delicious Farm-to-Table dinner at a charming local restaurant.
Accommodations: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 - Modica Relaxed Start
Enjoy a Relaxed Start this morning or join an Optional Experience to the Val di Noto and the town of Noto. Later, explore the town of Modica, rebuilt after the 17th-century earthquake, and discover its artisanal techniques used to create the town's celebrated handmade chocolate.
Accommodations: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Ancient Syracuse
Discover Syracuse through Insight Choice. Opt for sightseeing with your Local Expert at Syracuse’s Paradise Quarry, home to the unique Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped grotto with remarkable acoustics. Next, visit the impressive Greek theater, carved from solid rock, and one of the largest of the ancient world. Alternatively, take time to explore the atmospheric Old City on the island of Ortigia, a labyrinth of narrow streets lined with palaces. This historic area is where the famed mathematician Archimedes famously ran through the streets, exclaiming 'Eureka!' Continue your journey along Sicily’s picturesque Ionian Riviera to the city of Catania.
Accommodations: Hellenia Yachting, Giardini Naxos, Baia Taormina, Marina di Forza D’Agrò
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Taormina and the Dawn Coast of Europe
After breakfast, consider an Optional Experience through the vineyards to Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Journey to the charming old town of Taormina, perched on Mount Tauro with views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. With your Local Expert, visit the ancient Greek theater, set on a cliff and open to the sky. Sit and absorb the breath-taking view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna. Stroll along the elegant Corso Umberto and enjoy panoramic views from Piazza IX Aprile. Celebrate your time in Sicily with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, savoring Sicilian cuisine with exquisite Italian wines.
Accommodations: Hellenia Yachting, Giardini Naxos, Baia Taormina, Marina di Forza D’Agrò
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 - Fly from Catania to Malta
During your transfer to Catania airport, appreciate the vistas of Mount Etna one last time. Board your short flight to Malta where on arrival you will be 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.
Accommodations: Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 - Depart Catania
Your Sicily tour has now come to an end. Appreciate views of Mount Etna on your way to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 - Free time in Sliema Relaxed Start
Your day is at leisure. You may want to explore the World Heritage Site of Hagar 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.
Accommodations: Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 - Explore Valetta Relaxed Start
With a Local Expert, you’ll visit the Upper Barracca Gardens and the impressive St. John's Cathedral, designed in the Baroque style. Be captivated by the wealth of history as you stroll through the elegant streets, discovering why the city is known as The Fortress City, with its restored golden-stone buildings shaping the cityscape. For lunch, enjoy a delicious meal made with fresh, local ingredients. This afternoon, visit the National War Museum. Learn about Malta’s significant role in WWII as you explore with a historian.
Accommodations: Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13 - Free Day in Malta
Today is free for you to relax at leisure by the Mediterranean sea. 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.
Accommodations: Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 - Mdina the Silent City
Head to Mdina with a Local Expert to explore this golden city, known also as the silent city for its shady streets and peaceful atmosphere. Experience Palazzo Falson on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Return to the coast for an afternoon at leisure. This evening, enjoy dinner at a wonderful local restaurant where you’ll toast to your trip with your fellow travelers.
Accommodations: Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 15 - Depart Malta
It’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

Featured Destinations
Malta
The islands of Malta are an archipelago lying in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Malta is the largest of the islands. There are plenty of pre-historic sites and temples which must be seen in Malta. This is apart from the numerous churches, cathedrals and old military fortifications mostly from the times of the Knights of Malta (1530 - 1798). Every town or village has something to offer from museums, cathedrals, palaces and gardens. Many locals take a break and spend a long weekend or a few days on the nearby island of Gozo to enjoy the tranquillity of the sights and sounds on this enchanting island. Religion is a big part of life. The village festa, which is a feast in honor of the patron saint of the village, is a very important date for all the village.
Sliema
Sliema, about 1 mi/2 km across Marsamxett Harbor from Valletta, is the address of many of the capital's resort hotels, shops and restaurants. It's also the port of embarkation for most island cruises.
Catania
Destroyed several times by eruptions from Mt Etna and an earthquake in 1693, this busy port, situated along the northeast coast of Sicily, on the Gulf of Catania, is now graced by wide boulevards, lush parks and spacious piazzas. Choose from the medieval power of the 11th-century cathedral and the Castello Ursino, the Baroque fantasy of San Nicolo, or return to the ancient origins of the city with a visit to the Greek theater. Just a short drive up the coast are the Greek glories of Taormina, with unforgettable views of Mt. Etna.
Siracusa
Sicilia is the favorite island of Gods in traditional poetry. The most powerful and biggest ancient city in Sicilia is Siracusa. Its name may come from the native word "Siraco", which means "marsh", due to the bogs which surrounded the city. Or it may derive from a Phenician etymology signifying the presence of seagulls on its rocky shores. Few cities of the ancient world had the importance Syracuse had in Magna Grecia, the ancient Greek settlements in Italy. The most spectacular monuments in the archeological area surrounded by colorful Mediterranean vegetation are the Greek amphitheatre and the Orecchio di Dionisio (Dionysius' Ear). Besides touring the Archeological Museum that contains beautiful objects, Ortigia Island, the heart of the old Greek city, is worth a visit. Outside the city limits is Eurialo Castle, an incredible structure built to protect the city from the Cathaginians, and Pantalica, the great rocky necropolis in Anapo Valley.
Ragusa
Ragusa is a city located in Sicily that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Baroque city dates from 1693 and Ragusa (Superiore & Ibla) is a gem full of architectural delights.
Agrigento
Agrigento is a small town on the Southern coast of Sicily. The beach is wonderful and the small streets of the old town are quaint and charming. Just outside the city, you will find magnificent Greek temples located in the Valley of the Seven Temples.
Marsala
Palermo
Palermo is a city and seaport in Italy on the northwestern coast of Sicily, on the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is the largest city and chief port of Sicily. Many of the oldest buildings in the city date from the period when Sicily was a Norman kingdom and show Arab, Byzantine, Norman, and Spanish influences. Outstanding examples are the cathedral (1169-1185), the Palatine Chapel (1140), and the church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti (1132).

Excursions

Palermo and Monreale - 8 hours

  Close

Palermo and Monreale - 8 hours

Spend a full day in the capital of Palermo and Monreale.

Added value:
  • Visit of Piazza Pretoria-Quattro Canti-Norman Palace and Monreale
  • Visit of Palermos famous food market Vucciria
  • Time for shopping
Tour duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair accessible
Physical activity: Moderate with a fair amount of walking

Included:
  • Private sedan or van and English speaking guide for the day
  • Clients are picked up and dropped off at the Port
Not included: meals

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges
11/13/2026 - 11/26/2026
from $4,925 per person
11/27/2026 - 12/10/2026
from $4,775 per person
12/11/2026 - 12/24/2026
from $4,775 per person
12/23/2026 - 01/05/2027
from $5,225 per person
01/08/2027 - 01/21/2027
from $4,775 per person
01/22/2027 - 02/04/2027
from $4,795 per person
02/05/2027 - 02/18/2027
from $4,795 per person
02/19/2027 - 03/04/2027
from $4,850 per person
03/05/2027 - 03/18/2027
from $4,895 per person
03/19/2027 - 04/01/2027
from $4,895 per person


* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Prices Start At
from $4,775 per person
Length
13 Nights
Air City
Call for airfares from your city.
Vacation Rating
Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
Remarks
Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change. Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID
1617134

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