The Tour lasts for 8 days and 7 nights and is subject to availability at the time of booking.

 

PALERMO (1 night) - MONREALE - MARSALA (1 night) - MARSALA SALT ROAD - SELINUNTE - AGRIGENTO (1 night) - PIAZZA ARMERINA - RAGUSA - VALLETTA (4 nights).

 

01 - DAY - PALERMO Arrive independently to the hotel in the charming city of Palermo (optional private transfer on request). In the evening you will meet our tour-leader and your travel companions and enjoy a welcome dinner. Overnight in hotel. Meals: D

 

02 - DAY - MONREALE - PALERMO - MARSALA After breakfast in the hotel, the morning will be spent visiting Monreale, its huge Norman Cathedral, proclaimed the Eighth Wonder of the World, and its splendid Cloister in an Arab-Norman style: admirable masterpiece of art, sculpture, and semi-precious stones marquetry! Later we will discover the stunning Palermo, one of the richest towns in the Island for its history and art. Palermo sits 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: Punic walls, Art Nouveau villas, noble residences, XVIIth century squares, including an elegant opera house. We will visit the wonderful Arab-Norman Cathedral, the astonishing Martorana Church and the amazing Cappella Palatina, an admirable example from a historical and an artistic point of view, of how different cultures, religions, and ways of thinking apparently incompatible can coexist. Ruggero II in fact employed both Byzantine, Muslim and Latin workers. Along the visiting day, we will have a stop for a food surprise in the famous Antica Focacceria San Francesco. Free time for lunch. Continuing our walk we will admire the Teatro Massimo and the debated fountain in Piazza Pretoria, situated in the ancient Kalsa area and adorned with XVIth century sculptures. In the afternoon we will continue to Marsala. Visit to a prestigious wine cellar and wine tasting. Dinner and overnight in hotel. Meals: B D.

 

03 - DAY - 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 archaeology. Departure to Selinunte to visit the largest Archaeological Park in the whole Mediterranean and World Heritage Site. Surrounded by a splendid landscape near the African Sea, we will walk amongst the remains of this ancient Greek city. Free time for lunch. Transfer to Agrigento and visit the Valley of the Temples stated World Heritage Site, where amongst hundreds of almond trees, the remains 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 dating back to the 5th century. You will see the “Temple of Hera”, the “Temple of Concordia” and the “Temple of Heracles”. Accommodation in hotel, dinner and overnight. Meals: B D.

 

04 - DAY - PIAZZA ARMERINA - RAGUSA - VALETTA Today 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 includes some of the most extensive and most beautiful Roman mosaics known. 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 hosts more than 50 churches and many Baroque architectural treasures. We’ll conclude the visiting day with a tasting of local products. Free time in Ragusa city centre. Transfer to Pozzallo harbour and board the catamaran to reach Malta. Arrive in Malta Valletta and private transfer to your hotel. Free dinner and overnight. Meals: B

 

05 - DAY - VALLETTA - MDINA After breakfast in the hotel, our guide will lead you through a half day excursion where you will discover the treasures of the charming capital Valletta. You will visit the wonderful Casa Rocca Piccola ancient palace of the sixteenth century belonging to Maltese nobility and still today a 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", a Caravaggio masterpiece and continue on to 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. Meals: B

 

06 - DAY - MALTA - COTTONERA - MARSAXLOKK - BLUE GROTTO - DINGLI - GOLDEN BAY This morning the tour continues with a full day excursion with a 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. Afterward you will visit the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk whose waterfront is decorated with traditional colourful fishing boats called "luzzi". Free time to stroll along the streets of the city centre and browse amongst the stalls of the famous local market. Continuing you will visit the town of Wied iz-Zurrieq where you will embark on an excursion towards the famous Blue Grotto, a beautiful and picturesque natural cave that reflects the fluorescent colours of the underwater flora. Our tour will continue on board a private vehicle in the direction of Dingli through the Maltese countryside. Then, the tour goes to the 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. Meals: B.

 

07 - DAY - COMINO - BLUE LAGOON - GOZO - MALTA CAVES After breakfast in the 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. Afterward you will reach Gozo for a visit of about 3 hours, discovering the most charming places of the island: Ta 'Pinu, Dwejra, the capital Victoria with its historical market square and the Citadelle St. Georges. At the end of the 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. Meals: B.

 

08 - DAY - MALTA After breakfast in the hotel, check-out, and end of our services. Meals: B.

 

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

 

 

FURTHER DETAILS:

• 1 night accommodation in 4* hotel in Palermo; 1 night accommodation in 4* hotel in Marsala; 1 night accommodation in 4* hotel in Agrigento. ▪ 4 nights accommodation in 4* hotel in Malta island.

• In Palermo, you will be staying at Il Principe Federico II or Cristal Palace, in Marsala, Baglio Basile and in Agrigento Dioscuri Bay Palace Hotel. In Malta, Argento St Julians/Seashells Resort at Suncrest. You will be staying in 4 star or similar.

• 7 American buffet breakfast

• 3 dinners in hotels or local restaurants (drinks NOT included)

• 3 Tasting of Sicilian typical products Palermo (day 2) tasting of local street food; Marsala (day 2): visit of a wine cellar and wine tasting; Ragusa (day 4): tasting of local cheese

• Multilingual escorted tour (day 1-4) Monreale, Palermo, Selinunte, Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, Ragusa.

• Multilingual Local guides or audio-guides

• 1 full day +1 half day excursion with private driver in Malta

• 1 excursion to the Blue Lagoon, Comino, Gozo and The Caves in Malta

• Ground transportation by deluxe coach with air conditioning (day 2 to day 4)

• One way Private transfer from Ragusa to Pozzallo pier

• One way Private Transfer from La Valletta pier to your Hotel

• Virtu Ferries Ticket one way Pozzallo-Malta

 

EXTRA

• All lunches and 4 dinners in Malta

• Beverages.

• Entrance fees at monuments/museums

• Transfers in/out