Travel Dates
Departing 6th Dec 2020
Tour Provider: Collette
Region:
Duration: 12 Days
Day 1 / Palermo, Italy - Tour Begins
Welcome to Palermo (UNESCO), Sicily’s vibrant and welcoming capital. Bursting with Arab-Norman architectural masterpieces, this island’s history is waiting to be discovered. This evening, come to know your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner. Accommodation: Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa Meals: Dinner
Day 2 / Palermo
Make the most of Palermo this morning because it’s your choice! Choose to set out on a panoramic coach tour of Palermo, including stops at the Palace of the Normans, La Martorana Church, and the dazzling Monreale Cathedral -OR- stroll the streets of Palermo with a local guide, feeling as if you’ve stepped back in time as you pass by medieval remnants, picturesque piazzas, and ornate fountains. Make your way inside St. Catherine of Alexandria, a Baroque church where you can sample local pastries baked with the nuns’ secret recipe. After your tour, wander through an open-air market displaying traditional Sicilian "street food" before getting a taste of these classics at a local restaurant. Later, visit a medieval palace where a countess welcomes you on a tour of her family’s home, joining you for an aperitif and hors d’oeuvres in one of the palace's stunning chambers. Accommodation: Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3 / Palermo - Cefalù - Sicilian Countryside - Palermo
Journey to the countryside with a local guide and stroll the medieval streets of Cefalù (UNESCO), a seaside town that’s home to one of Sicily’s most magnificent cathedrals. Embrace Italian country life as you set off to experience a day on a family farm where Sicilian folk music greets you upon arrival. Get a glimpse of the delectable products they make on the farm and observe how they create a Sicilian favorite – ricotta cheese!* Watch a chef prepare local specialties before getting a taste of the farm’s own products with a hearty lunch made from family recipes. Return to Palermo for an evening at leisure. Accommodation: Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 4 / Palermo - Erice - Agrigento
Today’s journey brings you to Agrigento, a coastal hub of preserved Greek temples. Along the way, meander through the town of Erice and roam the streets. Admire the town from an awe-inspiring lookout point at Venus Castle, built upon an ancient Roman temple. Continue on to Agrigento, where you’ll have some free time to explore the resort’s amenities. Accommodation: Baia di Ulisse Hotel Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5 / Agrigento - Taormina
Epic history and stunning scenery lie ahead in the Valley of the Temples (UNESCO), a place filled with ancient Greek ruins. Join an expert on a guided tour as you explore this once-prominent Greek colony and the temples of Juno, Concordia, Hercules and Jupiter. Your journey continues past the Erei Mountains to Sicily’s stunning Ionian Coast. The gorgeous coastal city of Taormina is your home for the next four nights. Accommodation: Hotel Villa Diodoro Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6 / Taormina
Today, discover Taormina, “the jewel of Sicily.” A local guide leads you on a tour of this picturesque city where you’ll see the well-preserved Greek theatre, the Duomo and the public gardens. Spend the afternoon on your own in this city perched high above the sea. Perhaps dine at a sidewalk café or shop in the town’s boutiques. Accommodation: Hotel Villa Diodoro Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 / Taormina
The entire day is yours to explore! With free time, you can choose to relax on the coast, dig in to Taormina’s mouthwatering cuisine, or even take an optional tour to Europe’s largest active volcano – Mt. Etna. Accommodation: Hotel Villa Diodoro Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 / Taormina - Siracusa - Taormina
Reflect on the grandeur of ancient Greece while uncovering its archaeological treasures in historic Siracusa (UNESCO). An expert shares stories of Siracusa’s creation while leading you through the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, with its impressive collection of Greek and Roman antiquities. This evening, toast Sicilian culture as you’re serenaded by local musicians during dinner. Accommodation: Hotel Villa Diodoro Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9 / Taormina - Pozzallo - Tas-Sliema, Malta
Say goodbye to Italy and venture to the island paradise of Malta. Cross the Mediterranean by high-speed ferry to one of the smallest countries in the world. Enter the town of Tas-Sliema, home to breathtaking coasts and deep blue waters. In this fishing village that was transformed into a resort town, you’ll find quaint cafés and seaside promenades. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Accommodation: The Waterfront Hotel Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 / Tas-Sliema - Mdina - Valletta - Tas-Sliema
Get an intimate look at Mdina – the “Silent City.” As there are no vehicles allowed in town, you will join a local guide for a walking tour featuring the medieval architecture and cobblestone streets. Head to a local winery where you’ll get a chance to taste the wines of the region. Your adventure continues in Valletta, the capital of Malta. Discover this fortified city on a panoramic coach tour. You’ll take in the picturesque Barrakka Gardens overlooking the harbor, featuring a charming blend of natural beauty and terraced arches. The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Accommodation: The Waterfront Hotel Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 / Tas-Sliema
The day is completely yours to experience the island of Malta however you please. Perhaps you’ll join an optional excursion to a temple complex older than Stonehenge, stopping at a vibrant fishing village and natural blue grotto along the way. Enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers as you recount your favorite memories of the Mediterranean islands. Accommodation: The Waterfront Hotel Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 12 / Tas-Sliema - Tour Ends
Say goodbye to Malta and the Mediterranean as your tour comes to a close today. Meals: Breakfast
Discover the true essence of the Mediterranean as you delve into the fascinating mosaic of Sicily and the island paradise of Malta. Get acquainted with Palermo’s colorful markets and the city’s famous "street food." Meet a countess in her medieval palace and visit a family-owned farm where you’ll hear Sicilian folk music and learn how they make ricotta cheese. Stand in awe at Agrigento’s spectacular Valley of the Temples (UNESCO). Spend 4 nights in Taormina, the jewel of Sicily, perched above the Ionian Sea. Reflect on the grandeur of ancient Greek influence during an included excursion to historical sites in Siracusa (UNESCO), whose archaeological treasures rival those in Athens. Discover the medieval streets of Mdina and enjoy a day at leisure in Malta. On a journey along the Ionian coast, discover the everlasting influences left by ancient Greeks and Romans, Arabs and Normans.
Your Guided Holiday Includes:
At a glance:
Visit a medieval palace where you’re welcomed by a countess. Journey to the beautiful seaside town of Cefalù and stroll the streets like a local.
Choice on Tour
Set out on a panoramic coach tour of Palermo -OR- stroll the streets of Palermo with a local guide.
Farm Visit
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Sicilians left their homeland for the USA, Canada or beyond. They left behind a countryside that is dotted by numerous abandoned farmhouses. Today people are reclaiming those farms and opening farm-based businesses that cater to tourists, called agriturismos. These agriturismos have working farms, small restaurants and even accommodations. Having a diverse business plans allows the owners to make a living in the countryside.
Erice
This medieval Italian town is believed to be included in Virgil’s Aeneid, as a stop on Aeneas’s epic journey. An awe-inspiring lookout of the town is seen at the adjacent Venus Castle, which is built upon an ancient Roman temple.
Tas-Sliema
Enter the town of Tas-Sliema, home to breathtaking coasts and deep blue waters. In this fishing village that was transformed into a resort town, you’ll find quaint cafés and seaside promenades.
Mdina
Founded in the 8th century BC, Mdina is often referred to as the “Silent City.” As there are no vehicles allowed in town, visitors can fully admire the medieval architecture and cobblestone streets.
Valletta
Valletta is the capital of Malta. This fortified city is home to the picturesque Barrakka Gardens. Overlooking the harbor, the gardens feature a charming blend of natural beauty and terraced arches.
Conditions apply. Subject to availability and change without notice. Full supplier conditions apply. Valid for new bookings only. Prices valid at the time of publication. Prices are per person based on twin share occupancy unless otherwise stated and displayed in AU$. Member savings are calculated using the original advertised price.