Insight > Sicily and Malta in Depth

Sicily and Malta in Depth
12 Days starting from $2,699

Countries Visited:
Italy, Sicily, Malta

 

Length: 12 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: Europe and Britain Premium 2008
Operator: Insight
Tour Code: E934
   
 
About This Tour


This tour operates at a comfortable pace. There are two early starts, to catch the ferries. However, these are offset by the short driving distances in Sicily, the relaxing three nights on Malta, and two night stays in Palermo and Giardini Naxos.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing
  • SPECIALS

Insight's First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour DirectorLuxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Return ferry crossing Sicily/Malta by catamaran
  • Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
  • Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 12

Quality Dining

  • Highlight Dinner of Mediterranean cuisine in Valletta (HD)
  • 10 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 6 three-course table d’hôte Dinners,or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

12 Days ~ Sicily ~ Malta

Tour Pace
This tour operates at a comfortable pace. There are two early starts, which are necessary to catch the ferries. However, these are offset by the short driving distances in Sicily, the relaxing three nights on Malta, and two night stays in Palermo and Giardini Naxos.

DAY 1 – THU – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Catania.

DAY 2 – FRI – ARRIVE CATANIA – GIARDINI NAXOS
Welcome to Sicily! On arrival there are complimentary transfers to your hotel in Giardini Naxos. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink, before enjoying dinner "Sicilian style" at the hotel.
Hotel: Sant Alphio Garden. (D)

DAY 3 – SAT – SIGHTSEEING IN TAORMINA
Only a mere 10 minutes away is the elegant cliff-top town of Taormina. Founded in 400 BC, Taormina is beautifully located overlooking the Ionian sea and facing the snowy peak of Mount Etna. Visit the Greek Theatre (3rd Century B.C.), the glorious sub-tropical terraced gardens, then stroll along elegant Corso Umberto to Piazza 9 Aprile for splendid panoramic views across the bay to the Ionian Sea. Later return to the beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters of Giardini Naxos. (BB)

DAY 4 – SUN – TAORMINA – PALERMO
Cross over to the northern side of the island drive along the coast to the small fishing town of Cefalu, hemmed between the sea and a rocky promontory. Visit the impressive cathedral, which was erected to fulfil a vow made by the Norman King Roger II before continuing to the Sicilian capital of Palermo.
Hotel: Grand Albergo Sole. (BB,D)

DAY 5 – MON – PALERMO SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing with a local guide includes a visit to the unusual Church of St John of the Hermits and nearby Palace of the Normans, with it's Palatine Chapel and dazzling mosaics. You also see the spectacular fountain in the Piazza Pretoria and the delightful Piazza Bellini - a square featuring both Moorish and Norman styles. Later drive to the town of Monreal, to visit the finely decorated cathedral and enjoy views over the fertile plain known as the Conca d’Oro (Golden Conch Shell). (BB)

DAY 6 – TUE – PALERMO – AGRIGENTO
Head west to the ancient walled city of Erice, with it’s labyrinth of quiet alleyways. Enjoy sea views from the gardens next to the Castle of Venus – on a clear day you see the Tunisian coast! Continue to Agrigento, "man's finest town" according to the Greek poet Pindar. Spend the remainder of the day exploring Agrigento's Valley of the Temples, considered the finest Greek sanctuary in Sicily. Especially impressive are the massive Temple of Concordia and cliff-top Temple of Juno overlooking the sea.
Hotel: Kaos. (BB,D)

DAY 7 – WED – AGRIGENTO – RAGUSA
Investigate the heart of Sicily today. Stop in the fortress town of Enna, nicknamed the ‘Belvedere of Sicily’. Then continue to the grey houses of Piazza Armerina and nearby Roman Villa of Casale. This immense 3rd or 4th century building is noted for its famous mosaics, which cover almost the entire floor space. Cupids playing with dolphins, wild animals and even bikini clad girls are all depicted in the picturesque scenes. Stay tonight in the tranquil regional capital of Ragusa, only steps from the Ibla (old Baroque area).
Hotel: Mediterraneo. (BB,D)

DAY 8 – THU – RAGUSA – MALTA (ST JULIANS)
Drive to the port of Pollazzo for the 90 minute ferry crossing to Valletta on the island of Malta. Your tour starts with a guided walk to the Upper Barracca Gardens boasting 180 degree views of the Grand Harbor and the famed 3 cities. Continue along the narrow streets to the Co-Cathedral of St. John before proceeding to the Grand Master's Palace and Armoury. Now Malta's history comes to life as you view the ‘Malta Experience’. Sit back and enjoy the coming of the Romans and Arabs, and the rule of the Knights as it all unfolds on the giant screen. Your hotel is centrally located in Malta’s prime coastal resort, just seven kilometres from the historic capital.
Hotel: InterContinental. (BB,D)

DAY 9 – FRI – HISTORIC MALTA EXCURSION
This morning visit Vittoriosa which played a vital role in the great Siege of Malta in 1565. Proceed to the southern fishing village of Marsaxlokk. Visit the Tarxien Temples and the prehistoric caves of Ghar Dalam, where the earliest inhabitants of this island resided. Return to the hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure. Tonight enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at its best with a Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant. (BB,HD)

DAY 10 – SAT – MALTA AT LEISURE
Today is completely free to relax by the pool, or hit the beach. Only a stones throw away are the shops, restaurants and nightclubs of St. Julian’s. Or perhaps take an optional excursion to explore other parts of the island? (BB)

DAY 11 – SUN – MALTA – CATANIA
Transfer back to the Sicilian mainland and drive to the town of Syracuse, founded by Corinthians eight centuries before Christ. Sightseeing with a guide takes you to the superb Greek theatre, carved out of solid rock overlooking the sea and one of the largest of the ancient world. You also visit the Paradise Quarry, from which the city's building materials came, and its unusual 'Ear of Denis' - a grotto in the shape of an earlobe, with an unusual echo. Then time to explore the Old City, a maze of narrow streets lined with palaces, sprawling over the island of Ortygia. It was here that the famous geometrician Archimedes ran naked through the streets, crying 'Eureka'! Return to Cantania tonight where dinner is included at the hotel.
Hotel: UNA Palace. (BB,D)

DAY 12 – MON – RETURN TO USA
After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your return flights home. (BB)


To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
9/11/2008 - 9/22/2008
$2,699
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9/25/2008 - 10/6/2008
$2,699
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10/2/2008 - 10/13/2008
$2,699
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4/2/2009 - 4/13/2009
$3,090
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4/9/2009 - 4/20/2009
$3,090
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4/16/2009 - 4/27/2009
$3,090
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4/23/2009 - 5/4/2009
$3,175
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4/30/2009 - 5/11/2009
$3,175
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5/7/2009 - 5/18/2009
$3,175
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5/14/2009 - 5/25/2009
$3,175
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5/21/2009 - 6/1/2009
$3,175
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5/28/2009 - 6/8/2009
$3,175
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6/4/2009 - 6/15/2009
$3,175
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6/11/2009 - 6/22/2009
$3,175
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6/18/2009 - 6/29/2009
$3,175
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6/25/2009 - 7/6/2009
$3,135
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7/2/2009 - 7/13/2009
$3,175
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7/9/2009 - 7/20/2009
$3,199
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7/16/2009 - 7/27/2009
$3,199
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7/23/2009 - 8/3/2009
$3,199
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7/30/2009 - 8/10/2009
$3,250
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8/6/2009 - 8/17/2009
$3,250
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8/13/2009 - 8/24/2009
$3,250
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8/20/2009 - 8/31/2009
$3,250
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8/27/2009 - 9/7/2009
$3,275
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9/3/2009 - 9/14/2009
$3,225
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9/10/2009 - 9/21/2009
$3,175
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9/17/2009 - 9/28/2009
$3,175
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9/24/2009 - 10/5/2009
$3,175
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10/1/2009 - 10/12/2009
$3,175
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10/8/2009 - 10/19/2009
$3,175
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10/15/2009 - 10/26/2009
$3,175
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10/22/2009 - 11/2/2009
$3,075
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Hotels
Experience contemporary Sicilian style at the UNA Hotel Palace in the heart of Catania and Malta’s ultra-modern, elegant, InterContinental. In contrast, Sant Alphio Garden Hotel is traditionally designed with fine views of Taormina, Mount Etna and the sea.

Fellow Passengers
History buffs will be delighted with the treasure trove of historical sights and visits, dating from antiquity right up to modern times. However, lovers of natural beauty, wine and food, as well as keen photographers will not be disappointed.

Highlights
At the cross roads of the Mediterranean, Sicily and Malta have been the subject of numerous invading forces over the years. This tour showcases the unique legacy of the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, the crusading Knights of St. John and Ottoman Turks.

Enjoy our Premium Highlights plus these extra tour features

Excursions & Sights

  • Guided visit to the Greek Theatre & views of Mt Etna in Taormina
  • Visit the sub-tropical terraced gardens in Taormina
  • Stroll along Corso Umberto to Piazza 9 Aprile in Taormina for panoramic views
  • Visit the Church of St John of the Hermits and the Palace of the Normans in Palermo
  • Visit the beautifully decorated Cathedral of Monreale
  • Visit the ancient walled city of Erice
  • Visit the Valley of the Temples, Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Juno in Agrigento
  • Visit the fortress town of Enna in the heart of Sicily
  • Visit the Upper Barracca Gardens, Co-Cathedral of St. John and the Grand Master's Palace and Armoury in Valletta
  • Excursion to Vittoriosa, Marsaxlokk, the Tarxien Temples and prehistoric caves of Ghar Dalam
  • Visit Syracuse’s Greek theatre, Paradise Quarry and the Old City on the island of Ortygia

Guided City Tours

  • In-depth sightseeing tours in Taormina, Palermo, Valletta & SyracuseOrientation tour in Agrigento

Insight's First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour DirectorLuxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Return ferry crossing Sicily/Malta by catamaran
  • Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
  • Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 12

Quality Dining

  • Highlight Dinner of Mediterranean cuisine in Valletta (HD)
  • 10 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 6 three-course table d’hôte Dinners,or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Great Savings and Discounts

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNTS

SAVE UP TO 10%: Insight sells its tours in many countries worldwide so the most popular tours fill very quickly. Don’t be disappointed, book early! You’ll be assured of the tours you want, andthe earlier you pay, the more you SAVE!

Here’s how...

Pay 4 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 2.5%

Pay 7 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 5%

Pay 10 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 7.5%

Pay 12 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 10%

Tours must be paid in full for this discount to apply. Discounts apply to the land-only portion of your tour. Tour prices may change in future brochures. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.

FAMILY SAVINGS

YOUNG TRAVELLERS SAVE 10% AGED 5-17 YEARS :Travel broadens the mind and enhances those special relationships. Insight offers you the opportunity of

sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren. This discount applies to the Land Only portion of your tour. Young Travellers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date, and MUST be accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveller Discount per room). On all escorted tours, children under 5 years old are NOT accepted. The Young Traveller must be the specified age at the time of travel to be eligible for this discount. This discount cannot be combined with our Groups Discount. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension,

and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.

GROUP DISCOUNTS

5 OR MORE – SAVE 5%: If a group of 5 to 8 people travel together a discount of 5% per person applies to the Land Only portion of your tour. So it pays to get together with your family and friends!

SAVE $$$ FOR 9 OR MORE : If you have a group of 9 or more people travelling together on the same scheduled tour, then you automatically qualify for big savings! Your savings will be determined by the number of people travelling so ask call for details. You may also reserve a tour departure exclusively for your group! Some restrictions apply. Please contact our Groups Department 1-866-475-7023.

These discounts cannot be combined with Frequent Traveller, Family Savings or Triple Room Discounts. To qualify, names of all passengers travelling must be advised to Insight at the time of booking. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension,

and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.  

SINGLE TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE UP TO $2850 PER PERSON with Insight’s Room Mate Matching service Insight believes travelling solo should not cost you more! That’s why for people travelling alone on an Insight coach tour, we'll match you with someone of the same gender, so you don't have to pay the single room supplement. If we fail to match you, we'll provide a single room at no extra cost. Please note there is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises. 3. Does not apply to Irish Elegance.

TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNTS: When three people travel together and share one room,

each of the three enjoys a discount off the tour price. See the Triple Room Reductions on the itinerary of your choice. This discount only applies to tours featuring the “Share a Triple Room” reduction on the itinerary pages. Note the third bed will, on occasions, be a foldaway.

FREQUENT TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TOUR: Most first-time travellers go on vacation with Insight again and again. In recognition of our loyal customers, Insight now extends to all clients automatic membership into our Premier Plus Club, as well as a 5% Discount off the Land portion of their next Insight trip. Insight’s Premier Plus Club & 5% Discount is not available retroactively. Only one voucher is available per person, per tour, per year and only one voucher can be redeemed against each further tour

booking. This discount cannot be combined with our Groups Discount.  Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise.

EXTRA TOUR DISCOUNTS

SAVE $$$ON YOUR 2ND TOUR: Book two Insight vacations, each 7 days or longer and you will receive a reduction of 5%off the cheaper of the two tours. Both tours must be booked at the same time. This discount is per person.

COMPLIMENTARY TRANSFERS: Save up to $135 per couple on LONDON taxi fares

FREE LONDON RETURN : Passengers taking the 'Land only' option on our Discovery

tours may return to London by Insight motorcoach at NO EXTRA CHARGE, instead of departing from Paris. Offer applies to the final day of the following Discovery tours:  E920, E910, E933, E914, E912, E913, E916 & G916. Accommodations will be

required, as arrival in London is late afternoon/early evening.

SMALL GROUPS ADVANTAGE : Many tour operators fill their tours with up to 53 passengers. This means more congestion and less leg room on the coach as seats are configured more closely. At Insight we have a

maximum of only 40 guests per tour.

INSIGHT'S GUARANTEES

PRICE GUARANTEE: With Insight, you don’t need to worry about currency fluctuations. Once we receive your full deposit, your land tour price is guaranteed and protected against any increases. (Excludes pre-registration for tours in future brochures and any imposed fuel surcharges or Government Taxes.

TOUR GUARANTEE FOR LAND TRAVEL: To assist you when booking our airline offers and taking our great early payment savings, Insight has designated a large number of tours which we guarantee will operate on the scheduled date, unless circumstances occur beyond our control. Look for Tour Guarantee (TG symbol) on the itinerary of your choice indicating applicable dates. All other featured departures are planned to operate however, for operational reasons, may be subject to re- scheduling with at least 50 days notice (between May 1st & September 30th).


   
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