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)
- 13 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
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.
Travel Director
- "A type of food I really love introducing my guests to is the street food because it tells a lot about the habits of the locals, it can be a slice of pizza folded up or a sfogliatella in Naples, an arancini, a gelato in Sicily, or a cannolo. "
- "One fun fact people don't usually know before they come to Italy is that the Italian alphabet only has 22 letters."
- "One thing I really love about showing guests about Italy is how art and beauty can be found around every corner of some of Italy's cities, which are real open air museums."
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 – a relaxing moment spent with your fellow travelers.
- 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.
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: Explore the Valley of the Temples and its impressive Hellenistic ruins like the well-preserved Temple of Concordia and the clifftop Temple of Juno overlooking the Sicilian landscape.
- 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: Walk through Ragusa with a Local Expert, taking in its noted Baroque churches and the elegant facades that define the old town.
- Modica: Discover Modica’s celebrated hand-made chocolate, shaped by age-old techniques and rich aromas. You’ll watch the process unfold and sample pieces that carry the distinctive texture and flavor made possible through Modica's traditional cold-working process.
- Taormina: Visit Taormina’s ancient amphitheater with your Local Expert. Carved from honey-colored stone and set high on the cliff, the theater frames wide views of the Ionian Sea and the distant rise of Mount Etna through its weathered arches.
- Taormina: Wander through Taormina’s limestone streets and lively boutiques with a Local Expert. Then enjoy free time along Corso Umberto and take in the broad outlook from Piazza IX Aprile, where the town opens towards sea and sky.
- 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 late afternoon to discover this golden city, known as the Silent City for its shady streets and peaceful atmosphere.
Make Travel Matter
- Trapani: Explore 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.
Insight Choice
- Syracuse: Wander through the gardens of Paradise Quarry, test the remarkable acoustics in the Ear of Dionysius and step into the ancient Greek theater, set within one of Sicily’s most evocative historic sites.
- Syracuse: Stroll through the old town on the island of Ortigia, tracing its narrow lanes towards the Fonte Aretusa and the legends that continue to shape this historic waterfront.
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.
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Syracuse: Wander through the gardens of Paradise Quarry, test the remarkable acoustics in the Ear of Dionysius and step into the ancient Greek theater, set within one of Sicily’s most evocative historic sites.
- Syracuse: Stroll through the old town on the island of Ortigia, tracing its narrow lanes towards the Fonte Aretusa and the legends that continue to shape this historic waterfront.
Details
- Tour Operator
- Insight Vacations
- Start City
- Palermo
- End City
- Catania
- Duration (Days)
- 14
- Activity Level
- Regional
Highlights
- Regional Europe
- Regional
Pricing
| Option | Price | Departure | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | USD 4,775.00 | 2026-12-11 | 2026-12-24 |
| Triple | USD 4,515.00 | 2026-12-11 | 2026-12-24 |
| Single | USD 5,425.00 | 2026-12-11 | 2026-12-24 |
| Twin | USD 5,225.00 | 2026-12-23 | 2027-01-05 |
| Triple | USD 4,965.00 | 2026-12-23 | 2027-01-05 |
| Single | USD 5,995.00 | 2026-12-23 | 2027-01-05 |
| Twin | USD 4,775.00 | 2027-01-08 | 2027-01-21 |
| Triple | USD 4,515.00 | 2027-01-08 | 2027-01-21 |
| Single | USD 5,425.00 | 2027-01-08 | 2027-01-21 |
| Twin | USD 4,795.00 | 2027-01-22 | 2027-02-04 |
| Triple | USD 4,535.00 | 2027-01-22 | 2027-02-04 |
| Single | USD 5,455.00 | 2027-01-22 | 2027-02-04 |
| Twin | USD 4,795.00 | 2027-02-05 | 2027-02-18 |
| Triple | USD 4,535.00 | 2027-02-05 | 2027-02-18 |
| Single | USD 5,465.00 | 2027-02-05 | 2027-02-18 |
| Twin | USD 4,850.00 | 2027-02-19 | 2027-03-04 |
| Triple | USD 4,590.00 | 2027-02-19 | 2027-03-04 |
| Single | USD 5,550.00 | 2027-02-19 | 2027-03-04 |
| Twin | USD 4,895.00 | 2027-03-05 | 2027-03-18 |
| Triple | USD 4,635.00 | 2027-03-05 | 2027-03-18 |
| Single | USD 5,615.00 | 2027-03-05 | 2027-03-18 |
| Twin | USD 4,895.00 | 2027-03-19 | 2027-04-01 |
| Triple | USD 4,635.00 | 2027-03-19 | 2027-04-01 |
| Single | USD 5,615.00 | 2027-03-19 | 2027-04-01 |
Itinerary
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Day 1: Welcome to Palermo
Relax and settle in before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant. Locations: Palermo
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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. Locations: Palermo
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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. Locations: Palermo, Trapani, Marsala
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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. Locations: Marsala, Agrigento
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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. Locations: Agrigento, Ragusa
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Day 6: Modica
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. Locations: Ragusa, Modica, Ragusa
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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. Locations: Ragusa, Syracuse, Catania
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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. Locations: Catania
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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. Locations: Catania, Sliema
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Day 10: Free time in Sliema
Your day is at leisure. You may want to explore the World Heritage Site of Haġar 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. Locations: Sliema
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Day 11: Explore Valetta
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. Locations: Sliema, Valletta, Sliema
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Day 12: 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. Locations: Sliema
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Day 13: 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. Locations: Sliema, Mdina, Sliema
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Day 14: 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. Locations: Sliema






