various statues and reliefs of animals, including goats (for which Malta is noted) and pigs. Most notable of the statues found in the Temples is about 2.5 m in height (largest colossal statue in the world), and is thought to represent a Mother Goddess. Our local guide will provide insight to this interesting period with a detailed on-site tour. A visit to the Ghar Dalam cave is next - Ghar Dalam 'dark cave' is a huge cavern and a treasure trove of the fossilized remains of dwarf elephants, hippopotami, gigantic land tortoises and other extinct species who lived on the island some 250,000 years ago. Significant evidence here indicates that Malta and Sicily were once joined. Return to your hotel. This afternoon is free to explore the town on your own. (BB)
Day 3 (Monday): Malta, Catania and Taormina.
Time to say farewell to fascinating Malta! Today transfer to the airport to an independent flight (www.airmalta.com) or ferry to Catania. Upon arrival at Catania's airport or port you will meet the driver and transfer to your hotel in Taormina. (BB)
Day 4 (Tuesday): Taormina, Syracuse and Taormina.
Today it's a visit to Syracuse where first we will visit the exceptional Archaeological Park and explore the 5th-century BC Greek Theatre, the stone quarries, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Paradise Quarry. We will later walk through the island of Ortigia, the picturesque and fascinating original center of Syracuse. Today's lunch is at a local Syracuse restaurant. In the afternoon we return to Taormina. (BB)
Day 5 (Wednesday): Taormina.
A free day to relax, shop, explore, take a swim in our clear azure waters, or OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS (see optional excursions below). (BB)
Day 6 (Thursday): Taormina, Piazza Armerina and Agrigento.
Following breakfast, Our next destination is Piazza Armerina* for a visit to the ruins of the Roman Villa of Casale. The fabulous mosaics discovered here are highly regarded by scholars of antiquity. In the afternoon we will continue to Agrigento dating back to 580 BC. Walk through the Valley of the Temples; a picturesque group of Greek ruins perched on a hill above the Mediterranean Sea. Dinner at local restaurant. Afterwards we will enjoy an evening tour of Agrigento by night to see the Illuminated temples, before returning to our hotel. *(From November 1, 2008 the Roman Villa of Casale in Piazza Armerina will be closed for renovation, we will advise our clients of the estimated new opening date as soon as we have it.) (BB D)
Day 7 (Friday): Agrigento, Marsala Winery, Salt Way Road, Erice and Palermo.
Our tour of western Sicily begins in Marsala today. The town is best known for its unique wine and probably the most famous wine on the island. First, we will go to a local winery and visit the cellars. Everyone is invited for a Farewell Cocktail with snacks and wines. But we still have more to see, in the lovely province of Trapani where we will ride along the Salt Way Road past picturesque Sicilian windmills. Then climb up to the unspoiled medieval hillside town of Erice. We will stroll through the town to the Castle built upon the original site of the Temple of Venus. We will finish our visit at a local pastry shop to taste the typical marzipans and almond pastries. Free time to relax or buy those last souvenirs. In the afternoon we will drive to Palermo for our last night in Sicily. (BB FC)
Day 8 (Saturday): Palermo.
Pack up your souvenirs and your memories, time to say goodbye to Sicily! Transfer to Palermo airport. (BB)
MEAL LEGEND: BB Buffet Breakfast L Lunch FC Farewell Cocktail D Dinner.
Tour rates and supplements
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PRICES ARE EUR PER PERSON
Euros 1590,00 in double room.
Euros 1545,00 in triple room.
Euros 1990,00 in single room.
Included in our rates
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One main round trip airport transfer for Malta and Sicily.
Malta: Two nights accommodation.
Taormina: Three nights accommodation.
Agrigento: One night accommodation.
Palermo: One night accommodation.
Daily continental breakfast buffet.
Farewell Cocktail and snacks at Marsala winery.
One visit to Sicilian cellars with Sicilian wine tasting.
Vehicle/coach with air conditioning, no toilet.
English speaking Tour Director/Driver as per program.
All sightseeing, tasting and excursions as specified in the itinerary.
One lunch at local restaurant in Syracuse.
One dinner at local restaurant in Agrigento.
Hotel & city taxes.
Properties used
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Malta: Hotel Corinthia Marina.
Taormina: Hotel Miramare or Hotel Lido Caparena.
Agrigento: Dioscuri Bay Palace Hotel or Hotel della Valle.
Palermo: Hotel Politeama or Hotel Mercure Palermo Centro or Hotel Residenza d'Aragona.
Hotels may be substituted with others of similar category.
List of Hotels will be provided 20 days before departure.
Departure dates
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DEPARTURE DATES AVAILABLE:
January: 10, 24
February: 7, 21
March: 14, 28
April: 18, 25
May: 2, 9, 23, 30
June: 13, 20, 27
July: 4, 25
August: 29
September: 12, 19, 26
October: 3, 10, 24, 31
November: 7, 14
Day 5 - Optional excursion 1: Etna Jeep tour with light lunch
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Day 5 (Wednesday): Taormina, Mount Etna by Jeep and Taormina.
Today an off-road driver/escort will pick you up at your hotel to begin your trip to our famous volcano Etna. You will travel by Jeep from the base of Etna to her often snow-covered summit. Highlights include: Mount Fontana (view of Bove Valley), the Thieves Cave (grotta dei ladroni), the extinct craters of Sartorius Mounts, and the lava flow from the 2002 eruption. Light lunch at a farmhouse will give you a taste of typical Sicilian dishes. Next you will experience an off-road drive along the Linguaglossa, Castiglione, and Alcantara Gorges area. Return to Taormina in the afternoon. (L)
Rate per person: EURO 110,00
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
One group jeep ride to Etna with pick-up and drop-off at Taormina hotel.
Basic English speaking jeep driver as per program.
A light lunch at farmhouse on Etna, 3 course menu including water and local wine.
All sightseeing and excursions as specified in the itinerary.
City Taxes.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
Gratuities to jeep driver.
Day 5 - Optional excursion 2: Etna with light lunch at Etna Winery
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Day 5 (Wednesday): Taormina, Mount Etna Winery and Taormina.
Just a short drive takes us to the main visitor area on the slopes of Mt. Etna. Those interested in going to the upper Etna craters will have the option to purchase cable car tickets on the spot (weather and volcanic conditions permitting) to experience the lava fields and panoramic view from Europe's highest and active volcano on their own. Next we will visit a winery and farmhouse. This estate also produces olive oil, grappa, sparkling wine, and traditionally produced local food. We will take pleasure in a typical Sicilian light lunch at the farmhouse. This afternoon back to Taormina. (L)
Rate per person: EURO 75,00
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
A visit to Sicilian cellars with Sicilian wine tasting.
Deluxe vehicle/coach with air conditioning.
English speaking Tour Director/Driver as per program.
A light lunch at winery/farmhouse with tasting of cuisine typical of Etna.
All sightseeing, tasting and excursions as specified in the itinerary.
City Taxes.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
Gratuities to Driver/Tour Director.
Basic Etna cable car ride payable directly on the spot.
Etna cable car ride + crater Jeep ride + Alpine guide ticket payable on the spot.
Beverages not specified.
Day 5 - Optional excursion 3: Taormina Gourmet Cooking Course
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Day 5 (Wednesday): Taormina Gourmet Cooking Course (H 9:00 AM - H 1:00 PM).
Independently arrive at a local restaurant in Taormina where we will be greeted by Chef Antonio Orlando and Chef Donna Maria. Next a walk takes us to a nearby open air market where we'll purchase fresh fruit, vegetables and all the ingredients necessary for the cooking experience. Back at the restaurant we will start cooking. At the end of the cooking course, we will enjoy our delectable creations with the perfect compliment a unique Sicilian wine. Dessert follows accompanied by a typical local dessert wine. (L)
Rate per person: EUR 110,00
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
A gourmet cooking course.
Lunch at the local restaurant to taste your creations.
Beverage: water, ½ bottle local wine, dessert wine.
All sightseeing and tasting as specified in the itinerary.
City taxes.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
Gratuities.
Round trip restaurant transfers.
Important note
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In order to guarantee all departures with a minimum of 2 clients, we operate this tour either with a Driver-Escort or Tour Director and driver. We do not use licensed Local Guides for this tour. Driver-Escort or Tour Director provide basic historical and site information preparing you to visit sites on your own. They may not accompany you on your visit of the sites. If you require licensed Local Guides, it is your responsibility to purchase on the spot (if available). We cannot arrange licensed Local Guide services for you in advance.
