medieval city of Mdina, built in the 9th century on a plateau in the center of the island where from the ancient walls you have a stunning view of the island. Step back in time as you wander this medieval city exploring its maze of narrow alleys and impressive architecture; absorb the ambiance this special city as you experience an earlier age. Free time for lunch. The afternoon finds us in the old town of Rabat. Here the small winding streets bring us to the center, where the imposing St. Paul's Church dominates the piazza. Rabat, lays claim to the origins of Maltese Christianity. It is thought that in AD60 that the Apostle St Paul, after being shipwrecked, stayed for a brief time on the Island. St. Paul's Grotto is the place St Paul was said to have stayed while visiting the islands. One of Malta's most famous churches, Mosta Dome, is our final destination. The church's dome, the third largest unsupported dome in the world, the first and second being St. Peter's in Rome and St. Sophia in Istanbul. Mosta Dome is also notable in another way; the locals say that in World War II a bomb punctured the dome, falling within the church but not detonating. This was hailed as a miracle since there was a service being conducted at the time but no one was injured. Return to the hotel. (BB L)
Day 8 (Saturday): Malta Airport.
Time to say goodbye with fond memories of Sicily and Malta. Transfer to the airport for your return flight. (BB)
MEAL LEGEND: BB Buffet Continental Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner.
Tour rates
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PRICES ARE EUR PER PERSON.
Euros 1580,00 in double room.
Euros 1535,00 in triple room.
Euros 1975,00 in single room.
Included in our rates
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One main round trip airport transfer for Sicily & Malta.
Palermo: Two nights accommodation.
Taormina: Three nights accommodation, NO sea view rooms.
Malta: Two nights accommodation.
Daily continental breakfast buffet.
Welcome Dinner with set group menu.
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 light lunch at country restaurant in Polizzi Generosa with tasting of several typical dishes.
One lunch at local restaurant in Syracuse.
Hotel & city taxes.
Properties used
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Palermo: Hotel Politeama or Hotel Mercure Palermo Centro or Hotel Residenza d'Aragona.
Taormina: Hotel Miramare or Hotel Lido Caparena.
Malta: Hotel Marina Corinthia.
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
December: 12
Day 2 - Optional excursion to Segesta
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Day 2 (Sunday): Palermo, Segesta and Palermo.
This afternoon's optional tour suggestion is Segesta, the least ruined ruin on the island looks as if it were built yesterday. Segesta's ancient Greek temple makes a valid claim to being the best preserved in the world, and its amphitheatre hilltop position on Mount Barbaro is Sicilies most stunning. The magnificent Doric temple stands as it was abandoned with a roof that was never added and unfluted pillars, is the highlight of the large archaeological park. The archaeological site reflects the presence of several ancient civilizations, beginning with the mysterious Elymians. Return to Palermo.
Rate per person: EUR 40.00
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
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.
City taxes.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
Gratuities.
Admission fees.
Amphitheatre shuttle bus.
Licensed local guide.
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: EUR 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: EUR 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, ˝ 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.
