Day 1-2 DEPART CANADA
Board your overnight flight (not included)
Day 2-3 ARRIVE CATANIA - TAORMINA MARE
Welcome to Sicily, the largest of the Mediterranean Islands, and compendium of the greatest civilisations and cultures of all time. On arrival at Catania Airport, your airport transfers leave for the Taormina hotel at 10:00, 12:30 & 15:30. Tonight, join your Tour Director and fellow guests for a Welcome reception with drink and a light meal.(Welcome Reception)
Day 3-4 TAORMINA SIGHTSEEING
Taormina’s old town clings to the side of Mount Tauro, forming a balcony overlooking the sea and Mt Etna. Walk with your guide to the tiny courtyard of the Palazzo Corvaja. Visit the Greek Theatre, graced with the most spectacular of backdrops. Now stroll along elegant Corso Umberto to Piazza IX Aprile for panoramic views. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Once the day trippers have gone home, it’s easy to see why Taormina was the favourite summer resort for movie stars and aristocrats.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 4-5 TAORMINA MARE – PALERMO
Cross over to the northern side of the island and drive along the coast to the small fishing town of Cefalu, hemmed between the sea and a rocky promontory. Visit the cathedral which was erected to fulfil a vow made by the Norman King Roger II. Stroll down to the medieval stone fountain, and seek out the Gothic arch of the Porta Marina for a picture perfect view of the little harbour. Maybe enjoy some lunch down by the beach before continuing to the Sicilian capital of Palermo.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 5-6 PALERMO SIGHTSEEING
A local guide shows you the highlights of the city. Pass the huge Teatro Massimo to the baroque Quattro Canti Square and glimpse the beauties of the ‘fountain of shame’. See Palermo Cathedral, a mixture of styles, having been altered over the years. Then drive out to visit the finely decorated cathedral of Monreale - it’s magnificent gold mosaics are a masterpiece of Arab-Norman art. The afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, for your dining pleasure, you are offered a selection of local restaurants.(Buffet Breakfast / Dine Around)
Day 6-7 PALERMO – ERICE – AGRIGENTO
Head for the hill top 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! Next stop is the windmills and marshes of Trapani to learn about the extraction of salt. The rolling hills around Marsala have been producing wine for centuries, so visit a typical cellar and taste some of the product. Continue around the coast to Agrigento.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 7-8 AGRIGENTO – RAGUSA
Explore the 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. Along the southern part of the island now, past the oil producing town of Gela to Ragusa, one of the most fascinating towns in Sicily, a magnificent blend of narrow streets, old baroque churches and scenic views.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 8-9 RAGUSA – SYRACUSE – CATANIA
Drive around the southeastern corner of Sicily to Syracuse, founded by Corinthians eight centuries before Christ. Sightseeing with a guide takes you to the Paradise Quarry and its unusual ‘Ear of Dionysius’ - a grotto in the shape of an earlobe. Next door lies the superb Greek theatre, carved out of solid rock. There is also 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’! Tonight in Catania, rejoice with your friends at a finalé Celebration Dinner complete with wine.(Buffet Breakfast / Celebration Dinner)
Day 9-10 CATANIA – VALLETTA (MALTA)
Transfer to Pozzallo for the afternoon crossing to the island of Malta. Continue to your centrally located hotel, adjacent to the magnificent sixteenth century bastions of Valletta. Relax and settle in. This evening enjoy a Welcome Reception and tour briefing from your local host.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 10-11 MALTA AT LEISURE
Today is free to laze by the pool or hit the beach. A couple of minutes walk brings you to the city gates. Maybe visit the Grand Master’s Palace containing examples of medieval weapons used by the Knights of St. John. Later you can indulge in the local shops and restaurants.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 11-12 SOUTHERN DELIGHTS EXCURSION
Take in the awesome splendours of the Blue Grotto* - a cathedral in stone, with nature as its architect, and famous for its crystal clear water with beautiful colours passing through it. The main fishing village off Marsaxlokk whose waterfront is lined with ‘Luzzus’ painted in traditional reds, blues, and yellows that add colour to this peaceful bay once the site of the first Turkish landing during the great siege of 1565. Take time to spend browsing around the local market stalls before returning to your hotel where the afternoon is at leisure. *Does not include boat ride into the Blue Grotto.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 12-13 RETURN TO CANADA
Bid farewell to this exotic island as you are transferred to Malta Airport.(Buffet Breakfast)