Gems of Sicily and Malta – Save $1,000 per couple*

Your Sicilian discovery starts this morning with a guided sightseeing tour of Palermo, including a visit to the cathedral. End the sightseeing on a sweet note! Visit the Church of Santa Caterina and the “Segreti del Chiostro,” a historically significant bakery located in the cloisters. Sample the pastries, still made the traditional way, using ancient recipes handed down by the nuns. This afternoon and evening, enjoy free time to see more of Palermo.

Tour Highlight: Palermo is often referred to as the most “conquered city in the world”! It’s strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea, placed it on the “wish list” of many ancient civilizations. As you stroll around the city, it is easy to see the blend of cultural influences, which has given it many unique aspects, from its architecture and its traditions, to the delicious street food that can be found everywhere.

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 3: PALERMO – CEFALU – TAORMINA RIVIERA

This morning, take a scenic drive to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d’Oro and a visit to the Norman Cathedral. Continue to the coastal town of Cefalú, famous for its stunning cathedral with soaring twin towers. Enjoy free time to explore the center with its charming medieval squares. Later, reach the Taormina Riviera and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Tour Hightlight: The story of the splendid Monreale Cathedral began as Arabs took control of Palermo and transformed the cathedral into a mosque, banishing the Bishop of Palermo. Not wishing to venture too far, the bishop settled in a small village in the hills overlooking Palermo, the site of modern-day Monreale. There, he built a modest church to keep the flame of local Christian worship alive. Today the cathedral is known for its stunning mosaics that cover an area of over 64,500 sq ft.

Meals include: Breakfast

DAY 4 – TAORMINA RIVIERA

Follow your Local Guide on a walking tour of Taormina’s historic center. Stroll along Corso Umberto, see the Cathedral, and enjoy the view from Piazza IX Aprile. Visit the Greek Theater, one of the largest in Italy. Later, get to grips with Sicilian street food as a professional chef shares knowledge and tips during a hands-on small group cooking class. Taste the dishes you’ve prepared accompanied by local wine.

Tour Highlight: The Greek Theatre of Taormina is considered one of the most impressive examples of auditorium engineering and architecture for its superb natural setting and acoustical design. This ancient marvel was dug into the hard rock slopes of Mount Tauro in the 3rd-century BC, with seating to accommodate thousands of spectators. The Teatro Antico di Taormina was built in the Greek tradition of incorporating the natural surroundings to become part of the performance, with light and air permeating the columns to become part of the story.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 5 – TAORMINA RIVIERA

Enjoy a free day on the Taormina Riviera. Take a stroll on the seafront, browse the stores, laze on the beach, or try local specialties at a traditional eatery.

Tour Highlight: With a backdrop of the Volcanic Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea providing the cinematic setting for the resort town of Taormina, this Pearl of the Mediterranean is a picturesque coastal gem that will spoil you with its stunning beaches, village beauty, and sumptuous culinary specialties.

Etna Experience: Nature, Flavours and Music (available at an additional cost) – Set off on an unforgettable adventure along Sicilys breathtaking eastern coast to meet Mount Etna, Europe s tallest active volcano. With an expert guide, wind through sun-kissed orchards, vineyards, and forests as you climb toward its majestic peak 10,922 feet (3,329 meters) of raw energy, alive for over half a million years and still erupting today! Pause at a panoramic viewpoint at 6,500 feet to take in a surreal landscape of craters, cones, and ancient lava flows while uncovering the myths and legends that surround this iconic giant. Then, savor the soul of Sicily with a traditional dinner bursting with authentic flavors, accompanied by lively folk music and entertainment. A perfect finale to an extraordinary day.
Duration: 6h 0m

Meals include: Breakfast

DAY 6 – TAORMINA RIVIERA – CATANIA – POZZALLO

This morning, drive to the vibrant city of Catania. Visit the Museo Storico dello Sbarco, (Historical Museum of the Landing in Sicily) which focuses on Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily, an important factor in Europe’s liberation. Join a guided walking tour of the center, featuring Piazza del Duomo with views of the Cathedral. Later, enjoy a special small group experience: drive to a farm that specializes in medicinal and aromatic herbs. A guided visit will introduce you to their unique characteristics and uses before you are served a delicious dinner of local products accompanied by live music.

Tour Highlight: Catania is an ancient port city on Sicily’s east coast. It sits at the foot of Mt. Etna, Europe’s tallest volcano. The city’s wide central square, Piazza del Duomo, features the whimsical Fontana dell ‘Elefante statue and richly decorated St. Agata Cathedral. Nearby, La Pescheria weekday fish market is a rowdy spectacle surrounded by seafood restaurants.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner