Compare 14 Day Discover Sicily & Malta 2020 Itinerary by Gate 1 Travel vs Grand Tour of Sicily by Viandando Luxury Travel

Day 1: Saturday - Depart for Italy

Depart for Italy

Day 2: Sunday - Arrive in Palermo

Meals: Dinner

Overnight: Palermo

Welcome to Sicily! Arrive in Palermo, the energetic capital of Sicily, and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest and relax. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting at approximately 6 PM (exact time will be advised on tour arrival day) with your Tour Manager on the upcoming journey that awaits you, followed by a Welcome Dinner with the group

Day 3: Monday - Palatine Chapel and Palermo City Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Palermo

Start your tour of Palermo with a visit to the Palatine Chapel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located inside the complex of Palazzo dei Normanni. Its glittering gold mosaics, complemented by inlaid marble floors and wooden ceilings, reflect Norman Sicily's cultural complexity. Continue with a walking tour of the Cathedral, Piazza dei Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria, and the church of Casa Professa, an expression of the Baroque style in its most amazing form. Visit a Puppet Theater, which is a traditional form of Sicilian entertainment that dates back to the 15th century and is still alive today. Discover Palermo on your own with its winding alleyways and colorful back streets during free time.

Day 4: Tuesday - Segesta, Farm Lunch, Erice

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Marsala Area

Embark on a morning drive through western Sicily and view the famous Doric Temple of Segesta rising high on a hill, which was constructed in the 5th century B.C. and is one of the greatest examples of this Doric style of architecture. Afterward, savor lunch with an olive oil tasting at a local farm. Continue to the mountaintop Erice, a wonderfully preserved medieval town with breathtaking views and a great historical presence. Walk along the cobbled streets lined with superb examples of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture, home of the “Ericina” ceramic handicraft art. Continue to your hotel for dinner.

Day 5: Wednesday - Saltpans, Motya Charioteer, and Mazara Kasbah Maze & Dancing Satyr

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight: Marsala Area

A short drive to the salt pans area before boarding your boat to cruise on the Stagnone Lagoon to the island of Motya, an ancient trading outpost for Phoenician merchants. Here, you will see the beautiful and unique marble statue of the Motya Charioteer, a Greek influenced masterpiece dated back to the 5th century BC. It was found inside Phoenician fortifications, which were quickly erected before Dionysios I of Syracuse invaded and sacked Motya in 397 BC. Time for lunch before continuing to Mazara to walk the Kasbah maze of streets and view the statue of the Dancing Satyr, a rare example of Greek bronze sculpture, which was accidentally discovered by a fishing boat in 1998. End your day with dinner facing the sea before returning to your hotel

Day 6: Thursday - Valley of Temples

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Agrigento

This morning, view the stone quarries of Cusa before enjoying lunch featuring local specialties. In the afternoon, continue to discover Agrigento's celebrated Valley of the Temples, the largest and best preserved temple ruins outside of mainland Greece. Tour this magnificent archaeological park, built between 430 and 510 B.C. and majestically positioned on rocky crests south of modern day Agrigento.

Day 7: Friday - Make your own Pizza and Piazza Armerina

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Overnight: Ragusa

Today, enjoy making your own Pizza using local, fresh ingredients. After tasting your own creation, travel to Piazza Armerina to view the intricate examples of Roman mosaics at the famous Roman Villa del Casale, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These extraordinarily vivid mosaics deal with numerous subjects, ranging from Homeric escapades and mythological scenes to portrayals of daily life. The villa itself was rediscovered in the 19th century after being almost completely covered by a landslide. Continue on to check into your hotel in Ragusa.

Day 8: Saturday - Ragusa-Ibla, Modica, Aromatic Herb & Plant Gardens

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Ragusa

This morning, indulge in the baroque atmosphere of Ragusa-Ibla, with its breathtaking sights of houses, churches, and palaces that seem layered on top of one another. After lunch, travel to Modica, known all over the world for its chocolate production. Then, visit a garden of aromatic herbs & plants. Test your senses as you learn how to identify, grow, and use the herbs. Return to your hotel in Ragusa in the evening.

Day 9: Sunday - Noto, Siracusa with its Neapolis & Ortigia

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight: Catania

Today, travel to Noto, a wonderful Baroque town, where you will have time to wander and discover one of the most spectacular urban settlements. Arrive in Siracusa to admire the “Old City,” Città Vecchia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on the island of Ortigia. After free time for lunch, continue with a visit to the archaeological area of the Neapolis and get a glimpse of Siracusa as it was in ancient times with its Greek theater, the remains of Roman Amphitheater, and the "Ear of Dionysius," an awe-inspiring artificial limestone cave renowned for its outstanding acoustics. Travel to Catania, a wonderful combination of ancient and modern, under the shadow of Mt. Etna.

Day 10: Monday - Mt. Etna Summit & Taormina

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Overnight: Catania

Begin the day with a visit to the lava-crusted slopes of Mt. Etna, which dominates the scenery and is the most active volcano in Europe! Ascend via cable car and bus to reach the altitude of 9,000 feet; step carefully on the varied layers of lava which have solidified over the centuries. Learn about Etna’s impact on the surrounding area and its unique geology. Stop to sample some typical street food for lunch before heading toward Taormina, where you will take a walk on the main Corso, followed by free time to enjoy the city. Perhaps visit the massive Greek theater, from where you can admire the remarkable panoramas of the city and countryside. Return to Catania in the late afternoon.

Day 11: Tuesday - Arrival in Malta, Valletta Sightseeing

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight: Sliema

This morning, depart for your early flight to Malta. Begin your discovery in Valletta, the beautiful walled capital of Malta. The town was built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century, and maintains the same historical feel with its majestic gardens and baroque art & architecture. Afterwards, head across the Grand Harbor to explore the historical area known as the Three Cities: Vittoriosa, Cospicua & Senglea. Tonight, experience your first taste of Maltese cuisine during dinner at your hotel.

Day 12: Wednesday - Explore Gozo

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Overnight: Sliema

Begin your day early and travel to Malta’s sister island of Gozo, an island where time stands still and traditions and customs form the daily life of the islanders. Gozo is greener, more rural, and offers beautiful scenic views, having most of the population still following their forefathers' trades of farming and fishing. During this excursion, visit the Temple of Ggantija, which is the only major prehistoric site on the Island of Gozo. The temple is among the oldest and best preserved in the world. Afterwards, enjoy a Mediterranean tasting of wine and local delicacies followed by lunch. This afternoon, return to Sliema and spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 13: Thursday - Mdina & Rabat

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight: Sliema

Your tour today will first take you to Rabat to explore St Paul’s Catacombs, which feature an extensive underground system of tombs that date back to the medieval period. Continue to Mdina, the ancient capital of Malta, located in the central part of the island. This walled city dates back to prehistoric times and has witnessed Malta's major historical events, having a strategic position on one of the land´s highest plateaus. During your walk in the silent city, visit the Mdina Cathedral and the imposing bastions that allow you to admire panoramic views of most of the island. Proceed to Naxxar, the oldest village on the island, to visit Palazzo Parisio, a unique 19th century palace with splendid gardens. Afterward, return to your hotel in Sliema. Tonight, enjoy dinner together and bid farewell to your Tour Manager and newfound friends.

Day 14: Friday - Depart Malta

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Day 1: Arrival at Palermo Airport and Private Transfer to your Accommodation

Arrival at Palermo International airport and private transfer to your accommodation. Rest of the day at your leisure for resting and relaxing.

Day 2: Guided tour of Palermo

This morning enjoy a private guided tour of the amazing historical city center of Palermo and discover some of its great beauties as the Palace of the Normans which houses the superb Capella Palatina, a gorgeous, gleaming example of some of the world’s most beautiful Byzantine mosaics, the Cathedral with its Norman tombs and the jewel-encrusted crown of Catherine of Aragon, the red-domed San Giovanni degli Eremiti building and the Teatro Massimo. Lunch and afternoon at your leisure.

Day 3: Food Tour of Palermo

Enjoy our Palermo street food tour. A relaxing 4hr walk with a young licensed guide to enjoy the markets of Palermo city center and taste the best local street food. This tour has been designed with the specific purpose of giving travelers the chance to live a 100% Sicilian Experience…a tasty one! The uniqueness of Palermitan street food doesn’t simply lie in its variety and rich flavours, but also in the ability that every dish has to tell a historical chapter of the Sicilian capital. Vendors have been carefully selected based on the quality of food and the authenticity of the location. The summer tour goes through that tricky part of the city center where travelers need the help of a local expert to enjoy and understand better the Palermitan culture. Capo market gets a different dress if you see it with the eyes of a local. Vucciria market might simply look the ruin of an old elegant city center…unless you experience it with us!

Guided Tour of Monreale Cathedral

In the afternoon your driver will be taking you to Monreale where you will enjoy a guided visit of its world-renowned cathedral, a dazzling mixture of arab, Byzantine and Norman artistic styles framed by traditional Romanesque architecture. Return to Palermo and overnight stay.

Day 4: Leisure Time in Erice and Visit of the Saltpans

Following breakfast and check out, your private driver will take you to Erice, a wonderfully preserved medieval town offering the most breath-taking views. Lunch at your leisure. Next discover the scenic wonders of the Nature Reserve of Saline di Trapani e Paceco, across the picturesque coastal road with views on the windmills and the salt pans and piles. Stop at the dock with boats sailing to Motya, and enjoy a visit to the Ettore Infersa Salt Museum, where the traditional method of extraction and processing of the salt (still used today) is on show, or walk arround salt pans. Next continue to your accommodation, the Verdura Resort in Sciacca. Overnight stay.

Day 5: Guided Visit of Selinunte and Wine Tasting and Lunch at Ulmo Winery

This morning your private driver will take you to Selinunte and enjoy a private guided tour of one of the largest and most impressive archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Then continue to Sambuca di Sicilia to visit the Ulmo Estate, one of the most prestigious wineries of the entire Sicily. The visit will be followed by wine tasting and a light lunch. After lunch continue return to your accommodation and rest of the day for resting and relaxing.

Day 6: Transfer to Agrigento and Guided Tour of The Valle Dei Templi

Following breakfast and check out your private driver will take you to Agrigento where you will take a private guided tour of the famous Valle dei Templi which consists of eight temples built between about 510 BC and 430 BC. Overnight in Agrigento.

Day 7: Transfer to Ragusa Ibla with a Stop in Piazza Armerina

Following breakfast and check out your private driver will meet you at your hotel and take you to Piazza Armerina, most famous for the truly astonishing classical mosaics at the Villa Romana del Casale, a Unesco World Heritage Site due to its containing the most complex and large collection of Roman mosaics in the world – there are 3535 square metres of them. Enjoy a guided tour of this splendid site and then continue to Ragusa. Check into your accommodation and overnight stay.

Day 8: Guided Tour of Ragusa and Visit of The Aromi Farm

This morning your driver will take you to Ragusa Ibla and enjoy a guided visit of its amazing historic center and discover some of its treasures such as the Hyblean Gardens, the Basilica di San Giorgio and the Church of Santa Maria delle Scale, just to mention a few. Lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon visit “Gli Aromi Farm” where the owner Enri­co will meet you. This farm cultivates autochthon plants and aromatic herbs. It also holds an impor­tant leadership position in sales and marketing, focusing on local species of the Sicilian coast and in particular of the Iblean area. The farm produces more than 120 different varieties of plants and herbs using old traditional methods of manual cultivation. You will sample the different varieties of herbs and see how they are used alongside other local products in Sicilian cooking for lunch. Overnight in Ragusa.

Day 9: Private Transfer to Siracusa with a Stop In Noto

Following breakfast and check out private chauffeured transfer to Siracusa. On your way there you will stop Noto and spend some time at your leisure in this amazing city considered to be the apotheosis of Baroque architecture. Continue to Siracusa and check into your accommodation. Lunch at your leisure.

Private Guided Tour Of Siracusa

After lunch enjoy a private guided visit of Siracusa’s archaeological park and then continue with a walk through its historical center for admiring the Fountain Arethusa, the Cathedral, the Archimede Square and the ruins of the Apollo’s temple.

Day 10: Private Guided Tour of Siracusa

After lunch enjoy a private guided visit of Siracusa’s archaeological park and then continue with a walk through its historical center for admiring the Fountain Arethusa, the Cathedral, the Archimede Square and the ruins of the Apollo’s temple.

Day 11: Full Day Tour of Mount Etna

Today visit the spectacular Mount Etna on a 4X4 vehicle. A Land Rover will get you far enough off the beaten track to see some fascinating aspects of this great volcano that the ordinary tourist won’t see, and the knowledgeable guide who will accompany you will give you some great insights. The tour also includes a visit to a winery of the area followed by wine tasting and a light lunch. Return to Siracusa and overnight stay.

Day 12: Private Transfer to Taormina

Following breakfast and check out your private driver will take you to Taormina, a chic resort town with gorgeous medieval churches, a stunning Greek theatre and amazing views over the Gulf of Naxos and Mount Etna. Check into your accommodation and rest of the day at your leisure for resting and relaxing.

Day 13: Godfather Tour

Today enjoy an introduction to the real Sicily, exploring the towns of Savoca and Forza D’Agrò with your English speaking driver. Depart for Fiumefreddo and visit the Castello degli Schiavi, the location where the movie “The Godfather” was filmed, with the owner Barone Platania. Then drive to Savoca, enjoy a walking tour of the town, admiring “The Godfather” set with the typical streets and the famous Bar Vitelli. You will take a walk on the panoramic promenade to the famous church of Sant’Nicolò or better called Santa Lucia which was used in “The Godfather” movie for the marriage of Michael Corleone and Apollonia Vitelli. A taste of lemon granita is a must! You then drive to the next charming medieval village of Forza D’Agrò, which is without a doubt one of the best examples of a typical village of the Province of Messina. It still conserves its medieval street layout and on all sides of the town you can behold the most incredible views. Finally, your journey finishes at the medieval village of Castelmola (just above Taormina) to take a pleasant walk in the town before returning to your hotel.

Day 14: Day at Your Leisure in Taormina

Day at your leisure in Taormina for resting and relaxing.

Day 15: Fly Back Home

Following breakfast check out and private transfer to Catania Airport to take your domestic flight back home.