Sicilian Escape with Malta

Sicilian Escape with Malta

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10 Days From

$2542

Sicilian Escape with Malta

10 Days Starting in Palermo, Italy and ending in St. Julian, Malta

Visiting: Palermo, Agrigento, Syracuse, Taormina, Catania, St. Julian, Mdina, Europe

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

KIMX-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $2542

NB: Prices correct on 04-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through Sicily and Malta with the "Sicilian Escape with Malta" tour. Begin your adventure in Palermo with a welcome dinner and guided sightseeing, including visits to the Church of Immacolata and the cathedral. Explore the ancient Valley of Temples in Agrigento, marvel at the Roman mosaics in Piazza Armerina, and enjoy an excursion to the majestic Mount Etna. Savor local flavors with an arancino tasting in Catania and a glass blowing demonstration in Mdina. Conclude your trip with an orientation walk in La Valletta, Malta, and a farewell dinner in St. Julian. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural, historical, and culinary experiences.

Highlights

  • Welcome dinner in Palermo

  • Guided sightseeing in Palermo, including the Church of Immacolata and the cathedral

  • Visit to the Valley of Temples in Agrigento

  • Guided visit of the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina

  • Excursion to Mount Etna and orientation walk through Taormina

  • Orientation walk in La Valletta, including the Barakka Gardens

  • Excursion to Rabat, Mosta, and Mdina, including a glass blowing demonstration and farewell dinner

Places You'll See

Garibaldi

Della Valle

Grand Hotel Villa Politi

Hellenia Yachting Hotel

Mercure St. Julian's Malta

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Palermo,Italy

Location: Palermo

Accommodation Name: Garibaldi

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Palermo! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Palermo

Location: Palermo

Accommodation Name: Garibaldi

Meals Included: Breakfast

PALERMO Sicilian Specialties PALERMO Guided sightseeing includes the Church of Immacolata, and a visit to the cathedral. Drive up to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d’Oro and visit the Norman Cathedral. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT The story of the splendid Monreale cathedral starts when the Arabs took control of Palermo. They transformed the cathedral into a mosque and banished the Bishop of Palermo from town. Not wishing to venture too far from his beloved cathedral, 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 64.500sq ft.

Day 3: Palermo,Agrigento

Location: Agrigento

Accommodation Name: Della Valle

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

PALERMO–AGRIGENTO Timeless Temples AGRIGENTO Take a guided walking tour of the Valley of Temples. (B,D) 87 mi / 140 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGY The ruins of Akragas remain Sicily's most amazing archaeological site. The impressively well-preserved Tempio della Concordia sits in spectacular setting upon a ridge where it served as a beacon for homecoming sailors and today draws enthralled visitors to revel in the remarkable Valley of the Temples.

Day 4: Agrigento,Piazza Armerina,Syracuse

Location: Syracuse

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Villa Politi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

AGRIGENTO–PIAZZA ARMERINA–SYRACUSE Ancient Artistry In Sicily PIAZZA ARMERINA Take a guided visit of the Villa Romana del Casale with the largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world. Enjoy lunch with regional specialties at a local restaurant. (B,L) 162 mi / 260 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTART & ARCHITECTURE Explore the extraordinary example of Roman power in one of the most luxurious villas of its kind in the Italian countryside. Marvel at the magnificently preserved mosaics that embellish the Villa Romana del Casale, designed and installed by African mosaic workers and the strength of the Roman influence and power throughout the Mediterranean region.

Day 5: Syracuse,Catania,Taormina Riviera

Location: Syracuse

Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Villa Politi

Meals Included: Breakfast

SYRACUSE–CATANIA–TAORMINA RIVIERA Coastal Treasures SYRACUSE Guided visit to the Greek and Roman ruins of the Archaeological Park features the Greek Theatre and the Roman Amphitheater. CATANIA [LF] Arancino tasting and free time on the way to Taormina Riviera. (B) 75 mi / 120 kmLOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Sicily’s love affair with food goes back a long way. Cooking traditions originating from the Greeks, Arabs, and Normans blend with those from Spain and North Africa resulting in a fabulous melting pot of flavors and unique dishes. Celebrate this feast of cultures with a traditional arancino tasting one of Sicily’s most famous street food.

Day 6: Taormina Riviera

Location: Taormina

Accommodation Name: Hellenia Yachting Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

TAORMINA RIVIERA The Pearl of the Mediterranean TAORMINA RIVIERA Guided excursion to Mount Etna. Orientation walk through Taormina town and free time. Dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDER Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest volcano and one of the most active in the world. Learn how in 1669, an eruption that lasted 112 days developed a record long stream of lava that destroyed the city of Catania.

Day 7: Catania-La Valletta,Malta,St. Julian

Location: Catania

Accommodation Name: Mercure St. Julian's Malta

Meals Included: Breakfast

CATANIA-LA VALLETTA, MALTA–ST. JULIAN Gardens and a Grand Harbor CATANIA Fly to La Valletta airport.LA VALLETTA Orientation walk includes the Barakka Gardens. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT Welcome to the marvelous sights of Malta with an overnight stay in St. Julian. Named for the patron Saint that bears his name, this seaside town is rich with history and lovely views of the rocky stretch along the promenade.

Day 8: St. Julian

Location: St. Julian

Accommodation Name: Mercure St. Julian's Malta

Meals Included: Breakfast

ST. JULIAN Home of Giants ST. JULIAN Free day to explore the city. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE with a visit to the little island of Gozo home’s oldest freestanding structures in the world: the 5,500-year-old complex of the Ggantija Temples. Locals claim the site was built by giants, hence the name “Ggantija.”TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEM When the capital city was moved out of Mdina, the city was left uninhabited so people started to consider it a ghost town and the “silent city” nickname was born. This name is still fitting today as there are many signs around the city urging to be silent and no cars are allowed in the city.

Day 9: St. Julian: Excursion To Rabat-Mosta & Mdina

Location: Mdina

Accommodation Name: Mercure St. Julian's Malta

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

RABAT Stop in the city famous for its catacombsMOSTA Take pictures of the stunning Roman Catholic church with a unique architectural history.MDINA Walk through the “Silent City” and take in views of the ancient walls followed by a glass blowing demonstration. Farewell dinner at local restaurant.

Day 10: St. Julian

Location: St. Julian

Accommodation Name: Mercure St. Julian's Malta

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

What's Included

  • Meals

    Daily breakfast, 3 dinners, and 1 lunch are included.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided sightseeing tours in Palermo, Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, Syracuse, and Taormina Riviera.

  • Excursions

    Excursions to Mount Etna, Valley of Temples, Villa Romana del Casale, and the Archaeological Park in Syracuse.

  • Local Experiences

    Arancino tasting in Catania and a glass blowing demonstration in Mdina.

  • Transportation

    Flight from Catania to La Valletta, Malta.

  • Welcome and Farewell Dinners

    Welcome dinner in Palermo and farewell dinner in St. Julian.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and excursions not listed in the itinerary are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

UNESCO Sites

Arab-Norman cathedral of Monreale|Archeological area of Agrigento|City of Valletta|Mount Etna|Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica|Villa Romana del Casale (Piazza Armerina)

Accommodation

Stay at the following hotels: Garibaldi in Palermo, Della Valle in Agrigento, Grand Hotel Villa Politi in Syracuse, Hellenia Yachting Hotel in Taormina Riviera, and Mercure St. Julian's Malta in St. Julians.

Small Group

Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.

Mode of Transport

Transportation includes a flight from Catania to La Valletta, Malta, and guided sightseeing tours in various locations.

Accommodation

Palermo:Garibaldi
Agrigento:Della Valle
Syracuse:Grand Hotel Villa Politi
Taormina Riviera:Hellenia Yachting Hotel
St. Julians:Mercure St. Julian's Malta

Notes

High altitudes may be challenging for some guests. The ascent to Mount Etna reaches an elevation of 6,500 ft. (1,981 m).

Meals

9 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinner

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is included in the tour?

    Transportation includes a flight from Catania to La Valletta, Malta, and guided sightseeing tours in various locations.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes daily breakfast, three dinners, and one lunch.

  • Are international flights included in the tour package?

    No, international flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.

  • What kind of local experiences are included in the tour?

    Local experiences include an arancino tasting in Catania and a glass blowing demonstration in Mdina.

  • What kind of guided tours are included in the itinerary?

    Guided sightseeing tours are included in Palermo, Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, Syracuse, and Taormina Riviera.

  • What excursions are part of the tour?

    Excursions to Mount Etna, Valley of Temples, Villa Romana del Casale, and the Archaeological Park in Syracuse are part of the tour.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    Accommodation is provided at the following hotels: Garibaldi in Palermo, Della Valle in Agrigento, Grand Hotel Villa Politi in Syracuse, Hellenia Yachting Hotel in Taormina Riviera, and Mercure St. Julian's Malta in St. Julians.

  • Are gratuities included in the tour package?

    No, gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    No, travel insurance is not included and is recommended.

  • What is the starting and ending location of the tour?

    The tour starts in Palermo, Italy, and ends in St. Julian, Malta.

  • What is the highlight of the visit to Piazza Armerina?

    The highlight of the visit to Piazza Armerina is a guided visit to the Villa Romana del Casale, which has the largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world.

  • What can I expect during the excursion to Mount Etna?

    During the excursion to Mount Etna, you will learn about Europe's tallest and one of the most active volcanoes, including its historical eruptions.

  • What activities are planned for the free day in St. Julian?

    On the free day in St. Julian, you can explore the city on your own or visit the island of Gozo, home to the 5,500-year-old Ggantija Temples.

  • What is special about the farewell dinner in Mdina?

    The farewell dinner in Mdina is preceded by a walk through the 'Silent City' and a glass blowing demonstration.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

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Sunday - Tuesday

Feb 02, 2025 - Feb 11, 2025
$2542

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Feb 21, 2025 - Mar 02, 2025
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Feb 23, 2025 - Mar 04, 2025
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  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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