14 Day Discover Sicily & Malta

From

$4339

Land Only

$5379*

Air & Land



Book Now!

Featured Hotels

(Hotels may vary based on departure day of the week)

Click a Date to Book Online

Book By Dec 17, 2020 & Save!

2021 Dates & Prices
Dates
Previous Season Dates
Next Season Dates

Not Included:
Gratuities.


Additional Information:
Land Only price does not include arrival/departure transfers, but does include flight from Catania to Luqa.

Entry Requirements:
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.


Is This Trip Right for You?

This program is active. Walking is done over cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs, steps, and/or significant slopes. Expect most of the sightseeing to require three to four hours of walking, as well as a considerable amount of time standing. Many historical cities have specific driving regulations, with set drop off and pick up points, that result in extra walking to and from the sights. The pacing is active as many sites are included. A variety of airfare options are available for this program, including some low-cost fares which may exclude complimentary checked luggage and advance seat assignments. Please read each offering to ensure you choose the option that best fits your wishes. This is a Small Group program. For more information, click here.

Accommodation Details




Room 1


  • Requests are not guaranteed and are subject to each hotel's discretion and availability

Additional Nights

Flight Details



Package Includes

  • Small groups of maximum 22 travelers guaranteed
  • Flights New York-Palermo, Luqa-New York
    Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
  • Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
  • Intra-flight Catania-Luqa
  • 12 nights First Class accommodations
    • 2 nights Palermo
    • 2 nights Marsala Area
    • 1 night Agrigento
    • 2 nights Ragusa
    • 2 nights Catania
    • 3 nights Sliema
  • Italian city hotel taxes & Maltese eco-contribution tax
  • Hotel porterage
  • All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
  • 24 meals: 12 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners (including a welcome & farewell dinner)
  • Wine is included with lunch and dinner
  • Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles
  • Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
  • Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary
  • Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
  • Active itinerary with unique cultural features

Tour Highlights

Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals.

  • Visit the Palatine Chapel in the Norman Palace with its interior of glittering 12th century Byzantine mosaics
  • Tour the old city of Palermo, featuring an incredible mix of architectural styles
  • Take a boat ride to the Phoenician island of Motya with its famous Charioteer
  • Travel to Mazara del Vallo, with its Arabian style quarters and famous dancing Satyr
  • In Agrigento, see the Valley of the Temples, the best preserved remains outside of Greece
  • Make your own classic pizza from fresh ingredients!
  • View the Roman Villa del Casale in Piazza Armerina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • See the baroque jewels of Noto and Ragusa
  • Journey to the island of Ortigia, the historical center of the city of Siracusa
  • Visit the Greek Theater and the Ear of Dionysus in the Siracusa Archaeological Park
  • Ascend the lava-crusted slopes of Mt. Etna - one of the most active volcanoes in Europe!
  • Stop in the trendy resort town of Taormina
  • Discover the rich history of Valletta
  • Explore the "Three Cities" Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Senglea areas of Malta
  • Marvel at the awe-inspiring megalithic Temples of Ggantija in Gozo

†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Is This Trip Right for You?

This program is active. Walking is done over cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs, steps, and/or significant slopes. Expect most of the sightseeing to require three to four hours of walking, as well as a considerable amount of time standing. Many historical cities have specific driving regulations, with set drop off and pick up points, that result in extra walking to and from the sights. The pacing is active as many sites are included. A variety of airfare options are available for this program, including some low-cost fares which may exclude complimentary checked luggage and advance seat assignments. Please read each offering to ensure you choose the option that best fits your wishes. This is a Small Group program. For more information, click here.
Note: your itinerary will change depending upon the day of the week you depart. Click a day above to see what is included.

DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Italy
Depart for Italy

DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in 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
Overnight: Palermo
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Saturday - Palatine Chapel and Palermo City Tour
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
Overnight: Palermo
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Sunday - Segesta, Farm Lunch, Erice
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. Continue to your hotel for dinner
Overnight: Marsala Area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Monday - Saltpans, Motya Charioteer, and Mazara Kasbah Maze & Dancing Satyr
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
Overnight: Marsala Area
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Tuesday - Valley of Temples
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
Overnight: Agrigento
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Wednesday - Make your own Pizza and Piazza Armerina
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
Overnight: Ragusa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 8, Thursday - Ragusa-Ibla, Modica, Aromatic Herb & Plant Gardens
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
Overnight: Ragusa
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Friday - Noto, Siracusa with its Neapolis & Ortigia
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
Overnight: Catania
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Saturday - Mt. Etna Summit & Taormina
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
Overnight: Catania
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11, Sunday - Arrival in Malta, Mdina & Rabat
This morning, depart for your early flight to Malta. Begin your discovery in Rabat located in the central part of the island, to explore St. Paul's Catacombs, which feature an extensive underground system of tombs that date back to the third century AD. Continue to Mdina, the ancient capital of Malta. This walled city dates back to medieval 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, one of the oldest villages on the island, to visit Palazzo Parisio, a unique 19th century palace with splendid gardens. Tonight, experience your first taste of Maltese cuisine during dinner at your hotel
Overnight: Sliema
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Monday - Explore Gozo
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 local delicacies for lunch. This afternoon, return to Sliema and spend the rest of your day at leisure
Overnight: Sliema
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 13, Tuesday - Valletta Sightseeing
Today, discover 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, enjoy dinner together and bid farewell to your Tour Manager and new found friends
Overnight: Sliema
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14, Wednesday - Depart Malta
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 1, Saturday - Depart for Italy
Depart for Italy

DAY 2, Sunday - Arrive in 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
Overnight: Palermo
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Monday - Palatine Chapel and Palermo City Tour
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
Overnight: Palermo
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Tuesday - Segesta, Farm Lunch, Erice
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. Continue to your hotel for dinner
Overnight: Marsala Area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Wednesday - Saltpans, Motya Charioteer, and Mazara Kasbah Maze & Dancing Satyr
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
Overnight: Marsala Area
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Thursday - Valley of Temples
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
Overnight: Agrigento
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Friday - Make your own Pizza and Piazza Armerina
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
Overnight: Ragusa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 8, Saturday - Ragusa-Ibla, Modica, Aromatic Herb & Plant Gardens
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
Overnight: Ragusa
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Sunday - Noto, Siracusa with its Neapolis & Ortigia
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
Overnight: Catania
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Monday - Mt. Etna Summit & Taormina
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
Overnight: Catania
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11, Tuesday - Arrival in Malta, Valletta Sightseeing
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
Overnight: Sliema
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Wednesday - Explore Gozo
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 local delicacies for lunch. This afternoon, return to Sliema and spend the rest of your day at leisure
Overnight: Sliema
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 13, Thursday - Mdina & Rabat
Your tour today will first take you to Naxxar, one of the oldest villages on the island, to visit Palazzo Parisio, a unique 19th century palace with splendid gardens. Then proceed to Rabat, located in the central part of the island, to explore St Paul's Catacombs, which feature an extensive underground system of tombs that date back to the third century AD. Continue to Mdina, the ancient capital of Malta. This walled city dates back to medieval 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, view the Mdina Cathedral and the imposing bastions that allow you to admire panoramic views of most of the island. Tonight, enjoy dinner together and bid farewell to your Tour Manager and new found friends
Overnight: Sliema
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14, Friday - Depart Malta
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

Book Now!
Discovery Tours itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa, Palermo
@hotel.SupplierName Image

This first class hotel is situated in the heart of Palermo.

Hotel Details
Baglio Oneto dei Principi di San Lorenzo - Luxury Wine Resort, Trapani
@hotel.SupplierName Image

This superior first class hotel is located in the Marsala countryside where it overlooks a breathtaking landscape.

Hotel Details
Colleverde Park Hotel, Agrigento
@hotel.SupplierName Image

This first class hotel overlooks the Valley of the Temples.

Hotel Details
Mediterraneo Palace Hotel, Ragusa
@hotel.SupplierName Image

This first class hotel is a five minute walk from the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista.

Hotel Details
Palace Catania UNA Esperienze, Catania
@hotel.SupplierName Image

This superior first class hotel is located in the heart of historic Catania near many local attractions.

Hotel Details
The Waterfront Hotel, Sliema
@hotel.SupplierName Image

This first class hotel is set on the Sliema promenade.

Hotel Details
Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa, Palermo
@hotel.SupplierName Image

This first class hotel is situated in the heart of Palermo.

Hotel Details
Baglio Oneto dei Principi di San Lorenzo - Luxury Wine Resort, Trapani
@hotel.SupplierName Image

This superior first class hotel is located in the Marsala countryside where it overlooks a breathtaking landscape.

Hotel Details
Colleverde Park Hotel, Agrigento
@hotel.SupplierName Image

This first class hotel overlooks the Valley of the Temples.

Hotel Details
San Giorgio Palace Hotel, Ragusa
@hotel.SupplierName Image

This first class hotel overlooks the Santa Domenica valley.

Hotel Details
Palace Catania UNA Esperienze, Catania
@hotel.SupplierName Image

This superior first class hotel is located in the heart of historic Catania near many local attractions.

Hotel Details
The Victoria Hotel, Sliema
@hotel.SupplierName Image

Located in urban Sliema, this first class hotel is a short drive away from the capital city of Valletta, and is highly accessible to the center of Sliema.

Hotel Details
Book your Optional Tours before you travel. See more, save time, save money.
  • Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
  • Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
  • Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
  • Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
  • Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
  • The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week
The Heart of Italy, September 2019
Dummy Image

This trip was fantastic, and far exceeded my expectations! Absolutely loved our tour guide Francesco, and local guides were topnotch. Great accommodations, too. Will definitely recommend this trip to others.

Pamela R. Nashville, TN
The Heart of Italy, September 2019
Dummy Image

Our trip was amazing!!! Giorgio was a fantastic tour guide and took great pains to ensure that everyone was happy ensuring all desires, no matter how big or small, were met. The hotel accommodations we excellent and the meals provided were very appetizing. The tours and tour guides were excellent and very knowledgeable of their area. They answered questions and explained everything clearly. I would not hesitate to recommend Gate 1 tours to anyone. It was a wonderful trip.

Rita V. Ithaca, NY
Cinque Terre, Parma, Bologna & Lakes, September 2019
Dummy Image

Oh my goodness, we truly enjoyed this trip. So nice to see places we've never been to. Our tour Manager Myriam was the best tour manager yet, and we don't say this lightly - we've been on 11 Gate 1 tours! She was engaging, fun, knowledgeable and really kept the trip interactive. We'd love to do another tour with her any time! The hotels and food were fabulous, especially Grand Hotel Miramare. Our bus driver Roberto was excellent. We honestly could offer no criticism. We're looking forward to our next Gate 1 trip!

Michael C. Ellington, CT
Cinque Terre, Parma, Bologna & Lakes, April 2018
Dummy Image

We had a WONDERFUL trip...We were very pleased with the chance to sample local cuisine and wine. We enjoyed the smaller villages and feeling more immersed in the Italian culture. The weather was perfect, seeing the Alps every day was a real treat. Riccardo's choices of where to eat, to sample wines of the region, or try a local food specialty, was very much appreciated. We will continue to explore Gate 1 small group experiences if it continues to follow this model.

Glen B. Eugene, OR
Italy, La Dolce Vita!, September 2016
Dummy Image

Enjoyed our trip, Georgio was an excellent tour director & organized our stay & tours well. He informed us of our schedules in a timely manner. The itinerary was great with diverse activities including tours of churches, palaces, winery & cooking session which we perfect. Liked the small group. All tour guides were passionate, knowledgable about their area & made it interesting. Walking tours gave us a good experience in towns.

Rekha G. Uppr Marlboro, MD