Sicily in Depth with Malta Option

Walk from Cefalu’s splendid Romanesque Cathedral through the old town streets down to the pretty little harbour. (Day 3)
Sicily in Depth with Malta Option
PRICE INCLUDES
Major hotel upgrades in
Taormina and Catania
Experience the unique legacy of the Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Saracens, Normans,
crusading Knights of St. John, the Bourbons, Ottoman Turks and even the Mafia!
Day 1 & 2 – Catania to Taormina, the Grandstand of
Mt. Etna & the Ionian Sea. f a
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, airport transfers leave for hilltop
Taormina at 10:00, 12:30 & 15:30. Relax, settle in, admire the sea
views and enjoy your hotel’s peaceful grounds and pool before
tonight’s Welcome Reception, with drinks and a light informal
meal. Taormina’s old town clings to the side of Mount Tauro,
overlooking the Ionian Sea and Mt. Etna. During your stay join a
local expert for a visit to the Greek Theatre, graced with the most
spectacular of backdrops. Stroll on to the tiny courtyard of the
Palazzo Corvaja, Taormina’s grandest building. Further along
elegant Corso Umberto the Piazza IX Aprile offers 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.
(WR/BB) Hotel: Ariston.
Day 3 & 4 – Cefalu, Palermo & the Golden Age
of the Normans. a g
Drive past the toe of mainland Italy and along the northern coast
to the tiny 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 on 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 lunch
down by the beach before continuing to the Sicilian capital of
Palermo. Next morning, a local expert shows you the highlights of
the city. Pass the huge Teatro Massimo, the baroque Quattro Canti
Square and glimpse the beauties of the ‘fountain of shame’. See
Palermo Cathedral, a mixture of styles, having been altered many
times over the years. Then drive out to 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. (BB/BB,DA) Hotel: Best Western Al Cavalieri.
108 | Insightvacations.com
Day 5 – Hilltops, Windmills & Wine. V
Wind your way up to the charming hill-top walled town of Erice.
Walk through the labyrinth of quiet alleyways, past medieval
churches and 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. (BB,D) Hotel: Colleverde.
Day 6 – Valley of the Temples & Ragusa. a
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 to Ragusa, one of the most
fascinating towns in Sicily, a magnificent blend of narrow streets,
old baroque churches and scenic views. (BB) Hotel: Mediterraneo.
Day 7 – Syracuse of the Greeks & Catania. a f
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, with an unusual echo.
Next door lies the superb Greek Theatre, carved out of solid rock, one
of the largest of the ancient world. There is also time to explore the
atmospheric 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’! Move on to your hotel in the bustling seaport of Catania.
Tonight, rejoice with your friends at a finalé Celebration Dinner
complete with wine. (BB,CD) Hotel: Villa del Bosco.
Day 8 – Depart Catania.
Take your final glimpse of Mount Etna this morning on your
departure transfer to Catania Airport arriving at 6:30 & 8:30. (BB)
Optional 3 Night Malta Extension
Day 8 – 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 Drink and briefing with
your Tour Director. (BB) Hotel: Grand Hotel Excelsior.
Day 9 – 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. (BB)
traditional reds, blues, and yellows. 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. (BB) *Does not
include boat ride into the Blue Grotto.
Day 11 – Depart Valletta.
Bid farewell to this exotic island as you are transferred
to Malta Airport. (BB).
Day 10 – Southern Delights Excursion. a a
A chance to see 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. Nearby, in the pretty fishing village off
Marsaxlokk, the waterfront is lined with ‘Luzzus’ painted in
Marsaxlokk (Day 10)
8 or 11 Days ~ Sicily ~ Malta
Key
aSet on a cliff, open to the sky, the crumbling arches of
CELEBRATION DINNER
g DINE-AROUND EVENING
a PREMIUM EXPERIENCES
V WINE TASTING
dguided sightseeing or
Tyrrhenian
Sea
Taormina’s Greek Theatre frame snowy Mount Etna.
aThe cathedral walls of Monreale, glitter with 12th
Century mosaics, the best of their kind in the world.
orientation tour
A JOIN/LEAVE OPTIONS
2 CENTRAL HOTELS + NIGHTS
2 SCENIC HOTELS + NIGHTS
VTaste the local Marsala wine at a family run cellar.
aA guide leads you through the magnificent remains of
d
Cefalu
d
Trapani
Salt Marshes
a
Erice
Monreale
V
the Greek colony in the Valley in the Temples.
dfa
a Listen to the acoustics in the mysterious ear of
TAORMINA
Dionysius and visit the Greek amphitheatre in Syracuse.
(Day 1 and 2)
dg
gIn Palermo there is an array of restaurants and cuisines
Mt Etna
PALERMO
to choose from on your Dine-Around Evening.
(Day 3 and 4)
Marsala
fEnjoy a Celebration Dinner with wine in Catania
Sicily
da
reflecting some of Sicily’s top culinary heritage.
f
Worth approximately US$288
CATANIA
AGRIGENTO
(Day 7 and 8)
(Day 5)
ADDITIONAL INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS
da
Taormina: Visit the courtyard of Palazzo Corvaja. Stroll along
Corso Umberto to Piazza IX Aprile.
Syracuse
Cefalu: Visit the Cathedral and walk down to the medieval
stone fountain in the old fishermen’s quarter.
RAGUSA
(Day 6)
Palermo: See Teatro Massimo, Quattro Canti Square, Fontana
Pretoria and Palermo Cathedral.
Ariston Hotel, Taormina
Erice: Explore the quiet alleys of this ancient walled town - it’s
like stepping into the middle ages
Optional 3 Night Malta Extension
Includes
c
Malta
VALLETTA
(Days 8, 9, 10 and 11)
ad
ad
Marsaxlokk
Blue Grotto
• One way ferry crossing to Malta
• 3 -nights accommodation at the Grand
Hotel Excelsior in Valletta
• Welcome Reception
• B uffet Breakfast daily
• A half-day guided ‘Southern Delights’
sightseeing tour as described in the
itinerary
• E scorted throughout by your
professional Tour Director
• Airport departure transfers between
your tour hotel and Malta Airport
Prices
z Winter Low
D New Year 2013
w Summer Low
u Summer Mid
l Summer High
t Winter Mid
; New Year 2014
TwinSingle
P.P. P.P.
$585 $725
$750$890
$699$844
$765$910
$799$944
$699$844
$825$970
Triple Room Reduction save $75 p.p.
Add extension prices to Sicily in-depth.
New Year departures included a
Celebration Dinner. Smaller coaches or
minibuses without toilet facilities may
be used on this extension. Room mate
matching not available.
Your Perfectly Planned Vacation Starts Here
Tour Code: E934B
From only $206 per day
1. Select your tour departure date
Starts
Catania:
*z Fri 02 Nov
*z Fri 16 Nov
*z Fri 30 Nov
*D Sat 22 Dec
*z Sat 29 Dec
*z Fri 18 Jan
*z Fri 01 Feb
*z Fri 15 Feb
*z Fri 01 Mar
*z Fri 15 Mar
*z Fri 29 Mar
w Fri 26 Apr
w Fri 03 May
w Fri 10 May
Ends
Catania:
- Fri 09 Nov
- Fri 23 Nov
- Fri 07 Dec
- Sat 29 Dec
- Sat 05 Jan
2013:
- Fri 25 Jan
- Fri 08 Feb
- Fri 22 Feb
- Fri 08 Mar
- Fri 22 Mar
- Fri 05 Apr
- Fri 03 May
- Fri 10 May
- Fri 17 May
I
Premium Experiences & Dining
EUROPE
fWELCOME RECEPTION & Premium Regional Tour
Twin
Share
p.p.
Single
Supp.
Option
$1650
$1650
$1650
$1750
$1885
$320
$320
$320
$320
$320
$1650
$1650
$1650
$1650
$1650
$1650
$1825
$1825
$1825
$320
$320
$320
$320
$320
$320
$305
$305
$305
Starts
Catania:
w Fri 17 May
w Fri 24 May
w Fri 31 May
w Fri 07 Jun
w Fri 14 Jun
u Fri 28 Jun
u Fri 12 Jul
l Fri 26 Jul
l Fri 09 Aug
l Fri 23 Aug
u Fri 06 Sep
u Fri 13 Sep
u Fri 20 Sep
u Fri 27 Sep
u Fri 04 Oct
Ends
Catania:
- Fri 24 May
- Fri 31 May
- Fri 07 Jun
- Fri 14 Jun
- Fri 21 Jun
- Fri 05 Jul
- Fri 19 Jul
- Fri 02 Aug
- Fri 16 Aug
- Fri 30 Aug
- Fri 13 Sep
- Fri 20 Sep
- Fri 27 Sep
- Fri 04 Oct
- Fri 11 Oct
Twin
Share
p.p.
$1825
$1825
$1825
$1850
$1850
$1850
$1850
$1850
$1885
$1885
$1875
$1875
$1875
$1875
$1825
Single
Supp.
Option
$305
$305
$305
$305
$305
$305
$305
$305
$305
$305
$305
$305
$305
$305
$305
Starts
Catania:
Ends
Catania:
u Fri 18 Oct
!t Fri 01 Nov
!t Fri 15 Nov
!t Fri 29 Nov
!; Sun 22 Dec
!t Sun 29 Dec
- Fri 25 Oct
- Fri 08 Nov
- Fri 22 Nov
- Fri 06 Dec
- Sun 29 Dec
- Sun 05 Jan
2014
!t Fri 17 Jan - Fri 24 Jan
!t Fri 31 Jan - Fri 07 Feb
!t Fri 14 Feb - Fri 21 Feb
!t Fri 28 Feb - Fri 07 Mar
!t Fri 14 Mar - Fri 21 Mar
!w Fri 28 Mar - Fri 04 Apr
Twin
Share
p.p.
Single
Supp.
Option
$1825
$1725
$1725
$1725
$1799
$1850
$305
$305
$305
$305
$305
$305
$1725
$1725
$1725
$1725
$1725
$1799
$305
$305
$305
$305
$305
$305
Notes: z D w u l t ; Optional Malta extension offered on these departures. See the above panel for details. Christmas/New Year’s Eve festive dinners
included on 22 & 29 Dec which will replace dinners shown in the itinerary. *These departures operate as per our 2012/13 Winter Europe & Eastern
Mediterranean brochure. ! These prices and inclusions/itinerary are subject to change and the Peace of Mind Guarantee does not apply to these departures.
All prices are in US dollar.
2. Add any extra nights, additional tours and other options
Extra Nights Hotels on the first and last night of this tour are available for extra night accommodation, see page 23 for details.
j Why not combine this tour with Treasures of Italy page 112-113.
3. Book early for the very best discounts and savings - Full details pages 24-25
Triple room reduction $55 ~ Young Traveller $189 ~ 2nd Tour save up to $94 p.p. ~ Frequent Traveller save up to $94 p.p.
Early Payment | Pay by Dec 27th & save up to $189 p.p | Pay by Feb 28th & save up to $141 p.p. | Pay by Apr 30th & save up to $94 p.p.
Visit www.insightvacations.com to see if your departure qualifies for this great offer as discount is limited
and subject to change. Also visit our website for Fast Track registration and customer tour reviews.
USA - tripadvisor.com
Trapani Salt Marshes: Stop at one of the restored windmills
and learn about the ancient process of salt extraction.
Ragusa: See the famous Baroque buildings and churches.
Syracuse: Explore the ancient streets and delightful squares
of Ortygia.
TOUR PACE - LIVELY
This tour operates at a reasonable pace. Sicily is remarkably
compact and the driving distances are short.
If you want to wind down after the tour then the relaxing
three night extension on Malta is highly recommended.
PREMIUM Hotels & Locations
Your Taormina hotel occupies a scenic belvedere location
within walking distance to the cobbled streets of the Old Town.
Palermo’s charming Ai Cavalieri is a beautiful hotel in a
convenient central location - a drink in the comfortable bar
before dinner is highly recommended.
The hotel Colleverde is ideally located for your visit to
Agrigento’s majestic Valley of the Temples.
Villa del Bosco is an elegant aristocratic villa that has been
converted into a hotel, displaying the grandeur and charm of
ancient Catania.
On Malta, Valletta’s Grand Excelsior has been selected for its
excellent facilities and convenient location.
INCLUDED QUALITY DINING
A Welcome Reception with drinks and a light meal (WR)
7 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 1 Dine-Around (DA),
1 Celebration Dinner (CD) and 1 three-course table d’hôte
Dinner, plus tea or coffee (D)
INCLUDED FIRST CLASS SERVICES
Escorted by a professional Tour Director
Headsets for all guided visits and walking tours
Enjoy the unique comfort of Insight’s Luxury air-conditioned
40 seat coach with extended leg room and on-board restroom
Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
Airport transfers at scheduled times on Day 1 and Day 8
(Should your flights not coincide with these transfers, please make your
own way to/from the airport or see page 194 to purchase a transfer)
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