Day 1 - ARRIVE CATANIA - GIARDINI NAXOS

Welcome to Sicily, the largest of the Mediterranean Islands, & compendium of the greatest civilisations & cultures of all time. On arrival at Catania Airport, your airport transfers leave for the tour hotel in Giardini Naxos at 10:00, 12:30 & 15:30. Tonight, join your Tour Director & fellow guests for a Welcome Drink, before enjoying dinner 'Sicilian style' at the hotel.
Hotel: Sant Alphio Garden (D)

Day 2 - TAORMINA EXCURSION

Drive up to Taormina, clinging to the side of Mount Tauro. Walk with your guide to the tiny courtyard of the Palazzo Corvaja. Visit the Greek Theatre, overlooking the sea & Mount Etna. Now stroll along elegant Corso Umberto to Piazza IX Aprile for more panoramic views. The rest of the day is yours to relax & enjoy at your own pace. (BB)

Day 3 - GIARDINI NAXOS - CEFALU - PALERMO

Cross over to the northern side of the island & drive along the coast to the small fishing town of Cefalu, hemmed between the sea & a rocky promontory. Visit the cathedral which was erected to fulfil a vow made by the Norman King Roger II. Stroll down to the medieval stone fountain, & seek out the Gothic arch of the Porta Marina for a picture perfect view of the little harbour. Continue to the Sicilian capital of Palermo. Tonight, for your dining pleasure, you are offered a selection of local restaurants.
Hotel: Best Western Al Cavalieri (BB,DA)

Day 4 - PALERMO SIGHTSEEING

This morning, if you wish, learn from our guest lecturer & local expert about the 'Sicilian Way' the folklore, traditions & the Sicilian Mafia, known as the 'Cosa Nostra'. A local guide then shows you the highlights of the city. Pass the huge Teatro Massimo to the baroque Quattro Canti Square & glimpse the beauties of the 'fountain of shame'. Then visit the Palace of the Normans where the dazzling mosaics in the Palatine Chapel are a masterpiece of Arab-Norman art. In contrast, Palermo Cathedral is a mixture of styles, having been altered over the years. The afternoon is at leisure. (BB)

Day 5 - PALERMO - ERICE - AGRIGENTO

Head for the hill top walled city of Erice, with it's labyrinth of quiet alleyways. Enjoy sea views from the gardens next to the Castle of Venus - on a clear day you see the Tunisian coast! The rolling hills around Marsala have been producing wine for centuries. Visit a typical cellar & taste some of the product. Continue around the coast to Agrigento.
Hotel: Colleverde (BB,D)

Day 6 - AGRIGENTO - RAGUSA

Explore the Valley of the Temples, considered the finest Greek sanctuary in Sicily. Especially impressive are the massive Temple of Concordia & cliff-top Temple of Juno overlooking the sea. Along the southern part of the island now, past the oil producing town of Gela to Ragusa, one of the most fascinating towns in Sicily, a magnificent blend of narrow streets, old churches & scenic views.
Hotel: Mediterraneo (BB,D)

Day 7 - RAGUSA - SYRACUSE - CATANIA

Drive through the southeastern corner of Sicily to Syracuse, founded by Corinthians eight centuries before Christ. Sightseeing with a guide takes you to the Paradise Quarry & its unusual 'Ear of Dionysius' - a grotto in the superb Greek theatre, carved out of solid rock. There is also time to explore the 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'! Return to Catania tonight where you can celebrate the tour finalé at a Highlight Dinner.
Hotel: NH Bellini (BB,HD)

Day 8 - CATANIA - VALLETTA (MALTA)

Transfer to Catania airport for the short flight to island of Malta. Transfer to your centrally located hotel, adjacent to the magnificent sixteenth century bastions of Valletta. Relax & settle in. This evening enjoy a welcome drink & tour briefing from your local host.
Hotel: Grand Hotel Excelsior. (BB)

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 & restaurants. (BB)

Day 10 - SOUTHERN DELIGHTS EXCURSION

Take in the awesome splendours of the Blue Grotto (Does not include boat ride into the Blue Grotto) - a cathedral in stone, with nature as its architect, & famous for its crystal clear water with beautiful colours passing through it. The main fishing village off Marsaxlokk whose waterfront is lined with 'Luzzus' painted in traditional reds, blues, & yellows that add colour to 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)

Day 11 - DEPART VALLETTA

Departure transfers arrive at Malta Airport at 05:15 & 12:30. (BB)