Southern Italy, Sicily & Malta (Small Groups, 20 Days)

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Description

Summary

Starts
Rome
Duration
20 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on a 20-day journey through the heart of Italy and Malta, exploring the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes that make these destinations so unique. From the ancient ruins of Rome and the quaint trulli houses of Alberobello to the sun-drenched island of Capri and the silent city of Mdina, this multi-day tour offers an immersive experience that goes beyond the typical tourist trail. With guided walks, local expert insights, and plenty of free time to explore at your own pace, you'll get to know the real Italy and Malta. Enjoy delicious local cuisine, meet the locals, and soak up the stunning scenery. Whether you're a history buff, a food lover, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, this tour has something for everyone.

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Included

8 Dinner with Wine (DW)

19 Breakfast (B)

1 Lunch (L)

1 Dinner (D)

1 Lunch with Wine (LW)

Rome: Enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travellers at a uniquely Roman local restaurant.

Capri: Enjoy a tasting of limoncello, Capri's traditional lemon liqueur.

Palermo: Sample a variety of cuisine on your Dine-Around evening.

Sliema: Enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travellers at your luxury hotel in Sliema.

Mdina: Toast to your trip with your fellow travellers and enjoy a Celebration Dinner at a wonderful local restaurant.

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Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.

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19 night accommodation

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From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

Taormina: During your orientation with your Travel Director, visit the courtyard of Palazzo Corvaja, seat of the first Sicilian parliament, and stroll along Corso Umberto to Piazza IX Aprile.

Cefalu: Your Travel Director will show you the cathedral, built to fulfil a vow. Walk to the medieval stone fountain in the old fishermen's quarter, find the Gothic arch of the Porta Marina and see the harbour.

Catania: During an exploration with your Travel Director see the Duomo, Piazza and the noble buildings of Palazzo Senatorio.

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Choose between two carefully selected activities

Capri: Discover the luxuriant Gardens of Augustus with a Local Expert and admire views of the Faraglioni rocks.

Capri: Enjoy a tasting of limoncello, Capri's traditional lemon liqueur.

Palermo: Visit the spectacular 12th Century Palatine Chapel. Its sombre exterior gives away few clues to the riches inside. Step into a world where the walls glitter with 12th century mosaics, the best of their kind in the world.

Palermo: Learn about the civil anti-mafia movement and discover the lesser known history of Palermo.

Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.

Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

Rome: Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit. This 9th-century basilica’s simple facade guards the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics. The history of the church springs to life as you admire the interior’s treasured collection, including Bernini's first sculpture and the renowned mosaics, illuminated for your visit. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a rare and unforgettable insight into Rome and its religious history.

Sliema: Visit the National War Museum, site of a former air raid shelter. Learn about the important role Malta played during WWII over a lecture by an historian.

Alberobello: Dine at Trattoria Terra Madre, where owner Alessandro and his nonna have built a restaurant that focuses on sustainability and creating jobs for locals. Everything is grown organically and harvested on site, and excess produce is donated to their community. The restaurant sources their produce locally, implements a strategy to reduce their food waste and promotes sustainable agricultural practices. Trattoria Terra Madre, advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption & Production.

Grottole: Participate in the fascinating Wonder Grottole project. This regeneration initiative works to rehabilitate the abandoned historic centre and preserves traditional village life.

Rome: Sightsee the local way, with a leisurely passeggiata through the backstreets, where a friend in Rome will explain how modern life takes place, around ancient treasures like the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.

Capri: Cruise by jetfoil to this famous isle through beautiful blue Mediterranean waters to meet your Local Expert.

Alberobello: Led by a Local Expert, explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the Trulli of Alberobello. Circular structures with conical roofs that are domed within, built from local limestone and stacked without using mortar.

Matera: With your Local Expert, visit the famous Sassi or cave dwellings, which were home to approximately 20,000 people until 1950 and are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pompeii: Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century.

Messina: Cross the Straights of Messina to Sicily by ferry.

Taormina: Should you awake early, you may see why this is known as 'The Dawn Coast of Europe.'

Taormina: Visit the ancient Greek Ampitheatre with your Local Expert. Set on a cliff, open to the sky, take your seats and enjoy the view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna.

Agrigento: A Local Expert will lead you through the magnificent remains of the Greek colony in the Valley in the Temples. See the massive Temple of Concord and clifftop Temple of Juno.

Syracuse: Walk through the gardens of Paradise Quarry, listen to the acoustics in the mysterious Ear of Dionysius and visit the Greek theatre.

Valletta: Explore the capital with your Local Expert. Visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens and get lost in its beautiful 16th century buildings including St John’s Co-Cathedral, designed in a baroque fashion.

Mdina: Explore Mdina with a Local Expert in the late afternoon to explore this golden city. Known as the Silent City for its shady streets and peaceful atmosphere.

Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

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Map

Attractions

Faro di Torre Canne
Gravina Sotterranea, Gravina in Puglia, Bari, Apulia, ItalyGravina Sotterranea
photo of trevi fountain at sunrise beautiful full view, Rome, Italy.Trevi Fountain
photo of Ruins of the Ancient Greek Theater in Taormina on a sunny summer day with the mediterranean sea. Province of Messina, Sicily, southern Italy.Greek - Roman theatre
Lift to Sorrento Marina
photo of Side View with the Bell Tower of the Basilica of San Clemente in the Center of Rome on a Background of Partly Cloudy Sky,Rome Italy.St. Clement Basilica
photo of Michelangelo Capitoline Steps to Piazza Campidoglio on Capitoline Hill, Rome, Italy.Capitoline Museums
Photo of fountain in Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta, Malta.Upper Barrakka Gardens
Roman ruins in Rome, ItalyPalatine Hill
Pool of Venus
Akrai Greek Theatre
Photo of exterior view of Saint John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Malta.St. John's Co-Cathedral
Fontana
The Malta at War Museum, dedicated to Malta's World War II history, housed in Couvre Porte. The former part of the fortifications of Birgu. MaltaMalta at War Museum
Giardini di Augusto
Photo of entrance bridge and gate to Mdina, a fortified medieval city in the Northern Region of Malta.Mdina Gate
Piazza Plebiscito, Martina Franca, Taranto, Apulia, ItalyPiazza Plebiscito
Amphitheatre of PompeiiAmphitheatre of Pompeii
Cathedral of the Nativity of Mary Most Holy (Duomo) in Syracuse, Sicily, ItalyCathedral of Syracuse
Lago di Nemi
Monti Sartorius
Trulli di Alberobello Puglia
Palazzo Corvaja
Photo of the South Temple through the trilithon doorway in Tarxien Temples, Malta.Tarxien Temples
photo of view of Pantheon in the morning. Rome. Italy.Pantheon
Għar ir-Riħ
Calemma
Belvedere Sorrento
Siracusa, Ortigia Island from the air at sunset, Sicily, Italy. Isola di Ortigia, coast of Ortigia island at city of Syracuse, Sicily, Italy. Aerial view. June 2023Island of Ortigia
Trajan ForumTrajan Forum
Agrigento, Sicily, Italy. Ercole Ancient Greek temple in the Valley of the Temples, Sicilian island.Valle dei Templi
Il-Bajja ta' MarsalfornIl-Bajja ta' Marsalforn
Palazzina Cinese
Rocca di Cefalù
photo of view of Church or sanctuary of Saint Rosalia or Santa Roasalia on under Monte Pellegrino in Palermo,, Italy.Santuario di Santa Rosalia, Palermo
photo of view of Palermo, Italy at the Palermo Cathedral, Palermo, Italy.Palermo Cathedral

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Rome

  • Rome
  • Fiumicino - Arrival day
  • More
  • Lago di Nemi
  • More

Begin your journey in the historic city of Rome. After landing at Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Take some time to relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Rome

  • Rome
  • More
  • Trevi Fountain
  • Pantheon
  • Trajan Forum
  • More

Discover the art, history, and culture of Rome with a guided walk. Toss a coin into the spectacular Trevi Fountain, marvel at the ancient Pantheon, and explore the charming district of Trastevere with a local expert. Enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Rome to Alberobello

  • Alberobello
  • Rome
  • More
  • St. Clement Basilica
  • Capitoline Museums
  • Palatine Hill
  • More

Start your day with a visit to the Vatican Museums, where you'll get fast track entry and exclusive access to the Bramante Staircase. Admire the stunning ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and visit St. Peter's Basilica. Later, journey to the charming town of Alberobello.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Discovering Alberobello

  • Alberobello
  • More
  • Faro di Torre Canne
  • Trulli di Alberobello Puglia
  • More

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello with a local expert. Admire the unique trulli houses, built from local limestone and stacked without using mortar. In the evening, enjoy a farm-to-table dinner at Trattoria Terra Madre, where you'll learn about the restaurant's philosophy of using home-grown organic and seasonal produce.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Alberobello to Ostuni

  • Alberobello
  • Ostuni
  • More
  • Fontana
  • Piazza Plebiscito
  • More

Enjoy a free day in Alberobello or join an optional experience to the stunning city of Ostuni. Known for its white-washed buildings and fascinating history, Ostuni offers a wealth of sights to explore. Visit a local olive oil mill and taste the renowned olive oil produced in this area.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Alberobello to Matera and Grottole

  • Matera
  • Alberobello
  • More
  • Gravina Sotterranea
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Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sassi in Matera, a labyrinth of cave dwellings, churches, and arches carved out of solid rock. Continue to the small village of Grottole, where you'll meet a local who is striving to revive the area's traditional way of living.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Matera to Pompeii and Sorrento

  • Pompei
  • Sorrento
  • Matera
  • More
  • Amphitheatre of Pompeii
  • Belvedere Sorrento
  • More

Start your day in Pompeii, a city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Walk through the cobbled streets with a local expert before venturing on to the picturesque resort of Sorrento, perched on the southern cliffs of the Bay of Naples.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Sorrento to Capri

  • Capri
  • Sorrento
  • More
  • Lift to Sorrento Marina
  • Giardini di Augusto
  • Calemma
  • More

Cruise across the blue sea to the sun-drenched island of Capri. Enjoy an escorted ride in an open-top taxi to Capri Town and explore the island with a local expert. Visit the immaculate Gardens of Augustus and enjoy a tasting of limoncello, Capri's famous lemon liqueur.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Sorrento to Taormina Riviera

  • Messina
  • Sorrento
  • Giardini-Naxos
  • Taormina
  • More
  • Pool of Venus
  • More

Travel along the Purple Coast to the very toe of Italy and board a ferry bound for Sicily, across the Strait of Messina. According to Greek legend, this was home to the mythical sea monsters Scylla and Charybdis. Arrive at your hotel on the Taormina Riviera for a three-night stay.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Exploring Taormina Riviera

  • Giardini-Naxos
  • Taormina
  • More
  • Greek - Roman theatre
  • Monti Sartorius
  • Palazzo Corvaja
  • More

Spend the day exploring the Taormina Riviera. Take an optional experience to Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, or visit the old town of Taormina with a local expert. Visit the Greek theatre and stroll through the courtyard of the Palazzo Corvaja.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Taormina Riviera to Cefalu and Palermo

  • Cefalù
  • Giardini-Naxos
  • Taormina
  • More
  • Rocca di Cefalù
  • More

Travel to the quaint fishing town of Cefalu. Visit the town's imposing cathedral, stroll down to the medieval stone fountain, and seek out the Gothic arch of the Porta Marina for a picture-perfect view of the harbour. Later, travel onwards to Palermo.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Exploring Palermo

Day 12: Exploring Palermo

  • Palazzina Cinese
  • Santuario di Santa Rosalia, Palermo
  • Palermo Cathedral
  • More

Explore Palermo with a choice of activities. Visit the spectacular 12th-century Palatine Chapel with a local expert or join the Anti-Mafia tour and learn about the modern-day efforts to combat the Mafia. In your free time, you could visit Palermo Cathedral and observe its unique blend of architectural styles.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Palermo to Agrigento and Ragusa

  • Ragusa
  • Agrigento
  • More
  • Valle dei Templi
  • More

Journey to Agrigento and explore the Valley of the Temples with a local expert. See the massive Temple of Concordia and the clifftop Temple of Juno overlooking the sea. Continue to the hilltop town of Ragusa for the night.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Ragusa to Syracuse and Catania

  • Syracuse
  • Catania
  • Ragusa
  • More
  • Akrai Greek Theatre
  • Cathedral of Syracuse
  • Island of Ortigia
  • More

Travel to Syracuse and visit the Paradise Quarry, home to the unusual Ear of Dionysius. See the superb Greek theatre and explore the atmospheric Old City on the island of Ortygia. Continue to Catania for a celebratory dinner with your fellow travellers.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Catania to Malta

  • Catania
  • Valletta
  • More

Transfer to Catania airport and board a short flight to Malta. On arrival, you'll be met and taken to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and settle in. Join your Travel Director in the evening for a dinner with wine.

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Day 16

Day 16 – Day 16: Exploring Malta

  • Marsaxlokk
  • Valletta
  • More
  • Tarxien Temples
  • Il-Bajja ta' Marsalforn
  • More

Enjoy a free day in Malta. You may want to explore the World Heritage Site of Haġar Qim and Mnajdra temples before proceeding to the idyllic fishing village of Marsaxlokk. Stroll around the many market stalls and admire the colourful 'luzzu' fishing boats in the harbour.

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Day 17

Day 17 – Day 17: Discovering Malta's History

  • Valletta
  • More
  • Upper Barrakka Gardens
  • St. John's Co-Cathedral
  • Malta at War Museum
  • More

Visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens and the impressive St. John's Cathedral with a local expert. Learn about Malta's important role in WWII at the National War Museum. Enjoy a delicious meal made from fresh local ingredients for lunch.

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Day 18

Day 18 – Day 18: Free Day in Malta

  • Valletta
  • More
  • Għar ir-Riħ
  • More

Enjoy a free day to relax at leisure on the rooftop terrace and enjoy the marvellous seascapes from the seafront hotel. Perhaps take a relaxing stroll along the promenade lined with restaurants and bars, or take an optional experience with lunch on Gozo Island.

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Day 19

Day 19 – Day 19: Malta to Mdina

  • Mdina
  • Valletta
  • More
  • Mdina Gate
  • More

Head to Mdina in the late afternoon to explore this golden city, also known as the silent city for its shady streets and peaceful atmosphere. Enjoy a celebration dinner at a wonderful local restaurant where you'll toast to your trip with your fellow travellers.

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Day 20

Day 20 – Day 20: Departure from Malta

  • Valletta - Departure day
  • More

Say goodbye to this beautiful island and your fellow travellers as a transfer takes you to Malta International Airport for your onward journey.

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