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Sicily Group Tours and Private Transfers Sicily - Italy

Small Group · Palermo

Sicilian Secrets & Maltese Discovery

8 Days Sicily · Malta

The Overview

Overview

Wonderful 8 days tour of Sicily including Malta. 

This tour will take you around a number of cities in Sicily that are worth visiting, including the magnificent Malta and it's unforgettable beaches. Worries about accommodation and transfers are taken away from you as these are also taken care of.

Only thing you'll have to worry about is to relax, soak in the southern beauty, take gorgeous pictures, and enjoy!

During this tour you will explore the southern Italian beauties of Palermo, Marsala, Agrigento, and Monreale. Depending on your language preference this tour includes a multilingual guide that will provide you the best experience possible. 

Furthermore, several private excursions is included as well as some time to go on your own path and explore however you wish.

With accommodation arranged in the center of town, with no doubt you will be well taken care of through out these 8 wonderful days in the beautiful south. 

Duration

8 days

7 nights

Starting From

EUR 3,600

Per person for two travelers

Tailored to your departure and group.

This is a wonderful option for those who want to experience Sicily and Malta in comfort and style. This tour will take you around a number of cities in Sicily that are worth visiting, including the magnificent Malta and it's unforgettable beaches. Worries about accommodation and transfers are taken away from you as these are also taken care of. Only thing you'll have to worry about is to relax, soak in the southern beauty, and enjoy!

Regions
Sicily · Malta
Tour Style
Small Group
Departs From
Palermo
Meeting Point
Hotel in Palermo
Included Meals
Daily breakfast · 4 dinners
Day by day

Itinerary

Follow the route as you read. The map traces each day of the journey, moving with you from place to place.

Sicily

Chapter 1 · Days 1–4

Welcome to Sicily

Italy’s historic and cultural diversity is perfectly expressed in Sicily, an island rich in history and overflowing with scenic beauty. A visit to Taormina, 200 meters above sea level and looking down onto the Ionian Sea like a terrace, will deliver a calm to the soul, a must see while visiting this island.   From the breathtaking beauty and vantage point…

Explore Sicily
Day 1

Sicily, Palermo

Arrival in Palermo

  • Dinner
Arrival in Palermo — photo 1 Arrival in Palermo — photo 2 Arrival in Palermo — photo 3 Arrival in Palermo — photo 4 Arrival in Palermo — photo 5

Fly into Catania, where a driver will meet you at the airport, whichever day you choose to arrive, and take you to your hotel.  In the afternoon, meet your tour-leader and your travel companions in the hotel bar, where you'll have the chance to get to know each other over your first aperitivo, before heading out to enjoy the welcome dinner in Palermo.

Overnight in hotel. 

Where we meet Hotel in Palermo
Day 2

Sicily, Palermo Sicily, Monreale Sicily, Marsala

Palermo - Monreale - Marsala

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Palermo - Monreale - Marsala — photo 1 Palermo - Monreale - Marsala — photo 2 Palermo - Monreale - Marsala — photo 3 Palermo - Monreale - Marsala — photo 4 Palermo - Monreale - Marsala — photo 5

After breakfast in hotel, the morning will be spent visiting the capital of Sicily Palermo, one of the richest towns in the island for its history and art. Palermo stands on a bay at the foot of Mt Pellegrino, a headland described by Goethe as the loveliest he had ever seen. While the Baroque predominates, there is a profusion of different architectural styles reflecting the city’s multicultural past, including an elegant opera house! We will visit the wonderful Arab-Norman Cathedral, the astonishing Martorana Church and the amazing Cappella Palatina, mirable example from an historical and an artistic point of view, of how different cultures, religions and way of thinking apparently incompatible can coexist. Ruggero II in fact employed both Byzantine, Muslim and Latin workers. Continuing our walk we will admire the debated fountain in Pretoria Square, situated in the ancient Kalsa area and adorned with XVI century sculptures.Along the visiting day we will have a stop for a food surprise in the famousAntica Focacceria San Francesco.

Free time for lunch.

Later on we will proceed to Monreale to visit its huge Norman Cathedral, proclaimed the Eighth Wonder of the World, and its splendid Cloister in Arab-Norman style: admirable masterpiece of art, sculpture, and semi-precious stones marquetry! In the afternoon we will continue to Marsalain whose port Garibaldi landed in 1860. Visit of a prestigious wine cellar and wine tasting.

Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 3

Sicily, Marsala Sicily, Agrigento

Marsala Salt Road - Selinunte - Agrigento

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Marsala Salt Road - Selinunte - Agrigento — photo 1 Marsala Salt Road - Selinunte - Agrigento — photo 2 Marsala Salt Road - Selinunte - Agrigento — photo 3 Marsala Salt Road - Selinunte - Agrigento — photo 4 Marsala Salt Road - Selinunte - Agrigento — photo 5

This morning the tour will continue along the charming and well-known Salt Road: the west coast of Sicily with many salt marshes, which have given rise to one of the oldest salt-extracting industries in the world. Between Trapani and Marsala they are now protected, in part because of the interesting birdlife, and also as important sites of industrial archaelogy.  On the way you will see the nice Island of Mothia (situated at the centre of a large lagoon in Marsala, known today as 'Stagnone'), and the famous Salines and windmills.

Departure to Selinunte to visit the largest Archaeological Park in whole Mediterranean and World Heritage Site! Surrounded by a splendid landscape near the African Sea, we will walk among the rests of the ancient Greek city.

Free time for lunch.

Transfer to Agrigento and visit of the Valley of the Temples stated World Heritage Site, where among hundreds of almond trees, the rests of the ancient Akragas rise. It was defined by Pyndar “the most beautiful city of mortals”. Once one of the most prosperous of the ancient Greek cities on the island, Agrigento presents a remarkable series of Doric Temples of the 5th century. You will see the “Temple of Hera”, the “Temple of Concordia” and the “Temple of Heracles”. 

Accommodation in hotel, dinner and overnight.

Day 4

Sicily, Piazza Armerina Sicily, Ragusa Malta

Piazza Armerina - Ragusa - Pozzallo - La Valletta

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Piazza Armerina - Ragusa - Pozzallo - La Valletta — photo 1 Piazza Armerina - Ragusa - Pozzallo - La Valletta — photo 2 Piazza Armerina - Ragusa - Pozzallo - La Valletta — photo 3 Piazza Armerina - Ragusa - Pozzallo - La Valletta — photo 4 Piazza Armerina - Ragusa - Pozzallo - La Valletta — photo 5

Proceeding on we will reach Piazza Armerina where we will admire the splendid polychrome mosaics of the famous Villa Romana del Casale, World Heritage Site. The complex, which has some of the most extensive and most beautiful Roman mosaics known, is a World Heritage Site. This majestic villa, belonged to a member of the Roman Senatorial aristocracy, hosts prestigious mosaics representing mythological and historical episodes and scenes of hunting and entertainments!

After free time for lunch, we will departure to Ragusa Ibla and visit its historical centre cradle of Sicilian baroque, with its Cathedral, situated in the beautiful square of the Dome and the “giardino Ibleo”. Used as a location of the extremely popular Police Inspector Montalbano Tv series, it is today stated among the 44 Italian World Heritage Sites. This little precious ancient city, well known thanks to the Commissario Montalbano television series, hosts more than 50 churches and many baroque architectural treasures. We’ll conclude the visiting day with a tasting of local products.

Transfer to Pozzallo harbour, boarding on the catamaran to reach Malta. Arrive in Malta La Valletta and transfer to your hotel.

Free dinner and overnight. 

Malta

Chapter 2 · Days 5–8

Welcome to Malta

Malta is a series of three islands. 

Explore Malta
Day 5

Malta

La Valletta - MDINA

  • Breakfast
La Valletta - MDINA — photo 1 La Valletta - MDINA — photo 2 La Valletta - MDINA — photo 3 La Valletta - MDINA — photo 4 La Valletta - MDINA — photo 5

After breakfast in hotel, our guide will lead you through an half day excursion discover the treasures of the charming capital La Valletta.  You will visit the wonderful Casa Rocca Piccola ancient palace of the sixteenth century belonged to the Maltese nobility and still today private residence of the Marquis De Piro;proceeding on you will visit the Cathedral of St. John where we will admire the beautiful "Beheading of St. John the Baptist",Caravaggio masterpiece and continuing the Barraca Gardens from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the picturesque port of Valletta. Later on you will visit the Grand Master's Palace, nowadays seat of the Maltese Parliament.

Our tour continues on to Mdina, the former capital of Malta. You will visit the Cathedral of St. Paul and then you’ll have free time to walk along its lovely streets and discover its viewpoint from which to enjoy a splendid view!

After the visit, transfer to your hotel. Free afternoon. Overnight at your hotel

Day 6

Malta

Malta - Cottonera - Marsaxlokk - Grotta Azzurra - Dingli - Spiaggia D'oro

  • Breakfast
Malta - Cottonera - Marsaxlokk - Grotta Azzurra - Dingli - Spiaggia D'oro — photo 1 Malta - Cottonera - Marsaxlokk - Grotta Azzurra - Dingli - Spiaggia D'oro — photo 2 Malta - Cottonera - Marsaxlokk - Grotta Azzurra - Dingli - Spiaggia D'oro — photo 3 Malta - Cottonera - Marsaxlokk - Grotta Azzurra - Dingli - Spiaggia D'oro — photo 4 Malta - Cottonera - Marsaxlokk - Grotta Azzurra - Dingli - Spiaggia D'oro — photo 5

This morning the tour continues with a full day excursion with private driver to discover the beauty of this magical Island! You will reach Cottonera also called “The Three Cities”: the three fortified cities of Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua. Afterwards you will visit the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk whose waterfront is decorated with traditional colorful fishing boats called "luzzi"! Free time to stroll along the streets of the city centre and browse among the stalls of the famous local market.

Continuing you will visit the town of Wied iz-Zurrieq where you will embark on an excursion sea towards the famous Blue Grotto, a beautiful and picturesque natural cave whose system of caves surrounding reflects the fluorescent colors of the underwater flora. Along the coast you’ll continue until the quiet cove of Wied iz-Zurrieq. Our tour will continue on board of a private vehicle in the direction of Dingli through the Maltese countryside. Then you will continue in the direction of the Golden Bay in Mellieha, one of the most beautiful beaches of the island! 

Free time to enjoy the place and for a refreshing swim in its crystal clear waters ... Return to your hotel. Overnight.

Day 7

Malta

Comino - Laguna Blu - Gozo - Le Grotte di Malta

  • Breakfast
Comino - Laguna Blu - Gozo - Le Grotte di Malta — photo 1 Comino - Laguna Blu - Gozo - Le Grotte di Malta — photo 2 Comino - Laguna Blu - Gozo - Le Grotte di Malta — photo 3 Comino - Laguna Blu - Gozo - Le Grotte di Malta — photo 4 Comino - Laguna Blu - Gozo - Le Grotte di Malta — photo 5

After breakfast in hotel, our driver will pick you up for another day of excursion in the Maltese archipelago.You will be accompanied to Bugibba, where you will board on a comfortable boat for a fantastic mini cruise! You will sail through the north of the Maltese coast to the island of Comino and you will stop at the famous Blue Lagoon for about an hour. You will have time to take some pictures, sunbathe and have a swim in the turquoise waters of the bay or if you prefer, you can relax in the bar of the boat which is equipped with all sorts of drinks and snacks.

Afterwards you will reach Gozo for here a visit of about 3 hours. You will discover the most charming places of the island: Ta 'Pinu, Dwejra, the Azure Window and the capital Victoria with its historic market square and the Citadelle St. Georges. At the end of tour, you will return on board to circumnavigate Comino and visit the famous caves. Return to Bugibba at around 17:30/18:00.

Transfer to your hotel and overnight.

Day 8

Malta

Malta - End of Tour

  • Breakfast
Malta - End of Tour — photo 1 Malta - End of Tour — photo 2 Malta - End of Tour — photo 3 Malta - End of Tour — photo 4 Malta - End of Tour — photo 5

After breakfast in hotel, check-out and end of our services.

The details

Inclusions & Exclusions

What's Included

  • Accommodation in Centrally Located, Four Star Hotels
  • Sightseeing tours as indicated in the itinerary
  • Breakfast and Dinner in Sicily
  • Multilingual tour leader and professional travel guide (Eng, Ita, Spa, or Por)
  • Transportation as indicated in the itinerary
  • Tasting of Sicilian typical porducts
  • Private transfer from Ragusa to Pollazzo and from La Valletta harbour - to your hotel
  • Virtu Ferries Tickets one way
  • 1 full day excursion with private driver
  • 1 half-day excursion with a private driver-guide
  • 1 excursion to the Blue Lagoon, Comino, Gozo and The Caves

What's Not Included

  • Everything not clearly specified under “rates included”.
  • Transfers to or from the hotels on arrival or departure days
  • All lunches in Sicily
  • All meals in Malta
  • Beverages
  • Entrance fees for monuments/museums
  • City taxes (where compulsory)
  • Tips and extras in general
Your rooms

Where You'll Stay

Hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with a property of similar standard.

Grand Hotel Federico Palermo

Grand Hotel Federico Palermo

Sicily, Palermo

The Grand Hotel Federico II, opens to an elegant foyer that leads into several spacious lounges lovingly furnished. The lounge bar with the adjacent r...

Discover Property
Hotel Baglio Basile

Hotel Baglio Basile

Sicily, Trapani

Hotel Baglio Basile is surrounded by pretty vineyards and palm trees, set between Marsala and Mazara del Vallo in western Sicily. It features a modern...

Discover Property
Hotel Dioscuri Bay Palace

Hotel Dioscuri Bay Palace

Sicily, Agrigento

The hotels has 100 rooms, all elegantly furnished and equipped white every comfort to ensure a truly unique experience. Ideal for any type of stay, yo...

Discover Property
In their words

Traveler Reviews

Emily and David Davison Travelled with us

My husband and I just took a two week trip to Italy that was planned for us by Eleanor Kinchin-Smith. It was a fantastic trip and we could not have been more thrilled. We worked together with Ele to let her know about our interests and our style of travel. She planned the perfect trip with excellent private guides at all of our sites, professional drivers and lovely hotels. We arrived in Italy with all of our train and ferry reservations made by Ele, with tickets in hand. She was in touch with us daily throughout our trip to make sure that things were going smoothly. She was able to make a few changes to our itinerary as needed. We look forward to working with Ele again on our next trip and have put her in touch with another family member to help plan their trip as well.

Ron and Deb Crosby Travelled with us

Dear Guiseppe and Jesse,

We just returned from our most wonderful vacation to Italy and wanted to first thank you for putting together such a wonderful trip, and second to provide some feedback for the future.

Hotels

1. Hotel Sovestro in San Gimignano was wonderful. The staff were very friendly and helpful and made the first portion of our journey very stress free. They made us feel like we were part of their family. I would recommend it to anyone and would specifically ask for it if we were to make a return visit.

2. Hotel La Baia in Monterosso was nice and it's location was very good especially for us older folks humping luggage from/to the train station.

3. Hotel Lucchesi in Florence- what can I say expect FANTASTIC. The rooftop view at sunset is well worth it. Again very friendly and helpful staff. Would recommend it to everyone.

Wine Tour

Money well spent. We had a great time overall. The driver Mario was OUTSTANDING. He had lots of local knowledge as well as about winemaking. USE HIM AGAIN!!!

The various wineries we visited on tour:

Altesino- fantastic and they were not cheap on their pouring. Great experience.

Azienda Agricola Patrizia Cencion Sloaria- Again a great tour by one of the owner's daughters. We felt like we were the only thing on their mind although there were other customers there. A great way to complete the day.

Again we had a fantastic time and are very appreciative of everything you booked for us. We wish you continued success and if our travels should bring us back to Italy, we know who to call.

Leon and Michele Travelled with us

The trip was great we appreciate all the hard work you and your team invested to make our experience a once in a lifetime trip. We appreciate all the attention to the details in particular Giuseppe spending the time and the focus with us on the road and as we were exploring your great country.

Bob & Sandy Travelled with us

Jesse & Giuseppe,

Sandy and I have been looking through my slides of our trip to Southern Italy. We had such a good time with you and Giuseppe that we wanted to let you know again. You were the best guides ever.

Where you are

Location

Italy Palermo

Palermo and beyond

8 days through Italy, with every stop chosen by the people who live here.

Where we meet

Hotel in Palermo

Where it starts

Palermo

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Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a private tour, or will we join a group?

Private. You travel with your own guide and driver, and the only people on the itinerary are the ones you bring with you. Nothing is shared with strangers, and the pace of each day is yours to set.

Can the itinerary be changed to suit us?

Yes. What you see here is a starting point, not a fixed departure. Tell us how long you have, what you love and what you would rather skip, and we will reshape it around you. A slower morning, an extra night somewhere you fell for, a different region entirely.

How do we start planning?

Send us a note using the form on this page, or call us on 1-866-779-2565. A travel specialist replies within one business day, usually with a few questions of their own. There is no cost and no obligation in asking.

Are the hotels shown the ones we will stay in?

Usually, yes. Hotels are subject to availability, and if one is full on your dates we will replace it with a property of a similar standard and tell you before you book. Never a surprise on arrival.

When should we book?

The earlier the better, particularly for travel between May and September, when the best small hotels and the guides worth having are taken first. That said, we have put together beautiful trips at short notice, so ask and we will tell you honestly what is still possible for your dates.

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