Gems of Sicily & Malta

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Day 1: Arrive in Palermo, Italy
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner.

Day 2: Palermo
Your Sicilian discovery starts this morning with a guided sightseeing tour of Palermo, including a visit to the cathedral. End the sightseeing on a sweet note! Visit the Church of Santa Caterina and the “Segreti del Chiostro,” a historically significant bakery located in the cloisters. Sample the pastries, still made the traditional way, using ancient recipes handed down by the nuns. This afternoon and evening, enjoy free time to see more of Palermo. (B)

Day 3: Palermo - Cefalu - Taormina Riviera
This morning, take a scenic drive to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d’Oro and a visit to the Norman Cathedral. Continue to the coastal town of Cefalú, famous for its stunning cathedral with soaring twin towers. Enjoy free time to explore the center with its charming medieval squares. Later, reach the Taormina Riviera and enjoy an evening at leisure. (B)

Day 4: Taormina Riviera
Follow your Local Guide on a walking tour of Taormina’s historic center. Stroll along Corso Umberto, see the Cathedral, and enjoy the view from Piazza IX Aprile. Visit the Greek Theater, one of the largest in Italy. Later, get to grips with Sicilian street food as a professional chef shares knowledge and tips during a hands-on small group cooking class. Taste the dishes you’ve prepared accompanied by local wine. (B,L)

Day 5: Taormina Riviera
Enjoy a free day on the Taormina Riviera. Take a stroll on the seafront, browse the stores, laze on the beach, or try local specialties at a traditional eatery. (B)

Day 6: Taormina Riviera - Catania - Pozzallo
This morning, drive to the vibrant city of Catania. Visit the Museo Storico dello Sbarco, (Historical Museum of the Landing in Sicily) which focuses on Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily, an important factor in Europe’s liberation. Join a guided walking tour of the center, featuring Piazza del Duomo with views of the Cathedral. Later, enjoy a special small group experience: drive to a farm that specializes in medicinal and aromatic herbs. A guided visit will introduce you to their unique characteristics and uses before you are served a delicious dinner of local products accompanied by live music. (B,D)

Day 7: Pozzallo - Valletta, Malta-Sliema
This morning leave Italy behind and board a catamaran for a ride across the Mediterranean Sea to Malta. After disembarking, start your Small Group Maltese Discovery with a sightseeing tour of Valletta, the capital city. As you explore the city you will also discover local food traditions when you stop to try pastizzi (savory pastries), Maltese coffee, and chocolate. Later, arrive at Sliema. (B)

Day 8: Sliema. Excursion to Gozo Island
Enjoy a scenic ferry ride to Gozo, Malta’s sister island. Highlights of the day include a visit to the awe-inspiring Ggantija Temples, one of the world’s oldest and best-preserved sites. Plus, visit a local farm to learn about the age-old process of cheese making with a tasting and light lunch. (B,L)

Day 9: Sliema
Enjoy free time to explore more. Later, take advantage of the small group size for a hands-on cooking class to prepare your farewell dinner! Don your aprons and chef’s hats to learn the rustic tricks of Grandma’s cooking as you prepare a three-course meal. Together with your traveling companions, sit down to enjoy the meal you have prepared.(B,D)

Day 10: Sliema
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. The nearest airport is Valletta.(B)