Gems of Sicily & Malta

Your Small-Group Discovery Begins! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner. (D)

A sweet start! 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) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Palermo is often referred to as the most “conquered city in the world”! It’s strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea, placed it on the “wish list” of many ancient civilizations. As you stroll around the city, it is easy to see the blend of cultural influences, which has given it many unique aspects, from its architecture and its traditions, to the delicious street food that can be found everywhere.

Picture Perfect Panoramas 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) TOUR HIGHLIGHT The story of the splendid Monreale Cathedral began as Arabs took control of Palermo and transformed the cathedral into a mosque, banishing the Bishop of Palermo. Not wishing to venture too far, the bishop settled in a small village in the hills overlooking Palermo, the site of modern-day Monreale. There, he built a modest church to keep the flame of local Christian worship alive. Today the cathedral is known for its stunning mosaics that cover an area of over 64,500 sq ft.

Grand Greek Drama 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) TOUR HIGHLIGHT The Greek Theatre of Taormina is considered one of the most impressive examples of auditorium engineering and architecture for its superb natural setting and acoustical design. This ancient marvel was dug into the hard rock slopes of Mount Tauro in the 3rd-century BC, with seating to accommodate thousands of spectators. The Teatro Antico di Taormina was built in the Greek tradition of incorporating the natural surroundings to become part of the performance, with light and air permeating the columns to become part of the story.

The Pearl of the Mediterranean 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) TOUR HIGHLIGHT With a backdrop of the Volcanic Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea providing the cinematic setting for the resort town of Taormina, this Pearl of the Mediterranean is a picturesque coastal gem that will spoil you with its stunning beaches, village beauty, and sumptuous culinary specialties.

Natural Aromas 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) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Catania is an ancient port city on Sicily's east coast. It sits at the foot of Mt. Etna, Europe’s tallest volcano. The city's wide central square, Piazza del Duomo, features the whimsical Fontana dell 'Elefante statue and richly decorated St. Agata Cathedral. Nearby, La Pescheria weekday fish market is a rowdy spectacle surrounded by seafood restaurants.

Island Hopping 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) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Maltese cuisine may not be as famous as that of its neighbour Italy, but it definitely packs a punch! Mediterranean flavors, with strong Italian and North African influences. Some of the best dishes are the rustic ones that are found easily in local shops and bakeries. The pastizzi is a golden pastry parcel, with a delicious filling that is much loved by the locals.

Home of the Giants 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) TOUR HIGHLIGHT The Ggantija temples are a unique prehistoric complex and are among the oldest free-standing stone buildings in the world, said to predate even the Egyptian Pyramids. They demonstrate amazing engineering skills as they were built using only stone tools, quite a feat - although local legend does say that they were actually built by giants!

Grandma’s Cooking 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) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Local heritage and family history are preserved and continued through traditional home cooking. During your small group cooking class don’t just learn the recipes and technical tips, the chef will share with you the family stories and local traditions that are connected to the dishes being prepared.

Safe travels until we meet again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. The nearest airport is Valletta. (B)