Sicily in Depth

(10 reviews)

From:

CAD $8625

14 Days

Best Rate: Guarantee

Trip Type: Group Tour

Activity Level: Easy

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Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 12 Jun 2026

See every slice of Sicily during this 14-day guided tour. Take off to Paradise Quarry in Syracuse with a Local Expert, who will show you its Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped limestone grotto: call out to your fellow travelers here, and your voice may echo as many as 16 times. Visit the Palatine Chapel to marvel at the glittering gold mosaics for a stunning sight. Travel to the salt pans and windmills on the western coast and taste Marsala wine in its home town. In Taormina, perched above the Ionian Sea, join a Local Expert at the city’s cliffside Greek theater, from where you can see Mount Etna, the island’s active Strato volcano.Venture from your waterfront hotel in Sliema to the capital of Malta. In Valletta, meet a Local Expert who will guide you through the Fortress City, filled with golden-hued buildings and anchored by St. John's Cathedral. Later, in Mdina, join a Local Expert on a walk through the fortified Silent City, nicknamed for its peaceful atmosphere. Then, toast to an incredible journey during a final celebration dinner with your fellow travelers.

Highlights

Dining Summary

7 Dinner (D)
13 Breakfast (B)
1 Lunch (L)

Choice Highlights

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Syracuse: Wander through the gardens of Paradise Quarry, test the remarkable acoustics in the Ear of Dionysius and step into the ancient Greek theater, set within one of Sicily’s most evocative historic sites.
Syracuse: Stroll through the old town on the island of Ortigia, tracing its narrow lanes towards the Fonte Aretusa and the legends that continue to shape this historic waterfront.

Additional Included Highlights

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

Authentic Dining

Palermo: Embark on a fun exploration of Palermo's tasty culinary scene on a Dine-Around evening.
Marsala: Enjoy a tasting of some of the island's richest Sicilian wines at a local winery in Marsala.
Ragusa: Savor the flavors of Ragusa during your Farm-to-Table dining experience, highlighting the freshest locally sourced ingredients – a relaxing moment spent with your fellow travelers.
Giardini Naxos: Your celebration dinner reflects some of Sicily's top culinary heritage.
Sliema: Enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers at your luxury hotel in Sliema.
Sliema: Toast to your trip with your fellow travelers over a wonderful Farm-to-Table dinner.

Insight Choice

Syracuse: Wander through the gardens of Paradise Quarry, test the remarkable acoustics in the Ear of Dionysius and step into the ancient Greek theater, set within one of Sicily’s most evocative historic sites.
Syracuse: Stroll through the old town on the island of Ortigia, tracing its narrow lanes towards the Fonte Aretusa and the legends that continue to shape this historic waterfront.

Insight Experiences

Sliema: Visit the National War Museum, site of a former air raid shelter. Learn about the important role Malta played during WWII while you explore with a historian.

Make Travel Matter

Trapani: Discover how the ancient tradition of salt extraction has been handed down from generation to generation. Set in a breathtaking natural landscape, home to pink flamingos and various aquatic birds, the salt pans and windmills create a picturesque scene against a backdrop of sea and sky. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Mdina: Experience the ambiance of Palazzo Falson, a prestigious museum that highlights the rich heritage of the island. Visit the exclusive rooftop garden, where Malta's endemic species thrive, creating a sophisticated pollinator haven for the local ecosystem.

Top Rated Highlights

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.
Agrigento: Explore the Valley of the Temples and its impressive Hellenistic ruins like the well-preserved Temple of Concordia and the clifftop Temple of Juno overlooking the Sicilian landscape.
Piazza Armerina: Travel to the Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO site since 1997. The Villa is one of the most luxurious of its kind, showcasing it's rich and intricate mosaics which decorate almost every room.
Ragusa: Walk through Ragusa with a Local Expert, taking in its noted Baroque churches and the elegant facades that define the old town.
Modica: Experience Modica's celebrated hand-made chocolate.
Taormina: Visit Taormina’s ancient amphitheater with your Local Expert. Carved from honey-colored stone and set high on the cliff, the theater frames wide views of the Ionian Sea and the distant rise of Mount Etna through its weathered arches.
Taormina: Wander through Taormina’s limestone streets and lively boutiques with a Local Expert. Then enjoy free time along Corso Umberto and take in the broad outlook from Piazza IX Aprile, where the town opens towards sea and sky.
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 discover this golden city, known as the Silent City for its shady streets and peaceful atmosphere.

Travel Director

"A type of food I really love introducing my guests to is the street food because it tells a lot about the habits of the locals, it can be a slice of pizza folded up or a sfogliatella in Naples, an arancini, a gelato in Sicily, or a cannolo. "
"One fun fact people don't usually know before they come to Italy is that the Italian alphabet only has 22 letters."
"One thing I really love about showing guests about Italy is how art and beauty can be found around every corner of some of Italy's cities, which are real open air museums."

Well-being

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

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Trip Details

Product Code: 35210

Tour Type: Group Tour

Accommodation: Deluxe

Transport: Private

Guide Language: English

Travel Styles: Explorer

Tour Operator: Insight Vacations (CA)

Supplier Code: 146.1344A

Starts: Palermo, Italy

Finishes: Valletta, Malta

Duration: 14 days

Departures: Not Guaranteed

Physical Rating: Easy

Includes

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $8625 ($616 /day)

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Palermo

Relax and settle in before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: Palazzo Liberty Unique, Splendid Hotel La Torre
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Palermo & the Golden Age of the Normans

Discover Palermo on a walking tour featuring a visit to the stunning 12th-century Palatine Chapel with a Local Expert. This afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring Palermo Cathedral, a fascinating site with its unique blend of architectural styles reflecting centuries of history. For your dining pleasure, you can try the foods the locals like to eat and experience how they like to eat it on your Dine-Around Evening.

Accommodation: Palazzo Liberty Unique, Splendid Hotel La Torre
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Trapani and Marsala

Nestled along its crescent-shaped coastline, Trapani is embraced by the Mediterranean Sea. Discover the age-old tradition of salt production when you visit the colorful salt pans and an ancient stone windmill during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to see where sea water is transformed into salt crystals. Then, savor the flavors of Marsala with a tasting at a local winery, where you can enjoy the town's renowned wine in beautiful surroundings.

Accommodation: Seawater, Marsala
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Explore the Valley of the Temples

Travel along the southern coast of Sicily en route to Agrigento. In Agrigento, explore the Valley of the Temples with a Local Expert. Recognized by UNESCO, these temples are exceptional examples of ancient Greek architecture. Marvel at the imposing Temple of Concordia and the cliff-top Temple of Juno, both overlooking the sea. Reflect on this unforgettable day with your fellow travelers over dinner at the hotel, sharing insights and experiences.

Accommodation: The Scala dei Turchi Resort, Agrigento
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Discover Villa Romana del Casale and Ragusa

Travel inland to the Villa Romana del Casale, a luxurious Roman villa renowned for its rich and intricate mosaics. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1997, showcases the opulence of ancient Rome. Continue to Ragusa and explore the labyrinthine alleyways of Ragusa Ibla with your Local Expert. The town, with origins dating back to the Bronze Age, was once inhabited by the Sicels tribe, who gave their name to Sicily. Admire the remarkable Sicilian Baroque architecture that has earned Ragusa UNESCO recognition. In the evening, savor the rich flavors of locally sourced ingredients with a delicious Farm-to-Table dinner at a charming local restaurant.

Accommodation: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Modica Relaxed Start

Enjoy a Relaxed Start this morning or join an Optional Experience to the Val di Noto and the town of Noto. Later, explore the town of Modica, rebuilt after the 17th-century earthquake, and discover its artisanal techniques used to create the town's celebrated handmade chocolate.

Accommodation: Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Ancient Syracuse

Discover Syracuse through Insight Choice. Opt for sightseeing with your Local Expert at Syracuse’s Paradise Quarry, home to the unique Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped grotto with remarkable acoustics. Next, visit the impressive Greek theater, carved from solid rock, and one of the largest of the ancient world. Alternatively, take time to explore the atmospheric Old City on the island of Ortigia, a labyrinth of narrow streets lined with palaces. This historic area is where the famed mathematician Archimedes famously ran through the streets, exclaiming 'Eureka!' Continue your journey along Sicily’s picturesque Ionian Riviera to the charming resort of Giardini Naxos or Marina Forza d'Agrò (departure dependent).

Accommodation: Hellenia Yachting, Giardini Naxos, Baia Taormina, Marina di Forza D’Agrò
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Taormina and the Dawn Coast of Europe

Your hotel faces east, offering early risers a glimpse of why D.H. Lawrence dubbed this 'The Dawn Coast of Europe'. After breakfast, consider an Optional Experience through the vineyards to Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Journey to the charming old town of Taormina, perched on Mount Tauro with views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. With your Local Expert, visit the ancient Greek theater, set on a cliff and open to the sky. Sit and absorb the breath-taking view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna. Stroll along the elegant Corso Umberto and enjoy panoramic views from Piazza IX Aprile. Celebrate your time in Sicily with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, savoring Sicilian cuisine with exquisite Italian wines.

Accommodation: Hellenia Yachting, Giardini Naxos, Baia Taormina, Marina di Forza D’Agrò
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Fly from Catania to Malta

During your transfer to Catania airport, appreciate the vistas of Mount Etna one last time. Board your short flight to Malta where on arrival you will be met and taken to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and settle into your hotel. Join your Travel Director at 18:30 for dinner.

Accommodation: Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Free time in Sliema Relaxed Start

Your day is at leisure. You may want to explore the World Heritage Site of Haġar Qim and Mnajdra temples before proceeding to the idyllic fishing village of Marsaxlokk, enjoy a stroll around the many market stalls whilst admiring the colorful ‘luzzu’ fishing boats in the harbor.

Accommodation: Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Explore Valetta Relaxed Start

With a Local Expert, you’ll visit the Upper Barracca Gardens and the impressive St. John's Cathedral, designed in the Baroque style. Be captivated by the wealth of history as you stroll through the elegant streets, discovering why the city is known as The Fortress City, with its restored golden-stone buildings shaping the cityscape. For lunch, enjoy a delicious meal made with fresh, local ingredients. This afternoon, visit the National War Museum. Learn about Malta’s significant role in WWII as you explore with a historian.

Accommodation: Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12: Free Day in Malta

Today is free for you to relax at leisure by the Mediterranean sea. Perhaps take a relaxing stroll along the promenade lined with restaurants and bars. If you’re feeling active, why not take an Optional Experience with lunch on Gozo Island? Calypso Cave, found on the island, is said to be the one Homer wrote about in his acclaimed epic poem, The Odyssey.

Accommodation: Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Mdina the Silent City

Head to Mdina with a Local Expert to explore this golden city, known also as the silent city for its shady streets and peaceful atmosphere. Experience Palazzo Falson on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Return to the coast for an afternoon at leisure. This evening, enjoy dinner at a wonderful local restaurant where you’ll toast to your trip with your fellow travelers.

Accommodation: Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14: Depart Malta

It’s time to say goodbye to this beautiful island and your fellow travelers, as a transfer takes you to Malta International Airport for your onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast

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Tour Operator

Insight Vacations (CA)

Part of The Travel Company (TTC) family of brands, Insight Vacations began operations in 1978 and is based in Cypress, CA. Journeys are featured to destinations, such as the U.S. and Canada, Europe, Latin America, North Africa, Asia, the UK and Ireland. The company offers are a variety of tours under the classifications of Regional Journeys, Country Roads, Discovery Journeys, Easy Pace trips, and Special Interest tours. Insight is the ideal name for the tour operator, as the journeys provided by Insight Vacations allow travelers to gain further insight into whatever destination they wish to explore. For example, Discovery Journeys are the ideal choice for first-time visitors to Europe. Itineraries include Dine-at-Home or Farm-to-Table experiences so travelers can learn more about how locals live and dine. Regional Journeys allow trip-goers to see a specific location in Europe that they have always wanted to see – Poland, Switzerland, Italy, etc. The carefully planned trips enable customers to immerse themselves in one specific region or country and to become acquainted with its culture, traditions, and people. For anyone seeking travel off the beaten track, Insight Vacations offers Country Roads – trips that lead travelers off the well-tread tourist trail to explore hidden gems where visitors can savor the local produce with Farm-to-Table dining. Some trips are offered under the Easy Pace travel style – the ideal trip choice for trip-goers who wish to slow their pace during their vacation. During these tours, vacationers stay at least 3 nights at each destination, giving them some additional time to explore a place and enjoy it. Regardless of the travel style, many of the vacations offered by Insight Vacations begin with Relaxed Starts – giving travelers time to sleep in a little, spend more time at breakfast, or explore an area on their own. The tour company prides itself on providing business class tours that features luxury coaches with 40 seats. While most coach touring operators provide vehicles with 53 seats, Insight Vacations has re-configured its motor coaches to hold up to 40 guests. This gives passengers extra leg room while traveling and offers them more space and privacy.

In Business Since 1978

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Reviews

Anonymous - Traveled, May 2019

Excellent once we connected with the tour but poor coordination getting us from airport to first hotel. It was even worse for several other travelers. Went many amazing and varied places in just a few days. Tour director was fun and knowledgeable. Local guides were excellent. Hotels in Gahanna and Palermo were much below our expectations for Insight.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/15/2019

Anonymous - Traveled, May 2024

The inclusions were well thought out and the tour director and driver were both very good at their job. Not all the hotels were a great experience and one restaurant was very poor with service as other customers were waiting for tables and we were pushed. The coach was comfortable but we found the number of people too much and prefer a smaller tour.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/15/2024

Teresa - Traveled, May 2023

Daniele Nannetti was an AMAZING tour guide/emcee for our "Sicily in Depth" trip. He was always friendly, caring, and attentive to all of us guests, very knowledgeable and informative (he taught us SO much about Sicilian history and culture), and was not only supremely organized and proactive but kept us quite literally on the edge of our seats with his infectious enthusiasm. The bus was very spacious and comfortable, and the route of the trip allowed us to see ALL of the diverse and awe-inspiring views out the window. Rotating seat assignments also let us each experience a different vantage point each day for looking out the window on the bus. Daniele selected excellent and comfortable hotels for us to stay at. The Mariott at Giardini Naxos, our final night's stay, was the most luxurious and gorgeous hotel I have ever stayed at in my 32 years; enjoying the delicious and decadent buffet breakfast while seated outside looking out over the Mediterranean was a dream, the perfect end to a perfect vacation, truly something from a postcard. Daniele also arranged the best and most informative tour guides for each special trip/stop on our adventure, and I learned SO much from them as well. Each of the excursions we took were stunning and fascinating, and I loved all of them, especially the tours of Palermo and Agrigento. The history, culture, geography, and gastronomy of Sicily are all incredible, and Sicily in Depth--and Daniele who guided us--embodied all of it. It was so hard to leave at the end of our tour; this was without exaggeration a dream come true. I cannot wait to go back to Sicily, and I cannot wait to go on another Insight Vacation.