Sicily to Malta. Itinerary. Your. Mediterranean. Odyssey

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1 Itinerary Let us dazzle you with a Southern Italian Sicily to Malta Mediterranean Odyssey Private Small Group Tour Sicily to Malta. Welcome, you like a long-lost friend. Sicily to Malta Your Mediterranean Odyssey Day 1 4 May Arrival Palermo Orientation and group dinner. Upon arrival into Sicily, you will be met at the airport by one of our drivers and conveyed to the hotel to relax, and freshen up before we meet in the hotel bar at 6.30pm for drinks and a light dinner. Our first destination is the fascinating capital of Sicily - Palermo with its exotic mix of Byzantine mosaics, Arabesque domes and frescoes cupolas. A place where souk-like markets blend in alongside baroque churches and date palms which frame Gothic palaces. The Palermo of today is vibrant if somewhat a chaotic experience, sitting on the edge of Europe a city which encapsulates its multicultural history. Accommodation in Palermo will be spent in Luxury Historical Hotel In the Historic Centre Meals (D) \ Mediterranean Odssey 1

2 Day 2 5 May Palermo Walking Tour. Palaces, Temples and Churches. Following a leisurely start to the morning we will be introduced to Palermo s many treasures on your walking tour which includes a visit to the Martorana, Quattro Canti, the Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel. Tonight Palermo is yours to explore at your leisure. (For those guests who wish to have dinner together, please speak to your host to organise a restaurant for you, because that what we do!) Day 3 6 May Tour Erice and Segesta We leave Palermo for an inspirational full day out, visiting the medieval village of Erice perched at the top of Mt San Guiliano overlooking the port of Trapani. Here you will delight in the history of Erice which dates back to ancient times. You will have the opportunity to wander and explore the cobbled streets, churches and small piazzas, a truly authentic Sicilian experience. After a delicious lunch, you will detour to Segesta where you will have great photo opportunities when we visit the Doric Temple built in the 3rd century BC possibly by the descendants of Troy!. This temple is one of the best preserved in Sicily Day 4 7 May Half day visit to Monreale Cuisine and Cathedrals. Today you will explore one of Palermo s thriving food markets followed by a visit to Monreale Cathedral known to be one of the most impressive Cathedrals in Europe. Commissioned by William II in 1172, this cathedral is the pinnacle of Arab-Norman achievement. The interior is famous for its six thousand square metres of gold mosaics representing episodes from the Old Testament. Certainly one of the most impressive Churches in Europe. For your final evening in Palermo, we will meet for a meal in one of Palermo s finest Enotecas to recap our Palermo experience Meals (BD) Mediterranean Odssey 2

3 Day 5 8 May Central Sicily Travel back in time (Italian Manner stay) a guaranteed memorable experience. Departing Palermo today, we travel inland to a great Italian Manner house (Noble Baglio) of yesteryear three-day luxurious getaway. This Estate is perched on top a hill framed by vine trees offering you non-interrupted memorable views. The estate dates back to Noble Rule of Sicily so be prepared to experience hospitality usually reserved for royalty. Your time here includes luxurious accommodation, (with all mod cons) all meals prepared by the families own personal chefs. You also have access to private outdoor activities such as cycling and walking amongst vineyards, including wine tasting provided by the house sommelier. You will also have the experience of partaking in the Estates famous cooking school run by a wellknown Italian chef. We learn and cook with produce and wines grown and made on the Estate Meals (Full board) Day 6 9 May Agrigento Full day visit to the Valley of Temple of Agrigento Day excursion to theto the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. In its prime, the city of Akragas was populated by 200,000 inhabitants. Surrounded by almond trees, the temples are located in a broad valley on the outskirts of Agrigento; a professional guide will take us on a journey to ancient Greece and brings the history to life Meals (BLD) Day 7 10 May Agritourism Produce, Cooking experience with Tasca Lanza. Today a Culinary treat! After breakfast, you will be treated to a lesson on regional Sicilian cuisine with a cooking class at one of Sicily s best-known cooking schools, and Chef Fabrizia Tasca Lanza, daughter of the famous Anna Tasca Lanza who started the school. We will share our meal together Al Fresco! Meals (BLD) Mediterranean Odssey 3

4 Day 8 11 May Taormina Highest Provincial Capital in Italy. Move on to the gorgeous resort town of Taormina, on you way there we will detour to visit Enna the highest provincial capital in Italy, for lunch. Here you will have some time to explore and take in the views, great photo opportunities. Arriving into Taormina in the late afternoon for some free time to explore the city or just have a rest. Page 3 of 6 Slice o Life Tours Soft Adventure Tour for the over 50s (We know that some of our guests would like to stick together so, please do not hesitate to ask for assistance in planning some activities or a meal. We love to help!). (We know that some of our guests would like to stick together so please do not hesitate to ask for assistance in planning some activities or a meal. We love to help!). Accommodation: A luxury hotel in the centre Day 9 12 May Taormina Summer Getaway For The Aristocracy The picturesque town of Taormina offers a breathtaking backdrop to many of its archaeological sites. Closed to vehicular traffic and draped in subtropical vegetation, Taormina was part of the Grand Tour a favourite summer residence for aristocracy and writers. The day is free to explore at leisure. Day May Etna and surroundings Today we explore the Northern slopes of Etna visiting some of its surrounding villages and sampling some of the local mountain cuisines stopping for lunch in one of the local wineries. Day May Ortigia historical heart of Siracuse Leaving Taormina, we travel to the Ancient Greek city of Siracuse. Along the way, we will detour to visit the beautiful Villa Romana del Casale near Piazza Armerina, dating from 3-4th Century AD. The villa houses one of the most exceptional examples of Roman mosaics in the world. Unique for their beautiful and intricate depictions of Roman life. Not far, the village of Mediterranean Odssey 4

5 Aidone warrants a visit, for its interesting little museum, housing the repatriated statue believed to be the goddess Demeter her robes flowing in the wind as she searches for Persephone. Dating approximately 300 BC, the statue was controversially acquired by the Getty Museum in L.A. (The Getty Goddess). Following many years of dispute, the icon eventually returned to its rightful place, the island of Persephone where the legend is believed to have originated Accommodation. Luxury Boutique style hotel Day May Ortigia Siracuse Join our host this morning to sample the fresh produce of Ortigia s busy, colourful sea-front market. In the afternoon we will visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park accompanied by a specialist local guide. The Greek Theatre is one of the largest in Italy and from mid-may to July The National Institute of Ancient Dramatic Art stages the Greek tragedies, continuing the tradition commenced 2000 years ago. Although performed in Italian, this is a remarkable way to experience the (If you are interested in attending one of the performances, please let us know, and we will organise ticket for you) Day May Ortigia Val Di Noto Following breakfast, we take a day excursion to the picturesque Val di Noto region. The area decimated by the earthquake of 1693, was rebuilt in the uniquely Sicilian Baroque style. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002 in acknowledgement of the quality of this Baroque architecture; lunch will follow a walking exploration of Noto in one of the local trattorias. Return to our hotel in the late afternoon. Evening at your leisure. Day May Malta Ferry to Valletta This morning we depart Sicily early to arrive in Pozzallo for our morning ferry departure to Malta. Valletta is a Unesco-listed city and was declared the European Capital of Culture Built by the Nights of St John after the great siege of Valletta is home to some 300 Mediterranean Odssey 5

6 monuments all within walking distance. A UNESCO site and one of the richest historical locations in the world. In the late afternoon, a local guide will introduce us to the medieval capital Mdina, one of Europe's finest examples of an ancient walled city. Mdina lit by lamplight at night takes on a ghostly ambience, known as the Silent City', you will hear people's footsteps echo as you explore the narrow winding stone lanes. An experience not to be missed. Tonight you will l dine in one of Medina s restaurants. Accommodation 5 nights in a boutique hotel Meals (BD) Day May Tour of Valletta Following leisurely breakfast, we will meet our local guide for a day of culture and history. You will visit St John s Cathedral, the Grand Masters Palace and subject to an anticipated reopening in 2017 the Hypogeum - A vast underground necropolis hewn from stone dating 3600 BC one of the most intriguing archaeological sites in the world. It s formed by interconnecting rock-cut chambers set over three levels with the earliest remains dating back to 4000 BC. Visits are strictly limited to protect the integrity of this important site. Tonight you evening is yours. (if you feel you may be at a loose end this evening, or group would like to eat together, please see Lidia, and she can help you out with suggestions or bookings) Day May Malta 4WD Tour, Island Of Goza The small island of Gozo is a short 25minute ferry ride. Believed to be the legendary Calypso Isle of Homer s Odyssey. The island is steeped in myth and is a peaceful rural backwater, with rugged landscapes and a picturesque coastline. On Gozo we will travel by 4WD to navigate the narrow country roads, visiting the Azure Window in Dwejra, and the Megalithic Ggantija temples the oldest standing stone structure in the world predating the Stonehenge. You will have time to explore some of the villages where we will stop at one of the delightful seaside villages for lunch. Mediterranean Odssey 6

7 Day May Malta- Free day for independent sight Sighting The day is free to explore at leisure. Despite Malta s compact size there is a vast amount of site seeing and activities available. Therefore we have allocated the next two days for individuals to explore as desired. Whether that is visiting the numerous historical sites and museums, relaxing in many of its stunning bays and beaches, snorkelling kayaking or hiking Your host is available to assist with any optional activity. Day18 21 May Malta Free day The day is free for independent sightseeing, and leisure time. In the evening we will regroup for our farewell dinner. (If you would like any information regarding help with sight seeing, please speak to Lidia for assistance) Meals (BD) Day May Final day Farewell Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. We hope you have thoroughly your time with and hope to see you very soon or another adventure. Farewell from Lida and team at Slice of Life tours,we look forward to seeing you again. Contact sliceoflifetours.com.au Minimum Guests For our tour to be guaranteed, 6 guests Maximum Guest 12 to ensure authentic experiences Mediterranean Odssey 7

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