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.