Sicily & Malta Singles Vacation

MAY 1st - 12th, 2024
10-nights with air - __________

This write-up if from our last trip. Final details on our trip for 2024 will be posted by June

Okay European travelers, here's a a destination we did several years ago that was one of my all time favorites!  If you like Italy, and who doesn't, you are sure to love Sicily and the Maltese Islands!  This is another 10-night trip that offers a well-rounded tour of these incredible islands.

We will have three stops total with 1-night in Palermo, 4-nights in Taormina on the opposite coast and finally 5-nights in Malta. Our hotels are all excellent, 4 and even 5-star category chosen also for their prime location. This will certainly be an incredible trip.  Here is all the information you need to know about this trip.  

Sicily, the Mediterranean's biggest island, is separated from the mainland by the strait of Messina. A mountainous spot, Sicily's coast and its small islands sit at the foot of volcanoes, including Etna, Stromboli and Vulcano. The Greeks, Romans, Normans and Catalans all left their mark on the island in the form of Byzantine palaces, Gothic castles and Baroque flourishes in capital Palermo.

Sicilians are heir to an impressive cultural legacy, from the refined architecture to a beguiling, if contradictory, artistic fusion of Arab craftsmanship and Norman austerity. This complexity of culture is matched by a startling diversity of landscape that includes the smoldering Mt Etna, and a coastline with a tiara of Aeolian Islands and National Parks. Sicily also has a refreshing lack of neon-blazing entertainment and theme parks, which further helps preserve its individuality and appeal.

We will start off with 1-night in the capital of Palermo. Palermo is full of worthy destinations, and in the historic district in can seem as though they are all competing for your attention. Among all of the attractions in Palermo, the palaces and museum stand shoulder to shoulder with the cathedrals and markets as must-see destinations. A large part of the thrill has to do with the layers of Sicilian culture that have their roots in Palermo. The port city has seen empires rise and fall, kings come and go, and artists emerge and retreat. We will set up day tours to visit some of the most compelling sites including the palaces, museums, churches and beaches. There are also the two main squares - The Piazza Verdi and the Piazza Castelnuovo which are packed from early morning into the wee hours of the night. Both are ringed with cafes, street vendors, and boutiques to entertain those whiling away the hours in the main squares. For me, this is one of the most enjoyable qualities of a European vacation - time to relax and take it all in.

Our hotel, located in the very heart of the sixteenth-century district and most evocative part of the city, is one of the four historic markets in Palermo.  The best-known monuments and attractions, from the Medieval Age to the Contemporary one, are easily reachable by foot. Ten minutes walk to the third biggest theatre in Europe, i.e. Massimo Theatre, and five minutes walk to the Politeama Theatre, jewel of the 19th century architecture. The gourmets will enjoy the best Sicilian and international dishes in the restaurants and cafe's located in the area. 

From there we will bus across the island, making a stop at the beautiful seaside town of Cefalu for lunch. Our last trip to Sicily we spent 3 nights in Taormina, this year we've cut off one night in Palermo and added a night in Taormina and when you see this town you will understand why. It really is a magical town and our hotel there is beautiful.

Taormina is a mountaintop town overlooking the Ionian coast and is Sicily's most famous resort town, full of restaurants and shops, with beautiful beaches nearby. The Greek amphitheatre, with its famous panoramic view of Mount Etna and the coast, is used for concerts and plays, and medieval walls enclose the town's stone streets. There are several castles, including those in the Castelmola overlooking Taormina. There is a great jeep or ATV tour that will make a great optional tour taking us up to visit Mt. Edna.  Another optional tour will take us to the Aeolian Islands known for their exceptional beaches. Perhaps take a motor-scooter ride there!

Our hotel there is another 4-star gem. Build in 1904 and situated on the promontory it is in a spectacular location on the sea.  The brilliant location of this historic four star hotel in Taormina is one of the most spectacular outposts from where to admire an incomparable view of nature, whereby the sea, Mount Etna and Taormina stand out.  A short distance away from the hotel is the historic center of Taormina with its poetic atmosphere, steeped with history, traditions and literature, with Corso Umberto, very seducing for its boutiques, handicraft shops and the "sweet life" in its famous pubs and restaurants; with its romantic promenades, between delightful street corners and with views that fill your heart.

Now we will ferry over to another island and country - Malta, part of the Maltese Islands. The Maltese Islands are an archipelago of six islands of which, Malta, Gozo and Comino are inhabited.  They are situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, 58 miles from Sicily. Malta is the more urban and cosmopolitan of the islands.  It has every amenity from modern residential and commercial areas to a vibrant nightlife and numerous leisure options. The Maltese Islands are soaked in history covering nearly 7000 years, for example there are temples on Malta that date from 5000 BC, the Phoenicians colonized the islands around 800 BC.  The Romans made Malta part of their empire in 218 BC.  St Paul was shipwrecked on Malta in AD 60 and converted the Maltese people to Christianity. 

The sheer number of archaeological sites sets Malta's history apart from that of other Mediterranean destinations.  There are megalithic monuments, Bronze Age dolmens, Punic tombs, remains of Roman Villas and traces of prehistoric man which defy explanation, such as the mysterious cart tracks.  For three millennia, from around 5200 BC, the archipelago was home to a unique, temple-building civilization.  Malta and Gozo's temples are thought to be the oldest free-standing buildings known to man, predating the Pyramids in Egypt and Stonehenge!  One site above all others is special to Malta- the Hypogeum, a labyrinth of underground chambers probably used as both a burial site and a temple.  The Island's temples are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

There are plenty of interesting places to see and things to do in Malta and the surrounding Maltese Islands. There are jeep tours that we will likely set up as an optional tour; you can rent a car or motor scooter and drive yourself around Malta where you can stop by a rural village for a meal or snack at a rustic bar; there's a Hop on/ Hop off bus that will take you around to all of the sites; and a cruise that will take us to the 2 other Maltese islands of Gozo and Comino!  Gozo Island is smaller, more rural and quieter than Malta with green countryside, spectacular cliffs, picturesque bays, coves, rugged cliffs penetrated by steep gorges. We might even arrange for a horse or a bike along the coast for amazing panoramas. Comino Island is known for its crystal clear waters and their own Blue Lagoon, an amazing sheltered inlet. If you are a diver you will enjoy a great variety of dive opportunities. The islands of Comino, Cominetto and Gozo are just a 10 minute ride away offering a large variety of wrecks and caverns and crystal clear water - some of the best diving in the Mediterranean.

Our hotel is once again, ideally located, and we have saved the best for last - the 5-star Grand Hotel Excelsior. As the premier destination among 5-star Valletta hotels, this hotel is ideally located on the doorstep of a UNESCO World Heritage Site - the Capital City of Valletta, with all its major attractions, culture, art treasures, and historical architectural gems. This acclaimed hotel prides itself in providing the discerning traveler with magnificent accommodation, breathtaking views of Marsamxett harbour and Manoel Island, and an unforgettable dining experience. You might even enjoy a full day lounging around the pool and enjoying spa treatments!

 

INCLUDES:

  • 10-nights accommodation
  • All ground transportation and ferry from Sicily to Malta
  • City tour in Palermo
  • Daily breakfast

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

  • Departure tax of $403 (subject to change. Only if you are using our air)
  • Tips for guides and drivers

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $950 - We will match you up with a roommate, however this is if you prefer your own room

 

$200 DEPOSIT TO SIGN UP

 

CLICK TO SEE PHOTOS FROM OUR LAST SICILY & MALTA TRIP

 

OUR GROUP AIR: Price without air is $2,089

LA AIR:
Flight: United Airlines 1640 Departure:Los Angeles 01MAY/800A Arrival:Newark Liberty 01MAY/417P
Flight:United Airlines 30 Departure: Newark Liberty 01MAY/530P Arrival:Munich 02MAY/740A
Flight: Lufthansa 1970 Departure:Munich 02MAY/900A Arrival:Palermo 02MAY/1055A
Flight: Lufthansa 1313 Departure:Malta 12MAY/630A Arrival:Frankfurt 12MAY/910A
Flight: Lufthansa 456 Departure:Frankfurt 12MAY/1015A Arrival:Los Angeles 12MAY/115P

JFK AIR:
Flight:Lufthansa 411 Departure: New York Kennedy 01MAY /550P Arrival:Munich 02MAY/755A
Flight:Lufthansa 1970( OPERATED BY AIR DOLOMITI ) Departure: Munich 02MAY /900A Arrival:Palermo 02MAY/1055A **Will meet with UA group from LAX**
Flight:Lufthansa 1313 Departure: Malta 12MAY /630A Arrival:Frankfurt 12MAY/910A **Will meet with UA group from LAX**
Flight:Lufthansa 400 Departure: Frankfurt 12MAY /1100A Arrival:New York Kennedy 12MAY/130P

OUR HOTELS

Palermo, Sicily

Hotel Garibaldi 4-star

Hotel Garibaldi, a luxurious 4-star hotel, takes its name from Palermo's well-known theatre, situated directly opposite. Contemporary and chic, it is one of the only city's hotels to offer free indoor parking. The Garibaldi's interior has modern design. All the rooms are superbly decorated and have free internet access and satellite television. Junior Suites also boasts their own Jacuzzi bathtubs.

Hotel Garibaldi features a business centre, an internet point on site, conference rooms and a stylish American Bar. The area outside Hotel Garibaldi is great too. You can step out of your hotel directly onto streets lined with boutiques and designer stores. Central in Palermo, Hotel Garibaldi is close to all the city's cultural sights. There is also a bus stop just outside the hotel. The city's vivacious port area is 500m away.

Website - Tripadvisor Review

 

  Taormina, Sicily

  Hotel Excelsior Palace Hotel ****

You are going to love this hotel!!

To stop time, in one of the most beloved areas in Sicily: at the Excelsior Palace Hotel, built in

1904 at the dawn of tourist developments in Taormina, you experience extraordinary beauty, an ancient history and culinary traditions of the area, embraced by a wonderful hospitality. Excelsior Palace Hotel 4 stars, an idyllic peaceful oasis in the heart of Taormina: wonderful location, friendly staff and all-inclusive services.

 Relaxation areas, privacy and luxuries such as the rooms with a view, the excellent restaurant, the fantastic fairy-tale like park with panoramic pool. Furthermore, spacious meeting rooms for banquets and other receptions, ideal for business trips and events.

WEBSITE: http://www.excelsiorpalacetaormina.it/

TRIPADVISOR: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g187892-d264903-Reviews-Excelsior_Palace_Hotel-Taormina_Province_of_Messina_Sicily.html

  Valletta, Malta

  Grand Hotel Excelsior *****

As the premier destination among 5-star Valletta hotels,the Grand Hotel Excelsior is ideally located on the doorstep of a UNESCO World Heritage Site -the Capital City of Valletta, with all its major attractions, culture, art treasures, and historical architectural gems.

This acclaimed Valletta Malta hotel prides itself in providing the discerning traveller with magnificent accommodation, breathtaking views of Marsamxett harbour and Manoel Island, and an unforgettable dining experience. Its central position allows for easy travel to all parts of the Maltese islands.

WEBSITE: http://www.excelsior.com.mt/?src=sl_tripadvisor_businesslisting

TRIPADVISOR #4 hotel!: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g190328-d656905-Reviews-Excelsior_Grand_Hotel-Valletta_Island_of_Malta.html

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