Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica & Malta -...

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Corsica Sicily, & Malta Sardinia, An exclusive and unique tour of 4 magnificent islands in the Mediterranean Sea A well-paced 24-Day holiday package including all flights, island crossings, mostly 2 night-stays, most meals and all ‘must do’ sightseeing... with no optional tours necessary and no hidden extras! Tour price: $9660 pp (twin share) Single supplement $1960 Depart 13 September 2018 (from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane & Perth) Featuring… Valley of the Temples, Mt Etna, Alghero, Maddalena Islands, Bonifacio, Ajaccio, Valletta & Gozo Travelabout… professional and accurate travel advice based on first hand personal experience! Valley of Temples Valletta Bonifacio

Transcript of Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica & Malta -...

Corsica

Sicily,

& Malta

Sardinia,

An exclusive and unique tour of 4 magnificent islands in the Mediterranean SeaA well-paced 24-Day holiday package including all flights, island crossings,

mostly 2 night-stays, most meals and all ‘must do’ sightseeing... with no optional tours necessary and no hidden extras!

Tour price: $9660pp (twin share) Single supplement $1960

Depart 13 September 2018(from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane & Perth)

Featuring… Valley of the Temples, Mt Etna, Alghero, Maddalena Islands, Bonifacio, Ajaccio, Valletta & Gozo

Travelabout… professional and accurate travel advice based on first hand personal experience!

Valley of Temples

Valletta

Bonifacio

DETAILED ITINERARY Day 1 Thu 13 Sep Depart Australia – SingaporeDepart Australia on Singapore Airlines and arrive in Singapore in the evening, and transferred to our hotel. O/n Singapore. Departure cities are Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane & Perth

Day 2 Fri 14 Sep Singapore – At leisure – InflightIndependently explore the city on a hop-on hop-off bus sightseeing tour. A mid-evening group transfer to Singapore Airport for our Singapore Airlines flight to Paris departing just after midnight. O/n Inflight (B)

Day 3 Sat 15 Sep Arrive in Paris – Ajaccio (Corsica) – Panorama Tour – At leisureAn early arrival in Paris and later connect with an EasyJet flight to the French island of Corsica. Arrive in Ajaccio around 1:30pm and met by our tour director and begin a short panoramic tour of Ajaccio, followed by a wine and cheese tasting. Then continue to our hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure. Dinner included. O/n Hotel Fesch Ajaccio or similar (D)

Day 4 Sun 16 Sep Ajaccio – City tour, Napoleon Museum – Sartene – BonifacioToday we join a local guide for a walking tour of Ajaccio, the hometown of Napoleon, including the Monument to Napoleon I, Maison Bonaparte Napoleon’s birth place and former home (now a museum and the Citadel. Then continue with a visit to medieval Sartene, one of Corsica’s most authentic towns. Later arrive in Bonifacio located south on Corsica. Dinner is included in our hotel. O/n Hotel Solemare Bonifacio (B,D)

Day 5 Mon 17 Sep Bonifacio – Santa Teresa Gallura – Costa Smeralda (Sardinia)We begin with a mini cruise to discover the caves and the famous white limestone cliffs of Bonifacio. Then tour the 9th century citadel, which is located on the promontory overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The Citadel has been reconstructed and renovated many times since its construction. Late afternoon we leave Corsica on a short ferry crossing to Santa Teresa Gallura in, northern Sardinia, then a short drive to our resort-style hotel. Dinner is in our hotel. O/n Tenuta Pilastru Costa Smeralda (B,D)NB 2017 ferry schedule to be advised

Day 6 Tue 18 Sep Costa Smeralda – Cruise the Maddalena Archipelago excursion An unforgettable cruise of the

Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica & MaltaMaddalena archipelago, consisting of seven main islands and numerous small islets with its magnificent emerald/turquoise pristine water. We cruise on a large comfortable boat and visit the island of Spargi for a swim or walk, and followed by a light lunch served on board, we cruise to the island of Budelli famous Pink Beach “Spiaggia Rosa”. Visit the Island of Caprera for a fantastic swimming stop in the natural aquarium at “Cala Coticcio”. Our final stop is in the mother Island La Maddalena, a charming historical centre to explore. Dinner included tonight. O/n Tenuta Pilastru Costa Smeralda (B,L,D)

Day 7 Wed 19 Sep Costa Smeralda – Castelsardo – Bosa – AlgheroThis morning we enjoy a scenic drive around the Costa Smeralda visiting towns such as Porto Cervo and Baja Sardinia. Then continue to the extraordinary small town of Castelsardo, which is set on a rock overlooking the sea. Ample time to visit the historical town centre and lunch. Then onto Bosa, a charming river side medieval town set on the Temo River Valley. Later continue to Alghero, where dinner is included. O/n Hotel Catalunya Alghero or similar (B,D)

Day 8 Thu 20 Sep Alghero – Neptune’s Cave – Nuraghe Losa – CagliariWe start with a guided walking tour of the ‘old town’ of Alghero, a unique medieval town with strong presence of its past Spanish rule, and its Catalan language is co-official, unique in Italy. Then travel via Capo Caccia for a mini cruise of the Neptune’s grotto and the striking seafront caves (weather permitting). Later visit Nuraghe Losa, one of the largest and best preserved Nuraghe on the island, and its distinctive culture of the Nuragic civilization dating to the 15th-13th centuries BC. Late afternoon we arrive in Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital. O/n Hotel Regina Margherita Cagliari or similar (B,D)

Day 9 Fri 21 Sep Cagliari – City Tour – At leisure – Overnight FerryOur guided walking tour in the old town of Cagliari includes the castle, city gates, fortifications, bastions, towers, narrow streets and a warren of arched passageways. We see port and huge marina, and drive to the south-east of Sardinia surrounded by unspoilt natural environment with the most amazing beaches. We enjoy an included lunch in a popular restaurant, where the afternoon is free to relax, before our late afternoon transfer to

the Port of Cagliari to embark on our overnight ferry to Palermo. Dinner at your own expense onboard. Overnight on ferry. (B,L)

Day 10 Sat 22 Sep Palermo – Enna – CataniaWe arrive in Palermo on the western side of Sicily around 7.30am where we are met by our local guide and driver. We load up and travel along the motorway for 3 hours through the middle of Sicily to Catania on the east coast. A local guide will take us on a walking tour and see the highlights of Catania, then time for lunch at our own expense. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Tonight we meet our tour director and fellow travellers for a welcome cocktail, followed by dinner. O/n Hotel Il Principe in Catania (B,D)

Day 11 Sun 23 Sep Catania – Syracuse – Ragusa Sicilian typical products tastingAfter a buffet breakfast, depart for Syracuse where we visit the archaeological area “Neapolis” including the famous Latomie of the Paradise and the Dyionisios “Ear”. Continue to the island of Ortigia, the old city centre of Syracuse and visit of the Cathedral, which is built upon the site of the Temple of Minerva. Following lunch at our own expense we travel to Ragusa a UNESCO listed enchanting historical centre of ‘Ibla’, with its stunning baroque palaces and churches, and the other seven cities in the Val di Noto. Later enjoy a tasting of typical products of Sicily. Dinner is in our hotel. O/n Hotel Poggio Del Sole (B,D)

Day 12 Mon 24 Sep Ragusa – Caltagirone – PiazzaWe travel to Caltagirone, another small town that is UNESCO listed and famous worldwide for its pottery and in particular majolica (tin-glazed pottery) decorated in bright colors and terra-cotta wares. Enjoy panoramic tour and opportunity of shopping. Continue to Piazza Armerina to visit the worldwide known Villa Romana del Casale, also UNESCO listed. This has well preserved mosaics depicting mythological themes and hunting scenes. Included lunch is in a local restaurant with a special menu chosen to give the opportunity to taste the local specialties. Travel to Agrigento, a hillside town famous for its magnificent Valley of the Temples, which is also UNESCO listed. We have a guided tour of the Valley, including the Temple of Concordia, Juno and Heracles. Dinner is included. O/n Hotel Dioscuri Bay Palace (B,L,D)

Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica & MaltaDay 13 Tue 25 Sep Agrigento – Palermo – Monreale Travel to Palermo and discover the Sicilian capital. In Monreale we visit of the Cathedral, one of the most beautiful monuments of the world with its Moorish architecture. , housing very fine mosaics representing a complete cycle of the Old and New Testaments and the Benedictine Cloister in Arab-Norman style. Lunch is at our own before continuing to Palermo to visit the historical centre, one of the largest of Europe, including the Cathedral, the Palace of the Normans and its superb Palatine Chapel. Dinner is included. O/n Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa (B,D)

Day 14 Wed 26 Sep Palermo – Segesta – Erice – Salt Route (Trapani Area) – PalermoAfter a buffet breakfast, depart for Segesta to admire the magnificent Doric Temple, 430 B.C, and the Theatre, one of the best-preserved Greek architectural sites. Continue to the hilltop medieval village of Erice placed overlooking Trapani and the Egadi Islands. We walk through its tiny and characteristic streets, the winding lanes and, inner courtyards. Lunch at your own expense. Onto Trapani area for a panoramic tour of the salt windmills and basins, which are still in use. Dinner is again included. O/n Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa (B,D)

Day 15 Thu 27 Sep Palermo – Cefalu – Nebrodi Park – TaorminaThis morning we travel to Cefalù a former fishing village, now a charming coastal town with a medieval wash-house built in the rock. Enjoy a walk to the city center and visit the Arab-Norman Cathedral. Drive through the Park of “Nebrodi” and stop at the Miraglia Forest for lunch with a typical menu from the area. Continue to

Cesarò, Randazzo and visit the Etna park surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Arrive at our hotel located near the historic centre of Taormina, where later dinner is served. O/n Hotel Villa Diodoro (B,L,D)

Day 16 Fri 28 Sep Taormina – Mt Etna ExcursionAfter a buffet breakfast this morning is an included excursion to the Mount Etna, the highest active Volcano in Europe. Weather conditions permitting, across fascinating landscape, we will reach a height of 1800 metres to visit the Sylvester Craters where you can enjoy a spectacular panorama over the Ionian Sea. Lunch at your own expense. The afternoon is at leisure in Taormina, often called ‘the pearl of the Ionian Sea’, where you can wander the tiny streets, enjoy spectacular panorama views and maybe visit the Greek-Roman Theatre. O/n Hotel Villa Diodoro (B,D)

Day 17 Sat 29 Sep Taormina at leisure – Pozzallo – VallettaAfter buffet breakfast, the morning is at leisure and maybe visit Isolo Bella the tiny rocky island and nature reserve and have a swim in the Ionian Sea. After lunch at our own expense, we travel south to the port of Pozzallo for our 90 minute catamaran crossing to Malta, departing at 7.30pm. There is ample time for dinner around the port or on the boat which is at your own expense. Arrive in Valletta around 9.00pm where we are met by our local guide and take a short transfer to our centrally located seaside town in St Julian. O/n Cavalieri Hotel (B)

Day 18 Sun 30 Sept Malta – Valletta & Mdina ExcursionOur full day excursion will include the UNESCO Listed city of Valletta, with

its magnificent architecture, the Barrakka Gardens, the fortified Grand Harbour and ‘Malta Experience’ slide show. Later travel inland to visit Mdina, the former capital built on a plateau in the central highlands. Visit medieval Rabat with its narrow alleyways and imposing St Pauls Church. Dinner is not included. O/n Hotel Cavalieri (B,L)

Day 19 Mon 01 Oct Malta – Gozo Island ExcursionA full day excursion to Gozo Island, the second biggest island of Malta. Gozo is a three-hilled island with a character of its own and is greener and more picturesque than Malta. Highlights include Victoria, Azure Window at Dwejra, Cgantija Temples and the magnificent Rabat Citadel. Also the beautiful seaside village of Xlendi Bay and Ggantija Temples the oldest free standing temples in the world. Local handmade lace and woolen goods are popular on the island. Lunch is included. O/n Hotel Cavalieri (B,L)

Day 20 Tue 02 Oct Malta – Marsaxlokk & Hagar Qim Excursion – At leisureThis morning’s half day excursion takes us to Marsaxlok, a colourful traditional fishing village with its boats known as the ‘luzzu’. We visit Qrendi an authentic Maltese village, the Temple of Hagar Qim and the Blue Grotto where sea caverns mirrors the brilliant phosphorescent colours. The afternoon is at leisure. Dinner is not included. O/n Hotel Cavalieri (B,L)

Day 21 Wed 03 Oct Malta – At leisureThe entire day is at leisure and maybe revisit Valletta or Marsaxlokk or enjoy the hotel’s pool. Tonight is a farewell dinner in our hotel restaurant with wine and water. O/n Hotel Cavalieri (B,D)

Day 22 Thu 04 Oct Malta – Frankfurt – InflightAnother relaxing morning before our early afternoon transfer to Malta airport for our late afternoon flight to Frankfurt and later connect with our Singapore Airlines evening flight to Singapore. O/n Inflight (B)

Day 23 Fri 05 Oct Singapore – InflightArrive in Singapore in the late afternoon and connect with our respective home-city flight in early evening. O/n Inflight

Day 24 Sat 06 Oct Arrive in AustraliaA morning arrival in Australia and we make our own way home. Sadly our tour comes to an end, but our friendships and memories will continue.

Taormina

TOUR INCLUSIONS... Return economy international flights on

Singapore Airlines 2 internal flights including airlines taxes and charges 2 island crossings An overnight ferry crossings in outside cabin An overnight stopover in Singapore Selection of superior standard 3 & 4 star hotels 32 meals (20 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 16 dinners)

(plus all airline meals) Airport/hotel transfers in Ajaccio, Malta and

Singapore All ‘must do’ guided sightseeing tours as

per itinerary Entry fees and local English speaking guides

SICILY MAP

MALTA MAP

CORSICA AND SARDINIA MAP

Valetta

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