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Arrival / Departure:

Departure: 06:45 am (from Malta)
Arrival: 08:15 am (in Pozzallo, Sicily)

Departue: 21:30 pm (from Pozzallo, Sicily)
Arrival: 23:00 pm (in Malta)

*The company reserves the right to introduce / revise the fuel surcharge from time to time without prior notice. At time of print fuel surcharge on excursion is €5.00 each way (not applicable to infants).

Local Transport Malta (Hotel/Harbour/Hotel) only €12.50 extra (per person). VAT included.

Family plan: When two adults are travelling together, the first two children (4 years till under 14 years), travel free except for the port service charge, fuel surcharge and local transport (if required).

SICILY: Mt. Etna and Taormina

Sicily is a country of diversity, you cannot do it justice in a short spell of time. It is easy to forget that the Island, population of 5 million, only became part of the Italian state in 1860.

We suggest you look out for the ever changing landscape, a feature even on a short trip and it is not every day that you will visit a volcano, Etna; the characteristic hill-top towns rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1693 and the affluence of picturesque Taormina.

You might like to try some delicacies, Torroncini (nougat) or Pasta di Mandorla (almond cakes) which are nice to take back home with you. So are some of the local liquors, Limoncello (lemon), Vino alla Mandorla (almond wine) both served well chilled, or an amaro “Averna” (bitter liquor).

If your stay is for a few days, do not forget Sicily was once Magna Grecia; the Greek Temples of Agrigento are a unique experience as are the Roman Mosaics at Piazza Armerina. The archaeological sites of Siracusa include the Greek and Roman Theatres and the Cathedral, a former Temple of Athena in the ancient City of Ortegia. The baroque cities of Noto, Ragusa and Modica are minutes away from Pozzallo. Palermo, the capital is a treasure trove; Erice and Cefalu are within easy reach. Shopping in Catania is an experience.

The Iblei Mountain Range is arguably one of the most picturesque areas of Sicily, with a variety of rivers, valleys, canyons and lakes that bring with them a vast flora and fauna, making the countryside around the baroque towns of the Provincia di Ragusa a paradise for lovers of nature. The cities and towns of the region, many of them UNESCO Heritage Sites, are themselves a treasure trove not only of Sicilian Baroque, but also of world renowned Greek and Roman monuments.

Taormina: Sicily’s prime tourist resort was discovered by the British aristocracy in the mid 1800s. Facing Etna and the blue Mediterranean, this peaceful panoramic resort, 206m above sea level was colonized by the Greeks who built a theatre in the Hellenic period – 4B.C. The present Teatro Greco, altered by the Romans, is the venue for classical plays every summer. The main street, the elegant Corso Umberto, with its cafés, restaurants and boutiques is a bustle of nationalities.

Mt. Etna: The largest and most active volcano in Europe. The climb to the crater takes us through picturesque villages and an ever changing landscape. The lower slopes of the volcano are extremely fertile with groves of oranges, lemons and other Mediterranean flora and of course vines which produce Sicily’s best wines. We go through forests of chestnut trees which gradually give way to ak,
beech, birch and pine.

HIGHLIGHTS & INCLUSIONS

• Arrival at Pozzallo – a typical Sicilian fishing village, gradually regaining its role as the main port of the province of Ragusa.
• Departure in air-conditioned coaches, accompanied by guides.
• Departure for Taormina. On the way we pass by ISPICA, a baroque town rebuilt after the 1963 earthquake. ROSOLINI, a typical rural town dating back to Roman times, surrounded by orange and lemon groves. SIRACUSA, the home town of Archimedes and home to the world famous archaeological zone and the University City of CATANIA, a thriving commercial centre.
• TAORMINA: Free time in Taormina to enjoy the unique panoramic view overlooking Giardini Naxos, a former Greek colony, now an international yachting centre. Time for lunch (not included in the price)
• On the way to Mt. Etna we stop to sample some typical Sicilian delicacies, including wines / cheeses / almond sweets and honey; these Sicilian specialities are for sale (no obligation to buy).
• MOUNT ETNA: From the SYLVESTRI CRATER at 2000 metres, we have a panoramic view of this vast base of ETNA and the effects of the most recent eruptions. Souvenir shopping.
• Departure by High Speed Catamaran at 21.30 hrs for Malta.

Family plan : When two adults are travelling together, the first two children (4 years till under 14 years), travel free except for the port service charge, fuel surcharge & local transport (if required).

The itinerary of this excursion may be altered subject to weather conditions.

Virtu Ferries Conditions of Carriage apply. These conditions may be viewed at Virtu Ferries offices or www.virtuferries.com and authorized travel agents.