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Malta Gay Tour

Treasures of Sicily & Malta
Gay Group Tour 2017

Palermo, Monreale, Segesta, Erice, Agrigento, Modica, Ragusa, Syracuse, Catania, Taormina (Sicily), Valletta, Mdina, Rabat, Qormi, Tarxien, Birgu (Malta)

11 Days from Palermo, Sicily to Valletta, Malta

May 13 – 23, 2017

 

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Sicily Gay TourIf you are a history buff, enjoy amazing Mediterranean cuisine or just love the images that Wilhem von Gloeden left us from the early 20th century, then you want to travel to Sicily. Starting in Palermo, this Coda gay group tour will travel across the island and explore the best of the sites left behind by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Normans and Arabs.

You will be awestruck by the Temples of Agrigento and will be wowed by the romantic views from hilltop Taormina. After Sicily, the tour continues to Malta, home of the Knights of St. John, and site of one of the most beautiful harbors in the world. Spend three nights in Malta exploring pre-historic ruins, Arab-period villages and, a special treat, the Caravaggio masterpiece “The Beheading of Saint John.”

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Two extraordinary islands – close in proximity. yet radically different – even though they saw similar invasions from ancient populations – Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spaniards, the Knights of St John, French and British for Malta, and the Bourbon Dynasty ruling Sicily.

 

Malta Gay Group Tour

 

Malta is home to examples of the oldest free-standing Megalithic structures in the world; Siciian Baroque architecture arose from the ruins of its massive 1693 earthquake. Rugged landscapes define both, yet each is varied – Sicily, from raging sea shores to towering mountains, and Malta with rock and limestone outcroppings dotting its 21 semi-tropical islands. Both boast inviting and hospitable peoples; both share similar languages and religions; both retain their original, unique cuisines served accompanied with locally-made wines; both are steeped in splendorous art, imposing architecture and fascinating histories – Sicily and Malta, each unique, and yet each very much alike. We are offering a deluxe journey through Sicily & Malta with an opportunity to discover their rich history, exquisite foods and wines and, yes, the Sicilians and Maltese themselves.

 

Sicily Gay Group Tour

 

Treasures of Sicily & Malta Gay Tour Itinerary

Day 0 - Friday, May 12, 2017
Depart USA, Canada
Depart the USA, Canada on any regularly scheduled flight to Palermo (PMO).

 

Day 1 - Saturday, May 13, 2017
Arrive in Palermo, Sicily
Palermo, Sicily gay tourArrive in Rome or Milan for a connecting flight to Palermo, Sicily.

Upon arrival, transfer to the 5-star Grand Hotel Wagner, located in the Palermo city center.

Hotel: Grand Hotel Wagner, Palermo, 5*
Room: Superior Room

 

Day 2 - Sunday, May 14, 2017
Palermo City Tour & Monreale
Palermo gay tour - Capella PalatinaThe entire day is devoted to visiting Palermo and Monreale’s most splendid medieval treasures. The Capella Palatina was completed in 1143 as the royal chapel for the Norman king of Sicily, Roger II. It is a striking example of cross-cultural coalescence: Greek artists created the shimmering mosaics; Muslim artisans carved and painted the wooden ceiling beams; Italian sculptors fashioned the marble altar furnishings. We’ll see more superb mosaics by the same artists who decorated the Capella Palatina at La Martorana Church.

In a nearby piazza is the Fontana Pretoria, an over-the-top assembly of three dozen nude satyrs, nymphs, mermen, and mermaids sport in a marble fountain. Visit Vucciria, Sicily’s most picturesque food market, and have lunch at a nearby restaurant, Lo Scudiero . As a special highlight, we have arranged a visit to the Palazzo Conte Federico , one of the oldest and most important buildings in Palermo. It dates back to the 12th century and is Arabic-Norman origin. Above the double-arched Norman windows can be seen the coat of arms of the imperial family of the Hohenstaufen, of the kingdom of Aragonia and the city of Palermo.

Then we travel to the small hill-town of Monreale to see the spectacular 12th-century Cathedral. Inside are Byzantine mosaics more numerous and, arguably, even more beautiful than those in the Capella Palatina.

This evening, gather for a Welcome Dinner at Castello a Mare Restaurant with fellow travelers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Grand Hotel Wagner, Palermo, 5*
Room: Superior Room

 

Day 3 - Monday, May 15, 2017
Palermo via Segesta & Erice to Agrigento
Sicily gay tour - AgrigentoDepart Palermo to the ancient sites at Segesta and Erice. Surrounded by hills in a remote setting is the 5th-century B.C. Temple of Segesta. This grand Doric temple was never finished and why the workmen abandoned the project remains a mystery. Nearby is the Theater, built in the 3rd century B.C. and still used for performances of ancient Greek and Roman dramas.

Then we continue to Erice, a perfectly preserved medieval village set atop a sheer cliff overlooking the sea. Erice is extremely ancient, and is said to have been the setting for the myths of Hercules and Venus and Adonis.

Lunch at Monte San Giuliano Restaurant. After lunch in the town, a walking tour includes the Norman Castle, the Cathedral, and the medieval watchtowers.

Continue to Agrigento and check in to the Villa Athena. This 18th-century villa rises from the landscape in the Valley of the Temples, less than 1 3/4 miles from town. It is slightly worn, but its location at the archaeological site is so dramatic that it continues to be the best place to stay for visiting Agrigento.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Villa Athena Hotel, Agrigento, 5*
Room: Deluxe Room

 

Day 4 - Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Agrigento
Agrigento, Sicily gay tourToday is devoted to exploring Agrigento’s “Greek Valley of Temples” and visiting the artifacts and treasures displayed in the Archeological Museum. Highlights include the near-perfectly preserved Temple of Concord, the primitive Rock Sanctuary of Demeter, and the picturesque ruins of the Temple of Castor and Pollux. Among the artistic marvels in the Museum is a giant male caryatid from the Temple of Zeus and a beautifully sculpted torso attributed to Praxiteles.

Enjoy lunch at the local restaurant Kalos. Return to the hotel. Dinner is on your own this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Villa Athena Hotel, Agrigento, 5*
Room: Deluxe Room

 

Day 5 - Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Agrigento - Modica – Ragusa - Syracuse
Modica, Sicily Gay TourThis morning, drive to the 19th Century towns of Modica and Ragusa, both located in what is known as Sicily’s Baroque Valley, and designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their wealth of Sicilian Baroque architecture. Lunch at a local restaurant. In Ragusa, take a walking tour of the Old Town (Ragusa Ibla), a nostalgic remnant of yesterday – wander its narrow streets, surrounded with weathered and crumbling baroque palaces.

Drive to the exquisitely preserved village of Noto, an architectural jewel atop a plateau, and then continue on to the historic, culturally-rich city of Syracuse. Check in at the Hotel Algilà Ortigia Charme, steps from the vibrant pedestrian town square, Piazza del Duomo, and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Algila Ortigia Charme Hotel, Syracuse, 4+*
Room: Executive Room

 

Day 6 - Thursday, May 18, 2017
Syracuse – Drive to Catania
Sicily Gay Tour - SyracuseEnjoy the sights with a day-tour of Syracuse. According to the historian Thucydides, Syracuse was founded by Greeks from Corinth in 773 B.C, – we will explore the city’s ancient origins, beginning at the Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum, one of Europe’s finest collections of art and artifacts from the classical world. Among the stars of the museum is the voluptuous Landolina Venus. Then, crossing a causeway to the island of Ortygia, visit the ruins of the Doric Temple of Apollo and the Temple of Athena, which is now part of the Cathedral.

Lunch in a local restaurant, then drive to Catania for overnight at the luxuriously modern Hotel UNA Palace Catania, with its stunning views of Mt. Etna.

Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: UNA Palace Hotel, Catania, 4+*
Room: Executive Room

 

Day 7 - Friday, May 19, 2017
Catania – Taormina - Catania
Sicily gay tour - TaorminaThis morning, depart Catania and drive to Taormina, regarded as the most beautiful town in Sicily. Taormina, set between the Mediterranean and the snow-capped peak of Mount Etna, was inhabited well before 734BC (the dated arrival of the Greeks in Sicily), and remained a prosperous and artistic town surviving Roman, Arab, Muslim and Norman conquests. An exquisite seaside retreat, it became, during the early 20th century, a colony of expatriate artists, writers, intellectuals, and free-spirits, and earned the sobriquet of “…a gentleman’s destination.”

Gardening is a passion in Taormina; even the piazzas are filled with tubs of flowers. Go up to the Greek Theater, carved into the summit of a hill and offering spectacular views of Mount Etna and the sea. After the visit, drive to Mt. Etna. Along the way, stop at a local winery enjoying a typical Sicilian lunch and tasting different kinds of wines. After lunch continue on to 6000 feet above sea level and visit the Monti Silvestri, two inactive craters formed as a result of the Mt. Etna eruption of 1892. Enjoy this natural phenomenon, then return to Taormina.

Return to Catania with evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: UNA Palace Hotel, Catania, 4+*
Room: Executive Room

 

Day 8 - Saturday, May 20, 2017
Catania/Malta - Valletta
Valletta, Malta gay tourTransfer to airport for early morning flight from Catania to Malta: KM #645 – DEP: 7:25AM ARR: 8:05AM (Ticketed by Coda Tours & included in Tour Rate.)

Upon arrival, drive to the capital city, Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with buildings dating from the 16h century. Enjoy an exceptional vista of the immense fortifications of the Grand Harbour from the fragrant Barraka Gardens. Next, a stroll along Triq Republikka to see the chief historic buildings built by the Knights of St. John, most notably the Auberges, and the Grand Masters Palace. We will stop at the St. John’s Cathedral, the principle church of the order and home to Caravaggio’s masterpiece “Beheading of St. John.”

After lunch, check in to the hotel and spend the afternoon and evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Phoenicia Malta Hotel, Valletta, 5*
Room: Deluxe Seaview Room

 

Day 9 - Sunday, May 21, 2017
Mdina & Rabat
Mdina, Malta Gay TourVisit the ancient, fortified city of Mdina and its neighbor, Rabat. Dating back to before 4000BC, Mdina was once the centre of the Maltese royalty and religious authorities, yet, over the centuries, it lost its popularity and was referred to as the “Silent City”. Visiting this old capital, view the architecture as it still stands, attesting to its once great power and influence; Rabat (the Semitic word for suburb) was the sister-city to Mdina, and known not for its superb architecture. Of note are a ruined Roman-era house (Dormus Romana) with its inlaid flooring ranking among the finest of ancient mosaics of the western Mediterranean, St. Agatha’s Catacombs, and St. Paul’s Church and Grotto.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Phoenicia Malta Hotel, Valletta, 5*
Room: Deluxe Seaview Room

 

Day 10 - Monday, May 22, 2017
Qormi, Tarxien Temples & Birgu (Citta Vittoriosa)
Malta gay tour - Tarxien TemplesToday, drive into the interior of the island and pass through the town of Qormi (recognized nationally as the capital of Maltese bread-making and the annual Qormi Wine Festival) en-route to The Tarxien Temples, an archaeological complex dating from 3150 BC. The site was accepted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 along with many of the other Megalithic temples on the island.

A morning tour of Birgu (Citta Vittoriosa) takes us to the Inquisitor’s Palace as well as the Collachio, the old part of the town with its narrow, winding streets lined with the original palaces (Auberges) of the Birgu upper classes. Dating from “The Great Siege of 1565” (the Ottioman invasion), these lavish residences depict the grandeur and mystery associated with the famed Order of the Knights of Malta. The tour on Malta will end with a visit of the Hypogeum (literally meaning “underground” in Greek), a subterranean structure dating to the Saflieni phase in Maltese prehistory. Thought to be originally a sanctuary, it became a necropolis in prehistoric times. It is the only prehistoric underground temple in the world. UNESCO listed it as a unique structure in the World Heritage Site list.

We gather for a farewell dinner this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Phoenicia Malta Hotel, Valletta, 5*
Room: Deluxe Seaview Room

 

Day 11 - Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Malta Departure
Transfer to airport to take flight from Malta (MLA) back home.

Meals: Breakfast

 

Gay Malta Tour

 

Sicily & Malta Gay Tour Map

 

What's Included:

• 10 nights accommodations in 4* & 5* hotels:
2 nights at Grand Hotel Wagner in Palermo;
2 nights at Villa Athena Hotel in Agrigento;
1 night at Algila Ortigia Charme Hotel in Syracuse;
2 nights at UNA Palace Hotel in Catania;
3 nights at Phoenicia Malta Hotel in Valletta
• Complete program of tours as described in the itinerary
• Airfare Catania/Malta on Day 8, May 20, in economy class
• Breakfast daily in the hotels
• Welcome and farewell dinners in charming restaurants. Mineral water, ½ wine and coffee included
• 5 lunches in local restaurants. Mineral water, ¼ wine and coffee included
• Visit to Palazzo Federico with welcome cocktail
• Professional English-speaking tour guides in Sicily & Malta
• Coda Tour Manager on minimum participation of 6 travelers
• Complete pre-departure assistance and information
• Final document portfolio

 

Sicily gay tour - Etna

 

Not Included:

• International airfare
• Visa and passport fees (if applicable. No visas are required for American/Canadian passport holders for this trip)
• Trip Cancellation & Interruption insurance (recommended)
• Meals and beverages other than those specified in the itinerary
• Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, WiFi, Internet)
• Gratuities to guides, drivers and Coda Tour Manager

 

Gay Sicily Tour - Taormina

 

Tour Hotels

Grand Hotel Wagner, Palermo

Grand Hotel Wagner, PalermoThe luxury Grand Hotel Wagner is full of old-world charm. This prestigious hotel set in the heart of Palermo, near the Politeama Theatre, the pedestrian area and many top-class shops and restaurants.

The Wagner offers conference and business facilities with modern technology. Sessions in the fitness area and sauna, and massages can be booked on site.

Grand Hotel Wagner, PalermoRecently restored, this early-20th century building has exceptional interiors that featured in the famous Italian film ‘The Leopard’. Sit upon antique furniture and take in your surroundings; chandeliers, rare marble, rich carpets and old paintings. Rooms are just as exquisitely decorated.

Sip a cocktail in the elegant American Bar or listen to relaxing music in the Piano Bar.

 

Villa Athena Hotel, Agrigento

Villa Athena Hotel, AgrigentoVilla Athena, a modern 5-star hotel, is located within Agrigento's Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features a wellness centre, an outdoor pool, and both free parking and free Wi-Fi throughout.

This elegant 18th-century villa is just 200 m from the Temple of Concordia, a true masterpiece from the 5th century BC.

Villa Athena Hotel, AgrigentoThe rooms of Hotel Villa Athena are air conditioned, and feature a TV and a private marble bathroom. Some have views of the garden, and some overlook the temples. An American breakfast is served daily.

There are 2 famous restaurants on site, Il Granaio di Ibla, and the Terrazza degli Dei, with panoramic views.

 

Algila Ortigia Charme Hotel, Syracuse

Algila Ortigia Charme Hotel, SyracuseSet on Ortigia Island overlooking the Ionian Sea, Algilà Ortigia Charme is right on the seafront. It features elegant, air-conditioned rooms equipped with antique furnishings from the 1700s. WiFi here is free.

Hotel housed in 3 buildings dating from 1700 decorated with antique furniture and decorations.

Each room comes with antique furniture and a private bathroom with decorated tiles. Some rooms boast wood-beamed ceilings or a four-poster bed.

Algila Ortigia Charme Hotel, SyracuseBreakfast is buffet style, and includes Sicilian specialities such as organic marmalades. The sea-view restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine with seafood specialities and a choice of gluten-free meals.

Other services offered at the property include free rental bike and free phone calls in Europe and North America.

Algilà Ortigia Charme Hotel is 5 minutes' walk from Siracusa Cathedral and 1 km from Castello Maniace. The ancient Greek amphitheatre is 10 minutes away by car.

 

UNA Palace Hotel, Catania

UNA Palace Hotel, CataniaLocated in Catania's Via Etnea, UNA Hotel Palace features a rooftop terrace with a bar, restaurant and unforgettable views of Mount Etna. It has 24-hour staff and modern rooms.

The hotel is a 10-minute walk from Catania Cathedral and Massimo Bellini Opera House.

Each room has neutral colour schemes and elegant furniture. All air-conditioned, rooms also feature a minibar, Wi-Fi access and a pillow menu.

UNA Palace Hotel, CataniaMorning croissants and cappuccino are provided in the dining room. A breakfast of Sicilian specialities, including Arancini rice balls and Cannoli pastries, is available at extra cost in the Etnea Roof Restaurant. Lunch and dinner are also served here.

UNA Palace is a historical building dating back to the early 1900s. Guests can enjoy the Turkish bath, free gym and the aperitif with cocktails and a rich buffet which includes typical Sicilian finger food from 19:30 until 23:00.

 

Phoenicia Malta Hotel, Valletta

Phoenicia Malta Hotel, VallettaThe Phoenicia Hotel which sits majestically over looking the capital city of Valletta and is built on 7 acres of landscaped gardens could possibly be referred to as the grand old dame of Malta having been built in the 1930's.

The Phoenicia Malta Hotel is the islands leading 'Classic' Hotel having been designed in the 1920's and finally built in the 1930's. Set in 7 acres of lush gardens, this hotel brings guests back to a by gone age with service being delivered with a personal touch throughout the hotel.

Phoenicia Malta Hotel, VallettaThe hotel is just a short stroll away from the main city walls of Valletta, bringing this old city of culture and heritage within touching distance of the Phoenicia. The entrance to Valletta which can be seen from the hotel is the gateway to a city rich in architecture and heritage. A myriad of Baroque palaces, museums and old taverns are waiting to be discovered. The famous Manoel theatre is located in a small side street of Valletta.

The hotel is set amidst seven acres of terraced gardens, and facilities on site include a fitness room, a mini-golf course, hair salon and a jewellery store. A the bottom of the garden area there is an outdoor swimming pool, as well as an outdoor jetted tub. The water is heated allowing full use of the pool throughout the year. The hotel is an especially popular wedding venue so the gardens even have a dedicated area where wedding masses are performed.

 

Valletta Malta Gay tour

 

 

Sicily - Lonely Planet Travel Guide

 

 

Malta - Lonely Planet Travel Guide

 

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Treasures of Sicily & Malta Gay Tour Prices

Tour Date Description
Per person
$ (USD)
Availability

Tour Only, Per Person, Double Occupancy.

$ 6295

Tour Only, Per Person, Single Occupancy

$ 7695

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Rates are based on current rates and currency exchange rates at the time of publishing the tour on-line. These rates are subject to change until final payment.

*A small group surcharge of $500 may be assessed if the group size is less than 10 travelers.

*A small group surcharge of $1000 may be assessed if the group size is less than 8 travelers.

 

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Pre/Post Tour Hotels

 

Book Palermo, Italy hotels at Hotel Info

 

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