sicily one day fun & sightseeing excursions · • the itinerary of this excursion may be...

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www.virtuferries.com

2018 - 2019

ON SIGHTSEEING EXCURSIONSSPECIAL OFFERS

MALTA - SICILYEXPRESS FERRIES

SICILYONE DAY FUN & SIGHTSEEING EXCURSIONS

The highlight of your HOLIDAY

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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 Ortygia. 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.

YOU WILL ENJOY SICILY!

THERE IS ONLY ONE THING WE ARE CERTAIN OF

SICILY

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TAORMINA & MT.ETNA

CULTURE, HISTORY & GASTRONOMIC TOUR

INSPECTOR MONTALBANO’S FAVOURITE HIDEOUTS

pg 6-7

pg 8-9

pg 10-11

pg 12-13

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Summer | 1st May 2018 - 30th September 2018



KIDS GO FREE**conditions apply

SPECIAL OFFER

SICILY QUAD BIKE ADVENTURE

pg 16-17

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MT ETNA & MODICAWinter | 1st October 2018 - 30th April 2019

pg 14-15

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SYRACUSE & MARZAMEMIWinter | 1st October 2018 - 30th April 2019

Winter | 1st October 2018 - 30th April 2019Summer | 1st May 2018 - 30th September 2018

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Every

Monday, Wednesday

friday and SundayTAORMINA &MT. ETNA

SICILY SIGHTSEEING

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.

TAORMINA

THE LARGESTAND MOST

ACTIVE VOLCANO IN EUROPE

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’sbest wines.

We go through forests of chestnut trees which gradually give way to oak, beech, birch and pine.

MT. ETNA

ONE DAY fully guided excursion

• 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 1693 earthquake. ROSOLINI, a typical rural town dated 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 / 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. Time for 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 charges, fuel surcharge

DEP. MLA 06:30 ARR. POZ 08:15DEP. POZ 21:30 ARR. MLA 23:15

Highlights and inclusions

ADULTS

€127 €95

CHILDREN4 years till under 14

FAMILY PLAN

2 CHILDREN GO

FREEWITH EVERY 2 ADULTS

* to pay charges & local transport (if required) only

(when applicable) and local transport (if required).

• Children under 4 years FREE of charge. To pay local transport only.• Local transport in Malta (Hotel/Harbour/

Hotel) only €11.00 extra. (VAT included).• Schedule and fares are valid at time of

print. Please check our website for any updates/changes.

• The company reserves the right to introduce a fuel surcharge from time to time without prior notice.

• 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.


98

CULTURE, HISTORY & GASTRONOMIC TOUR

Visiting MARZAMEMI, NOTO and SYRACUSE

UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was completely destroyed in the 1693 earthquake and rebuilt to become The Capital City of Sicilian Baroque.

NOTO

Has come to epitomize Greek culture in Sicily, Magna Grecia.

SYRACUSE

In the old city Ortigia, is a converted Greek temple, one of the oldest places of worship worldwide and equally as unique.

THE DUOMO

INCLUDINGA TYPICAL

SICILIAN LUNCH IN AN AGRITURISMO

ADULTS

€153


• Arrival at POZZALLO - a typical Sicilian village. Met by fully air-conditioned coaches, accompanied by guides.

• Departure to MARZAMEMI. We visit the multi coloured fisherman’s village and the Campisi establishment, famous for its’ Sicilian delicacies. Campisi is a leading manufacturer of fish products: fish eggs, raw tuna (bottarga), red tuna, traditional Sicilian sauces, the popular Pachino tomatoes home grown in this area of Sicily.

• Transfer to a wine cellar which produces wines from local grapes, particularly the Nero D’Avola and the famous dessert wine Moscato di Noto.

• Departure for NOTO - A walk along the main street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, from the Porta Reale to Teatro Communale takes you to most of the city’s prime sites, notably: Palazzo Ducezio (The Municipale), The Duomo, recently rebuilt after it collapsed in 1996 resulting in a national and international outcry, the church of San Carlo and up Via Nicolaci, Palazzo Villadurata with its extravagant balconies.

• Departure for a typical Sicilian lunch (set menu), included in the price (20 types of antipasto, pasta with sauce, local meat, fruit,

This excursion is only held with a minimum of 15 passengers.


When two adults are travelling together,

the first two children (4 years till under 14) pay €60.00 per child & local

transport if required.

FAMILY PLAN


Every

Wednesday

and Sunday

€126


water, wine, coffee or liquor). Children’s menu consists of pasta, cutlet and fries, fruit & water.

• Departure for SYRACUSE. • Departure for Pozzallo with a running

commentary by the guide.• Departure by High Speed Catamaran at 21.30

hrs for Malta.• Children under 4 years FREE of charge. To pay local transport only.• Local transport in Malta (Hotel/Harbour/

Hotel) only €11.00 extra. (VAT included).• Schedule and fares are valid at time of print.

Please check our website for any updates/changes.

• The company reserves the right to introduce a fuel surcharge from time to time without prior notice.



SICILY SIGHTSEEING


1110


This excursion is only held with a minimum of 8 participants.



• Arrival at POZZALLO, met by fully air-conditioned coaches, accompanied by guides.

• Departure for Scicli with running commentary by the guide.

• SCICLI - a dreamy little town under 30 minutes from Pozzallo. In the TV Series Scicli is “Vigata”, where the Commissario has his police station; Montalbano’s immediate superior, Comm. Bonetti-Alderighi has his Montelusa Headquarters a few minutes away in the Municipio, the townhall and office of the Mayor of Scicli.

• Departure for lunch (set menu), included in the price in the lovely town of MODICA, in medieval times an all important city, in fact a state within a state. Modica, like Ragusa, is built on two levels, with quaint houses perched on the hillside in between. The upper Modica Alta is the modern commercial centre while Modica Bassa, the old city centre, with Rosario Gagliardi’s Duomo (Cathedral) di San Giorgio towering above it, lends splendour to the series. Gagliardi is recognised as the foremost architect of Sicilian Baroque.

• Departure for RAGUSA, the Capital City of the Province. The lower town, Ragusa Ibla, plays a major role in the series with many and diverse scenes coming from the city and its environs. The Piazza Duomo, with another Gagliardi’s masterpiece, another San Giorgio, features often. Just down the road is the Circolo di Conversazione (freely translated – Conversation Club). Look out for A Rusticana, that’s the Inspector’s Trattoria San Cologero.

• Departure for Il Castello di Donnafugata (entrance not included) residence of Mafia Boss Balduccio Sinagra. Formerly the residence of Baron Corrado Arezzo de Spuches who added various

INSPECTOR MONTALBANO’S FAVOURITE HIDEOUTS

ADULTS / CHILDREN

€165

INCLUDINGA TYPICAL

SICILIAN LUNCH

Every

Tuesday, Friday

and Sunday

architectural styles, including the Venetian Gothic Loggia, to the original 17th century building. It passed to the Provincia di Ragusa in 1982

• Departure for Inspector Montalbano’s home in “Marinella”. Marinella is in fact the seaside town of Punta Secca, a fishing village and seaside resort. The “casa di Montalbano” is right on the seafront, actually a B&B, with an unobstructed view of the blue Mediterranean.

• Our final stop is to take a look at Montalbano’s Mannara in Sampieri, a derelict brick factory that goes by the name of Fornace Penna (Furnace).

• Departure for Pozzallo with a running commentary by the guide.

• Departure by High Speed Catamaran at 21.30 hrs for Malta.

• Children under 4 years FREE of charge. To pay local transport only.• Local transport in Malta (Hotel/

Harbour/Hotel) only €11.00 extra. (VAT included).• Schedule and fares are valid at time of

print. Please check our website for any

updates/changes. The company reserves the right to

introduce a fuel surcharge from time to time without prior notice.



SICILY SIGHTSEEING


1312

• Arrival at POZZALLO - a typical Sicilian fishing village.

• Met by fully air-conditioned coaches, accompanied by guides.

• On the way to Mt. Etna we stop to sample some typical Sicilian delicacies, including wines / almond sweets and honey; these Sicilian specialities are for sale (no obligation to buy).

• Drive up to Sylvester Craters of MT. ETNA having time for lunch (not included in the price) and souvenir shopping.

• Depart Mt. Etna for the baroque city of MODICA to enjoy some free time in the city centre.

• Depart Modica for Pozzallo, with a running commentary by the guide.

• Depart for Malta by High Speed Catamaran at 19:30hrs.

• Local Transport Malta (Hotel/Harbour/Hotel) only €11.00 extra. VAT included.

• Adults €127.00.• Children under 4 years FREE of charge.

To pay local transport only.• Children 4 years till under 14 years

€95.00.• The company reserves the right to

introduce a fuel surcharge from time to time without prior notice.

• Schedule and fares are valid at time of print. Please check our website for any updates/changes.



MT. ETNA & MODICA

Every

wednesday, Friday

and SundayONE DAY fully guided excursionWinter | 1st October 2018 - 30th April 2019



This proud, prosperous and ancient city is one of Sicily’s baroque gems. The main street ‘Il Corso’, is a typical Italian meeting place with cafés and majestic buildings. The church of San Giorgio is an impressive monument, built after the earthquake of 1693, surrounded by a flight of 250 steps to further enhance the scenic beauty of its fine façade.

MODICA

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 oak, beech, birch and pine.

MT ETNA

ADULTS

€127

€95


FAMILY PLAN

2 CHILDREN GO

FREEWITH EVERY 2 ADULTS

* to pay charges & local transport (if required) only

SICILY SIGHTSEEING

1514

This excursion is only held with a minimum of 15 passengers

• Arrival at POZZALLO – a typical Sicilian village. Met by fully air-conditioned coaches, accompanied by guides.

• Departure to Syracuse with a running commentary by the guide.

SYRACUSE – has come to epitomize Greek culture in Sicily, Magna Grecia. The Duomo, in the old city Ortigia, is a converted Greek temple, one of the oldest places of worship worldwide and equally as unique.

• Departure for a typical Sicilian lunch included in the price (20 types of antipasto, pasta with sauce, local meat, fruit, water, wine, coffee and liquor) at Agriturismo Milo.

• Our last stop is Marzamemi, where we will visit the village and the Campisi establishment, famous for its’ preserves. Campisi is a leading manufacturer in the sector of fish products: fish eggs, raw tuna (bottarga), red tuna, traditional Sicilian sauces, preserves made from the famous Pachino tomatoes cultivated only in this area of Sicily.

- Transfer to a wine cellar which produces wines from local grapes, particularly the Nero D’Avola and the famous desert wine Moscato di Noto.

• Departure for Pozzallo with a running commentary by the guide.

• Depart for Malta by High Speed Catamaran at 19:30 hrs.

• Local transport in Malta (Hotel / Harbour / Hotel) only €11.00 extra VAT included.

• Adults €153.00.• Children 4 years till under 14 years

€126.00• Above fares are inclusive of charges

and a typical Sicilian Lunch including

SYRACUSE & MARZAMEMI

Every

wednesday and

SundayONE DAY fully guided excursionWinter | 1st October 2018 - 30th April 2019



INCLUDINGA TYPICAL

SICILIAN LUNCH

wine, water and coffee. Children’s menu consists of pasta, cutlet and fries, fruit & water.

• Children under 4 years FREE of charge. To pay local transport only.

• Schedule and fares are valid at time of print. Please check our website for any updates/changes.

• The Company reserves the right to introduce a fuel surcharge from time to time without prior notice.


Virtu Ferries Conditions of Carriage apply.

• These conditions may be viewed at Virtu Ferries offices or www.virtuferries.com and authorized travel agents.

ADULTS

€153 €126


When two adults are travelling together,

the first two children (4 years till under 14) pay €60.00 per child & local

transport if required.

FAMILY PLAN

SICILY SIGHTSEEING

1716

QUAD BIKEADVENTURE

INCLUDINGA TYPICAL

SICILIAN LUNCH IN AN AGRITURISMO

Price : € 186.00 per person (sharing quad bike – 2 persons. Single use of quad bike supplement of €45.00). Above fares are inclusive of catamaran crossing and a

typical Sicilian lunch including wine, water and coffee. Children 4 years till under 14 years reduction of €20.

• A valid driving license is required. • Any damages to Quads are not covered

by Insurance. • Personal accident insurance not included. • We suggest that the appropriate footwear and

clothing is worn.

This excursion is only held with a minimum of 2 quads.

Every

Friday

& Sunday

ONE DAY FUN excursion

• Pick-up from the port of Pozzallo• Arrival at the Quad Centre for briefing and training.• We start the excursion with the quad bikes by

crossing:

- Cisternazza (country track)- Pizzillo (country track)- Fontana di Galermo (country track)- Panoramic route (the canyon of the river Irminio in the

Iblei Mountains) - Fiume Irminio (crossing various parts of the river)- Cascata del Fiume (spectacular waterfall near Scicli)

• Typical Sicilian lunch (set menu) and tasting of Sicilian delicacies.

• We return to Ragusa through country roads.



The itinerary of this excursion may be altered subject to

weather conditions. The company reserves the right to introduce a fuel

surcharge from time to time without prior notice.

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

Summer ItineraryMay - September 2018

• In the afternoon transfer to a shopping centre.

21:30 Departure from Pozzallo23.15 Arrival Malta

Winter ItineraryOctober 2018 - April 2019

• Arrival at Pozzallo - Free time for coffee and shopping.

• Optional transfer from the promenade to the port (at an extra supplement.)

19:30 Departure from Pozzallo21.15 Arrival Malta

FUN EXCURSION

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www.virtuferries.com

ONE OF THE LARGEST CATAMARANS IN THE WORLD

Reservations: Virtu Passenger Terminal, Xatt l-Għassara tal-Għeneb, Marsa MRS 1917, MaltaTel: (+356) 2206 9022 Fax: (+356) 2206 9303 E-mail: [email protected]

Departure Office: Virtu Passenger Terminal, Xatt l-Għassara tal-Għeneb, Marsa MRS 1917, MaltaTel: (+356) 2206 9999 (open 2 hours before departure)

For information contact your holiday representative, travel agent or

VIRTU FERRIES:

MALTA~SICILYEXPRESS FERRIES

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• 900 passengers• 490 truck lane meters or 167 cars• Cruising speed approximately 39 knots

M/V St. John Paul II NEW HIGH SPEED WAVE PIERCER CATAMARAN (delivery is scheduled for the 4th quarter of 2018)

sicily one day fun & sightseeing excursions · • the itinerary of this excursion may be...

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