Osher’s 2025 Sicily & Malta Tour

Escape a little of Wisconsin’s winter next February to explore the sunny Maltese Archipelago where temperatures will be in the 60s, local citrus will be at peak ripeness, and the almond trees will be in full blossom! Did you know cannoli, cassata, marzipan fruit and granita are all Sicilian traditions? Enjoy the seaside views as you explore incredible history and archeology while enjoying some of the most celebrated Italian cuisine.

Join the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UWM for a 12-day tour of the best of Sicily and Malta! On this members-only trip, you will have the opportunity to see the history and highlights of these beautiful communities: Catania, Taormina, Ragusa, Agrigento, Palermo, Cefalu, Syracuse, Valletta, Qawra, Gozo and Mdina.

This trip includes:

• Coach service between Milwaukee and O’Hare.
• Airfare from Chicago to Catania, a flight from Catania to Malta, and airfare from Malta to Chicago.
• 10 nights accommodations in first-class hotels, including: 2 nights in Catania, 2 nights in Ragusa, 2 nights in Palermo, 1 night back in Catania and 3 nights in Qawra on Malta.
• 14 meals: 10 breakfasts, 2 group lunches and 2 group dinners.
• Sightseeing in an air-conditioned motor coach.
• An English-speaking tour manager and local guides.
• An Osher staff lead present the entire trip.
• Entrance fees for all tours on itinerary.
• Hotel transfers.
• Gratuities for drivers, guides and group meals.
• Travel abroad insurance for major medical/dental/mental health on trip.

Some Special Features of this Tour:

• Stroll in the Old City of Catania, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Tour the old city of Syracuse, famous for its ancient ruins
• Discover Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, the best preserved outside of Greece
• Tour the old city of Palermo with its incredible mix of architectural styles
• Discover the rich history of Valletta, capital city of Malta
• Take a walking tour of the medieval fortified city of Mdina
• Explore the ancient catacombs of St. Paul

Dates: Sun, Feb 09 through Thu, Feb 20, 2025

Cost: $4,600/per person, double occupancy or
$4,950 for single occupancy

Capacity: 39 (5 single rooms and 17 double)

Staff Lead: Laurie Yingling

Is this trip right for you?

• This program is active. Walking is done over cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. Expect some of the sightseeing activities to require around three hours of walking and standing. Many historical cities have specific driving regulations, with set drop off and pick up points, that result in extra walking to and from the sights. The pace will be moderate on this exclusive trip for UWM Osher members. If you wish to opt out of certain tours for more down time, that is often possible.
• Must have a passport that is valid until at least August 20, 2025 (six months from return date).
• Must be able to register individually for the trip via the UWM Osher website.
• Must have your own email address to complete required insurance forms via UWM website.
• Smart phone will be needed during travel. Check with your provider about coverage options.

The registration deadline is Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

A $1,000 deposit is due at the time of registration.

Half of your remaining balance will be due on July 15, 2024.

Cancellations before July 15, 2024 will result in a refund of your deposit, minus any reservation alteration fees from our airfare and hotel partners (typically $300 – 500).

Cancellations on or after July 15, 2024 may result in the loss of all trip fees. All efforts will be made to find travel replacements when requested, but there is no guarantee. To guarantee a refund of some or all of your trip payment after July 15, 2024, you may wish to buy additional travel insurance.

Final balances are due by Monday, September 30, 2024.