Overview

In this tour you will discover Baroque cities, the ruins of Ancient Greek, Megalithic temples, Ancient Churches, art masterpieces, the local lifestyle, and breathtaking views.

The tour starts in Malta, the small island in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, a crossroads of different cultures with traditions through the centuries including the colonial past as part of the British Empire. After crossing the Malta Channel in only 90 minutes, you will start the tour at Sicily, the biggest island in the Mediterranean. The Sicilian days will lead you to discover several UNESCO heritage sites and the charming ancient town where it feels like time has stopped. The whole tour is enriched by different food and wine experiences that teach you about the specialties and culinary excellence of the two islands.

Minimum 2 participants

Duration: 10 Days (approx.) 

Location: Valletta 

 Day 1 – Malta, Arrival

Welcome to Malta! Arrive at Valletta airport. Private transfer to the hotel and check in. Spend time at leisure and have dinner on your own. Stay overnight.

 Day 2 – Valletta, Mdina

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for an excursion to explore the two Maltese capitals during the centuries. You will be picked up at the Hotel’s lounge and accompanied by your private guide to start the tour of the capital city Valletta.

During the tour you will visit the St. John’s Cathedral (entrance not included) where you will see the masterpieces of Caravaggio, Barraca Gardens overviewing the sceneries of Valletta harbor, then the Grand Master’s palace that houses the Maltese Parliament. Stop at a historic café in the center to taste local pastries, the famous pastizzi and Qassata, accompanied by the Maltese Kinnie drink. Have a free time for lunch and shopping.

Head to the center of Malta and visit the charming walled city of Mdina, the ancient capital of Malta under the Arab domination. The tour will include the stop at St.Paul’s Church (entrance not included) and time for strolling in the narrow streets and enjoying panoramic views from the Mdina’s Belvedere. Return to your hotel and spend overnight.

 Day 3 – Panoramic Tour Three Cities, Marsaxlokk, Blue Grotto

The driver will meet you outside the hotel to escort you by a private car to the beautiful Cottonera Area, the ancient cities of Senglea, Vittoriosa, and Cospicua. The tour continues to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk.

The waterfront here is lined with traditional fishing boats known as luzzus that are painted with bright red, blue, and yellow. There will be free time to take a leisurely stroll or to browse the local market stalls. Enjoy lunch at a local seafood restaurant.

Your tour will move on to the western coast of Malta to visit Wied iz-Zurrieq. From here you can board a boat to visit Blue Grotto, a deep-sea cave known for its beautiful and clear water. Blue Grotto area is steep, but in places there are gaps in the cliffs that slope down to sea level. One of these gaps (small fjord) is Wied izZurrieq. This narrow arm of the sea acts as an anchorage for boats in calm weather.

Many fishermen today use their boats from here to take visitors to the deep-sea cave (The boat fee is therefore paid locally). The tour proceeds on a scenic journey heading to the Dingli Cliffs passing by the Maltese countryside. Your tour concludes with a scenic coach ride back to the hotel on the beautiful costal road. Spend time at leisure at the hotel. Dinner (not included).

 Day 4 – Gozo Island

Breakfast at the hotel. Pick-up at the hotel’s hall, (8:30 – 9:00 AM) and transfer to Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal. Accompanied by a private English-speaking driver and a local guide, you will reach the Island of Gozo after a 20-minute ferry ride. From the ferry, you will go along the small island of Comino, before reaching the Gozitan port of Mgarr.

In Gozo, we start a 6-hour tour that takes you to the Gozo’s main attractions; Ta’ Pinu Cathedral, Dwejra and Xlendi Bay, the Megalithic Temples of Ggigantija, and the capital city Victoria with the Citadelle where you can enjoy the gorgeous view of the whole island and the local market at St. Georges Square. Free time for lunch at the picturesque Xlendi Bay. Around 3:00 – 3.30 pm head to Malta and return to the hotel. Free time at leisure.

 Day 5 – Hagar Qim Megalithic Temples, Craft Village, Maltese Traditional Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. Head to the southern part of the island where we will visit the megalithic temples of Hagar Qim & Mnejidra. These megalithic temples date back 5500 years ago and are the oldest free-standing stone structures in the world; even older than the Stonehenge and the Pyramids. The megalithic complex of Hagar Qim is located atop a hill on the southern edge of the island, on a ridge capped in soft limestone. 500 meters from Hagar Qim stands the Mnajdra megalithic temple. Ħaġar Qim & Mnajidra ares UNESCO World Heritage Sites, inscribed as part of the Megalithic Temples of Malta.

Short drive to Ta’ Qali Craft Village. Time at leisure to discover the shops of local artisans before heading to the nearby rural village of Dingli where you will experience the authentic Maltese cuisine in a traditional farm. Here you can visit the estate, a unique venue nestled in the Maltese countryside and try hand-picked vegetables and traditional meals like rabbit stew or bragjoli, the sundried tomatoes and butter beans, the Gozo cheeselest or the Maltese baked Ftira.

After the lunch, return to your hotel.

Day 6 – Valletta, Pozzallo, Ragusa

Breakfast at the hotel. Private transfer to Valletta Port. Board on the catamaran to reach the Sycilian port of Pozzallo. The trip takes 90 minutes. Arrive in Sicily and head to your hotel, located in Ragusa.

Depart to a nearby farmhouse where you will have Sicilian cuisine. After lunch, head to Ragusa Ibla and start a guided tour of its historical center that cradles Sicilian Baroque, Cathedral located in the beautiful square of the Dome, and the “Giardino Ibleo.” Ragusa Iblas is selected among the 44 Italian World Heritage Sites.

Take a free time to stroll in the Ragusa city center or to enjoy a Sicilian glass of wine. Enjoy free dinner and stay overnight in Ragusa.

 Day 7 – Ragusa, Noto, Siracusa

After breakfast at the hotel, head to Noto, the capital of Sicilian baroque which was declared as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along its main axis you can see the palaces, convents and churches such as the Cathedral, the Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata and the Palazzo Ducezio that characterize the historic center.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we will move to Syracuse, where we will visit the Archaeological Park of Neapolis (Greek Theater, Roman Amphitheater, Latomie and “Orecchio di Dionisio”) and its historic center of Ortigia, where you can find the splendid Piazza Duomo and its Baroque Cathedral which used to be a Greek temple in Doric style in the past. Then, along the delightful alleys of the center, you will see the famous Arethusa spring, located opposite the Porto Grande. Return to the hotel, have dinner, and spend overnight in Siracusa.

Day 8 – Siracusa, Mount Etna, Catania

Have breakfast at the hotel and head to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe and one of the most visited and popular destinations in Sicily. It’s famous not only for the volcanic phenomena, but also for the breathtaking views and the different types of vegetation visible during the ascent.

The main points, Crateri Silvestri, will be covered in absolute safety. You will see the scenes of past and recent eruptions, discovering the traditions or flavors and smells that arise from the slopes.

At the end of the tour, we will visit the Gambino Winery. The unique climatic and soil conditions result in the characteristics of Etna wine grapes. At the top, the temperature difference between day and night allows a phenol and aromatic maturation that is essential for the color and flavor of red grapes and the aroma of white wines. Enjoy lunch and wine tasting. Return to Catania, check in, have dinner, and stay overnight.

Day 9 – Catania, Taormina

Have breakfast at the hotel and head to Taormina. A 4-hour guided tour of the charming town includes the famous Greek Theatre, a small Roman theater Odeon, and Palazzo Corvaja. Stop by at Belvedere Square along the main street Corso Umberto to enjoy the wonderful view of the picturesque coast and the skyline dominated by powerful Mt Etna.

You will have free time to take nice walk along the picturesque narrow streets, enjoy shopping, and take a look at the local handcraft stores (coral jewels, precious laces, ceramics, sweets and much more). Try some local street food or enjoy a panoramic aperitif with the view of Isola Bella.

In the early afternoon, return to Catania. Enjoy the farewell dinner at a local restaurant located in downtown and stay overnight.

 Day 10 – Catania, Departure

Breakfast in hotel. Private transfer to Catania Airport

Calendar & Prices