Discover Baroque cities, ancient ruins, medieval churches, and masterpieces of art without forgetting the local lifestyle and outstanding views. Sicily and Malta are similar in some ways, but full of contrast and different cultures. The tour starts in Malta, the small island in the centre of the Mediterranean, a crossroads of different cultures and traditions through the centuries, enriched by its colonial past. The Sicilian days will lead to the discovery of UNESCO sites, and charming towns where time seems to stand still.
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DAY 1: MALTA ARRIVAL
Welcome to Malta! After your arrival at the airport, meet and greet your driver where you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy your first day in the city at your own leisure.
Accommodation at Hotel Mercure St.Julian’s, Malta, or similar
DAY 2: VALLETTA & MDINA
After breakfast, depart for an excursion to explore the two Maltese capitals during the centuries. Accompanied by your private guide, you start a tour of the capital city Valletta. During the tour, you will visit St. John's Cathedral (entrance not included) within the masterpieces of Caravaggio, Barraca Gardens enjoying scenic views of Valletta harbor, the visit going on to the Grand Master's palace which houses the Maltese Parliament.
Stop in a historic café in the center for tasting local pastries, the famous pastizzi, and Qassata accompanied by the Maltese Kinnie drink. Free time for lunch and shopping.
Transfer to the center of Malta to visit the charming walled city of Mdina the ancient capital of Malta under Arab domination. The tour will include a stop at St.Paul's Church (entrance not included) and time for strolling in the narrow streets and enjoying panoramic views from Medina's Belvedere. Transfer back to your hotel. Meals: B
Accommodation at Hotel Mercure St.Julian’s, Malta, or similar
DAY 3: THREE CITIES, MARSAXLOKK & BLUE GROTTO
After breakfast, meet your driver and transfer to the beautiful Cottonera Area, including the ancient cities of Senglea, Vittoriosa and
Cospicua. Proceed to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk. There will be free time here to take a leisurely stroll or browse the local market stalls. Enjoy lunch in a typical seafood restaurant.
Your tour then continues to the western coast of Malta to visit Wied iz-Zurrieq. From here you can board a boat to visit the Blue Grotto, a deep-sea cave where the waters are renowned for being so pure and beautiful. The Blue Grotto area is steep and precipitous, but in places, there are gaps in the cliffs that slope down to sea level. One of these gaps (small fjord) is Wied iz-Zurrieq, This narrow arm of the sea is an
anchorage for boats in calm weather. Many of the fishermen today also use their boats to take visitors to see the deep sea cave. (the boat fee is therefore paid locally).
The tour then takes us 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 through the beautiful coastal road. Meals: B, L
Accommodation at Hotel Mercure St.Julian’s, Malta, or similar
DAY 4: GOZO ISLAND
After breakfast, transfer to Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal. Accompanied by a private English-speaking driver you will reach the Island of Gozo after a 20-minute ferry crossing. From the ship, you will go along the small island of Comino, before reaching the Gozitan port of Mgarr.
In Gozo, we start an 8 hours tour including Gozo's main attractions, namely Ta'Pinu Cathedral, Dwejra, and Xlendi Bay, the Megalithic Temples of Ggigantija and the capital city Victoria showing the Citadelle from where enjoying outstanding views of the whole Island, including the local market at St. Georges Square. Free time for lunch at the picturesque Xlendi Bay. In the late afternoon, transfer back to your hotel. Meals: B
Accommodation at Hotel Mercure St.Julian’s, Malta, or similar
DAY 5: HAGAR QIM TEMPLES & CRAFT VILLAGE
After breakfast, transfer to the southern part of the island where we will visit the UNESCO megalithic temples of Hagar Qim & Mnajdra. These megalithic temples date back 5500 years ago and are the oldest free-standing stone structures in the world, even older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids.
Later, short drive to Ta' Qali Craft Village. Enjoy time at leisure to discover the shops of local artisans, including blown glass before heading towards the nearby rural village of Dingli where you will experience authentic Maltese cuisine on a traditional rural farm. Here you can visit the estate, a unique venue nestled in the Maltese countryside. After lunch, return back to your hotel. Meals: B, L
Accommodation at Hotel Mercure St.Julian’s, Malta, or similar
DAY 6: MALTA TO SICILY
After breakfast, meet your driver for a private transfer to the Valletta Port. Boarding on the catamaran, you will arrive at the Sicilian port of Pozzallo, in approximately 90 minutes. Upon arrival in Sicily, meet your driver from the port to your hotel, located in Ragusa.
Upon arrival in Ragusa, depart to a nearby Sicilian Agriturismo, where you will have the taste of authentic Sicilian cuisine. After lunch, transfer to Ragusa Ibla and start a guided tour of its historical center cradle of Sicilian Baroque, with its Cathedral, situated in the beautiful square. Free time to stroll in the Ragusa city center or to enjoy a Sicilian glass of wine. Meals: B, L
Accommodation at Hotel Poggio del Sole, Ragusa, or similar
DAY 7: NOTO & SYRACUSE
Today journey to Noto, the capital of Sicilian baroque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch in a local restaurant, we will move to Syracuse, where you will visit the Archaeological Park of Neapolis and the historic center of Ortigia. Then, along the delightful alleys of the center, you will admire the Fountain of Arethusa, a natural fountain on the island of Ortigia. Meals: B, L
Accommodation at Hotel Royal Maniace, Syracuse, or similar
DAY 8: MOUNT ETNA
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, and one of the most visited and popular destinations in Sicily. After visiting Mount Etna, visit the Gambino Winery, set at the foot of Mt. Etna for lunch and wine tasting. Later on, transfer to your hotel in Catania. Meals: B, L
Accommodation at Hotel Romano Palace, Catania, or similar
DAY 9: TAORMINA
In the morning, transfer to the hilltop town of Taormina for a half-day guided tour including the Greek Theatre. Enjoy the wonderful view of the picturesque coast and the skyline dominated by powerful Mt Etna. You will have some free time for a nice walk among the picturesque narrow streets. before returning to Catania. Meals: B
Accommodation at Hotel Romano Palace, Catania, or similar
DAY 10: CATANIA DEPARTURE
After breakfast, meet your driver for a private transfer to the Catania airport. Meals: B