Tour of Sicily and Malta

We will arrive at Catania using our own means of transport and will head to the hotel. We might also request a private transfer if needed. In the late afternoon, we will meet our guide for a short briefing. Dinner will be at our discretion, so we will choose where to eat, and then we will stay overnight at the hotel.

After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, we'll set off for Syracuse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll explore the Neapolis, featuring the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, and the Paradise Quarries, not forgetting the Ear of Dionysius. Next, we'll head to the historic center of Ortigia, where we'll marvel at the Duomo Square and the Cathedral with its Sicilian Baroque facade. We'll stroll through the narrow streets to the harbor, where we'll see the Aretusa fountain. In the afternoon, we'll move to Noto, the 'capital of Sicilian Baroque', to admire the 18th-century architecture and visit the Nicolaci Villadorata Palace. After some free time for a leisurely walk, we'll transfer to Ragusa for dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Today, we'll be exploring Ragusa Ibla, the cradle of late Sicilian Baroque, with its stunning churches and the Ibleo Garden. Ragusa, known for the Montalbano TV series and recognized by UNESCO, boasts over fifty churches and numerous Baroque palaces. Next, we'll stop at Modica, renowned for its Baroque architecture and the Sabadì chocolate shop. Later, we'll visit the Gardens of San Giorgio and enjoy a lunch featuring local dishes. In the afternoon, we'll head to Piazza Armerina to see the Villa Romana del Casale, another UNESCO site. In the evening, we'll move to Agrigento for dinner and overnight stay.

Our journey today begins with a visit to the UNESCO site, the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. We'll marvel at the ancient temples, including those of Juno, Concordia, and Hercules. Leaving Agrigento, we'll head towards Marsala, a modern Mediterranean city, known for Garibaldi's landing. We'll explore the historic Florio Wineries, where we'll stop for lunch and a tasting of local wines. Next, we'll travel along the Salt Road to admire the salt pans and the Stagnone nature reserve, a lagoon that is also a nature reserve. In the evening, we'll settle into a hotel in Palermo, where dinner will be at your leisure and we'll spend the night.

After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, we will dedicate the morning to exploring Monreale. Here, we will visit the majestic Arab-Norman Cathedral, often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world, and the enchanting Cloister, a true masterpiece of art, sculpture, and inlay of precious stones! From there, we will head towards Palermo. This city lies at the foot of Mount Pellegrino, on a promontory that Goethe described as the most beautiful he had ever seen. In Palermo, more than anywhere else in Sicily, different historical periods overlap through various architectural styles. Its millennia-old history has left an artistic and architectural heritage ranging from the remnants of the Punic walls to Art Nouveau villas, from noble palaces and seventeenth-century squares to Baroque churches and neoclassical theaters. Once the residence of emirs and kings, Palermo preserves monuments from the Arab-Norman period such as the beautiful Cathedral, the Martorana Church, one of the most fascinating Byzantine churches of the Middle Ages in Italy, and the Palatine Chapel. During our journey, we will take a break for a typical lunch with local products. Later, we will have the opportunity to admire the magnificent Teatro Massimo and the controversial Pretoria Fountain, decorated with sixteenth-century sculptures and located on the edge of the ancient Kalsa district. At the end of the day, we will return to our hotel in Palermo for the overnight stay.

After a hearty breakfast, we set off for the enchanting seaside town of Cefalù. This medieval gem overlooks the Mediterranean and is adorned with a Norman-era Cathedral. We'll stroll through the town center, and if you wish, you can visit the renowned Mandralisca Museum. We'll pause for lunch at a well-known restaurant. Our tour continues to Catania, where we'll explore the city's historic center and its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Baroque architecture. This captivating city is full of hidden treasures, its late-Baroque architecture made unique by the use of lava stone. We'll traverse the picturesque Piazza del Duomo, home to the stunning Cathedral and the lava stone Elephant (the city's symbol), and continue to Piazza Università. As we wander through the city center, we'll visit the beautiful Via dei Crociferi, the Baroque heart of the city where the Monastery of St. Benedict is located, made famous by Verga's novel 'Storia di una Capinera'. We'll stop at a bar in the historic center to taste the typical granita with brioche. We'll then check into our hotel in Catania for the night.

Today, we will delve into the history and culture of our beloved Italy. We'll start the day with a visit to the historic 'pescheria', an ancient fish market, before setting off on an adventure to Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Etna Park is renowned for its rich and varied flora and the protected species that inhabit it. Currently, the volcano is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, pistachio trees, hazelnut trees, and orchards, a testament to the strong agricultural vocation of the territory, characterized by local varieties. Upon reaching the Sapienza Refuge, we'll have our first glimpses of fascinating landscapes. From there, we'll head towards the Silvestri Craters, volcanic cones dating back to 1888 now inactive, surrounded by more recent lava flows. The view that can be enjoyed through the multitude of craters is truly unique! During the morning, we'll have the opportunity to taste local artisanal honey and various typical products of the area. We'll take a break for lunch at a delightful restaurant, before continuing to Taormina, famous for its natural landscape, marine beauties, its historical monuments, and the privileged view of Etna! We will visit the charming Greco-Roman theater, from which one can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Naxos. We'll have some free time to stroll along the delightful medieval alleys of the center and shop in the numerous stores offering the best products of the island's craftsmanship. We will conclude the day with an overview of the beautiful Riviera of the Cyclops, before returning to our hotel in Catania.

After enjoying breakfast, you will have some free time to explore the historic center of Catania. Depending on your flight schedule, a private transfer will take you to the airport for your direct flight to the island of Malta. From this point forward, the tour will continue without a tour leader. Upon arrival in Malta, another private transfer will escort you to your hotel.

Today, we have a full day of adventure ahead with a private driver and a guide to explore the wonders of this enchanting island! We'll start with Cottonera, also known as The Three Cities: a complex of fortified cities that includes Senglea, Vittoriosa, and Cospicua. Next, we'll visit the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk, famous for its traditional fishing boats, the 'luzzu', painted in bright colors. You'll have free time to stroll through the downtown streets and browse the stalls of the renowned local market. Then, we'll visit the town of Wied iz-Zurrieq and take a boat trip to the famous Blue Grotto, a stunning natural cave that reflects the fluorescent colors of the underwater flora. The tour will continue on board a private vehicle towards Dingli, crossing the Maltese countryside. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

For DAY 9, we have an alternative: COMINO - BLUE LAGOON - GOZO - THE CAVES OF MALTA

After breakfast at the hotel, we will head towards the nearby Bugibba, where we will board a comfortable boat for a fantastic mini cruise. We will sail north off the Maltese coast towards the island of Comino; we will make a stop at the famous Blue Lagoon for about an hour. You will have time to take photos, sunbathe, take a dip in the turquoise waters of the bay, or simply relax in the boat's bar area, where drinks and snacks are available. Afterwards, we will head to Gozo for a visit of about 3 hours, to discover the island's main attractions: Ta’ Pinu, Dweira, the capital Victoria with its historic market, the Citadelle, and St. George's Square. At the end of the excursion, we will return on board to circumnavigate Comino and visit the famous caves. Return to Bugibba in the late afternoon.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will accompany you on a 4/5 hour guided tour through the capital, Valletta. You will have the opportunity to explore the magnificent Casa Rocca Piccola, a 16th-century palace that belonged to the Maltese nobility and is still today the private residence of the Marquis De Piro. Next, we will visit St. John's Cathedral, where you can admire the extraordinary 'Beheading of St. John the Baptist', a masterpiece by Caravaggio. We will continue our tour in the Barrakka Gardens, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the picturesque Valletta harbor. Our journey will proceed to the Grand Master's Palace, the current seat of the Maltese Parliament. The tour will then move to Mdina, the ancient capital of Malta, where you can admire St. Paul's Cathedral and have free time to stroll along its charming streets and discover its viewpoint, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama. At the end of the visit, we will accompany you back to your hotel. You will have the afternoon free.

Our Sicilian-Maltese tour concludes today. After breakfast at the hotel, we will get ready to return to our respective cities!