Tour of Sicily and Malta 2027

After breakfast in hotel, departure to Syracuse to visit the most beautiful and greatest Greek colony in Sicily and World Heritage Site! The visit will start with the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, with its Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Latomie of Paradise, and the Ear of Dionysius. Proceeding on and visit of the splendid Ortigia, a small island which is the historical centre of Syracuse. In Ortigia you will admire the beautiful Cathedral which dominates the square with its authoritative presence. The façade is a powerful Sicilian-Baroque composition but it gives no hint that this building was once a Doric temple! From Piazza Duomo you will reach a wide terrace on the waterfront surrounding the famous Arethusa’s Fountain, one of the most famous fresh-water sources of the Greek world. Free time for lunch. Departure to Noto, the capital of Sicilian Baroque, famous for its fine buildings of the early eighteenth century and declared a Unesco World Heritage Site. Inspired by Baroque ideals of an “open city”, Noto is a rare masterpiece and the clearest example of theatrical tastes in 18th-century architecture, whose local limestone has been burnt gold by the sun. Noto’s Baroque is a game of elegant curves, floral weaves, perspective views, palaces and gardens, capitals, and ornaments that adorn the facades of churches and monasteries. Free time for a walk along the town. Transfer to Ragusa for dinner and overnight in hotel.

Breakfast in hotel, followed by departure for Modica, a splendid Baroque town included in the UNESCO-listed Val di Noto. The city enchants visitors with its elegant churches, historic palaces, picturesque narrow streets winding their way up the hillside, striking panoramic views, and a captivating atmosphere steeped in history and local traditions. Here, we will stop at the renowned Sabadì chocolate shop, where you will have the opportunity to taste the famous artisan chocolate, awarded internationally and certified I.G.P., as well as Slow Food. Lunch break at a traditional local restaurant. In the afternoon, the tour continues to Piazza Armerina to visit the famous Villa Romana del Casale, an archaeological treasure renowned for its artistic heritage. You will admire the extraordinary mosaics that adorn this ancient residence, a unique testimony of Roman life and art. Transfer to Agrigento, dinner and overnight in hotel.

This morning the tour continues in Agrigento visiting the famous Valley of the Temples, a World Heritage Site. As one of the most prosperous of the ancient Greek cities on the island, Agrigento presents a remarkable series of Doric Temples from the 5th century. Among hundreds of almond trees, you will admire the remains of ancient Akragas. You will see the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Concordia, and the Temple of Heracles. Proceeding on, visit the charming and well-known town of Marsala, where Garibaldi went ashore in May 1860. You will walk through the streets of the center, where you will overlook ancient noble palaces, monuments, and impressive baroque churches. After that, enjoy an exclusive guided tour inside the historic Florio Cellars. The visit starts in front of the majestic giant vats, built at the end of the 19th century and still used for the refinement of Marsala wine, and it continues inside the 3 fascinating barrel chambers. After a thirty-minute tour through the barrel vaults, you will reach the avant-garde tasting rooms named Donna Franca and Duca Enrico. You will enjoy a delicious light lunch and a memorable wine-tasting experience! The tour will continue with a visit to the popular Salt Road: here the salt marshes have given rise to one of the oldest salt-extracting industries in the world! Between Trapani and Marsala, the Salt Road is now protected for its interesting birdlife and also as an important site of industrial archaeology. Transfer to Palermo, accommodation in hotel, dinner on your own and overnight.

After breakfast in hotel, the morning will be spent visiting Monreale, its huge Norman Cathedral, proclaimed the Eighth Wonder of the World, and its splendid Cloister in Arab-Norman style: an admirable masterpiece of art, sculpture, and semi-precious stones marquetry! Later, you will discover the stunning Palermo, one of the richest towns on the island for its history and art. Palermo stands on a bay dominated by Mount Pellegrino. While the Baroque predominates, there is a profusion of different architectural styles reflecting the city’s multicultural past. Visit the wonderful eclectic Cathedral, the astonishing Martorana Church, and the amazing Cappella Palatina, an admirable example from a historical and artistic point of view, and proof of how different cultures and religions coexisted. During the day, you will have a stop to enjoy a typical lunch with local food. Along the path, you will admire the famous Teatro Massimo and the debated fountain in Pretoria Square, adorned with 16th-century sculptures. Dinner on your own and overnight in hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to Cefalù, a charming Medieval town situated on the northern coast of Sicily. Visit its stunning Norman Dome, and enjoy free time to stroll through the town or visit the famous Mandralisca Museum. You will have a stop to have lunch in a famous restaurant. Arrival in Catania to visit Catania’s historical centre, declared a Unesco World Heritage Site, with its original Baroque style and its unique streets built with black lava stone. The colour scheme of the city-centre buildings is black and dark grey, relieved with white limestone details around doors and windows. The effect is extremely elegant! The walking tour will start from the scenic Duomo Square with its magnificent Cathedral and the famous “Liotru” statue, an antique lava-stone elephant, symbol of the city. Not far from here, we will reach University Square and take a walk along the splendid baroque Via dei Crociferi, the most representative 18th-century street in Catania, where we will admire the famous S. Benedict Monastery, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Continuing the visit, enjoy a break in a historical bar in the city centre to taste the typical “granita & brioche”. Dinner on your own and overnight in hotel.

This morning, after a short visit to the famous “pescheria” (the ancient fish market) in Catania, the tour will continue with an excursion to Mount Etna, the highest (c. 3350m) volcano in Europe and one of the largest and most active in the world, now a Unesco World Heritage Site. Its regional park protects 59,000 hectares of unique geology, flora, fauna, villages, and farms, as well as traditional methods of forestry, beekeeping, wine manufacture, stonework, and carpentry. Views of stunning landscapes will amaze you as you head to Rifugio Sapienza. You will reach the “Crateri Silvestri”, small volcanic cones now inactive, surrounded by ancient lava flows. The view beyond the mountain’s hundreds of subsidiary cones and craters can extend across the whole of Sicily, the Aeolian islands, and Calabria. The spectacle is unique! You will have the chance to enjoy local homemade honey and some typical products of the area. The tour continues towards Taormina, where you will have lunch in a lovely restaurant in the historic center of the city. Taormina is a charming town renowned for its magnificent position above the sea, commanding a celebrated view of Etna. Visit Taormina’s fascinating Greek theatre, which will leave you breathless with its commanding view of Giardini Naxos Bay and Mount Etna! Free time for a nice walk among the picturesque Medieval narrow streets, to go shopping and explore the local handicrafts. Back in Catania for dinner on your own and overnight in hotel.

Today the tour continues with a full day excursion with private driver and guide to discover the beauty of this magical Island. You will reach Cottonera, also called “The Three Cities”: the three fortified cities of Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua. Afterwards you will visit the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk whose waterfront is decorated with traditional colorful fishing boats called “luzzi“. Free time to stroll along the streets of the city centre and browse among the stalls of the famous local market. Continuing you will visit the town of Wied iz-Zurrieq where you will embark on an excursion sea towards the famous Blue Grotto, a beautiful and picturesque natural cave that reflects the fluorescent colors of the underwater flora. Your tour will continue on board of a private vehicle in the direction of Dingli through the Maltese countryside. Return to your hotel. Overnight.

Alternatively: Comino, Blue Lagoon, Gozo and Malta Caves on boat/motor vessel excursion

Hotel in Malta

After breakfast in hotel, a private driver will pick you up for another day of excursion in the Maltese archipelago. You will be accompanied to Bugibba, where you will board on a comfortable boat for a fantastic mini cruise. Sailing through the north of the Maltese coast to the island of Comino; you will stop at the famous Blue Lagoon for about an hour. Time to take some pictures, sunbathe and have a swim in the turquoise waters of the bay or, if you prefer, you can relax in the bar of the boat which is equipped with drinks and snacks. Afterwards you will reach Gozo for a visit of about 3 hours, discovering the most charming places of the island: Ta ‘Pinu, Dwejra, the capital Victoria with its historic market square and the Citadelle St. Georges. At the end of tour, you will return on board to circumnavigate Comino and visit the famous caves. Return to Bugibba at late afternoon. Transfer to your hotel and overnight.

After breakfast in hotel, our guide will lead you through a half day excursion to discover the treasures of the charming capital Valletta. You will visit the wonderful Casa Rocca Piccola, ancient palace of the sixteenth century belonged to the Maltese nobility and still today private residence of the Marquis De Piro; proceeding on you will visit the Cathedral of St. John where you will admire the beautiful “Beheading of St. John the Baptist”, Caravaggio masterpiece and the Barraca Gardens from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the picturesque port of Valletta. Later on, you will visit the Grand Master’s Palace, nowadays seat of the Maltese Parliament. Your tour continues on to Mdina, the former capital of Malta. You will visit the Cathedral of St. Paul and then you’ll have free time to walk along its lovely streets and discover its viewpoint from which to enjoy a splendid view. After the visit, transfer to your hotel. Free afternoon. Overnight at your hotel.