From Sicily To Malta | 11 Days

DAY 1 – SATURDAY                          CATANIA

Transfer to your hotel in the charming city of Catania. Enjoy a day at leisure. Overnight in Catania.

DAY 2 – SUNDAY                              CATANIA – SYRACUSE – NOTO – RAGUSA

Breakfast in the hotel and departure for Syracuse to visit the largest and most powerful Greek colony in Sicily: The Archaeological Park of Neapolis. Visit of the old town centre of Ortigia, with its stunning Piazza Duomo and Cathedral. Proceed to Noto, the capital of Sicilian baroque also called the “stone garden”, full of beautiful buildings and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. A walk through the streets of the centre to admire the skill and ingenious creativity of local craftsmen. Noto’s baroque architecture is a plethora of elegant curves, floral weaves, perspective views, palaces and gardens, capitals and cherubs that adorn the façades of churches and monasteries. At the end of the visit proceed to Ragusa for overnight. (B,D)

DAY 3 – MONDAY                             RAGUSA – MODICA – PIAZZA ARMERINA – AGRIGENTO

Breakfast in the hotel and visit of Ragusa Ibla with its beautiful churches and the Ibleo garden. Then proceed to Modica, to admire its many baroque style treasures, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. To end the visit, stop for a taste of the typical products of the area. Departure to Piazza Armerina and visit the splendid Villa Romana del Casale, a building from the late imperial period and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Transfer to the hotel in Agrigento for overnight. (B,L,D)

DAY 4 – TUESDAY                             AGRIGENTO – MARSALA – SALINE – PALERMO

Breakfast in the hotel and visit of the famous Valley of the Temples, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Giunone, Concordia and Ercole temples can be admired. Departure for Marsala, that preserves a multitude of signs of the Phoenician, Arab and Norman dominations. At the end of the visit enjoy a wine tasting of the typical local wine. Proceed to the famous Via del Sale. The lagoon and the islands of Stagnone constitute a large nature reserve of enormous environmental value. Even today the salt marshes represent one of the oldest salt mining industries in the world. In the evening, arrival in Palermo for overnight. (B,L)

DAY 5 – WEDNESDAY                      PALERMO – MONREALE – PALERMO 

Breakfast in the hotel and departure to visit Monreale, with its impressive Arab-Norman Cathedral and stunning Cloister. Return to Palermo. This city preserves monuments of the Arab-Norman period, including the beautiful Cathedral, the fascinating Byzantine Church of the Martorana and the Palatine Chapel, a higher example from the historical-artistic point of view of the coexistence between cultures and religions. Along the visit stop for a food surprise in a local bakery. Overnight in Palermo. (B,L)

DAY 6 – THURSDAY                          PALERMO – CEFALU – CATANIA

Breakfast in the hotel and departure to Cefalù, a beautiful medieval maritime village with its Norman Cathedral. Time at leisure to visit the famous Mandralisca Museum. Proceed to Catania. Visit the old town centre and its baroque architecture, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a walk in the centre, passing through the old ‘pescheria’ (old fish market) to reach the scenic Piazza del Duomo with its stunning Cathedral and the lava stone Elephant (symbol of the city). Stop in a delicious bar to taste the local granita with brioche. Overnight in Catania. (B,L)

DAY 7 – FRIDAY                                CATANIA – ETNA – TAORMINA – CATANIA

Breakfast in the hotel, and departure for a quick visit of a historic “fishmonger” (old fish market) before reaching Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe (3,350 m), and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Etna Park, covering 59,000 hectares, is home to extremely varied and rich flora, along with many protected species. The first glimpses of captivating landscapes can be seen when approaching Rifugio Sapienza. From there, proceed to Crateri Silvestri, volcanic cones dating to 1888, now inactive but surrounded by more recent lava flows. The view that can be enjoyed through the multitude of volcanic cones and craters extends to the Aeolian Islands and Calabria, making it a truly unique sight to behold. Afterwards, visit of a beekeeping farm to see the honey extraction laboratory and taste some home-made honey and typical products of the area. Proceed to Taormina, famous for its natural landscape, marine beauties, historical monuments and an unforgettable view of the sea and Etna. Visit of the fascinating Greco-Roman theatre, with a breathtaking view of the Naxos Bay. The day will end with a beautiful panorama of the stunning Riviera dei Ciclopi. Return to Catania for overnight. (B,L) 

DAY 8 – SATURDAY         CATANIA – MALTA

After breakfast, free time to discover the city centre of Catania. According to flights’ schedule, private transfer to the airport and direct flight to Malta. The tour now continues without a tour leader. Arrive to Malta and private transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Malta. (B)

DAY 9 – SUNDAY              MALTA (THE THREE CITIES – MARSAXLOKK – BLUE CAVE – DINGLI)

Today the tour includes a full day excursion with a private driver and guide to discover the beauties of this magical island! We will start with The Three Cities: the set of fortified cities of Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua. Travel to the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk whose promenade is decorated with traditional colourful fishing boats called “luzzi”. Free time to stroll along the streets of the centre and browse the stalls of the famous local market. Next, visit the town of Wied iz-Zurrieq and then take a sea excursion to the famous Blue Grotto, the splendid and picturesque natural cave, whose surrounding system of caves reflects the fluorescent colours of the underwater flora. The tour will continue aboard a private vehicle in the direction of Dingli through the Maltese countryside, return to the hotel and overnight. (B)

Alternatively: COMINO – BLUE LAGOON – GOZO – THE CAVES OF MALTA by boat / motor ship (hotel in Malta)

After breakfast at the hotel, a private driver will take you to the town of Bugibba, where you will board a comfortable boat for a mini cruise to the north of the Maltese coast towards the island of Comino. A stop at the famous Blue Lagoon is a must: for about an hour you can take some photos, sunbathe and take a dip in the turquoise waters of the bay or possibly relax in the boat’s bar area equipped with drinks and snacks! You will continue on to Gozo, with a visit lasting about 3 hours, to appreciate the island’s major attractions: Ta’ Pinu, Dwejra, the capital Victoria with its historic market, the Citadel and St. Georges Square. At the end of the excursion, you will return to the boat and travel through Comino and its famous caves before returning to Bugibba in the late afternoon. Private transfer to the hotel and overnight. (B)

DAY 10 – MONDAY                         MALTA (VALLETTA – MDINA)

After breakfast at the hotel, take a guided tour of Valletta, the capital of the island. Highlights include the splendid Casa Rocca Piccola ancient 16th-century palace; St. John’s Cathedral with its splendid “Beheading of St. John the Baptist”, a masterpiece by Caravaggio; and continuing on to Barraca Gardens. From there, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Valletta’s picturesque harbor. Finally, the Grand Master’s Palace, now the seat of the Maltese Parliament. You will leave Valletta and head for Malta’s ancient capital: Mdina, nicknamed the silent city. Strolling along its delightful narrow streets you will discover its beauty from which to enjoy a splendid panorama of the island. At the end of the visit, transfer to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

DAY 11 – TUESDAY                          MALTA

After breakfast in hotel, check-out and end of our services. (B)

Accommodation:

CATANIA: Il Principe Hotel, or Romano House Hotel

RAGUSA: Mediterraneo Palace Hotel

AGRIGENTO: Baia di Ulisse Wellness & Spa

PALERMO: Mercure Palermo Centro, or Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal

MALTA: Hotel Argento St Julians, or AX Seashells Resort at Suncrest

THE RATE INCLUDES:

Sicily

–          Private arrival transfer from Catania Apt or Catania Railway Station to Hotel in Catania

–          Multilingual tour leader

–          Deluxe bus from day 2 to day 7

–          Local guided or audio guides when necessary

–          Accommodation as per itinerary

–          Meals as per itinerary

–          Visit of Monreale, Palermo, Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, Ragusa, Siracusa, Noto, Etna, Taormina, Catania old town centre, Cefalù – tickets NOT included, unless pre-purchasing the Privilege package

–          Typical product tastings: Palermo (5th day): gastronomic surprise with street food tasting; Catania (6th day): “granita and brioche” tasting; Etna (7th day): Visit to a honey factory tasting typical Etna products; Modica (3rd day): Visit to the famous Sabadì chocolate shop with tasting; Marsala (4th day): visit to the Florio wine cellar with tasting.

–          Private transfer from Hotel in Catania to Catania Airport

Unescorted extension to Malta

–          Accommodation as per below

–          Direct flight Catania to Malta with 23 kilos of luggage included

–          Private transfer from Malta Airport to Hotel

–          Full day excursion with private driver and licensed guide (1st day) or, alternatively, 1 excursion by boat / motorboat to the Blue Lagoon, Comino, Gozo and The Caves (shared)

–          Half day excursion with private driver and licensed guide (2nd day)

THE RATE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

–          Departure transfer*

–          Meals as not specified above

–          Beverages

–          Entrance fees at monuments/museums* (unless Privilege Package has been pre-purchased)

–          City taxes*

–          Tips and extras in general

–          Anything not specified under “The rate includes”

*Not included unless you have pre-purchased the privilege package at the time of booking.

PRIVILEGE PACKAGE INCLUDES:

All the inclusions of the Basic Package option, plus:

–          Upgrade to a Superior/Deluxe Room category

–          Private departure transfers

–          All entrance fees as per program

–          City taxes as per program

Things to Note:

–          Hotel rooms may not be available for check-in before 2:00 p.m.

–          Hotel taxes, service charges and tips for baggage handling are not included in the tour price.

–          Tour can be a combination of regular tours; therefore coach changes may be required. The same people may not be travelling throughout the tour.

–          Entrance fees to sights are not included and are to be paid locally, unless you have pre-booked the Privilege Package before departure

–          A government tourist tax may need to be paid locally upon arrival at your hotels.

–          For organizational reasons, or due to force majeure, the itinerary may be modified.

–          Please note the tour operator is not responsible for any disruption due to weather and sea conditions concerning all hydrofoil and ferry crossings among the islands.