The Best of Sicily & Malta Explorer Escorted Vacation

Welcome to Sicily! Upon arrival, you will be privately transferred to your hotel. Tonight, enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Catania(D)

After a buffet breakfast, you will depart for Syracuse to visit the archaeological area "Neapolis" including the famous Greek theatre, Latomie of the Paradise and the "Dyonisios Ear". Continue to the island of Ortigia, the small baroque old city center of Siracusa; visit the Cathedral, which is built upon the site of the Temple of Minerva, the legendary Arethuse Fountain and the Temple of Apollo. Lunch is on your own. Later in the afternoon return to the hotel. Overnight in Catania. (B)

After a buffet breakfast, you will depart for a nice walking tour of Catania, stroll through the city centre and visit the famous fish market "A PISCARIA," one of the largest fish markets in Sicily. This authentic experience immerses you in the vibrant fishing and seafood culture of Sicily, offering a unique and atmospheric encounter. Depart to Ragusa where you will indulge in a tasting session featuring aritsan cheeses and Sicilian specialties, creating a delightful light lunch experience. Visit the enchanting historical centre "Ibla," with its stunning baroque palaces and churches; together with seven cities in the Val di Noto, Ragusa is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Dinner and overnight in Ragusa. (B,D)

After a buffet breakfast, you will depart for Agrigento, a hillside town famous for its magnificent Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Valley, including the Temple of Concordia, which is in almost perfectly preserved condition, the temples of Juno and Heracles. Lunch is on your own. In the afternoon, you will continue to Marsala, a western coastal city famous for its production of sweet Sicilian wine. Arrival at Baglio Donnafranca, a perfectly restored nineteenth century balio, which rises in the Marsala countryside, on the hills in front of the Stagnone Reserve and the Egadi Islands. Here you will have the opportunity to visit the cellar and learn all about winemaking. Enjoy a wine tasting/light dinner at sunset. Overnight in Marsala. (B)

In the morning, depart for Erice, via the spectacular "Salt Route", a road flanked by the salt pans, windmills, and the "salt houses" where they still extract the sea salt as the Phoenicians. Upon arrival in the hilltop village Erice, walk through its tiny and characteristic streets. Your next destination is Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily. Here, savor a delectable "street food" lunch in the heart of the city. Visit the cathedral, one of the most important architectural monuments. Continue your visit by walking along The Historical City center. Overnight in Palermo. (B,L)

Following breakfast, embark on a journey to explore the town of Monreale, perched on a hill just a short distance from Palermo, offering panoramic views. Begin your visit at the Cathedral, a marvel of Moorish architecture renowned worldwide. Continue to Cefalu, once a humble fishing village, now transformed into a captivating coastal town. Take a leisurely stroll through the city center, meandering down the main street to discover the Arab-Norman Cathedral and the medieval washhouse. Enjoy free time to explore the town, shop, and savor lunch at your leisure. Proceed to Taormina via the scenic coastal road, passing through Messina, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the picturesque Strait of Messina. Check into your hotel in Taormina, with the evening offering free time for dinner at your leisure. Overnight in Taormina. (B)

After a buffet breakfast, embark on an excursion to Mount Etna, the highest active Volcano in Europe. Stop at a local winery on the eastern slopes of Etna and visit a prestigious cellar. In the afternoon return to Taormina where you will have some time at your leisure for shopping or walking through its tiny streets. Consider a visit to the Greek Roman Theatre on your own. Free time for dinner this evening. Overnight in Taormina.(B)

Breakfast is at the hotel, before you are transferred from Taormina to the Catania airport. You will then board a flight to Valletta, the charming capital of Malta, a picturesque Mediterranean island. Upon arrival in Valletta, you will be transferred to your accommodation, situated in St. Paul's Bay or at a comparable 4-star property. Check-into your hotel, followed by a delightful dinner. Overnight in Malta. (B,D)

After enjoying breakfast, embark on a journey to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, renowned for its vibrant distinctive charm, creating an unparalleled backdrop for the local market. The excursion continues with a visit to the Blue Grotto (subject to weather conditions) and the nearby captivating caves. Immerse yourself in the authenticity of one of Malta's unspoiled villages, exploring the main square, in the heart of the village adorned with its parish church and band club. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Dinner is on your own tonight, allowing you to savor the evening at your own pace. Overnight in Malta. (B)

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel. Immerse yourself in the morning charm of Valletta, the culturally rich capital of Malta. Highlights of the tour include a visit to the Upper Barracca Gardens and St. John's Cathedral, which houses a magnificent Caravaggio painting and an intriguing museum. As you stroll down Republic Street, catch glimpses of the Grandmother's Palace before immersing yourself in the Malta Experience-an engaging audiovisual presentation that brings the island's history to life through the centuries. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own pace, with free time for dinner. Overnight in Malta. (B)

Following breakfast, your exploration today unfolds in the central part of Malta, where the medieval fortified city of Mdina, once Malta's capital, takes center stage. Traverse the narrow streets, echoing medieval charm, leading to the immersive bastions. Exiting Mdina through Greeks' Gate, pause at the early Christian catacombs in Rabat before advancing to the breathtaking cliffs at Dingli. Following lunch, a visit to the San Anton Botanical Gardens, adjacent to the Presidential Palace, offers an exterior glimpse of its grandeur. Delve into Malta's artisanal heritage at the crafts center in Ta'Qali. As today's tour concludes, be captivated by the grandeur of Mosta's majestic dome, among the largest in Europe. The evening is yours for a leisurely dinner. Overnight in Malta. (B)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the port or the airport of Valletta onto your next destination. (B)