Old World Sicily & Malta

What's Included

• Accommodation

  Enjoy a comfortable stay at Land's End Boutique Hotel in Sliema, Poggio del Sole Hotel in the Ragusa Countryside, and NH Collection in Ragusa, offering a blend of modern amenities and local charm throughout your journey.

• Transport

  Travel between Malta and Sicily via ferry, and explore the scenic landscapes of Sicily with convenient bus transfers, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey across these beautiful Mediterranean islands.

• Meals

  Enjoy a welcome dinner in Sliema and a Sicilian dinner accompanied by local musicians in Taormina.

• Guided Tours

  Explore Valletta, Ragusa-Ibla, and Taormina with local expert guides.

• Cultural Experiences

  Delve into Maltese culture during a tour of a traditional limestone village and visit a family-owned organic herb farm in Sicily.

• Mount Etna Excursion

  Ascend the sides of Mount Etna in off-road vehicles, experiencing Europe's largest active volcano.

What's Not Included

• Optional Tours

  Optional tours such as the full-day exploration of the Isle of Gozo and the tour to Mdina are not included and require additional booking.
  
  

• Personal Expenses

  Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
  
  

• Travel Insurance

  Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
  
  

• Flights

  International flights to and from the starting and ending locations of the tour are not included.
  
  

Experiences

Soak up the island ambiance of Malta with a 4-night stay in Sliema.Delve into Maltese culture during a tour of a traditional limestone village.Ascend the sides of Mount Etna (UNESCO) in off-road vehicles.

Options

Malta: A Day in Gozo Island Embark on a full-day exploration of the isle of Gozo, the second largest island of the Maltese archipelago. A short ferry ride takes you to across to Malta’s greener neighbor, home to the Ggantija temple complex (UNESCO), which is older than Stonehenge. Uncover this UNESCO site with a local expert and learn about Gozo’s 7,000 years of history. Pause for lunch at a local restaurant before enjoying a panoramic drive highlighting the many captivating legends of Gozo. Discover for yourself why the great epic poet Homer identified Gozo as the home of the nymph Calypso who kept Ulysses captive here for seven years. Duration approximately 9 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.

This option must be booked at least 30 days prior to departure. The ferry boat ride is 20-25 minutes each way and is dependent on weather and sea conditions.


Malta: Mdina, the Silent City Spend your morning in Mdina, the Silent City. Your tour begins with an exploration of the site that is traditionally identified with Saint Paul’s Grotto, where legend holds that this is where Paul the Apostle stayed when he arrived on the island in 60 CE. Then, set off on foot through the narrow, winding streets of Mdina for an intimate look at Malta’s ancient capital, absconded in the countryside and protected for centuries before the arrival of the Knights of Malta. Duration approximately 4 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.

St. Paul's Grotto can only be reached via a steep staircase and may be unsuitable for travelers with claustrophobia.


Sicily: Sicily's Baroque Valley:Scicli & Modica with lunch Journey to Sicily’s Baroque Valley, known for its ornate historic architecture. Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites in Scicli and Modica. The town of Scicli dates back to the 3rd century BC, home to a number of centuries-old churches. Visit a local farm for brunch to learn about two local specialties: ricotta cheese and sausage. The hilly city of Modica, dating back to the 2nd century BC, is renowned for its baroque architecture and breathtakingly detailed facades. Taste Modica’s historically rooted artisanal chocolate, based on flavorful Aztec recipes of millennia ago. This tour will immerse you in the alluring culture and history of the Baroque Valley. Duration approximately 8 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 8 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.

Culinaries

Explore the flavors of Maltese cuisine during a family-style dinner at a local band club.Pause for a Sicilian cappuccino and pastry breakfast at a local “bar.”Visit a family-owned organic herb farm and enjoy a lunch flavored with delicious aromatic plants.

Must See

Explore Valletta (UNESCO), the capital of the Knights of Malta, a city “built by gentlemen for gentlemen.”Pass by Baroque architecture and wrought iron balconies on a winding walking tour of Ragusa (UNESCO).Spend three nights in Taormina (UNESCO) and explore its iconic Greek theater.

Choice Highlights

Malta One of the smallest countries in Europe, Malta is a collection of a set of islands located to the south of Sicily. Home to various types of inhabitants since 5,000 BC, this coastal paradise preserves endless layers of history. Today, you can explore this intriguing past as well as soak up the sunshine on this relaxing Mediterranean getaway.

Grand Harbour Cruise

Valletta Valletta is the capital of Malta. This fortified city is home to the picturesque Barrakka Gardens. Overlooking the harbor, the gardens feature a charming blend of natural beauty and terraced arches.

Impact Moment

Ferry to Sicily

Aromatic Herb Farm

Ragusa-Ibla

Siracusa Once the most important Greek city-state in the empire, Siracusa was a city filled with great monuments and temples. Today the best preserved Greek site is the theatre which is carved out of local stone. Nearby are the ancient quarries and a cave called the Orecchio di Dionisio (Ear of Dyonisis). Additional remnants of the ancient Greek city can be seen on the Island of Ortygia. On Ortygia, guests can see parts of the Temple of Appolo and the beautiful Church of Santa Lucia, which is constructed using ancient Temple columns.

Choice on Tour

Taormina’s Greek Theatre

Mount Etna Off-Road Excursion See Sicily’s wilder side on an off-road adventure to Mount Etna. Stare up at the iconic peak as your vehicle climbs along the sides of Europe’s largest active volcano.

Mode of Transport

Travel between Malta and Sicily via ferry, and explore the scenic landscapes of Sicily with convenient bus transfers, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey across these beautiful Mediterranean islands.