BEST OF SICILY & MALTA TOUR - 11Nights-12Days

Independent arrival at the hotel in Catania, accommodation, welcome cocktail, dinner at Hotel and overnight.

Drive to Syracuse to visit: the archaeological area; the island of Ortigia, the Cathedral and Fountain of Arethusa

The visit of this archaeological area includes the famous Greek theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Latomie of Paradise and the “Dyionisios Ear”

Continue to the island of Ortigia, the small baroque old city centre of Siracusa; Visit of the beautiful Cathedral, which is built upon the site of the Doric Temple of Minerva, the legendary Arethusa’s Fountain, and the Temple of Apollo.

walking tour of Catania, stroll through the city centre with your professional guide who will charm you with the history of the city and visit the famous fish market “A PISCARIA”, one of the largest fish markets in Sicily. As old as the city itself, it’s a great way to experience the abundant fishing and seafood culture of Sicily, with a very special and authentic atmosphere

We will visit the enchanting historical centre “Ibla”, with its stunning baroque palaces and churches; together with other seven cities in the Val di Noto, Ragusa is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Agrigento, a hillside town famous for its magnificent Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; visit of the Valley, including the Temple of Concordia, which is in almost perfectly preserved condition, the temples of Juno and Heracles.

we’ll proceed to Marsala a city on the western coast famous for its production of sweet Sicilian wine. Arrival at Baglio Donnafranca, a perfectly restored nineteenth-century baglio, which rises in the Marsala countryside, on the hills in front of the Stagnone Reserve and the Egadi Islands. The baglio was a property of Florio. Here we will have the opportunity to visit the cellar and learn all about winemaking. At the end of the tour, we wil enjoy a wine tasting/light dinner at susnset.

Departure to 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.

Departure to 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.

We will continue our visit by walking along Corso Vittorio Emanuele to reach "I Quattro Canti di Città” Piazza Pretoria, Piazza Bellini and we’ll visit the Church of Santa Caterina

Continue to Cefalù, a former fishing village, now a charming coastal town. Enjoy a walk to the city centre and down main street to reach the Arab-Norman Cathedral and the medieval washhouse built in the rock

departure to visit the town of Monreale, situated on a hill at few kms far from Palermo in panoramic position. Visit of the Cathedral, one of the most beautiful monuments in the world with its Moorish architecture, housing very fine mosaics representing a complete cycle of the Old and New Testaments in Arab-Norman style

Proceed to Taormina through the coastal road passing through Messina from where we’ll have the chance to admire the suggestive scenery of the Strait of Messina.

Weather permitting, you can join an optional morning excursion to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. You will reach a height of 1800 metres and enjoy a fantastic panorama over the Ionian Sea (supplement on the spot; the excursion will take place with a minimum of participants). Lunch on your own. Afternoon in Taormina: enjoy time at leisure for shopping or walking through the tiny streets. Possibility to visit the Roman - Greek theatre on your own. Return to the your hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Afternoon in Taormina: enjoy time at leisure for shopping or walking through the tiny streets. Possibility to visit the Roman - Greek theatre on your own.

Breakfast in Hotel. At the appointed time, transfer from Taormina to Catania airport. Flight to Valletta, Capital of Malta, delightful Mediterranean island. Transfer to Hotel located in St Paul’s Bay or similar 4 stars. Arrival in Hotel and accommodation. Dinner in your Hotel and overnight.

The idyllic fishing village of Marsaxlokk with its colourful luzzus and unique character make the unrivalled setting for the local market. Continue the tour with a visit to the Blue Grotto (weather permitting – boat price not included) and the nearby caves. Explore one of Malta’s unspoilt village: the main square, the hub of the village with its parish church and band club. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Dinner in your Hotel.

Continue the tour with a visit to the Blue Grotto (weather permitting – boat price not included) and the nearby caves. Explore one of Malta’s unspoilt village: the main square, the hub of the village with its parish church and band club.

Enjoy a morning tour of Valletta – Malta’s heritage-rich capital. Highlights include the Upper Barracca Gardens and St John’s Cathedral, home to a splendid Caravaggio painting as well as an intriguing Museum. Going down Republic Street you will walk past the Grandmaster’s Palace before watching the Malta Experience, an audiovisual show where Malta history throughout the centuries is brought back to life. Spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure.

Today’s excursion takes us to the central part of Malta, dominated by the medieval fortified city of Mdina, Malta’s former capital city. The narrow streets, dating back to medieval times, lead to the imposing bastions. Leaving Mdina through Greeks’ Gate, we stop at the early Christian catacombs in Rabat before proceeding to the cliffs at Dingli. After lunch we will visit the San Anton botanical gardens situated near the Presidential Palace, which you will be able to admire from outside. We shall also spend time at the crafts centre at Ta’ Qali. At the end of the tour, allow us to astound you with Mosta’s majestic dome, one of Europe’s largest.

The tour ends after breakfast with a transfer to the port or the airport of Valletta.