Old World Sicily & Malta

- From $5,499.00 CAD

Explore Sicily and Malta – two island paradises nestled amongst the deep blue waves of the Mediterranean. Engage with Malta’s dynamic past on a leisurely 4-night stay. Explore Siracusa’s archeological heritage (UNESCO) with a guide. Spend three nights in coastal Taormina, and visit the town, perched above the Ionian Sea. See Mount Etna from a different perspective on an off-road excursion. Discover how ancient traditions blend into modern society as you travel along timeless Italian and Maltese towns.

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

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).
Explore Taormina's iconic Greek theater (UNESCO).

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

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.

CULTURAL 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.

HOTELS

INCLUDED

Stay:

12 Days
11 Nights

Meals:

10 Breakfasts
1 Lunch
4 Dinners

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

Itinerary

Overnight Flight

You’re on your way to Malta and Sicily – legendary isles nestled amongst the deep blue waves of the Mediterranean. Discover how ancient traditions blend into modern society as you travel along timeless Italian and Maltese towns.

Accommodation: The Waterfront Hotel
Sliema, Malta - Tour Begins

Start your journey with a 4-night stay in Sliema, a welcoming Maltese resort town with a lively waterfront promenade. Stretch your legs and take in views of Marsamxett Harbour and Manoel Island. Uncover Malta’s deeply rooted heritage, teeming with mysterious prehistoric temples and Renaissance architectural masterpieces. This evening, get to know your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner.

Meal included: Dinner
Accommodation: The Waterfront Hotel
Sliema - Valletta - Sliema

Begin your adventure with a panoramic sailing of Valletta’s (UNESCO) Grand Harbour aboard traditional Dghajsa boats* before exploring the Maltese capital during a walking tour led by a local expert. View the skyline of the Three Cities from the Upper Barrakka Gardens and take in the elegant profile of the Grand Master’s Palace. Then, enjoy some time to explore on your own. This afternoon, visit the private home of a modern-day Knight of Malta before hopping on the local ferry* back to Sliema for an evening at leisure.

Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Waterfront Hotel
Sliema

The entire day is yours. With free time, you might choose to relax in Sliema or venture back to Valletta for a visit to Caravaggio’s masterpiece housed in Saint John’s Co-Cathedral. Or join an optional full day exploration of the Isle of Gozo,* the second largest island of the Maltese archipelago and home to the Ggantija temple complex (UNESCO), which is older than Stonehenge.

Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Villa Carlotta
Sliema - Maltese Village Experience

Enjoy a morning at leisure. Perhaps you’ll join a half-day optional tour to Mdina – the “Silent City” and Malta’s ancient capital. This afternoon, immerse yourself in Maltese traditions as you board a retro bus for a village where daily life and customs remain unchanged. Experience an Impact Moment as you are hosted for dinner at a local band club. Band clubs have a special place in the community. A source of intense pride and with a solid place in Maltese social culture, the band club's premises are an ideal meeting point for locals to exchange gossip, play a game of pool or engage in village festa activities.

Meal included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Villa Carlotta
Sliema - Ferry to Sicily - Ragusa Countryside, Italy

Early this morning, grab your bags** and hop on a ferry*** to Sicily. Pause in the seaside town of Pozzallo for a Sicilian breakfast. As in most of Italy, breakfast in Sicily is a simple but tasty affair, traditionally consisting of a pastry and cappuccino. Continue your culinary exploration of the Sicilian countryside with a visit to a family-owned herb farm to learn about their production of organic aromatic plants. Then, during lunch, enjoy dishes enlivened with herbs grown on the farm. A delightful way to experience the region’s unique and delicious flavors. This afternoon, settle into your hotel for a leisurely 3-night stay in the Ragusa countryside.

Meal included: Breakfast, Dinner & Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Villa Carlotta
Ragusa Countryside - Ragusa-Ibla - Ragusa Countryside

Make your way to Ragusa-Ibla (UNESCO), a time-worn city perched upon a hill. Meander through its late-Baroque neighborhood with an expert guide, passing by winding lanes, cobblestone streets, and wrought iron balconies. Make the most of a free afternoon to explore on your own. As the sun sets, retreat to your countryside resort just outside the city or linger in town for a dinner on own.

Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Delta by Marriott
Ragusa Countryside

The day is yours to do as you please. With free time, you might choose to relax in the countryside and enjoy the resort’s amenities. Or, perhaps you will join an optional tour to the picture-perfect towns of Scicli and Modica (UNESCO), where you’ll enjoy a savory brunch featuring fresh ricotta at a countryside restaurant before venturing to an Aztec chocolate shop for some sweet samples.

Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Delta by Marriott
Ragusa Countryside - Siracusa - Giardini Naxos

Take in the rugged landscape of South-Eastern Sicily en route to Siracusa (UNESCO). Then, it’s your choice! Discover the expansive ruins of Neapolis, the ancient Greek colony established 27 centuries ago -OR- explore the storied streets of Ortigia and find out more about its local culture and tradions. This afternoon, relax during a bus transfer to Sicily's Ionian Coast, where you will check into your hotel for a three-night stay.

Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Delta by Marriott
Giardini Naxos - Taormina - Giardini Naxos

Discover Taormina with a local guide, leading you to the city’s Duomo and the well-preserved Greek theater. Walk in the footsteps of ancient attendees and take in an unparalleled viewpoint of the adjacent ocean. Spend the free afternoon on your own in this charming resort town, perched high above the Mediterranean Sea. Perhaps you’ll grab a bite to eat at a sidewalk café, or peruse the local boutiques for handcrafted souvenirs.

Meal included: Breakfast
Giardini Naxos - Mount Etna - Giardini Naxos

See Sicily’s wilder side on an off-road adventure to Mount Etna (UNESCO). Stare up at the iconic peak as your vehicle climbs along the sides of Europe’s largest active volcano. Spend the day exploring this legendary giant, passing by lava formations and basalt rocks. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers as you recount memories of the Mediterranean islands accompanied by Sicilian food at dinner, surrounded by local musicians.

Meal included: Breakfast & Dinner
Giardini Naxos - Tour Ends

Say goodbye to Sicily and the Mediterranean as your tour comes to a close today.

Meal included: Breakfast