Sicily and Malta, two islands under the same sun

Day 1 – Arrival in Palermo airport and transfer to hotel for check-in, dinner at leisure.

Day 2 – After breakfast we visit Palermo, a history and art-packed city with its Cathedral and the Palazzo dei Normanni in which the precious Cappella Palatina is found. The art heritage and traditions of Palermo date back to ancient times. Dominated by different and contrasting cultures, the town and the region as a whole were a melting pot of cultures and the famous Cappella Palatina offers finest examples of oriental-style mosaics. In the afternoon we head to Monreale with its impressive Arab-Norman cathedral and an astonishing Benedictine cloister with 228 decorated double columns.

Day 3 – Breakfast and departure to explore the province of Trapani. Erice, founded in the 9th century, is a charming location with beautiful views and has a medieval core which has been preserved intact. From here we enjoy a breathtaking view of Trapani, the Egadi Islands and the inland countryside. While strolling around the city, we will sample its famous marzipan in a local pastry shop. Later we continue to Segesta, with the ancient theatre, the only building enclosed by city walls where historical remains are still visible, and the temple. Then we head to Agrigento for overnight. B&B.

Day 4 – After breakfast, a local guide will take you to discover “The Valley of the Temples” of Agrigento, an archaeological site which is one of the best examples of classic Greek civilization; it has been named a “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO. The most famous temple, the Temple of Concord, is the best-preserved building of the whole Magna Grecia. The trip resumes towards the eastern part of the island, reaching the area of Giardini Naxos-Letojanni-Roccalumera for check in at the hotel. 2 nights on B&B.

Day 5 – Today you head out for Mount Etna, a 3340m high volcano that provides wonderful and fascinating view at all times, particularly in winter with its snow capped crater. The volcano is still active and along the 2000 metre journey you can admire a contrast-filled landscape with lava flows, brooms, chestnut trees, and vineyards. Afterwards in Zafferana Etnea a delicious sampling of honey-based-products is planned. Then you spend the rest of the day in the charming town of Taormina: old town boasts amazingly scenic views, especially from the ancient Theatre, the narrow picturesque streets, elegant boutique and craft shops. Return to the hotel.

Day 6 – Breakfast, check-out and departure for Catania. The old town is one of eastern Sicily’s baroque jewels with the splendid Piazza Duomo and the Via dei Crociferi with its churches and convents. A visit to the fish market (every morning except Sundays) is a must-see. We head to Syracuse, the “finest and largest of all Greek cities” according to Cicero, to admire its splendid Greek theatre and the old town on the island of Ortigia. Not to miss are the Temple of Apollo and the Temple of Athena – the latter converted into a church by eraly christians and today cathedral of Syracuse, where remains of Greek architecture are still clearly visible. Continue to the hotel in the southern part of Sicily. 1 night on B&B.

Day 7 – Early departure (according to ferry schedule) to bid farewell to magical Sicily and say “Hello” to Malta. First step is to visit the capital city – Valletta – which is rich in history and monuments. This excursion will allow you to discover the Upper Barrakka Gardens that dominate the Grand Harbour, St. John’s co-cathedral, the cathedral museum as well as the oratory to view the famous Caravaggio masterpiece. Check-in at the hotel. 3 nights on B&B.

Day 8 – In the morning, departure by coach towards Marfa to take the 30-minute-ferry for Mgarr, the main port of Gozo. You will have thus the occasion to pass by another island of the Maltese archipelago, Comino (1800 metres in length) on which only about ten people live. After arriving in Gozo, we will head for Dwejra Bay, an impressive natural site that includes the Fungus Rock, a huge cylindrical rock isolated at the entrance of the bay, an inland sea that links to the open sea through a natural opening. We will then move onto Rabat to visit its citadel and learn about history and traditions of the island. We then proceed towards Xlendi, one of Gozo’s typical and picturesque fishing villages with a final stop at the Megalithic Temples of Ggantija: an impressive pre-historic monument.

Day 9 – Today our first stop is Medina, the heart of the island, also known as the Silent City. The old capital is a true city-museum, entirely encircled with bastions set on a rocky outcrop, and a maze of alleys lined with patricians residences, baroque churches, convents and palaces. The next stop is the Ta’ Qali crafts village allowing you to see local artisans at work developing typical objects (lace, weaving, silver filigree and blown glass) and where the potters will disclose their secrets. The excursion will continue with a visit to the botanical gardens of San Anton, then to Mosta, with its famous parish church of the Assumption, a neo-classic building whose 67m high dome is one of the biggest in Europe.

Day 10 – After breakfast transfer to Malta Airport.

By Air: The group arrives by air and services usually start at the arrival at the airport. Included ground services like local coach or assistance at the airport will be specified in the section “Description – Tour Includes”
By Coach: The group arrives by coach from the country of origin.

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