Travel Type
Guided Tours
Duration
11 Days/10 Nights
Country
Italy
This journey blends the cultural treasures of Sicily with the Mediterranean charm of Malta. Explore Sicily’s most iconic sites, from the ancient Greek ruins of Syracuse and the Valley of the Temples to the Baroque towns of Noto and Ragusa, the dramatic landscapes of Mount Etna, and the elegant seaside town of Taormina. Discover Palermo and Monreale’s Arab-Norman masterpieces, savor local wines in Marsala, and enjoy authentic Sicilian cuisine throughout. The adventure continues in Malta, where Valletta’s grand palaces, Mdina’s medieval streets, and the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon and Gozo offer the perfect finale to this rich blend of history, culture, and coastal beauty.
Inclusions
Sicily:
– 7-night accommodation in charming 4* hotels (3 nights in Catania, 1 night in Ragusa, 1 night in Agrigento, 2 nights in Palermo)
– 14 meals: 7 buffet breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners
– Tasting of typical Sicilian local products: chocolate tasting in Modica, wine tasting in Marsala, granita and brioche in Catania, and honey tasting in Etna
– Visits and entrances to Syracuse Archeological Park, Syracuse Cathedral, Palazzo Nicolaci, Piazza Armerina, Villa Romana, Valley of the Temples, Monreale Cathedral and Cloister, Cappella Palatina, Martorana Church, Taormina Greek theatre
– Multilingual tour leader and professional travel guide from day 2 – 7 (English, and Italian or Spanish), local guides or audio-guides where necessary (monolingual English departures during high season)
– Transportation by deluxe coach from day 2-7
– Whisper kit for the whole trip (wireless tour guide system)
– Private transfer between Catania airport to the hotel in Catania (day 1) / from Catania hotel to Catania airport (day 8)
– Direct flight from Catania to Malta, including 1 checked bag (20kg)
– Hotel stay tax
Malta:
– 3-night accommodation in a 4* hotel
– 3 breakfasts
– Choice of 1 full day excursion:
*Option 1: Cottonera, Marsaxlokk, Blue Grotta, and Dingli, with private English driver-guide on Day 9
OR
*Option 2: Comino, blue Lagoon, Gozo, and Malta Caves on a boat/motor vehicle on Day 9
– Half day excursion with English private driver-guide in Valetta on Day 10
– Private arrival and departure transfer between Valetta airport and the hotel
– Hotel stay tax
Exclusions
Meals and drinks unless indicated – Gratuities – Optional excursions – Travel insurance – All other items not mentioned in the Inclusions.
1
DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN SICILY – CATANIA
Arrival at Catania airport and meet your driver for your private transfer to your hotel in Catania. Free time to explore the surrounding neighbourhood. Dinner is at leisure and overnight in hotel.
Accommodation : Catania for 1 night
2
DAY 2 SYRACUSE – NOTO
Today, departure for Syracuse to visit the most beautiful and greatest Greek colony in Sicily. The visit will start at the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, with its Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Latomie of Paradise and the Ear of Dionysius. Continuing on, visit of the splendid Ortigia, a small island which is the historical centre of Syracuse. In Ortigia you will admire the beautiful Cathedral which dominates the square with its authoritative presence. The façade is a powerful Sicilian-Baroque composition, but it gives no hint that this building was once a Doric temple! From Piazza Duomo you will reach a wide terrace on the waterfront surrounding the famous Arethusa’s Fountain, one of the most famous fresh-water sources of the Greek world. Free time for lunch before departure for Noto, the capital of Sicilian Baroque, famous for its fine buildings of the early 18th century and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inspired by Baroque ideals of an “open city”, Noto is a rare masterpiece and the clearest example of theatrical tastes in 18th century architecture whose local limestone has been burnt gold by the sun. Noto’s Baroque is a game of elegant curves, floral weaves, perspective views, palaces and gardens, capitals and ornaments that adorn the facades of churches and monasteries. You will have free time for a walk around the town. Transfer to Ragusa for dinner and overnight in hotel.
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation : Ragusa for 1 night
3
DAY 3 RAGUSA IBLA – MODICA – PIAZZA ARMERINA
Today, visit Ragusa Ibla and its historical centre cradle of Sicilian Baroque. Used as a location of the extremely popular ‘Police Inspector Montalbano’ television series, it is today stated among the 44 Italian World Heritage Sites. This little precious ancient town hosts more than 50 churches and many Baroque architectural treasures! You will be fascinated by its Cathedral, situated in the beautiful Dome Square and you will love the “Giardino Ibleo”, the oldest of the four main gardens in Ragusa; At 383m above sea level, from this beautiful garden you can admire a spectacular panorama! The tour continues towards Modica home of innumerable Baroque architectural treasures and for this reason listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking along the tiny streets of this charming town, you will stop to visit ‘Sabadì’, one of the most renowned chocolate manufacturers whose chocolate has been awarded as the best Modica chocolate in the last 9 years! You will enjoy a multisensorial chocolate tasting discovering the authentic Sicilian perfumes. The local “nepitella” (wild mint), orange blossom honey, raw PGI-quality Sicilian lemons and PGI-quality Sicilian red oranges are just some of the many flavours you can taste! Then, lunch break in a local restaurant. The day continues to the charming Piazza Armerina to visit the famous Villa Romana del Casale, UNESCO World Heritage Site, to admire the splendid polychrome mosaics. This majestic villa, belonging to a member of the Roman Senatorial aristocracy, hosts prestigious mosaics representing mythological and historical events and scenes of hunting and entertainment. You will love it! Departure to Agrigento for dinner and overnight in hotel.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Agrigento for 1 night
4
DAY 4 AGRIGENTO – MARSALA – SALT ROAD
This morning the tour continues in Agrigento visiting the famous Valley of the Temples listed as a World Heritage Site. As one of the most prosperous of the ancient Greek cities on the island, Agrigento presents a remarkable series of Doric temples of the 5th century. Among hundreds of almond trees, you will admire the rests of the ancient “Akragas” (ancient Greek city-state). You will see the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Concordia, and the Temple of Heracles. Next, visit the charming and well-known town of Marsala, where Garibaldi went ashore in May 1860. You will walk through the streets of the city centre where you can overlook ancient noble palaces, monuments and impressive Baroque churches. After, you will receive an exclusive guided tour inside the historic Florio Cellars. The visit starts in front of the majestic giant vats, built at the end of the 19th century and still used for the refinement of Marsala wine, and see inside the 3 fascinating barrel chambers. After a thirty-minute tour through the barrel vaults, you will reach the avant garde tasting rooms named Donna Franca and Duca Enrico. Enjoy a delicious light lunch and a memorable wine tasting experience! The tour will continue to the popular Salt Road: here the salt marshes have given rise to one of the oldest salt-extracting industries in the world! Between Trapani and Marsala, the Salt Road is now protected for its interesting birdlife, and as an important site of industrial archaeology. At the end of the day, transfer to the hotel in Palermo, dinner at leisure and overnight.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : Palermo for 2 nights
5
DAY 5 MONREALE – PALERMO
After breakfast at the hotel, the morning will be spent visiting Monreale, its huge Norman Cathedral, proclaimed the Eighth Wonder of the World, and its splendid Cloister in Arab-Norman style: admirable masterpiece of art, sculpture, and semiprecious stones marquetry. Later, you will discover stunning Palermo, one of the richest towns in the island for its history and art. Palermo stands on a bay dominated by Mount Pellegrino. While Baroque architecture predominates the city, there is a profusion of different architectural styles reflecting the city’s multicultural past. Visit of the wonderfully eclectic Cathedral, the astonishing Martorana Church and the amazing Cappella Palatina, a admirable example from an historical and artistic point of view, and proof of how different cultures and religions co-existed. During the day, you will stop to enjoy a typical lunch of local food. Along today’s journey, you will admire the famous Teatro Massimo and the fountain in Pretoria Square, adorned with 16th century sculptures. Dinner is on your own and overnight in hotel.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
6
DAY 6 CEFALÙ – CATANIA
After breakfast, transfer to Cefalù, a charming Medieval town situated at the northern coast of Sicily. Visit its stunning Norman dome, enjoy free time to stroll through the town or to visit the famous and well-known Mandralisca Museum. Lunch will be in a local famous restaurant. Upon arrival in Catania, visit the city’s historical centre, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its original Baroque style and its unique streets built with black lava stone. The colour scheme of the city centre’s buildings is black and dark grey, relieved with white limestone details around doors and windows. The effect is extremely elegant! You will have a walking tour that will start from the scenic Duomo Square with its magnificent Cathedral and the famous “Liotru” statue, an antique lava-stone elephant, and symbol of the city. Not far from here is University Square and you will walk along the splendidly Baroque Via dei Crociferi, the most characteristic 18th century street in Catania, and admire the famous S. Benedict Monastery, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continuing the visit, enjoy a break in a historical bar in the city centre to taste the typical granita and brioche. Dinner is at leisure, and overnight at the hotel.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : Catania for 2 nights
7
DAY 7 MOUNT ETNA – TAORMINA
This morning, after a short visit to the famous “pescheria” (the ancient fish market) in Catania, the tour will continue with an excursion to the Mount Etna, the highest volcano (approx. 3350m) in Europe and one of the largest and most active in the world, and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its regional park protects 59,000 hectares of unique geology, flora and fauna, villages and farms, and traditional methods of forestry, beekeeping, wine manufacturing, stonework and carpentry. Views of stunning landscapes will amaze you as you hear to Rifugio Sapienza. You will reach the “Crateri Silvestri”, small volcanic cones, now inactive, surrounded by ancient lava flows. The view beyond the mountain’s hundreds of subsidiary cones and craters can extend across the whole of Sicily, the Aeolian islands and Calabria. The spectacle is unique! You will have the chance to enjoy the local homemade honey and some typical products of the area. The tour continues towards Taormina, where you will have lunch in a lovely restaurant in the historic centre of the city. Taormina is a charming town renowned for its magnificent position above the sea, commanding a spectacular view of Etna. Visit Taormina’s fascinating Greek theatre, which will leave you breathless for its commanding view on Giardini Naxos Bay and the Etna Mountain! Free time for a nice walk among the typical narrow, picturesque Medieval streets, shopping, and exploring local handicrafts. Back in Catania at the end of the day for dinner at leisure and overnight at the hotel.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
8
DAY 8 FLIGHT FROM CATANIA TO MALTA
After breakfast, you will have free time to discover the city centre of Catania. According to flight schedule, take your private transfer to the airport for your direct flight to Malta. The tour continues now without the tour leader. Arrive at Valetta airport and meet your driver for your private transfer to the hotel. Dinner is at leisure and overnight.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Malta for 3 nights
9
DAY 9 CHOICE OF 1 FULL DAY EXCURSION
Today, you will have the option of 1 full day excursion with private driver and guide to discover the beauty of this magical Island. After your excursion, return to your hotel to overnight.
Option 1: Cottonera – Marsaxlokk – Blue Grotto – Dingli
Drive to Cottonera, also called “The Three Cities”: the three fortified cities of Senglea, Vittoriosa, and Cospicua. Afterwards, you will visit the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk, whose waterfront is decorated with traditional colorful fishing boats called “luzzi”. Free time to stroll along the streets of the city centre and browse the stalls of the famous local market. Continuing on, you will visit the town of Wied iz-Zurrieq where you will embark on a sea excursion towards the famous Blue Grotto, a beautiful and picturesque natural cave that reflects the fluorescent colors of the underwater flora. Your tour will continue on board of a private vehicle in the direction of Dingli, through the Maltese countryside.
Option 2: Comino – Blue Lagoon - Gozo – Malta Caves by boat / motor vessel
After breakfast, a private driver will pick you up for a full day excursion in the Maltese archipelago. You will be accompanied to Bugibba, where you will board on a comfortable boat for a fantastic mini cruise. Sail along the northern Maltese coast to the island of Comino. You will stop at the famous Blue Lagoon for about an hour, where you will have time to take some pictures, sunbathe and have a swim in the turquoise waters of the bay or, if you prefer, you can relax in the bar of the boat, equipped with drinks and snacks. Afterwards, head to Gozo for a visit of about 3 hours, discovering the most charming places of the island: Ta ’Pinu, Dwejra, and Gozo’s capital, Victoria, with its historic market square and the Cittadella St. Georges. At the end of the tour, you will return on board to circumnavigate Comino and visit the famous caves. Return to Bugibba at late afternoon.
Meals : Breakfast
10
DAY 10 VALLETTA – MDINA
After breakfast, your guide will lead you through a half day excursion to discover the treasures of the charming capital Valletta. You will visit the wonderful Casa Rocca Piccola, a 16th century palace that belonged to the Maltese nobility and is today still the private residence of the Marquis De Piro; proceeding on you will visit the Cathedral of St. John where you will admire Caravaggio’s beautiful masterpiece, “Beheading of St. John the Baptist”, as well as the Barraca Gardens from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the picturesque port of Valletta. Later, visit the Grand Master’s Palace, nowadays the seat of the Maltese Parliament. Your tour continues to Mdina, the former capital of Malta. You will visit the Cathedral of St. Paul and afterwards have free time to walk along its lovely streets and discover splendid view from the city’s viewpoint. After the visit, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Meals : Breakfast
11
DAY 11 DEPARTURE FROM MALTA
After breakfast at the hotel, check-out and take your private transfer to Valetta airport for your return flight home.
Meals : Breakfast
| Rates in CA$, per person, starting from, | |||
| Departures 2026 Every Saturday | Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy | |
| March 7 – November 14 | 4360 | 6590 | |
| Supplement | |||
| Pre-night in Catania | 195 per person, in double occupancy | ||
Produit Code: D
**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.
*** PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS. ***
Sicily and Malta – Detailed Itinerary
Sicily and Malta – Detailed Itinerary
