The Best of Sicily & Malta - 11 Day Group Tour

The Best of Sicily & Malta - 11 Day Group Tour 

You will know two nearby Islands, similar in some part , but full of contrast and different cultures .During the tour you will discover Baroque cities, Ancient greek's ruins, Megalithic temples, Ancient Churches and masterpieces of art..without forgetting the local lifestyle, local cuisine  and outstanding views.

The tour starts in Sicily, The Sicilian days will lead to discover several Unesco heritage Sites, charming ancient town, where time seems to have stopped. The whole tour is enriched by different food and wine experiences, to learn about the specialties and culinary excellence of these two islands.

The transfer from Sicily to Malta takes place by plane, in just 30 minutes. The tour continues in Malta, the small island in the center of the Mediterranean, a crossroads of different cultures, and traditions through the centuries, enriched by its colonial past as part of the British Empire

The tour is by bus and in a group for the Sicilian part, while it takes place privately in Malta.

Minimum 1 participant

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Itinerary

Day 1 - Catania,Arrival 

Arrival by own means at the hotel in the charming city of Catania (private transfer available on request). In the late afternoon, meeting with our guide, dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 - Siracusa, Noto 

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Syracuse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to visit the largest and most powerful Greek colony in Sicily: the Archaeological Park of Neapolis within which there are the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater and the Latomie del Paradiso as well as the evocative Ear of Dionysus. We will continue

our visit to the historic center of Ortigia, where you will be enchanted by the harmony of the buildings in Piazza Duomo, first of all the Cathedral whose facade, a splendid example of Sicilian Baroque, hides the columns of what was once a sacred temple in Doric style. Walking along the delightful alleys of the center we will arrive near the port, where the famous Arethusa spring, of mythological memory, is located. Free lunch. In the early afternoon we will move towards Noto, the capital of the Sicilian Baroque called "garden of stone ", full of splendid buildings and declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. Inspired by the ideal of" open city ", it is a rare masterpiece that is the clearest example of the theatrical tastes of architecture

We will walk through the streets of the center to admire the skill and genius of the local workers. The Baroque of Noto is in fact a game of elegant curves, floral intertwining, perspective views, palaces and gardens, capitals and putti that decorate the facades of churches and monasteries. Visit of Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata, a wonderful noble residence in pure Baroque style, once the home of Don Giacomo Nicolaci, a man of great culture. Free time for a walk. Transfer to Ragusa with dinner at Hotel  and overnight

Day 3 - Ragusa, Modica, Piazza Armerina, Agrigento 

After breakfast at the hotel we will continue to Ragusa Ibla, cradle of the late Sicilian Baroque with its beautiful churches and the Ibleo garden. Ragusa is now included among the 44 Italian sites indicated by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. This marvelous ancient city has over fifty churches and numerous Baroque-style buildings. Afterwards we will stop in Modica, a treasure trove of countless treasures of Baroque architecture, also declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. During the visit, we will stop in one of the most renowned chocolatiers of the Iblean town, Sabadì, whose chocolate in the last 9 years has received international recognition. Continuing you will be fascinated by the visit to the seventeenth-century Palazzo Castro Polara Grimaldi, with a spectacular view on the city! ì

 The unchanged appearance of the house, the original furnishings and the collections preserve the memory of the families who lived here, telling a "glimpse" of the life of the Modican nobility. You will return to the present among the coolness of the Orti di San Giorgio, seven gardens suspended between light and beauty. Tasting the typical local dishes you can enjoy the panorama that opens up in front of you.

We will then continue towards Piazza Armerina and the afternoon will be dedicated to visiting the splendid Villa Romana del Casale, from the late imperial era and a Unesco World Heritage Site. Majestic villa which perhaps belonged to an exponent of the Roman senatorial aristocracy, has a monumental entrance and an incomparable mosaic extension with hunting and entertainment scenes and episodes related to mythology and daily life. Transfer to the hotel in Agrigento, dinner and overnight stay

Day 4 - Agrigento, Marsala, Saltpans 

Our tour begins today with a visit to the famous Valley of the Temples declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where among the almond trees there are the remains of the ancient Akragas, defined by Pindar as "the most beautiful city built by mortals". You can admire the temple of Juno, that of Concordia and the temple of Hercules. A journey through mythology, history and nature ... Leaving Agrigento we will move to discover the delightful town of Marsala, in whose port Garibaldi landed in May 1860. Marsala is a Mediterranean and modern city, which is divided between sea and land, characterized by colors tuff yellow, sea blue, sunset red, salt white and vineyard green. We will walk through the streets of the center where they overlook ancient noble palaces, monuments and imposing churches in the Baroque style. We will continue with a guided tour inside the historic Florio Cellars, a journey that begins in front of the majestic giant vats, built at the end of the 19th century and still used for the refining of Marsala, and continues inside the 3 fascinating barrel rooms, . After a tour through the barrel cellars, where the ancient tufa beaten floor has been restored, we enter the avant-garde tasting rooms where we will stop for lunch and tasting of local wines. Then we will move along the famous Via del Sale to admire the islands of the Stagnone and the salt pans ... a lagoon that is also a nature reserve. The low and warm bottoms are home to many species of fish, molluscs and crustaceans and a very rich aquatic vegetation. 

Even today, the Saline represent one of the oldest salt extraction industries in the world! In the evening  dinner and overnight stay in Palermo.

Day 5 - Palermo,Monreale 

After breakfast at the hotel, the morning is dedicated to the discovery of Monreale where we will visit the imposing Arab-Norman Cathedral defined as the eighth wonder of the world and the splendid Cloister, admirable masterpiece of art, sculpture and inlay of semi-precious stones! Continue to Palermo.  In Palermo, more than anywhere else in Sicily, the historical periods revealed by the different architectural styles overlap. Its millenary history has given it an artistic and architectural heritage that ranges from the remains of the Punic walls to reach Art Nouveau villas, noble palaces and seventeenth-century squares, to churches baroque and neoclassical theaters. 

Palermo preserves monuments of the Arab-Norman period including the beautiful Cathedral, the Martorana Church, one of the most fascinating Byzantine churches of the Middle Ages in Italy and the Palatine Chapel, the highest example from the historical-artistic point of view , of the coexistence between cultures, religions and apparently irreconcilable ways of thinking, since Byzantine, Muslim and Latin workers were involved in the wise management of the power of Ruggiero II. Along the way there will be a gastronomic surprise at a historic focacceria. Free lunch to follow. Then you will be able to admire the splendid Teatro Massimo and the controversial Fountain in Piazza Pretoria, adorned with sixteenth-century sculptures and located on the edge of the ancient Kalsa district. Dinner and overnight at the hotel

Day 6 - Cefalu', Catania

After breakfast, departure in the direction of Cefalù, a charming seaside village with a medieval appearance overlooking the Mediterranean and embellished by the Norman-era Cathedral. Walk along the streets of the center and possibility, for those who wish, to visit the famous Mandralisca Museum. The tour will continue to Catania where, after a break of free time for lunch, we will dedicate ourselves to visiting the historic center of the city and its Baroque, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. There are countless hidden treasures of this fascinating city whose late Baroque architecture is made unique by the use of lava stone.

We will cross the scenic Piazza del Duomo with the splendid Cathedral and the lava stone Elephant (symbol of the city) and continue to Piazza Università. Strolling through the streets of the center we will visit the beautiful Via dei Crociferi, the baroque heart of the city where the Monastery of S. Benedetto is located, made known by Verga's novel “History of a Blackcap”. Stop in a bar in the historic center to taste the typical granita with brioche. Hotel accommodation, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7 - Etna, Taormina

After breakfast at the hotel, we will make a quick visit to the historic "pescheria" (ancient fish market) before setting out to discover Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe (3,350 meters) and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 'Humanity. 

 Today vineyards, olive groves, pistachio groves, hazelnut groves and orchards surround the volcano, testifying to a widespread agricultural vocation of the territory characterized by the presence of local varieties. The first glimpses of interesting landscapes can be seen arriving at the Sapienza Refuge. From there we will reach the Silvestri Craters, volcanic cones dating back to 1888 now inactive, surrounded by more recent lava flows. The panorama that can be enjoyed through the multitude of craters is a truly unique sight! During the morning we will have the opportunity to taste the delicious local artisan honey and various typical products of the area. Continue to Taormina, famous for its natural landscape, marine beauties, its historical monuments and its unforgettable sea view with a privileged view of Etna! 

Followed by a visit to the fascinating Greek-Roman theater from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Naxos. Free time to stroll along the delightful medieval alleys of the center and go shopping taking advantage of the countless shops that offer the best handicraft products of the whole island (lace and laces, ceramics, coral jewelry and splendid lava stone workings, perfumes, sweets and much more ...). 

The day will end with an overview of the splendid Riviera dei Ciclopi. Return to the hotel in Catania. Dinner and overnight..

Day 8 - Catania, Valletta 

After breakfast, free time in the historic center of the city of Catania. Depending on the flight schedule, private transfer to the airport and direct flight to the island of Malta. The tour now continues without a tour leader. Arrival in Malta and private transfer to the hotel. Free dinner and overnight stay

Day 9 - Valletta, Mdina 

After breakfast at the hotel, the day includes a 6 hour guided tour of the capital Valletta. We will visit the splendid Casa Rocca Piccola, an ancient 16th century palace that belonged to the Maltese nobility and still today the private residence of the Marquis De Piro; to follow the Cathedral of St. John where it will be possible to admire the splendid "Beheading of St. John the Baptist", a masterpiece by Caravaggio and continuing the Barraca Gardens from where it is possible to enjoy a breathtaking view of the picturesque port of Valletta.

Continuing, you will arrive at the Palazzo del Grande Maestro, now the seat of the Maltese Parliament. The tour continues to Mdina, the ancient capital of Malta to admire the Cathedral of St. Paul and have free time to stroll along its delightful streets and discover its belvedere from which to enjoy a splendid panorama. At the end of the visit, transfer to your hotel. Free afternoon. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 10 - Three Cities, Marsaxlokk, Blue Grotto, Megalithic Temples, Dingli Cliffs

Today the tour includes a full day excursion with a private driver and guide to discover the beauties of this magical island! We will start with Cottonera also called The Three Cities: the set of fortified cities of Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua. Following visit to the charming fishing village Marsaxlokk whose promenade is decorated with traditional colorful fishing boats called "luzzi". Free time to stroll along the streets of the center and browse the stalls of the famous local market.

visit of the town of Wied iz-Zurrieq and sea excursion in the direction of the famous Blue Grotto, the splendid and picturesque natural cave, whose surrounding system of caves reflects the fluorescent colors of the underwater flora. The tour will continue aboard a private vehicle towards Dingli through the Maltese countryside. Return to the hotel and overnight.

Day 11 - Valletta,Departure

After breakfast at the hotel, check-out and end of our services. Possibility to extend your staying with extra nights in Malta

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• 10  nights in double / twin rooms at 4-star hotels
  

• Direct flight Catania-Malta with 23kg baggage included

• Experienced English-speaking driver and guide throughout tour.

• Local Guides where necessary in Sicily

• Local Guide during the two guided tours in Malta 

• Visit of the most evocative Unesco sites: Syracuse, Noto, Ragusa, Modica, Piazza Armerina, Agrigento, Monreale, Palermo, Cefalù,Catania historic center, Etna

• 10 Breakfasts.

• 6 Lunches ( 5 in Sicily , 1 in Malta ) 

• 3 Dinners  ( 2 in Sicily , 1 in Malta )

•  Tasting of typical products: Modica (3rd day): visit of the renowned Sabadì chocolate shop with tasting; Marsala (4th day): visit of the historic Florio wine cellars and wine tasting; Palermo (5th day): gastronomic surprise with tasting of local street food; Catania (6th day): Sicilian granita with brioche; Etna (7th day) honey tasting and typical products of the Etna area

• Modern and comfortable deluxe  bus throughout tour.in Sicily 

• Private transfer Catania Hotel - Airport 

• Private Transfer Valletta Airport - Hotel 

• Private Transportation in Malta 

Not Included : 

Entrance fees.

Tipping.

Arrival and departure airport transfers.

Other meals, snacks and drinks.

Pre and post tour accommodation.

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Notes: 

Possibility to extend the tour with pre and post night

Guaranteed departures

The tour is suitable for couples, seniors. ,solo travelers