Sicily & Malta Tour - Gold Package

Transfer on arrival to the hotel from Catania airport. Dinner at leisure and overnight at Il Principe Hotel 4* or similar.

Breakfast at the hotel before setting off for Syracuse, one of Sicily’s most fascinating cities. Explore the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, home to the impressive Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, Latomie of Paradise and Ear of Dionysius. Continue to the historic island of Ortigia, with its beautiful Piazza Duomo, Cathedral and Fountain of Arethusa. Lunch at leisure. In the afternoon, head to Noto, a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque, with free time to explore its elegant historic centre. Transfer to Ragusa for dinner and overnight at the Mediterraneo Palace Hotel 4* or similar (B,D)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Modica, one of the jewels of the Baroque Val di Noto, known for its elegant churches, historic palaces and picturesque hillside streets. A special stop at the renowned Sabadì chocolate shop offers the chance to taste its award-winning I.G.P. Modica chocolate. Lunch at a traditional local restaurant. The afternoon continues in Piazza Armerina, home to the extraordinary Villa Romana del Casale, famous for its remarkable Roman mosaics. Continue to Agrigento for dinner and overnight at Baia di Ulisse Wellness & SPA 4*, Hotel Kaos 4* or similar. (B,L,D)

Breakfast at the hotel, then continue to the spectacular Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, where the Temples of Juno, Concordia and Hercules stand as reminders of ancient Akragas. Later, travel to Marsala, known for its wine and charming historic centre. Visit the historic Florio Cellars, including the impressive wine cellars, followed by a light lunch accompanied by local wines. In the afternoon, follow the scenic Salt Road, with views of the Stagnone Islands and ancient salt pans. Transfer to Palermo, dinner at leisure and overnight at Mercure Palermo Centro 4* , Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal Hotel 4* or similar. (B,L)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before heading to Monreale and its magnificent Arab-Norman Cathedral, renowned for its dazzling Byzantine mosaics, together with the beautiful Cloister. Continue to Palermo, a city shaped by centuries of different cultures and architectural styles. Visit Palermo Cathedral, the Martorana Church and the Cappella Palatina, famous for its spectacular golden mosaics. Enjoy lunch with local products, then explore the historic centre on foot, taking in Teatro Massimo and Piazza Pretoria with its remarkable Renaissance fountain. Dinner at leisure and overnight at Mercure Palermo Centro 4*, Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal Hotel 4* or similar. (B,L)

After breakfast, leave for Cefalù, a charming seaside town dominated by its magnificent Norman Cathedral. Enjoy some free time to wander through the cobbled streets or visit the Mandralisca Museum. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, continue to Catania, where the city’s distinctive late-Baroque architecture is built around the dark lava stone of Mount Etna. Discover Piazza Duomo, the Cathedral of Sant’Agata and the famous Elephant statue, then walk along Via dei Crociferi, the heart of Catania’s Baroque district, passing the Monastery of San Benedetto. Dinner at leisure and overnight at Il Principe Hotel 4* or similar. (B,L)

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a brief visit to Catania’s lively fish market, the “Pescheria.” Then, depart for an excursion to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano (3,350 m). Its dramatic lunar landscape offers stunning views and a memorable experience. The Etna Park, covers 59.000 hectares and is home to extremely varied and rich flora, along with many protected species. At Rifugio Sapienza, visit the “Crateri Silvestri,” two ancient craters inactive since 1888. During the visit, sample artisanal honey and other local products. Next, continue to Taormina, renowned for its natural beauty and historic charm. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant in the old town, savouring regional specialties. Explore the magnificent Greco-Roman Theatre, boasting spectacular views of the sea and Mount Etna. Take free time to stroll Taormina’s picturesque streets, browse local craft shops, or simply relax and soak in the town’s unique atmosphere. Return to Catania for dinner at leisure and overnight at Il Principe Hotel 4* or similar. (B, L)

After breakfast, free time to discover the city centre of Catania. According to flights’ schedule, private transfer to the airport and direct flight to Malta. The tour continues now without the tour leader. Arrive to Malta and private transfer to the hotel. Dinner at leisure and overnight at the Hotel Argento St Julians 4* or similar. (B)

Today: 2 tour options. Option 1: Breakfast at the hotel. Full day excursion with driver and guide to discover the beauty of this magical island. Start with Cottonera and visit the fishing village of Marsaxlokk. Free time to stroll along the streets of the city centre and browse among the stalls of the famous local market. Proceed to the town of Wied iz-Zurrieq, where a sea excursion towards the famous Blue Grotto is included. The tour then heads towards Dingli through the Maltese countryside. Return transfer to hotel included. Dinner at leisure and overnight at the Hotel Argento St Julians 4* or similar. (B)

Option 2: After breakfast at the hotel, private driver for an excursion in the Maltese archipelago. Transfer to Bugibba, where a comfortable boat departs for a mini cruise to Comino, with a one-hour stop at the famous Blue Lagoon for swimming, sunbathing and photos. Continue to Gozo for approximately three hours, visiting Ta’ Pinu, Dwejra, Victoria and the Citadelle. On the return journey, cruise around Comino and visit its famous caves. Return to Bugibba in the late afternoon and transfer to the Hotel Argento St Julians 4* or similar for overnight. (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, half-day guided excursion to discover Valletta. Visit Casa Rocca Piccola, a 16th-century palace and private residence of the Marquis De Piro, St. John’s Co-Cathedral, home to Caravaggio’s “The Beheading of St. John the Baptist”, the Barrakka Gardens with views over the harbour, and the Grand Master’s Palace, now the seat of the Maltese Parliament. Proceed to Mdina, the former capital of Malta, visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral and enjoying free time to explore its charming streets and viewpoint. Transfer to Hotel Argento St Julians 4* or similar. Free afternoon and overnight. (B)

After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to Malta airport. (B)