Itinerary
- Day 1
Taormina
You'll arrive in Sicily and check into your hotel on the Taormina Riviera. After settling in, there's time to relax by the pool or walk down to the beach. Later this evening, you'll meet your Travel Director and the other travelers in your group.
- Day 2
Taormina
Following breakfast, there's an optional trip through vineyards up to Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano. From there, you'll head to the old town of Taormina where a Local Expert shows you the ancient Greek theatre. You'll wander through the old town's narrow streets and stroll along Corso Umberto with its elegant shops and cafes.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit the ancient Greek Amphitheatre with Local Expert - set on a cliff with views through crumbling arches to Mount Etna
- Stroll through the old town of Taormina and explore Corso Umberto
Optional Activities
- Optional Experience through the vineyards to Mount Etna
Landmarks/POIs Greek Theatre of Taormina Mount Etna Corso Umberto - Day 3
Taormina to Palermo
The day takes you to Cefalu, a small fishing town on the northern coast. Your Travel Director guides you through the impressive cathedral built to honor a Norman king's promise. After exploring the medieval stone fountain and Gothic arch at Porta Marina, you'll continue to Palermo for the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Cefalu cathedral with Travel Director
- Walk to the medieval stone fountain and Gothic arch of Porta Marina in Cefalu
Landmarks/POIs Cefalu Cathedral Porta Marina - Day 4
Palermo
In Palermo, you'll choose between two guided experiences: the walking tour featuring the 12th-century Palatine Chapel with its golden mosaics, or the Anti-Mafia tour learning about local efforts to transform the city. The afternoon is free to optionally visit Palermo Cathedral. This evening brings a Dine-Around experience where you'll sample the local food scene.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Palermo Dine-Around Evening - exploration of Palermo's culinary scene)
Included Activities
- Choose between: Walking tour with visit to 12th-century Palatine Chapel with Local Expert, OR Anti-Mafia tour of Palermo (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience)
- Palermo Dine-Around Evening - explore local dining scene with fellow travelers
Optional Activities
- Visit Palermo Cathedral - altered many times over the years with unique blend of architectural styles
Landmarks/POIs Palatine Chapel Palermo Cathedral - Day 5
Palermo to Ragusa
You'll travel to Agrigento to explore the Valley of the Temples with a Local Expert. You'll see the massive Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Juno perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. Afterward, you'll head to Ragusa, a hillside town with medieval architecture.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Explore Valley of the Temples with Local Expert
- See Temple of Concordia and Temple of Juno
Landmarks/POIs Valley of the Temples Temple of Concordia Temple of Juno - Day 6
Ragusa to Catania
A Local Expert takes you through Syracuse's Paradise Quarry to see the Ear of Dionysius, a unique ear-shaped grotto with surprising acoustics. You'll visit the Greek theatre carved directly from rock, one of the largest from ancient times. Next comes exploration of the Old City on Ortygia island with its winding streets and historic palaces. By evening, you'll reach Catania for a final dinner celebrating your time in Sicily.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner with Wine (Celebration Dinner with fellow travelers)
Included Activities
- Visit Syracuse's Paradise Quarry and Ear of Dionysius with Local Expert
- Visit the ancient Greek theatre of Syracuse
- Explore the Old City of Syracuse on Ortygia island
- Celebration Dinner in Catania with fellow travelers
Landmarks/POIs Paradise Quarry Ear of Dionysius Greek Theatre of Syracuse Ortygia - Day 7
Catania to Malta
During the transfer to Catania airport, you'll have views of Mount Etna in the distance. A short flight takes you to Malta where a driver meets you and takes you to your hotel. The rest of your day is free to rest and unpack. At 18:30 you'll join your Travel Director for dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner with Wine (Dinner with your fellow travelers at your luxury hotel in Sliema)
Landmarks/POIs Mount Etna - Day 8
Malta
Your day is completely unscheduled. You might explore the World Heritage temples at Ha'ar Qim and Mnajdra at your own pace, or head to Marsaxlokk fishing village to walk through the market and see the colorful luzzu boats in the harbor.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore World Heritage Site of Ha'ar Qim and Mnajdra temples
- Visit fishing village of Marsaxlokk to browse market stalls and view traditional colorful fishing boats
Landmarks/POIs Ha'ar Qim Temples Mnajdra Temples Marsaxlokk - Day 9
Valletta
With a Local Expert, you'll visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens and the baroque St. John's Co-Cathedral. You'll walk through streets lined with restored golden-stone buildings to understand why Valletta is called the Fortress City. Lunch features fresh local ingredients. This afternoon, a historian at the National War Museum explains Malta's significant role in WWII.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch with Wine (Delicious meal made from fresh local ingredients)
Included Activities
- Visit Upper Barrakka Gardens with Local Expert
- Visit St. John's Co-Cathedral (designed in baroque fashion) with Local Expert
- Explore elegant streets and restored buildings of Valletta
- Lunch featuring fresh local ingredients
- Visit National War Museum with historian lecture on Malta's WWII role
Landmarks/POIs Upper Barrakka Gardens St. John's Co-Cathedral National War Museum - Day 10
Malta
This day is yours to use however you like. Relax on the rooftop terrace or take a walk along the promenade with its restaurants and bars. If you're interested in something more active, there's an optional experience on Gozo Island that includes lunch and a visit to Calypso Cave.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Optional Experience with lunch on Gozo Island including visit to Calypso Cave (Homer's Odyssey connection)
Landmarks/POIs Calypso Cave Gozo Island - Day 11
Mdina
A Local Expert guides you to Mdina, the Silent City, known for its quiet shaded streets and peaceful feel. You'll tour Palazzo Falson, a museum showcasing Malta's heritage and featuring an exclusive rooftop garden with local plant species. After returning to the coast for a free afternoon, this evening brings a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant where you'll toast to your journey with fellow travelers.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner with Wine (Celebration Dinner at a wonderful local restaurant where you'll toast to your trip with fellow travelers)
Included Activities
- Explore Mdina (the Silent City) with Local Expert
- Visit Palazzo Falson museum with exclusive rooftop garden featuring Malta's endemic species (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience)
Landmarks/POIs Mdina Palazzo Falson - Day 12
Malta to Departure
It's time to depart. A transfer takes you to Malta International Airport for your onward journey, leaving behind the memories of Sicily and Malta.
- Meals
- Breakfast
