Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Ragusa
You'll land in Sicily and make your way to Ragusa, a hilltop town that greets you with narrow streets winding through the old quarter and countryside views spreading out below. After settling into your place, spend the evening checking out local restaurants and trying traditional Sicilian pasta alla Norma for your first meal on the island.
Optional Activities
- Explore Ragusa old town alleyways
- Enjoy views of surrounding countryside
- Dinner at local restaurants
Landmarks/POIs Ragusa - Day 2
Ragusa to Marzamemi
This morning you'll see both sides of Ragusa: the orderly grid layout of Ragusa Superiore with its mountain panoramas, and the baroque charm of Ragusa Ibla with its historic buildings. Later, drive your rental car to Marzamemi, a coastal town with sun-soaked narrow streets leading down to the Ionian Sea. The blue restaurant chairs scattered around Regina Margherita Square make for great photos.
Included Activities
- Explore Ragusa Superiore
- Explore Ragusa Ibla historic center
- Drive to Marzamemi
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Ragusa
- Photography at Regina Margherita Square
Landmarks/POIs Ragusa Superiore Ragusa Ibla Marzamemi Regina Margherita Square - Day 3
Road Trip to Agrigento and Castelvetrano
You'll drive along the Mediterranean coast, stopping at the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the well-preserved Concordia Temple stands among ancient ruins. After that, head to Scala dei Turchi, a white limestone cliff formation that drops dramatically to turquoise water and is worth the detour for photos. End your day in Castelvetrano by evening.
Included Activities
- Visit Valley of the Temples
- View Concordia Temple
- Stop at Scala dei Turchi
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Valley of the Temples (bookable online in advance)
Landmarks/POIs Valley of the Temples Concordia Temple Scala dei Turchi - Day 4
Zingaro Nature Reserve and San Vito Lo Capo
Head out to the Zingaro nature reserve, a seven-kilometer stretch of coastline between Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo. You'll hike through hilly terrain and find hidden beaches, caves, and local wildlife depending on which trail you pick. Later, move to San Vito Lo Capo for a beach afternoon in the clear water with fine sand, giving you time to relax after the walk.
Included Activities
- Explore Zingaro nature reserve
Optional Activities
- Hiking trails in Zingaro nature reserve
Landmarks/POIs Zingaro Nature Reserve Scopello San Vito Lo Capo - Day 5
Palermo
You arrive in Palermo and start at Quattro Canti, where historic streets meet baroque architecture and facades. From there, walk to the Fontana Pretoria marble fountain, then check out the cathedral. By late afternoon, head to the Ballarò market, a busy and colorful scene where you can sample fresh fruit, seafood, and street food from various stalls throughout the area.
Included Activities
- Visit Quattro Canti
- View Fontana Pretoria
- Visit Palermo Cathedral
- Explore Ballarò market
Optional Activities
- Gelato tasting
- Street food sampling at Ballarò market
Landmarks/POIs Quattro Canti Fontana Pretoria Palermo Cathedral Ballarò Market - Day 6
Palermo and Optional Cefalu Beach Trip
Start your morning at the Norman Palace, where you can walk through beautiful gardens and see round arches and ornate interiors. Alternatively, catch a train to Cefalù, about an hour away, for a Mediterranean swim and beach time. If you go to Cefalù, you'll walk from the station to golden sand beaches, set up an umbrella, and spend hours in the water before heading back to Palermo by evening.
Optional Activities
- Visit Norman Palace
- Train to Cefalu beach (payable locally)
- Swimming at Cefalu beach
Landmarks/POIs Norman Palace Cefalu - Day 7
Mount Etna and Taormina
You'll join a guided hike up Mount Etna, Italy's most famous volcano, walking across lava fields to significant elevations where a mountain guide helps in certain sections. Watch for smoke coming from the active crater, recently called the 'Lady of the Rings' by locals. On the way back down, stop in Taormina, a hilltop town with incredible views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, including the ancient theater with its sea backdrop.
Included Activities
- Visit Mount Etna
Optional Activities
- Guided hike on Mount Etna (bookable in advance or on site)
- Stop in Taormina
Landmarks/POIs Mount Etna Taormina Ancient Theater Taormina - Day 8
Catania to Malta via Ferry
You'll spend the morning in Catania's historic center, visiting Piazza Duomo with its baroque cathedral and the elephant fountain. Take time to see the ancient Roman theater still standing in the city. After lunch, drop off your rental car at the airport and head to Pozzallo port for an evening ferry to Malta. You'll arrive in Valletta late that night and see the dramatic fortress walls and domes rising behind the bastions.
Included Activities
- Explore Catania historic center
- Visit Piazza Duomo
- View Roman theater of Catania
- Ferry crossing from Pozzallo to Valletta
Optional Activities
- Transfer from airport to Pozzallo port (payable locally)
Landmarks/POIs Catania Piazza Duomo Roman Theater of Catania Valletta - Day 9
Valletta Exploration
Wander through Valletta's winding alleyways lined with ornate baroque buildings, saint statues, and fountains throughout the streets. Visit the inner courtyard of the Grand Master's Palace and make your way to St. John's Co-Cathedral. After that, walk through the modern city gate to the Triton Fountain and spend time relaxing in the Barrakka Gardens. The Upper Gardens offer you panoramic views of the entire city and harbor from above.
Included Activities
- Explore Valletta old town alleyways
- Visit Grand Master's Palace courtyard
- Visit Barrakka Gardens
Optional Activities
- Tour inside St. John's Co-Cathedral (payable on site)
- Explore Triton Fountain area
Landmarks/POIs Grand Master's Palace St. John's Co-Cathedral Triton Fountain Barrakka Gardens - Day 10
Gozo Island Excursion
Take the ferry to Gozo, a small island with turquoise water, rocky coves, and green landscapes. You'll catch a bus to different spots around the island and walk through Victoria, the capital, tasting local food and specialties. Stop at the salt pans on the north coast, where a checkerboard pattern of 350-year-old ponds glows in different shades. End your day at Ramla Bay with its reddish-golden sand and clear water before returning to Valletta.
Optional Activities
- Ferry to Gozo island (payable locally)
- Bus tour on Gozo (payable locally)
- Explore Victoria
- Visit salt pans
- Beach time at Ramla Bay
- Purchase sea salt at salt pans
Landmarks/POIs Gozo Island Victoria (Gozo) Gozo Salt Pans Ramla Bay - Day 11
Valletta Culture and Waterfront
This morning, grab coffee at Café Jubilee and enjoy the colorful bay windows while you sit. Then explore Casa Rocca Piccola, a 16th-century Maltese villa that's still home to the original noble family, and you'll walk through its historic rooms. Later, check out the Teatru Manoel and either catch an evening show there or stroll down to Valletta's waterfront, where trendy clubs and restaurants now sit alongside old fishermen's houses.
Optional Activities
- Breakfast at Café Jubilee (payable on site)
- Tour Casa Rocca Piccola (payable on site)
- Visit Teatru Manoel
- Evening performance at Teatru Manoel (payable locally)
- Dinner at waterfront restaurants
Landmarks/POIs Café Jubilee Casa Rocca Piccola Teatru Manoel - Day 12
Valletta Harbor Tour and Three Cities
You can take an optional harbor tour or use a cheaper water cab to see one of the world's most beautiful natural harbors from the water. You'll get a different perspective of Valletta surrounded by impressive fortress walls. Then visit the Three Cities across the harbor: Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. Walk through Vittoriosa's narrow streets past impressive townhouses with colorful balconies and finish at Fort St. Angelo, a medieval fortress with views before catching the last ferry back.
Optional Activities
- Harbor tour (bookable directly)
- Water cab tour (payable locally)
- Visit Vittoriosa (payable locally)
- Visit Fort St. Angelo (payable on site)
Landmarks/POIs Vittoriosa Senglea Cospicua Fort St. Angelo - Day 13
Departure
Your trip comes to an end as you head home, watching Malta fade into the distance. Two weeks took you from Sicily's volcanic landscapes and baroque architecture through Malta's historic harbors and island scenery. Each day held different experiences, from ancient temples and nature hikes to bustling markets and fortress towns.
