Sicily and Malta Sojourn

Arrive in Catania, where we'll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Isola Bella, located just below the cliffs of Taormina. Later, join your fellow travellers at a delightful welcome dinner, where you'll have the opportunity to meet your Tour Director. Stay Two Nights: Isola Bella (Taormina), La Plage Resort (D)

Today visit Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, standing at approximately 3,350 metres in height. To the ancient Greeks, Mount Etna was the realm of Vulcan, the God of Fire, and the home of Cyclops, the one-eyed monster. Over 1,200 square metres of Etna's surface is covered with solidified lava. You'll explore the base of the volcano to witness some of these lava stones. Afterwards, delight in a winery lunch, combining the tantalising flavours of Sicilian cuisine, paired with the unique flavours of local wines produced from the fertile volcanic soils of the region.

Return to Taormina for a guided walking tour of this enchanting hilltop town. Visit the picturesque Duomo cathedral, dating back to the 13th century, whose carefully restored facade reveals an elegant blend of renaissance and baroque influences. Continue to the ancient Greek amphitheatre before enjoying a leisurely stroll through the old town's charming, narrow streets. The evening is yours to relax at leisure. (B/L)

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy time at leisure to relax and unwind. Later, journey to Cefalù, one of Sicily's most captivating coastal villages. Nestled between a golden sandy bay and the dramatic granite outcrop of La Rocca, Cefalù offers an exquisite blend of natural beauty and history. Explore the historic centre and admire the striking Norman facade of Cefalù Cathedral, founded by King Roger II.

Enjoy free time to wander the medieval streets before rejoining the coach for your transfer to Palermo. Settle into your hotel and spend the evening at leisure. Stay Two Nights: Hotel Villa Igiea, Palermo (B)

Today, explore the captivating city of Palermo, one of Sicily's richest towns in terms of history and art. Discover its architectural treasures, including the eclectic styles of Palermo Cathedral, the magnificent Martorana Church, and the Cappella Palatina. A remarkable masterpiece of both historical and artistic significance, the Cappella Palatina stands as a powerful testament to the harmonious coexistence of diverse cultures and religions across centuries.

This afternoon, prepare for a memorable culinary indulgence. (B/L)

Signature Experience - Sicilian Food Tasting Savour the authentic flavors of Sicily with a curated lunch tasting. Discover local specialties as you immerse yourself in the island's rich culinary traditions - offering a true taste of Sicilian culture.

This morning, travel to Monreale to visit its magnificent Cathedral and Cloister. The Cathedral of Santa Maria la Nuova and the Benedictine Cloister form part of the Arab - Norman Palermo Route, together with the cathedrals of Cefalù and Monreale, collectively recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Continue your journey to the Valley of the Temples, where you will explore this spectacular archaeological site, renowned for its remarkably preserved ancient ruins. Later, transfer to your hotel and enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant this evening. Stay: Agrigento, Hotel Foresteria Baglio della Luna (or similar) (B/D)

After breakfast at your hotel, stop in Catania for an exclusive Signature Experience before continuing on to Syracuse. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Stay Two Nights: Syracuse, Grand Hotel Ortigia (B)

Signature Experience - A Royal Encounter in Catania Step inside the magnificent Palazzo Biscari for a truly memorable visit. Meet Prince Ruggero and explore the palace's opulent interiors while learning about its rich history. Your experience concludes with a refined drink shared together, offering an intimate and unforgettable taste of Sicilian elegance.

Meet your local guide this morning for a guided exploration of Syracuse's Archaeological Park. Founded by the Corinthians in 733 BC, the city later became the benchmark used by Thucydides to date the establishment of other Sicilian cities. Through Hellenistic and Byzantine eras, Syracuse flourished as the Greek capital of the western Mediterranean, before entering a period of decline following the Arab conquest of Sicily and the transfer of the capital to Palermo.

At the conclusion of the tour, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. (B)

After a leisurely morning, travel along the Mediterranean coast, pausing to explore the picturesque province of Ragusa. This region is renowned for its robust red wines, typically crafted from a blend of Nero d'Avola, Frappato and Pignatello grapes. On arrival in Ragusa, meet your local guide for a gentle walking tour through the Old Town. Stroll along a selection of narrow, winding streets and learn about the city's ancient architecture, which sits in striking contrast to the modern part of city. Afterwards, enjoy time at leisure to explore further at your own pace.

Later, continue to the port town of Pozzallo to board the ferry to Malta. Relax on the crossing and enjoy the salty sea breeze as the Maltese coastline comes into view. Though small in size, Malta offers a vibrant contemporary Mediterranean lifestyle shaped by deep-rooted traditions. Often described as an open-air museum, the island reveals over 7,000 years of history set against the shimmering Mediterranean Sea. Check into your hotel, located in St. Julian's, a vibrant coastal town near Malta's capital, Valletta. Stay Four Nights: St. Julian's, The Westin Dragonara Resort Malta (B)

Discover Malta's enchanting capital, Valletta - a UNESCO World Heritage city founded in 1566. Stroll along the vibrant Republic Street to St John's Co-Cathedral, home to breathtaking baroque art and Caravaggio's renowned masterpiece The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist. Admire St George's Square and the Grandmaster's Palace, then step inside Casa Rocca Piccola, a 16th-century noble residence brimming with history.

Savour lunch at a local restaurant before embarking on a traditional dhajsa boat cruise through the historic Grand Harbour, a site shaped by the Great Sieges of 1565 and 1942. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, soaking in Valletta's timeless charm. (B/L)

Take a short ferry to the charming nearby island of Gozo, celebrated for its scenic landscapes and distinctive character. Begin with a visit to the prehistoric Ggantija Temples, among the oldest free-standing structures in the world. Explore the historic Citadel in Victoria, pause at the picturesque Xlendi Bay, and browse local shops for handcrafted lace and woollen treasures.

Enjoy a light lunch accompanied by Gozitan wine at a traditional Maltese restaurant before returning to Valletta, where you can spend the evening at leisure. (B/L)

Spend the day at leisure before an enchanting evening in Mdina, Malta's former capital. The medieval city takes on a magical atmosphere at night, as lanterns illuminate its quiet, narrow streets. As you wander deeper, your guide will share the city's hidden stories and nocturnal legends, including the mysterious White Lady of Mdina. (B/D)

Signature Experience - Champagne on the Bastions Raise a glass of champagne atop the Bastions, taking in breathtaking panoramic views of Malta, before concluding the evening with a memorable farewell dinner.

Today, your tour concludes with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)