Southern Italy, Sicily & Malta

Welcome to Italy, the land of ‘La Dolce Vita', and to the famed city of Rome.

Italy is bursting with rich heritage, a thriving art and food scene, and some of the most well-known cultural landmarks in the world. Here, ancient ruins rub shoulders with modern buildings and sleepy cobblestone alleyways lie next to busy streets. The home of pizza, pasta, olive oil and wine, Italy is a true food lover's paradise, while fashion aficionados from all over the world flock for its renowned fashion, shoes and handbag designs.

Rome, Italy's historic capital, is home to a plethora of marvellous palaces, churches, grand ruins, opulent monuments, ornate statues and graceful fountains. This romantic city seamlessly blends its cosmopolitan atmosphere with its rich historical heritage, making it one of the world's most visited, famous, influential and beautiful capitals.

We don't want you to miss out on a single moment of your Italian adventure, so we recommend that you arrive at your hotel by 5:00pm.

Tonight, soak up the buzzing atmosphere of this timeless city as you say ‘ciao' to your fellow travellers and Tour Director and enjoy a welcome drink at the hotel.

Today, make sure you pack your camera as we set out to explore Imperial Rome by foot, visiting some of the city's most famous sites. We'll walk in the steps of Julius Ceasar, through the ruins of the Roman Forum, an ancient hub of political and social activity before visiting the nearby Piazza Venezia. Here in the square, where numerous major roads intersect, we'll marvel at the imposing monument dedicated to King Vittorio Emanuele II and the Unification of Italy. We'll also enjoy a visit to The Imperial Palace and Capitoline Hill, still used by the Roman government today, and home to the beautiful Piazza del Campidoglio designed by Michelangelo.

Last on our walking tour, we'll pass through ancient stone archways to enter the imposing arena of The Colosseum, one of the most famous sites in Rome and the largest amphitheatre built in the Roman Empire. Capable of seating 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles, including mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on classical mythology.

The afternoon is free for you to further explore, before making your way back to the hotel for a group welcome dinner this evening.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

After indulging in breakfast this morning, a full day awaits you to explore the city of Rome at your own pace.

From museums and galleries to basilicas and amphitheatres, Rome is home to an incredible array of historic sites thrumming with ancient tales of the city. Perhaps you want to stroll through one of the city's impressive museums, delving into the history of master painters and sculptors like Michelangelo, Raphael and Caravaggio, or revisit a famous site we explored yesterday? You might wish to take in the details that decorate the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, visit the iconic columns of the 2nd century Pantheon temple, or admire the intricate artistry of the Fontana di Trevi, taking part in the time-honoured tradition of tossing a coin into the water.

Whatever you do, the choice is yours. Make sure to take some time to wander Rome's cobblestone streets and immerse yourself in its culinary delights. Renowned for its carbonara and cacio e pepe, why not tuck into a hearty bowl of pasta or a delicious slice of pizza, followed by a scoop of creamy gelato - you are bound to stroll past a shop or two on your travels!

Saying goodbye to Rome this morning, we'll journey to the ancient city of Pompeii, where a local guide will take us on a walking tour of the famous ruins. The prosperous Roman city of Pompeii lay buried for hundreds of years after the eruption of the Vesuvius volcano in the year 79 AD, and it is one of the most significant examples of Roman civilisation. The volcanic material that covered Pompeii kept the city largely intact, including both the exteriors and interiors of many buildings. We'll have some free time to wander around and marvel at the ruins, before continuing along Italy's beautiful coastline.

In the early evening, we'll reach the beautiful coastal town of Sorrento, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. Built into the cliffs overlooking the sparkling Bay of Naples, the sweeping views here will simply take your breath away.

Special Experience: Enjoy an Italian culinary experience, with a hands-on lesson teaching us how to make pizza the authentic way.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Today our eyes are set on the glamorous Isle of Capri, renowned as a playground for the rich and famous! We'll meet our local guide after breakfast and make our way to the Sorrento port, where we'll board the ferry that will take us to the island. The ferry between Sorrento and Capri skirts a stunning stretch of the coast so, if you can, sit on the left side to soak up the view.

The emperor Augustus was the first to discover the beauty of the Isle of Capri in 29 BC, and was followed by many others including Tiberius, Lenin, Mussolini, the Swedish doctor Axel Munthe and the factory owners Krupp. Each one of these guests influenced Capri's culture which continues to enchant the many visitors it receives today. A true jewel of the Mediterranean, Capri is known for its rugged seascape, café culture and brilliant bougainvillea.

On arrival we'll take a minibus up to the hilltop village of Anacapri. After our tour, enjoy some free time to indulge in a bite to eat and explore more of the island before returning by funicular railway to board the ferry back to Sorrento. Make sure you charge your camera tonight to capture some spectacular views tomorrow.

We'll say ‘ciao' to the beautiful Amalfi Coast today, enjoying an excursion to this scenic setting. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Amalfi Coast stretches for 50 kilometres across the southern edge of the Sorrentine Peninsula. Its rugged cliffs and the beautiful villages that cling to the hillsides make it one of the most picturesque destinations in all of Italy.

First, we'll spend time in the small village of Positano, a seaside paradise famous for its colourful buildings that cling to the steep hill of the town and encircle a beautiful beach. Here, we'll have free time to explore some of the pretty shops and cafés dotted along the steep but photogenic streets.

From Positano, we'll take the ferry to Amalfi, allowing us to appreciate these wonderful views from the water. We'll then have time to explore the namesake town of Italy's famous coastline, brimming with winding alleyways and vibrant architecture.

We return to Sorrento where the rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at leisure. Limoncello, Italy's famous lemon liqueur, has traditionally been made from the zest of Sorrento lemons for more than 100 years. Why not delight in this deliciously sweet and citrusy liqueur after dinner as a ‘digestivo'?

Departing the city of lemons this morning, we make our way to the region of Apulia, which forms the iconic heel of Italy's boot.

By midday, we'll arrive in Alberobello, a charming town in the Puglia region famous for its unique trulli – distinctive cone-shaped houses that are a symbol of this area. The trulli are made of limestone and built without mortar, using a dry-stone technique that dates back to prehistoric times. These stone buildings have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site since 1996. Once we arrive in Alberobello, we'll learn about the origins of the 15th century buildings on a walking tour through the town's historical centre.

The rest of the day is free for you to further explore the quiet, charming streets.

Special Experience: Spend two nights staying in a traditional, heritage-listed trullo, a conical shaped house unique to the region of Puglia. Made entirely of stone and featuring a round shape with a distinctive domed roof, spend two nights in an authentic dry-stone dwelling. Step across the entryway and be transported back in time, through thousands of years of history to get a true feel for how the locals used to live.

Discovering the seaside town of Monopoli is on the agenda for this morning. Located on the Adriatic coast, the town was first settled around 500 BC as a fortified Messapian city. We'll have some free time here to explore some of its rich maritime history and unique surrounds, including the Baroque Monopoli Cathedral with its tall bell tower.

Our next stop for the day is the picturesque white town of Locorotondo, a delightful destination situated in the heart of the Puglia region. Taking a short stroll to reach the town centre, we will be able to view Locorotondo's unique circular layout with pretty views out over its surrounding vineyards and olive groves. We'll then stop at a local deli where we will have the chance to try some of its locally made products.

Returning to Alberobello in the late afternoon hours, we'll have the chance to freshen up before an exciting taste of the local culture. Tonight, just before dinner, we have the privilege of experiencing a brief, hands-on demonstration by Nonna herself as she skilfully crafts traditional orecchiette pasta (meaning ‘little ears' in Italian for its tiny, concave shape) at the restaurant.

Our journey this morning takes us to the small beach suburb of Marina di Ostuni, to enjoy a guided walk through a Masseria and its fertile grounds.

Special Experience: Take a tour of a local olive farm. Located on the plains of the Marina di Ostuni, the impressive olive trees are thought to be up to a thousand years old.

Special Experience: Stay in one of Matera's ancient sassi cave dwellings, carved into the limestone gorge of La Gravina, for two nights.

The town of Matera was declared a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site in 1993 for being ‘the most outstanding, intact example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean region, perfectly adapted to its terrain and ecosystem', and there is certainly a lot to explore. Carved into the rock of the Gravina valley, Matera is packed with an incredible amount of history waiting around every corner. The city's unique architecture stands in a brilliant contrast to the lush backdrop of the region's surrounding mountain range and valleys.

Considered the third oldest city in the world, this morning, we'll join a local guide for a walking tour to discover the artistry of this unusual town. During our exploration, we will enter one of the old rock churches as well as a cave home for a glimpse at life for its ancient inhabitants.

In the afternoon, you'll have free time to discover the town at leisure. Explore more of its hidden nooks, see historic reconstructions of cave life in the past or visit one of the museums.

As evening sets in, Matera becomes even more beautiful as the cave houses and bars are bathed in the warm glow of amber street lamps.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Waking in our authentic cave residence, we'll enjoy our last moments in the unique town of Matera, before departing mainland Italy to drive south through the region of Calabria. Settle into the comfort of the coach as the scenic drive takes us through the mountains, villages and along stretches of sparkling coastline, making some stops along the way to stretch our legs and enjoy a bite to eat.

We'll arrive in the small village of Villa San Giovanni in the early hours of the afternoon, where we will depart the coach to board the ferry across the Strait of Messina.

Once in Messina, we'll cross into stunning Sicily, following the coast to the spectacular Taormina Riviera. This tranquil area earnt the nickname of the ‘Pearl of the Ionian Sea', and after taking in some of its surrounding scenery, it's not hard to understand why. Neighbouring mighty Mount Etna looming on the horizon, the town's unique cliffside position overlooking the sea and the region's striking natural beauty make Taormina one marvellous destination to visit.

Today we visit Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano at approximately 3,350 metres high. To the ancient Greeks, Mount Etna was the realm of Vulcan, the God of Fire, and the home of the one-eyed monster known as the Cyclops. Over 1,200 square metres of Etna's surface is covered with solidified lava. We'll visit the base of the volcano to see some of these lava stones, make plenty of photo stops and then have some free time for lunch.

Returning to Taormina, we'll embark on a walking tour of the town. We're in for a treat as we marvel at the picturesque Duomo cathedral that dates back to the 13th century. Over the years it has been reconstructed and restored and displays a great blend of Renaissance and Baroque design aesthetics. We'll also visit the ancient Greek amphitheatre and take a leisurely stroll through the charming narrow streets of the old town.

The rest of the day is at leisure to immerse in Taormina at your own pace. Perhaps you might like to wander through the Villa Comunale gardens? Located on the edge of the town and featuring brick structures encased by palm trees, cacti and flowers, find a quaint pocket for a peaceful moment overlooking the landscape.

After a hearty breakfast, first up, our journey takes us northwest across the island to the town of Cefalù, one of the most beautiful villages in all of Sicily. Sitting snug between a sandy bay and the towering granite rock of La Rocca, Cefalù offers something for every traveller. Here we'll visit the historic centre and admire the Norman-style facade of the Cefalù Cathedral, founded by King Roger II. Enjoy some free time to wander the medieval streets and tuck into a local delicacy for lunch before we return to the coach.

We then drive along the coastal route to Palermo, the capital and largest city in Sicily. This coastal city has been invaded many times over the years, resulting in a very mixed architectural appearance with Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Modernist influences. Enjoy the evening at leisure to marvel at some of the distinctive architecture of this beautiful Mediterranean city. Palermo is also renowned for its vibrant street food scene, so why not take a stroll in search of some of Sicily's must-try dishes – think fried arancini, panelle (chickpea fritters) and crunchy potato croquettes!

Keep your camera handy this morning as we explore the delights of Palermo. Our tour begins at the iconic red-domed Moorish church of St John of the Hermits. Dating back to 1132, the church was built on the grounds of a mosque and has been inspired by Islamic traditions of five mosque-like domes.

We'll then see the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Norman Cathedral (Palermo Cathedral), also heavily influenced by an Arabic design style. We continue on to the Royal Palace, once the seat of power for Italy's kings during the Norman domination. The palace is set on a plateau away from the city traffic and, like much of Palermo's architecture, it has a mixture of influences from its long history. The greatest influence came from Roger II in the 12th century when he summoned Arab and Byzantine artists to decorate and reinvent the castle. Stepping inside, we'll admire the most outstanding of these unique touches, the Byzantine mosaics adorning the walls that depict stories and images from the Old and New Testament.

Following our exploration, enjoy the afternoon at leisure to wander through the stalls of nearby flea markets, enjoy a crispy ricotta-filled cannoli or to simply retreat back to your accommodation.

Today we'll travel to Monreale, a picturesque town on the slopes of Monte Caputo. Here we'll see the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cattedrale di Monreale, a masterpiece of Norman architecture that features stunning mosaics and a beautiful cloister. We'll also enjoy a brief tour around the town of Monreale, admiring its quaint streets and taking in the views over the Conca d'Oro, or Golden Valley. After some free time for lunch, we'll follow the southern coastline to the hilltop town of Agrigento.

Located on the outskirts of Agrigento, the Valley of the Temples is one of Sicily's most historical attractions. Here, we'll explore the spectacular archaeological site that preserves the ruins of seven ancient Greek temples and other monuments. We'll marvel at the Temples of Juno, Concord, Heracles, Zeus, Castor and Pollux, and learn about their history and significance.

In the late afternoon, we arrive in Agrigento and check into our hotel. Once the Greek city of Akragas, this town was settled by descendants from Rhodes and Crete who found the land and climate to be perfect for grape and olive growing. The ruins of the ancient city of Akragas are the main attraction of this relatively small town, which we'll explore this afternoon.

After breakfast this morning, we continue along the Mediterranean coast, stopping to explore in the beautiful province of Ragusa. The region is famous for its rich red wines that are usually made from a blend of Nero d'Avola, Frappato and Pignatello grapes.

Once we reach the city, we’ll venture to a local cheese manufacturer to observe the production process and taste some of the region’s famous Ragusano cheese - a hard, stretched-curd cheese known for its bold flavour. Next we’ll meet up with a local guide who will take us on a short walking tour of the old town. Wandering through a small portion of Ragusa's maze of narrow streets, listen in to the history of its ancient architecture that stands in contrast to the modern side of the city, before enjoying some free time.

We'll then make our way to the port town of Pozzallo to board the ferry to Malta. Sit back and bask in the salty breeze before we're graced with the sight of the Maltese coastline.

Departing the ferry in the evening, we'll be greeted by our Tour Director before transferring to our hotel. The beautiful, yet tiny, country of Malta offers a contemporary Mediterranean lifestyle, full of traditional customs and contrasts. It is often described as an open-air museum, with over 7,000 years of history set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.

Today, we discover Malta's fascinating capital. Founded in 1566, Valletta bears all the hallmarks of a fortified city, yet within its walls its elegant urban features reveal an architectural opulence steeped in history. The city is a living testimony to the legendary Knights of the Order of St John. Their extravagant palaces, and the Co-Cathedral of St John, are renowned for their wealth of artistic treasures.

Beginning in ‘Strada Reale', or Republic Street as it is better known today, we walk amongst the locals until we reach one of the jewels of Malta: The St John's Co-Cathedral. Its exterior is deceivingly simple, while inside you'll find incredible Baroque art and architecture. The Grandmasters and several knights donated gifts of high artistic value and made enormous contributions to enrich it with only the best works of art, including Caravaggio's masterpiece – the Beheading of St John the Baptist. With the Co-Cathedral behind us, we make our way to St. George's Square, the centre of the city, where we see the Grandmaster's Palace from the outside. We also discover the Casa Rocca Piccola, a privately owned 16th century palace and home of the noble Maltese family de Piro.

Special Experience: Watch the world go by while enjoying a coffee and freshly prepared pastries known as pastizzis at a well-established café, in the heart of Valletta. This afternoon we'll experience Malta in 5D at a show that brings 7,000 years of island history to life before visiting the Upper Barracca Gardens. Situated near the entrance of the city, these gardens offer a breathtaking panoramic view over the Grand Harbour, considered to be the finest natural harbour in the Mediterranean.

To finish the day, we enjoy a cruise in a traditional dhajsa boat (similar to a Venetian gondola) along the harbour to witness Malta's living past. Cruise around the natural Grand Harbour of Valletta and learn about the town's history and the Great Sieges of 1565 and 1942.

This morning, we take a short ferry ride to the tiny island of Gozo, a charming area of picturesque landscapes, pastoral villages and quaint churches. Although the islands of Malta and Gozo are similar in history, Gozo has a character entirely of its own. Gozo is the home of the prehistoric Temples of Ggantija in Xaghra and this is where we begin our sightseeing today. The temples date back to the Neolithic Age (3,600 - 2,500 BC) and are believed to be the oldest free-standing religious structures in the world, pre-dating the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge.

Next, we'll explore the capital of Gozo, Victoria, where we'll see the Citadel and stop for a photo at the lovely Bay of Xlendi. We'll also have some time to wander around and shop for some souvenirs. Renowned for its woollen goods and handmade lace, it is the perfect opportunity to mingle with the locals and take a piece of Malta home.

Special Experience: Experience the authentic flavours of a traditional Maltese restaurant, where we'll enjoy a tasting of local Gozitan wine over a light lunch. Influenced by the region's vineyards being positioned close to the sea, Gozitan wine is known for its unique flavours that often display citrus and floral notes. We'll taste some of these local drops accompanied by antipasti during an authentic Maltese dining experience.

Enjoy the day at leisure to relax or discover more of Malta, before we make our way in the evening to stop for a photo at the basilica of the Mosta Rotunda.

Tonight, we'll experience the charm of Mdina, the former capital of Malta. The medieval city is dazzling at night, when the old lanterns light up the empty and narrow streets. As we walk through the walls of the venerable ‘Silent City', we'll feel like we've travelled back to The Middle Ages. We'll also enjoy the best view of the island from the bastions. The deeper we explore, our tour guide will reveal the secrets of the city and its nocturnal residents, such as the White Lady of Mdina. The silence in Mdina is eerie but humming with the mysteries of its captivating past.

After our walk we'll savour our experience over a group farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Optional Excursion: Hagar Qim Temple & Marsaxlokk – This delightful excursion begins at Malta's mesmerising Blue Grotto.

If weather permits, you will have the opportunity to take a boat ride (boat fee not included) around the caves and grottoes where you can experience the luminescent corals and glowing water. Your guide will then show you the prehistoric temple complex of Hagar Qim which was discovered in 1839. It dates from about 3,800 BC, and it is one of the oldest known man-made structures in the world. The temple stands on a hilltop overlooking the sea and the islet of Fifla. Continuing to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, you'll have free time to explore the most picturesque seaside locality in Malta. Bask in the serenity of the picturesque setting where fishing nets are often spread on the quay to dry in the sun, admiring the traditions of local fishermen whose colourful boats line the harbour. 5hrs – from Euro 129pp (minimum 4 people).

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning, marking the completion of our adventure across sun-drenched Southern Italy, Sicily and Malta. We hope you leave with beautiful memories and a camera roll full of moments you can't wait to share!