Old World Sicily & Malta

Start your journey with a 4-night stay in Sliema, a welcoming Maltese resort town with a lively waterfront promenade. Stretch your legs and take in views of Marsamxett Harbour and Manoel Island. Uncover Malta's deeply rooted heritage, teeming with mysterious prehistoric temples and Renaissance architectural masterpieces.

This evening, get to know your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner. (D) Stay: Land's End Boutique Hotel (4 Nights)

Begin your adventure with a panoramic sailing of Valletta's (UNESCO) Grand Harbour aboard traditional Dghajsa boats before exploring the Maltese capital during a walking tour led by a local expert. View the skyline of the Three Cities from the Upper Barrakka Gardens and take in the elegant profile of the Grand Master's Palace. Then, enjoy some time to explore on your own.

This afternoon, visit the private home of a modern-day Knight of Malta before hopping on the local ferry back to Sliema for an evening at leisure. (B)

The entire day is yours. With free time, you might choose to relax in Sliema or venture back to Valletta for a visit to Caravaggio's masterpiece housed in Saint John's Co-Cathedral. Or join an optional full day exploration of the Isle of Gozo, the second largest island of the Maltese archipelago and home to the Ggantija temple complex (UNESCO), which is older than Stonehenge. (B)

Enjoy a morning at leisure. Perhaps you'll join a half-day optional tour to Mdina – the “Silent City” and Malta's ancient capital.

This afternoon, immerse yourself in Maltese traditions as you board a retro bus for a village where daily life and customs remain unchanged. Experience an Impact Moment as you are hosted for dinner at a local band club. Band clubs have a special place in the community. A source of intense pride and with a solid place in Maltese social culture, the band club's premises are an ideal meeting point for locals to exchange gossip, play a game of pool or engage in village festa activities. (B/D)

Early this morning, grab your bags and hop on a ferry to Sicily. Pause in the seaside town of Pozzallo for a Sicilian breakfast. As in most of Italy, breakfast in Sicily is a simple but tasty affair, traditionally consisting of a pastry and cappuccino.

Continue your culinary exploration of the Sicilian countryside with a visit to a family-owned herb farm to learn about their production of organic aromatic plants. Then, during lunch, enjoy dishes enlivened with herbs grown on the farm. A delightful way to experience the region's unique and delicious flavors.

This afternoon, settle into your hotel for a leisurely 3-night stay in the Ragusa countryside. (B/L/D) Stay: Hotel Villa Carlotta (3 Nights)

Make your way to Ragusa-Ibla (UNESCO), a time-worn city perched upon a hill. Meander through its late-Baroque neighborhood with an expert guide, passing by winding lanes, cobblestone streets, and wrought iron balconies. Make the most of a free afternoon to explore on your own. As the sun sets, retreat to your countryside resort just outside the city or linger in town for a dinner on own. (B)

The day is yours to do as you please. With free time, you might choose to relax in the countryside and enjoy the resort's amenities. Or, perhaps you will join an optional tour to the picture-perfect towns of Scicli and Modica (UNESCO), where you'll enjoy a savory brunch featuring fresh ricotta at a countryside restaurant before venturing to an Aztec chocolate shop for some sweet samples. (B)

Take in the rugged landscape of South-Eastern Sicily en route to Siracusa (UNESCO). Then, it's your choice! Discover the expansive Neapolis, the ancient Greek colony established 27 centuries ago -OR- take in the ancient city's most precious treasures during a visit of the archeological museum in company of a local expert.

This afternoon, relax during a bus transfer to Taormina, a charming resort town perched high above the Mediterranean Sea. (B) Stay: Hotel Villa Diodoro (3 Nights)

Discover Taormina with a local guide, leading you to the city's Duomo, public gardens, and the well-preserved Greek theater. Walk in the footsteps of ancient attendees and take in an unparalleled viewpoint of the adjacent ocean. Spend the free afternoon on your own. Perhaps you'll grab a bite to eat at a sidewalk café, or peruse the local boutiques for handcrafted souvenirs. (B)

See Sicily's wilder side on an off-road adventure to Mount Etna (UNESCO). Stare up at the iconic peak as your vehicle climbs along the sides of Europe's largest active volcano. Spend the day exploring this legendary giant, passing by lava formations and basalt rocks. Back in Taormina, gather with your fellow travelers as you recount memories of the Mediterranean islands accompanied by Sicilian food at dinner, surrounded by local musicians. (B/D)

Say goodbye to Sicily and the Mediterranean as your tour comes to a close today. (B)