Sicilian Secrets: Sicilia & Malta

Arrive independently to your hotel in Catania (Optional private transfer on request). In the late afternoon, meet the tour leader for a short briefing.

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Syracuse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to visit the largest and most powerful Greek Colony in Sicily, the Archaeological Park of Neapolis within which, there are the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Latomie del Paradiso as well as the evocative Ear of Dionysus. We will continue our visit with the historic centre of Ortigia, where you will be enchanted by the harmony of the buildings in Piazza Duomo, first of all the Cathedral whose façade, a splendid example of Sicilian Baroque, hides the columns of what was once a sacred Temple in Doric style. Walking along the delightful alleys of the centre we will arrive near the port, where the famous Arethusa spring, of mythological memory, is located. Free time for lunch. In the early afternoon we will move towards Noto, the Capital of Sicilian Baroque called ‘stone garden’, full of splendid buildings and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Inspired by the ideal of ‘open city’, it is a rare masterpiece that is the clearest example of the theatrical tastes of 18th Century architecture. We will walk through the streets of the centre to admire the skill and genius of the local workers. The Baroque of Noto is in fact a game of elegant curves, floral intertwining, perspective views, Palaces and gardens, Capitals and putti that decorate the façade of Churches and Monasteries. Visit of Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata, a wonderful noble residence in pure Baroque style, once the home of Don Giacomo Nicolaci, a man of great culture. Free time for a walk. Transfer to Ragusa with dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Meals: B, D

After breakfast at the hotel, continue to Ragusa Ibla, the cradle of the late Sicilian Baroque with its beautiful Churches and the Ibleo Garden. Made known by the television drama of Commissioner Montalbano, Ragusa is now included among the 44 Italian sites indicated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This marvellous ancient city has over fifty Churches and numerous Baroque style buildings. Afterwards we will stop in Modica, a treasure trove of countless treasures of Baroque architecture, also declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. During the visit, we will stop in one of the most renowned chocolate shops in the Iblean town, Sabadì, whose chocolate in the last 9 years has received international recognition. Continuing you will be fascinated by the visit to the 17th Century Palazzo Castro Polara Grimaldi, with a spectacular view over the city! Once inside you will have the feeling of being catapulted into 1903, the year in which time seems to have stopped here. The unchanged appearance of the house, the original furnishings and the collections preserve the memory of the families who lived here, telling only a glimpse of the life of the Modican nobility. You will return to the present among the coolness of the Orti di San Giorgio, seven gardens suspended between light and beauty. Tasting the typical local dishes you can enjoy the panorama that opens up in front of you. We will then continue towards Piazza Armerina and the afternoon will be dedicated to visiting the splendid Villa Romana del Casale, from the late imperial era and UNESCO Heritage. The majestic villa which perhaps belonged to an exponent of the Roman senatorial aristocracy, has a monumental entrance and an incomparable mosaic extension with hunting and entertainment scenes and episodes related to mythology and daily life. Transfer to the hotel in Agrigento, dinner and overnight stay.

Meals: B, L, D

Our tour begins today with a visit to the famous Valley of the Temples declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where among the almond trees there are the remains of the ancient Akragas, defined by Pindaro as ‘the most beautiful city built by mortals’. You can admire the Temple of Juno, that of Concordia and the Temple of Hercules, a journey through mythology, history and nature. Leaving Agrigento we will move to discover the delightful town of Marsala, in whose port Garibaldi landed in May 1860. Marsala is a Mediterranean and modern city, which is divided between sea and land, characterised by colours tuff yellow, sea blue, sunset red, salt white and vineyard green. We will walk through the streets of the centre where ancient noble Palaces, monuments and imposing Churches in Baroque style overlook. We will continue with a guided tour inside the historic Florio Cellars, a journey that begins in front of the majestic giant vats, built at the end of the 19th Century and still used for the ageing of Marsala and continues inside the 3 fascinating long 165 metres and interspersed with 104 arches. After a tour through the barrel cellars, where the ancient tufa beaten floor has been restored, we enter the avant-garde tasting rooms where we will stop for lunch and tasting of local wines. Then we will move along the famous Via del Sale to admire the islands of the Stagnone and the salt pans, a lagoon that is also a nature reserve. The low and warm bottoms are home to many species of fish, molluscs and crustaceans and a very rich aquatic vegetation. Even today, the Saline represent one of the oldest salt extraction industries in the world! Overnight stay in Palermo.

Meals: B, L

After breakfast at the hotel, the morning is dedicated to the discovery of Monreale where we will visit the imposing Arab-Norman Cathedral defined as the eighth wonder of the world and the splendid Cloister, an admirable masterpiece of art, sculpture and inlay of semi-precious stones! Continue to Palermo. The city lies at the foot of Monte Pellegrino on a promontory described by Goethe as the most beautiful he had ever seen. In Palermo, more than anywhere else in Sicily, the historical periods revealed by the different architectural styles overlap. Its millenary history has given it an artistic and architectural heritage that ranges from the remains of the Punic walls to reach Art Nouveau Villas, Noble Palaces and 17th Century Squares, Baroque Churches and Neoclassical Theatres. Residence of Emirs and Kings, Palermo preserves monuments of the Arab-Norman period including the beautiful Cathedral, the Martorana Church, one of the most fascinating Byzantine Churches of the Middle Ages in Italy and the Palatine Chapel, the highest example from a historical point of view, artistic, of the coexistence between cultures, religions and apparently irreconcilable ways of thinking, since they were involved by the wise management of the power of Ruggiero II, Byzantine, Muslim and Latin workers. Along the way there is a stop for a typical lunch with local products. Then you will be able to admire the splendid Teatro Massimo and the controversial Fountain in Piazza Pretoria, adorned with 16th Century sculptures and located on the edge of the ancient Kalsa District. Overnight stay in Palermo.

Meals: B, L

After breakfast, departure in the direction of Cefalù, a charming seaside village with a medieval appearance overlooking the Mediterranean and embellished by the Cathedral of the Norman era. Walk along the streets of the centre and possibility, for those who wish, to visit the famous Mandralisca Museum. Stop for lunch at a renowned restaurant. The tour will continue to Catania where we will dedicate to the visit of the historic centre of the city and its Baroque declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. There are countless hidden treasures of this fascinating city whose late Baroque architecture is made unique by the use of lava stone. We will cross the scenic Piazza del Duomo with the splendid Cathedral and the lava stone Elephant (symbol of the city) and continue to Piazza Università. Strolling through the streets of the centre we will visit the beautiful Via dei Crociferi, the baroque heart of the city where the Monastery of S. Benedetto is located, made known by Verga’s novel ‘History of a Blackcap’. Stop in a bar in the historic centre to taste the typical granita with brioche.

Meals: B, L

After breakfast at the hotel, we will make a quick visit to the historic ‘pescheria’ (ancient fish market) before setting out to discover Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe (3,350 metres) and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Etna Park with its 59,000 hectares is unique for its extremely varied and rich flora and the protected species that populate it. Today vineyards, olive groves, pistachio groves, hazelnut groves and orchards surround the volcano, testifying to a widespread agricultural vocation of the territory characterised by the presence of local varieties. The first glimpses of interesting landscapes can be seen arriving at the Sapienza Refuge. From there we will reach the Silvestri Craters, volcanic cones dating back to 1888 now inactive, surrounded by more recent lava flows. The panorama that can be enjoyed through the multitude of craters is a truly unique sight! During the morning we will have the opportunity to taste the local artisan honey and various typical products of the area. Stop for lunch at a delightful restaurant. Continue to Taormina, famous for its natural landscape, marine beauties, its historical monuments and its unforgettable view of the sea with a privileged view of Etna! Free time for lunch. Followed by a visit to the fascinating Greek-Roman theatre from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Naxos. Free time to stroll along the delightful medieval alleys of the centre and go shopping taking advantage of the countless shops that offer the best handicraft products of the whole island (lace, ceramics, coral jewellry and splendid lava stone workings, perfumes, sweets and much more). The day will end with an overview of the splendid Riviera dei Ciclopi. Return to the hotel in Catania.

Meals: B

After breakfast, free time in the historic centre of the city of Catania. Depending on the flight schedule, private transfer to the airport and direct flight to the island of Malta. The tour now continues without a tour leader. On arrival in Malta you’ll have a private transfer to the hotel.

Meals: B

Today the tour includes a full-day excursion with a private driver and guide to discover the beauties of this magical island! We will start with Cottonera also called The Three Cities, the set of fortified cities of Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua. Following a visit to the charming fishing village Marsaxlokk whose promenade is decorated with traditional colourful fishing boats called ‘Luzzi’. Free time to stroll along the streets of the centre and browse among the stalls of the famous local market town of Wied Iz-Zurrieq and sea excursion in the direction of the famous Blue Grotto, the splendid and picturesque natural cave, whose surrounding system of caves reflects the fluorescent colours of the underwater flora. The tour will continue aboard a private vehicle in the direction of Dingli through the Maltese countryside, before returning to the hotel for your overnight stay.

Meals: B

After breakfast at the hotel, the day includes a 4/5 hour guided tour of the capital Valletta. We will visit the splendid Casa Rocca Piccola, an ancient 16th Century Palace that belonged to the Maltese nobility and still today the private residence of the Marquis De Piro; to follow the Cathedral of St. John where it will be possible to admire the ‘Beheading of St. John the Baptist’, a masterpiece by Caravaggio and continuing the Barraca Gardens from where it is possible to enjoy a breathtaking view of the picturesque port of Valletta. Continuing on, you will arrive at the Palazzo del Grande Maestro, now the seat of the Maltese Parliament. The tour continues to Mdina, the ancient capital of Malta to admire the Cathedral of St. Paul, then enjoy some free time to stroll along its delightful streets and discover its belvedere from which to enjoy a splendid panorama. At the end of the visit, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

Meals: B

After breakfast in the hotel, check-out and sadly your journey comes to an end. (Optional private transfer to the Airport on request.)

Meals: B