9-Nights Malta & Sicily Uncovered - Private Guided Experiences, Arts & Culture from $7,307

Day 1: Welcome to Malta

Transfer: Malta Airportto Sliema

Hotel: AX The Victoria Hotel (4 Star Rating)

This classy and iconic hotel is located less than 10 min walk away from the seafront and the main promenade where guests will find an abundance of bars, restaurants and high street designer outlets. Harmonizing the grace of the Victorian era and the elegance of contemporary design, this hotel is true to its name and its promise. Business or leisure guests travelling with family, friends or partner, this property assures impeccable service with unfailing high standards, offering excellent rooms, luxury Spa facilities and multi-purpose conference halls. Guests can discover the 3 exceptional restaurants, all offering a different cuisine, from buffet to pub classics or an Italian cuisine. In recent years, it has been converted into an Eco hotel with no detriment to the comforts it ascertains. This hotel is proud to be one of the first Eco hotels in Malta.

Dive into the rich history and culture of Malta with a captivating half-day tour of Valletta, the island's storied capital. Named after Grand Master Jean de la Valette, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the aftermath of the Great Siege of 1565 and is lauded as "a city built for gentlemen by gentlemen." Wander through its lively streets with a knowledgeable guide, uncovering the secrets of its majestic past.

Highlights include a visit to St. John's Co-Cathedral, a baroque masterpiece adorned with intricate marble tombstones and Caravaggio's world-renowned artwork. Experience the Malta Experience, a multi-vision show that takes you on an enthralling journey through 7,000 years of Maltese history.

This tour offers a perfect blend of architectural grandeur, historical depth, and artistic brilliance, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for Malta's extraordinary heritage. Valletta awaits with timeless stories at every corner.

Escape to Gozo, Malta's tranquil sister island, where traditions and timeless charm thrive. A brief 20-minute ferry ride transports you to this serene haven, where life moves at a gentler pace. Your journey begins with the awe-inspiring Ggantija Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's oldest prehistoric landmarks. Marvel at their remarkable preservation and step back thousands of years into Gozo's ancient history. Visit Ta' Pinu Church, a spiritual sanctuary and renowned pilgrimage site. Its stunning architecture and peaceful ambiance make it a must-see. Conclude the day with a visit to the Cittadella, Gozo's iconic fortified city. Wander its historic streets and enjoy panoramic views of the island from its ancient walls.

This tour offers a perfect blend of history, spirituality, and breathtaking scenery, revealing the essence of Gozo's unique character.

To enhance your visit, you can select additional experiences (optional) and/or lunch. Optional visits: Xwejni Salt Pans: Discover one of Malta's oldest trades, sea salt harvesting. Dwejra Boat Ride: Marvel at the dramatic coastal formations, including the stunning Fungus Rock and hidden sea caves.

Uncover the timeless beauty of Malta with this captivating full-day tour. Begin in Mdina, the "Silent City," perched on a high plateau in the island's heart. Known for its ancient origins and tranquil atmosphere, its bastions offer sweeping views of the Maltese landscape. Explore the fascinating St. Paul's Catacombs and Grotto in Rabat, where underground Roman cemeteries reveal Malta's early Christian history. In Mosta, marvel at the Mosta Dome, an architectural wonder and one of the world's largest unsupported domes. Finally, be awed by the dramatic Dingli Cliffs, where rugged coastline meets the endless blue of the Mediterranean Sea.

This tour blends history, architecture, and natural beauty, offering an unforgettable journey through Malta's most iconic sites.

To enhance your visit, select from four optional experiences: 1. Roman Villa that lies between Rabat & Mdina. 2. Mdina Cathedral, a baroque style cathedral. 3. Pastizzi Tasting, the taste of the Malta's irresistible flaky pastries filled with ricotta or peas, a true local favorite. 4. Wine Tasting, sample Malta's finest locally produced wines.

Transfer: Sliema to Valletta Port

Transfer: Pozzallo Port to Siracusa

Hotel: Grande Albergo Alfeo (4 Star Rating)

The Grande Albergo Alfeo is a 4-star hotel located 300 metres from the small island of Ortygia. Centrally located, the hotel is within easy reach of tourist sites where guests can discover the history and culture of the great empires of Greece, Rome and Byzantium. It is conveniently located close to shops, restaurants and the harbour. The hotel has been totally renovated and refurbished and provides guests with all of the modern conveniences and services. It offers guests a bright breakfast with an extensive range of food options and bar. The hotel has 39 rooms, tastefully designed including modern facilities such as LCD Satellite TV and free high speed Wifi internet connection.

Discover the treasures of Siracusa on this private tour with a professional guide. From your hotel, head to the wonderful Archeological Park of Neopoli. Constructed in the 5th century BC, it includes a 16,000 capacity amphitheater which staged the works of Sophocles, Euripides and the last tragedies of Aeschylusa. During the visit, you will also see the famous 'Latomie del Paradiso' (limestone quarry), the Ear of Dionysus and the impressive UNESCO heritage sites, the Greek theater and the Roman amphitheatre. After the archaeological area, you will head to Ortygia, the small island and historical centre of Siracusa. Visit the Minerva Temple, changed into the Christian Cathedral, the legendary Fountain of Arethusa and the Apollo Temple.

Transfer: Siracusa to Taormina Area

Hotel: Castello Di San Marco (4 Star Rating)

Castello San Marco Hotel & SPA near Taormina is a historic castle-style stay set right by the Ionian Sea, blending old-world character with modern comfort. Rooms and suites are individually styled, air-conditioned and come with free Wi-Fi, minibars and terraces opening onto gardens or sea views. The property has multiple restaurants and bars, a spa with sauna, Turkish bath and hot tub, plus a pool and private beach area. You can also enjoy outdoor activities like tennis or bike rides. The overall feel is relaxed yet distinctive, ideal for a scenic Sicilian escape.

On this small-group excursion, you will take an evening stroll with a professional guide and discover traditional Sicilian restaurants, delicious cuisine, and local wine. The best local chefs will prepare their masterpieces for you! Start this tour near the ancient Porta Messina gate at a typical bar and restaurant. The Porta Messina is an arched stone gateway. It's also where you can start strolling down Corso Umberto, the main walking street, and reach the viewpoint square of Piazza Aprile midway. Porta Messina is one among 2 of the once fortified town's portals, the other being Porta Catania that's around 800 meters on the southwestern end of the Corso. From Porta Messina, your tour continues to the best food spots serving pastries, wines, and family fish trattorias. Your local guide will also introduce you to exceptional local wines and explain the production process and share interesting facts and stories.

This private tour takes you to Mount Etna, the highest volcano still active in Europe, with a height of 3,345 meters. Arrive at Rifugio Sapienza at 1,800 meters where you will have free time to visit the craters, the most famous being the "Silvestri Craters". On the way, you can admire the wonderful fauna and flora and the spectacular lunar-like landscapes. Mount Etna was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013 and Sicily's most beautiful attraction. Over the centuries, the volcano has created a place where nature, culture and history merge to create one of the most unique sites in the world. There is also the possibility to climb the volcano by cable car and/or 4X4 vehicle up to 2,800 meters.

Transfer: Taormina Area to Palermo

Hotel: Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa (4 Star Rating)

Classic elegance and historical beauty all combine to make the Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa a truly exceptional place to stay on your trip to Sicily. The impressive hotel in the centre of Palermo has a distinctive noble facade which is further complemented by a superb location only footsteps from the squares, parks, shopping streets and cafes. The first thing that guests cannot fail to notice at check-in is the regal splendour of this historical hotel, part of which was originally a convent, and which features many artistic, architectural and cultural influences throughout. As the hotel is near the Quattro Canti Square, guests are in the ideal place to absorb the atmosphere of this a baroque piazza, famous for its towering palm trees and awe inspiring cathedral in the heart of Palermo.

On this private tour, you will visit the must-see cathedrals and monuments in Palermo and Monreale. Built in 1184, the Cathedral of Palermo is a treasure of the Norman architecture visit of the Palermo. It was re-converted to a Christian church on the site of a Muslim Mosque that was previously built over a Christian basilica. Today, it is a great example of various architectural styles over the centuries from Gothic to Medieval, Arabic to Neoclassical. The visit continues to the nearby Normans Palace, 'Palazzo dei Normanni', or the old royal palace, built by the Arabs in the 11th century. It is one of the finest examples of Arab-Norman architecture. Originally the seat of the kings of Sicily, the palace now houses Sicily's seat of the regional parliament. It features a mix of Byzantine, medieval, and Arabic-influenced architecture and decor. Inside, you will visit the Palatine Chapel. Continue towards Monreale to visit its beautiful cloister and the Cathedral, a masterpiece of Byzantine-Arabic-Norman art. The gold mosaics cover completely the church for 6340 sqm. They are among the largest mosaics in terms of size, second only to Santa Sophia in Istanbul.

Transfer: Palermo to Palermo Airport