Embark on an unforgettable journey through Sicily and Malta, where history, culture, and natural beauty come together in one captivating tour. Explore the ancient Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, marvel at awe-inspiring Mt. Etna, discover the rich history of St. Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat and the timeless charm of Mdina’s ancient streets. Uncover UNESCO treasures and stunning baroque towns. Enjoy the picturesque island of Gozo and the coastal beauty of Cefalu. From historic Palermo to the clifftop splendour of Taormina, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and Sicilian gastronomy, topped off with historic charm. 

Get Printable PDF Itinerary for this holiday

TOUR INCLUSIONS

• Economy class airfares from Brisbane to Catania and Malta to Brisbane 

• One-way ferry from Pozzallo to Valletta 

• Air-conditioned coach travel within Sicily and Malta 

• 15 nights 4-to-5-star accommodation  

• Local English-speaking guide throughout the tour 

• Sightseeing as specified in the itinerary 

• Meals included as per itinerary 

• Hosted by an experienced Tour Host 

• Tips & Porterage for included accommodation and activities 

Group size: Minimum 15, Maximum 25

DAY 1 - 9TH MAY - AUSTRALIA TO CATANIA

Today, you will meet your Tour Host and fellow travellers at Brisbane International Airport to embark on this remarkable journey. We will spend the day enroute to our first destination, Catania. 

DAY 2 -10TH MAY - GIARDINI NAXOS

Ciao and welcome to Italy! Upon arrival today, we will be met by our guide and transferred by coach to our home for the next four nights, the Nautilus Hotel. After our journey, you will have time to rest and relax before we meet this evening for a group dinner. 

Meals: D

Accommodation: Nautilus Hotel 

DAY 3 -11TH MAY - GIARDINI NAXOS

Enjoy a relaxed morning at leisure before we explore Taormina, a charming hillside town with breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.  Our guided tour includes a visit to the famous ancient Greek Theatre, built in the 3rd century BC, which still hosts performances today. Explore the town’s narrow streets lined with charming shops, cafes, and beautiful buildings, giving you a real sense of its history and vibrant culture. In the evening, we dine at a local restaurant in the heart of Taormina before returning to our hotel. 

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Nautilus Hotel 

DAY 4 - 12TH MAY - GIARDINI NAXOS

Today, we journey to the majestic Etna Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and home to one the world’s most active volcanoes. Our guided tour of the park includes a scenic cable car ride that will take you up the slopes of Mount Etna, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes. From there, we embark on an exciting Jeep tour that will take us closer to the craters and volcanic activity.  Later, we visit Castelmola, famous for being one of Italy’s most picturesque villages, before returning to Naxos for an evening at leisure.   

Meals: B

Accommodation: Nautilus Hotel 

DAY 5 - 13TH MAY - GIARDINI NAXOS

This morning, we explore the bustling city of Catania, known for its vibrant markets and rich history. Enjoy a guided food tour through the famous La Pescheria fish market, where you’ll experience the lively atmosphere and sample some of the freshest seafood in Sicily, including traditional local delicacies. This afternoon and evening are yours to relax or explore at your own pace. 

Meals: B

Accommodation: Nautilus Hotel

DAY 6 - 14TH MAY - PALERMO

We travel to Cefalù, a charming coastal town known for its stunning medieval architecture and beautiful beaches. Enjoy some free time to explore the narrow streets and visit the Norman Cathedral.  Next, we visit Monreale to visit the UNESCO-listed Cathedral, renowned for its incredible mosaics depicting biblical scenes. We then continue to Palermo, where we will check into our hotel. In the evening, a delicious seafood dinner at a local restaurant awaits, allowing us to sample Sicilian specialties.    

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Hotel Federico II 

DAY 7 - 15TH MAY - PALERMO

This morning, enjoy a half day tour of Sicily’s capital, including a visit to the remarkable Norman Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its unique blend of Norman, Arab, and Byzantine architectural styles. Inside, we’ll explore the breathtaking Palatine Chapel, where we can admire its stunning mosaics and golden ceilings, considered masterpieces of medieval art. The afternoon is at your leisure, giving you the perfect opportunity to explore Palermo’s lively markets, charming streets, and vibrant squares at your own pace. 

Meals: B

Accommodation: Hotel Federico II

DAY 8 - 16TH MAY - PALERMO

Today, we explore the historic town of Marsala, known for its beautiful landscapes and delicious wines. Enjoy a guided tour of the sea salt pans, learn about the ancient tradition of salt harvesting and see the striking salt flats and old windmills up close. Visit a winery famous for its Marsala wine where you can enjoy a tasting with snacks, followed by lunch at a local restaurant.  After lunch, there is time to discover Marsala at your own pace, wander through the charming streets, visit the Duomo, browse the quaint stores, or just relax at a café. This evening is at your leisure in Palermo. . 

Meals: B + L

Accommodation: Hotel Federico II

DAY 9 - 17TH MAY - AGRIGENTO

After breakfast, we travel to Agrigento, to explore the remarkable the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On a guided tour, walk among the impressive ancient Greek temples, learning about their history and significance. Admire well-preserved ruins surrounded by olive and almond trees, with stunning views over the Sicilian countryside. After our guided tour, we check in to our hotel and will enjoy a unique dinner at a traditional Sicilian restaurant. 

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Colleverde Park Hotel 

DAY 10 - 18TH MAY - AGRIGENTO

Today we travel to Piazza Armerina to visit the stunning Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its remarkably well-preserved Roman mosaics. As we explore this ancient villa, you’ll see intricate mosaic floors depicting scenes of hunting, mythology, and daily Roman life. Next, we visit a local olive oil producer, where we discover the traditional methods of olive oil production and enjoy a guided tasting of their finest oils, experiencing the authentic flavours of the region. After a day of cultural and culinary discovery, we’ll return to Agrigento. 

Meals: B

Accommodation: Colleverde Park Hotel 

DAY 11 - 19TH MAY - SYRACUSE

Enroute to Syracuse, we visit Modica, famous for its unique chocolate made using traditional methods inspired by ancient Aztec techniques and brought to Sicily by the Spanish. Visit a local chocolate producer to learn about this special cold-processing method that gives Modica chocolate its distinctive grainy texture and intense flavour. After indulging in Modica’s sweet flavours, we continue to Noto for a two-course meal sampling authentic Sicilian dishes.   On arrival to Syracuse the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the city at your own pace. . 

Meals: B + L

Accommodation: Hotel Palazzo Cavalieri 

DAY 12 - 20TH MAY - SYRACUSE

We start the day with a guided tour of the Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse, one of Sicily’s most important historical sites. Here, we explore ancient Greek and Roman ruins, including the impressive Greek Theatre, once the largest in Sicily, where dramatic performances were held before thousands of spectators. Visit the Ear of Dionysius, a limestone cave famous for its incredible acoustics and intriguing legends, as well as the Roman Amphitheatre, where gladiators once fought. Next, we visit Ortigia, the historic heart of Syracuse. Enjoy free time to explore and admire the stunning baroque architecture, visit the beautiful Piazza Duomo, browse local shops, or simply relax by the waterfront with a coffee or gelato, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this charming island district. This evening, we meet for dinner in a local restaurant. 

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Hotel Palazzo Cavalieri 

DAY 13 - 21ST MAY - SLIEMA

We farewell Sicily today and transfer to Pozzallo Port to board the ferry to Malta. Upon arrival in Valletta; Malta’s capital, we will be met by our local Tour Manager who will transfer us to our hotel in Sliema, a bustling seaside town known for its beautiful views and vibrant atmosphere. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a delightful wine tasting, where you’ll sample some of Malta’s finest wines, followed by dinner at a local restaurant, featuring authentic Maltese dishes.  

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: The Waterfront Hotel 

DAY 14 - 22ND MAY - SLIEMA

Enjoy a relaxing free day in Valletta and explore the city at your own pace. Wander through its UNESCO-listed streets, visit the impressive St. John’s Co-Cathedral with its stunning Caravaggio paintings, or take in panoramic views from the Upper Barracca Gardens. The National Museum of Archaeology and the Grand Masters’ Palace are must-sees for any history buffs, while those looking for a more leisurely experience can stroll along the waterfront or enjoy a café with views of the harbour. Whatever you choose, Valletta offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and beauty.  

Meals: B

Accommodation: The Waterfront Hotel 

DAY 15 - 23RD MAY - SLIEMA

Today, we enjoy a scenic day tour to the ancient city of Mdina, known as the "Silent City," with a guided walking tour of its narrow streets, rich in history and stunning architecture. Highlights include a visit to the impressive St. Paul's Co-Cathedral, known for its ornate interior and historical significance. We continue to Rabat, where you will have free time for lunch before we visit the fascinating St. Paul’s Catacombs, an ancient burial site with remarkable underground chambers and early Christian relics. Our day ends back in Sliema where you have the evening at leisure.  

Accommodation: The Waterfront Hotel 

DAY 16 - 24TH MAY - SLIEMA

After breakfast, it's time to explore the stunning island of Gozo, visit the Citadel of Victoria, the charming village of Xlendi, and take a scenic walk around Dwejra. Enjoy a boat ride to Fungus Rock, then visit the magnificent Ta' Pinu Basilica and the historic Ġgantija Temples. After lunch at a local restaurant, we return to Sliema, where we will have our final group dinner together.  

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: The Waterfront Hotel 

DAY 17- 25TH MAY - VALETTA TO BRISBANE

As your unforgettable journey ends, we will gather for a group transfer to the airport, where we will begin our journey back to Brisbane. Today and this evening will be spent enroute home. 

Meals: B

DAY 18 - 26TH MAY - BRISBANE
Our Hosted Holiday adventure in Sicily and Malta has come to an end! It’s time to farewell our new friends and head for home with amazing memories of Sicily and Malta's rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious flavours. This spectacular adventure will stay with you forever.