Crossroads of Culture: From Malta’s Shores to Sicily’s Peaks (Registration Closed)

Departure from the USA to Malta on flights selected and purchased by each passenger

• Arrival in Malta and taxi to Malta’s luxurious landmark hotel 5-star hotel, Corinthia St. George’s Bay
• Welcome Reception and dinner

• Dive into History and Culture
• Valletta: Start your journey in Malta’s capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral and marvel at its ornate baroque architecture and Caravaggio’s masterpieces. See the Upper Barrakka Gardens and enjoy breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour and explore the Grandmaster’s Palace; a historical gem, once the residence of the Knights of St. John.
• Lunch: We’ll head to a waterfront restaurant in Valletta for fresh seafood or traditional Maltese dishes like rabbit stew.
• Mdina (The Silent City): We’ll travel to the ancient, walled city of Mdina. Wander its narrow streets, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.
• We’ll finish our day dining in one of Mdina’s unique atmospheric restaurants.
• We’ll have some option time this afternoon for you to select an optional afternoon tour or have time on your own to explore, enjoy the pool or spa, or maybe take a nap!

• Natural Wonders and Island Charm
• We’ll spend our time on the islands today traveling by boat to see the famous Blue lagoon, Comino, and Gozo.
• Explore the prehistoric Ġgantija Temples – UNESCO-listed megalithic temples.
• Stroll through Gozo’s charming capital, Victoria, and visit the ancient Citadel for panoramic views.

• See the Sites!
• We’ll tour the island on a luxury coach today to take in the beautiful sites of this unique land!
• Visit St. Paul’s Bay and Marsaxlokk Fishing Village, a picturesque village to see colorful fishing boats (luzzus) and browse the vibrant market.
• Feast on fresh fish at a seaside restaurant.
• Delve into Malta’s prehistoric past with a visit to Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples, ancient megalithic sites.
• Admire the Blue Grotto, a stunning sea cave with vivid blue waters.
• Return to Valletta or St. Julian’s for a final dinner in Malta where we’ll enjoy a lively atmosphere and a toast to an unforgettable Maltese adventure.

• Welcome to Sicily! A land of ancient ruins, sun-soaked beaches, and mouthwatering cuisine.
• Depart from Malta early this morning to catch a 2 hour ferry ride to Sicily.
• Visit Europe’s tallest active volcano, Mount Etna and take a guided tour or cable car ride to explore its craters and lava fields.
• Enjoy a meal at an iconic terrace restaurant.
• Check into the luxury Ortea Palace Hotel on the beautiful Ortigia island, part of the city of Siracuse, where we’ll be for the remainder of our stay.

• Syracuse
• Discover the Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheater, and the Ear of Dionysius at Syracuse’s Archaeological Park.
• Wander through the charming streets, visit the Piazza Duomo, and explore the Temple of Apollo at Ortigia.
• Enjoy fresh Sicilian cuisine and olive oil and wine tasting.

• Sea Level to Mountain Top
• Enjoying a boat tour of the southern or northern coast of Syracuse and Ortigia, possibly including a refreshing dip in the water!
• Visit Castelmola, a small medieval town perched on a mountain-peak overlooking Taormina and lies about 550 mts (1580 ft) above the sea level offering a magnificent view of the sea, Taormina, the coast of Calabria and Mt. Etna.
• Time to stroll along the lively Corso Umberto street lined with shops, cafes, and boutiques and do a little shopping!

• Your Choice!
• On our final day together you can choose between taking a local cooking class, a Gastronomic Street Food Tour of Catania, or perhaps another winery tour. If you prefer you can simply take the morning and afternoon off to finish up any shopping you may want to do, or just relax and enjoy the Mediterranean seaside!
• Conclude your trip with a farewell dinner, savoring traditional Sicilian dishes and a glass of wine.

• Departure and travel back to USA