Best of Sardinia & Sicily

Today your flight departs for Olbia, Sardinia, via Rome, Italy.

Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some customers may be required to depart on Day 2, to arrive on Day 2. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation, which you will receive 4-6 weeks prior to departure.

Meals included: In-Flight

Upon arrival, be met by your English-speaking tour leader and transferred to the hotel. Relax for the rest of the day.

Overnight: Hotel For You or similar, Olbia

Meals included: None

Today, join a full-day excursion to Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast), a stretch of land along the northeast coast of Sardinia, Italy.

The Costa Smeralda is synonymous with dream-like beaches, isolated coves and inlets and gently-changing shades of blue and green sea. This extraordinary region is dotted with Mediterranean vegetation, numerous villas, golf courses, tourist ports and homes hidden behind rocks shaped by the wind in perfect harmony with the environment. Drive to Palau, where you will board a boat cruise to La Maddalena archipelago National Park, formed by around 60 islets in the northeast of Sardinia.

The guided boat excursion includes 4 stops: the island of Spargi, the island of Budelli, the island of Santa Maria and La Maddalena. The journey begins by passing in front of the beautiful villas of Porto Rafael and arrives after only 15 minutes at the beautiful Cala Corsara on the island of Spargi. Here, after photographing the impressive rocks sculpted by the wind and the sea (Testa di Strega, Cane Bulldog and Stivale d’Italia), you can relax on the beach.

Back on board taste a delicious “spaghettata” lunch on board (included). Then we set off again and reach the delightful coves of Spargi (Cala Soraya, Cala Granara and Cala Connari). Before arriving at the destination of our second stop, Budelli Island, you will have the opportunity to admire the tall white limestone cliffs of nearby Corsica that bring out the colours of the landscape. Once on Budelli, you will be enchanted by the extraordinary beauty of the Spiaggia Rosa and the Spiaggia dei Cavalieri, where Budelli’s natural pools are located. Here you can immerse yourself in a real natural paradise, where the sky-blue hues of the ocean appear to reflect the sky.

The next stop around the island of Santa Maria is dedicated to diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. This location is among the most popular for visitors to Sardinia because of its crystal-clear sea and the richness and particular nature of its flora and fauna, including shoals of saddled bream and sargo.

On the way back, we get to the final part of the most celebrated and frequented destination in the archipelago. Enjoy a walk around the historic centre of the only town in the whole archipelago - La Maddalena, well known for its picturesque alleys and stairways. The centre of the town is also full of craft shops and boutiques for shopping, local souvenirs or enjoy a delicious homemade ice cream.

Today's travel is approximately 100 kilometres.

Please note:
• In case of bad weather conditions, the boat trip among the different Islands will not take place, but a ferry will take you directly to La Maddalena with a walking tour and lunch included, on the way back to Olbia, stop at Porto Cervo, a small and charming village by the sea, an architectural gem amid an area of natural beauty. In the summer it welcomes an extraordinary procession of hundreds of yachts and famous personalities; it is quite likely that you may find yourself in the square, shopping side-by-side with film or television stars. In the evening return back to your hotel in Olbia.
• The captain may change the route due to weather conditions, or according to changes imposed by the Marine Park Management.

*In case of bad weather conditions, the ferry will go directly to La Maddalena, with a walking tour and lunch included and a stop at Porto Cervo on the way back.

Overnight: Hotel For You or similar, Olbia

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

After breakfast head to Luras where you can admire the hundred year old Olive trees. Afterwards, stop at Calagianus by a craftsman for a cork ‘Sughero’ workshop (entry not included, approximately 5 Euro per person).

Continue your journey to the granite-stone architecture town of Tempio Pausania and enjoy a walk of the small historical town under the Monte Limbara. Continue to the Tomb of Giants - Coddu Vecchiu in Arzachena, a Nuragic funerary monument located near Arzachena in northern Sardinia, dating from the Bronze Age (entry not included, approximately 4 Euro per person). The site consists of stone megaliths and a gallery grave and is one of the largest Nuragic Giants' graves on the island.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon after an approximately 100 kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Hotel For You or similar, Olbia

Meals included: Breakfast

Today depart to Codrongianos, visit the Basilica of Saccargia (entrance included) one of Sardinia's most important Romanesque sites. The construction is entirely in local stone, with a typical appearance of Tuscan Romanesque style.

Afterwards, continue to Capo Caccia. This is the marine portion of the huge Porto Conte Park's ecosystem, created in 2002. The protected area of Capo Caccia - Piana Island falls within the territory of Alghero and includes Porto Conte Bay and the stretch from Punta Giglio to Capo Caccia: of priceless natural value, embellished by the fossil-rich limestone and rare plants growing on the cliffs.

Continue on a 170 kilometre journey to Alghero. Upon arrival, enjoy a walking orientation tour with your tour leader.

Alghero is known for its cobblestoned old town. It is the island’s main harbour town and one of its most beloved cities, renowned for its popular walkway along the port’s bastions. Along the walkway, witness the ruby red roofs and gorgeous natural bay that flows into the emerald sea. The shoreline is approximately 90 kilometres long and known as the Coral Riviera, home to a major colony of the finest coral. See the Catalan Gothic buildings, including the Santa Maria Cathedral with its imposing bell tower, Palazzo Guillot, San Francesco Church, and the nearby San Michele Church with its colourful tiled dome (entrance fees not included).

Hotel Catalunya or Hotel Grazia Deledda Sassari or similar, Alghero

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast head to Nuoro, described as the Athens of Sardinia, and enjoy a stroll with your tour leader through the historical centre. Step back in time as you walk over cobblestone streets lined with old stone houses, courtyards, porticos and little squares that seem to appear out of nowhere. Visit the popular Museum of Traditions (entry included).

Continue to the hill town of Orgosolo, famous for its street art murals and its anti-authoritarian streak - inspired by shepherds and immortalised in its street art. Enjoy a traditional lunch in a typical farm with the shepherds (included). Lunch includes drinks.

In the late afternoon, arrive in Oristano for your overnight. Featuring elegant shopping streets, ornate piazzas, popular cafes and some good restaurants, Oristano’s refined and animated centre is a lovely place to hang out. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Today's travel is approximately 290 kilometres. 

Overnight: Hotel Mistral 2 or similar, Oristano

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

Depart today to the historic city of Cagliari. On the way stop at the archaeological zone of Barumini to visit Nuraghe. Nuraghe is the main type of ancient megalithic edifice found in Sardinia, developed during the Nuragic Age between 1900 and 730 B.C. The complex is one of the 55 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy. According to UNESCO, this extremely important archaeological site is exemplary for being the most complete and best-preserved of the remains left by the Nuragic Civilization; at the same time, it also demonstrates the intelligent use of innovative materials and techniques by a prehistoric community.

Continue to Serdiana for a wine tasting at a popular wine cellar in the area, Cantine Argiolas, among the most recognisable names on the Sardinian wine scene. Arrive in Cagliari late afternoon and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. While you're here, take a chance to hang out at the busy cafes tucked under arcades in the seafront Marina district.

Today's travel is approximately 170 kilometres. 

Overnight: Hotel Regina Margherita similar, Cagliari

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Cagliari, a historic district with picturesque sea views, elegant shopping streets and panoramic terraces. It is known for the hilltop Castello, a medieval walled quarter situated high over the rest of the town. You may like to explore one of the town’s main architectural highlights, the 13th-century Cagliari Cathedral (entrance not included).

In the late afternoon, you will be transferred to Cagliari port where you will board the overnight ferry to Palermo (approximately 12 hours). The ferry will depart at approximately 19:00 this evening.

Overnight: Grimaldi Ferry or similar - twin-share cabin with private facilities

Meals included: Breakfast

Arrive in the port of Palermo early morning at approximately 05:00-06:00, where you will be met and transferred to the city centre for breakfast and afterwards enjoy a guided tour (approximately 3 hours).

Uncover the highlights of the Sicilian capital. Situated at the edge of Europe, but at the centre of the ancient world, it’s a place where souk-like markets rub against baroque churches and date palms frame Gothic palaces. See sights such as the Palermo Cathedral, the Teatro Massimo, one of Italy’s most famous opera houses, and the Norman Palace (entrance fees not included). The palace was the royal chapel for the kings of Sicily during the Norman domination and later served as the main seat of power for the subsequent rulers of Sicily.

Take the remainder of the day to relax or explore at leisure.

Overnight: Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal or similar, Palermo

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart for Erice on an approximately 300 kilometre travel day to one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Italy. Join awalking tour through the alley streets and the squares, bordered by churches and palaces that, in open spaces, reveal majestic landscapes. The symbol of Erice is Venus Castle, built by the Normans who used materials from the temple of Venus from which the castle takes its name. During the walk, you’ll stop to taste the typical sweets made from ancient recipes of the nuns of cloistered monasteries.

Drive through the “Salt Road” (La Via del Sale), which stretches along the northwestern tip of Sicily from Trapani to Marsala. The route is dotted with quaint Dutch-style windmills used to extract seawater and grind the pure white salt. Visit a typical wine cellar in the Marsala area where you’ll have a wine tasting and nibbles (included).

In the evening, arrive in Agrigento.

Overnight: Hotel Della Valle or similar, Agrigento

Meals included: Breakfast

Today enjoy a guided tour of the famous ‘Valley of Temples’ (approximately 2 hours - entry included), a vast archaeological site with well-preserved Greek temples and the ruins of the ancient city of Akragas. Here, you will see the famed temples of Concordia, Hercules, Juno, as well as Castor and Pollux.

Afterwards continue to Ragusa, a nice town in Noto Valley, part of Unesco World Heritage, with its beautiful palaces and churches in Baroque style. After a quick visit to Ibla, the ancient heart of the town, stop for a tasting of typical local products including chocolate and nougat.

Today's travel is approximately 140 kilometres.

Overnight: Hotel Mediterraneaneo Palace or similar, Ragusa

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast enjoy a guided tour of Marzamemi, a wonderful seaside village. Stop for a workshop on bottarga, the Italian name for a delicacy of salted and cured fish roe and salted anchovies which are still using traditional methods.

Continue to Portopalo di Capo Passero, the southernmost point of Sicily, where the Ionian and the Mediterranean Seas cross. Here, depending on the tide, you can reach Currents Island on foot or by boat.

Today's travel is approximately 150 kilometres.

Overnight: Hotel Mediterraneaneo Palace or similar, Ragusa

Meals included: Breakfast

Head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Syracuse, among the largest and most beautiful Greek colonies in Sicily. During the guided tour around Syracuse, your guide will lead you through the island's bustling market. You’ll be able to speak to vendors, identify seasonal produce, and learn about food provenance and sample some mouthwatering food along the way, including some local cheeses, delicious sun-dried tomatoes, olives and other local products.

The tour continues in Ortigia, Syracuse’s ancient island featuring the famous Fountain of Arethusa, the beautiful Cathedral and the Temple of Apollo. In the afternoon be transferred to Catania, the baroque Sicilian second largest city.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Today's travel is approximately 150 kilometres. 

Overnight: Grande Albergo Maugeri or similar, Catania Area

Meals included: Breakfast

Your journey today continues to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Along the way, you can admire the olive groves and citrus trees typical of the area. Drive up to a height of 2000 metres, where you can enjoy splendid views of Sicily. Walk to the spectacular Silvestri Craters, two small volcanic cones, inactive for a century, surrounded by lava from the last eruptions.

On the road to Taormina, known as “the pearl of the Mediterranean”, stop at the town of Zafferana Etnea to taste Etna’s honey. Continue to travel to Taormina upon arrival enjoy a guided walking tour through the narrow streets of this picturesque town, with a stop at the main square to admire the enchanting view.

In the evening, return to Catania.

Today's travel is approximately 150 kilometres. 

Overnight: Grande Albergo Maugeri or similar, Catania Area

Meals included: Breakfast

Today at the appropriate time, be transferred to the airport for your return flight home.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Please note: Some flights may arrive in +1 day later.

Today your flight departs for Olbia, Sardinia, via Rome, Italy.

Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some customers may be required to depart on Day 2, to arrive on Day 2. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation, which you will receive 4-6 weeks prior to departure.

Meals included: In-Flight

Upon arrival, be met by your English-speaking tour leader and transferred to the hotel. Relax for the rest of the day.

Overnight: Hotel For You or similar, Olbia

Meals included: None

Today, join a full-day excursion to Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast), a stretch of land along the northeast coast of Sardinia, Italy.

The Costa Smeralda is synonymous with dream-like beaches, isolated coves and inlets and gently-changing shades of blue and green sea. This extraordinary region is dotted with Mediterranean vegetation, numerous villas, golf courses, tourist ports and homes hidden behind rocks shaped by the wind in perfect harmony with the environment. Drive to Palau, where you will board a boat cruise to La Maddalena archipelago National Park, formed by around 60 islets in the northeast of Sardinia.

The guided boat excursion includes 4 stops: the island of Spargi, the island of Budelli, the island of Santa Maria and La Maddalena. The journey begins by passing in front of the beautiful villas of Porto Rafael and arrives after only 15 minutes at the beautiful Cala Corsara on the island of Spargi. Here, after photographing the impressive rocks sculpted by the wind and the sea (Testa di Strega, Cane Bulldog and Stivale d’Italia), you can relax on the beach.

Back on board taste a delicious “spaghettata” lunch on board (included). Then we set off again and reach the delightful coves of Spargi (Cala Soraya, Cala Granara and Cala Connari). Before arriving at the destination of our second stop, Budelli Island, you will have the opportunity to admire the tall white limestone cliffs of nearby Corsica that bring out the colours of the landscape. Once on Budelli, you will be enchanted by the extraordinary beauty of the Spiaggia Rosa and the Spiaggia dei Cavalieri, where Budelli’s natural pools are located. Here you can immerse yourself in a real natural paradise, where the sky-blue hues of the ocean appear to reflect the sky.

The next stop around the island of Santa Maria is dedicated to diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. This location is among the most popular for visitors to Sardinia because of its crystal-clear sea and the richness and particular nature of its flora and fauna, including shoals of saddled bream and sargo.

On the way back, we get to the final part of the most celebrated and frequented destination in the archipelago. Enjoy a walk around the historic centre of the only town in the whole archipelago - La Maddalena, well known for its picturesque alleys and stairways. The centre of the town is also full of craft shops and boutiques for shopping, local souvenirs or enjoy a delicious homemade ice cream.

Today's travel is approximately 100 kilometres.

Please note:
• In case of bad weather conditions, the boat trip among the different Islands will not take place, but a ferry will take you directly to La Maddalena with a walking tour and lunch included, on the way back to Olbia, stop at Porto Cervo, a small and charming village by the sea, an architectural gem amid an area of natural beauty. In the summer it welcomes an extraordinary procession of hundreds of yachts and famous personalities; it is quite likely that you may find yourself in the square, shopping side-by-side with film or television stars. In the evening return back to your hotel in Olbia.
• The captain may change the route due to weather conditions, or according to changes imposed by the Marine Park Management.

*In case of bad weather conditions, the ferry will go directly to La Maddalena, with a walking tour and lunch included and a stop at Porto Cervo on the way back.

Overnight: Hotel For You or similar, Olbia

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

After breakfast head to Luras where you can admire the hundred year old Olive trees. Afterwards, stop at Calagianus by a craftsman for a cork ‘Sughero’ workshop (entry not included, approximately 5 Euro per person).

Continue your journey to the granite-stone architecture town of Tempio Pausania and enjoy a walk of the small historical town under the Monte Limbara. Continue to the Tomb of Giants - Coddu Vecchiu in Arzachena, a Nuragic funerary monument located near Arzachena in northern Sardinia, dating from the Bronze Age (entry not included, approximately 4 Euro per person). The site consists of stone megaliths and a gallery grave and is one of the largest Nuragic Giants' graves on the island.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon after an approximately 100 kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Hotel For You or similar, Olbia

Meals included: Breakfast

Today depart to Codrongianos, visit the Basilica of Saccargia (entrance included) one of Sardinia's most important Romanesque sites. The construction is entirely in local stone, with a typical appearance of Tuscan Romanesque style.

Afterwards, continue to Capo Caccia. This is the marine portion of the huge Porto Conte Park's ecosystem, created in 2002. The protected area of Capo Caccia - Piana Island falls within the territory of Alghero and includes Porto Conte Bay and the stretch from Punta Giglio to Capo Caccia: of priceless natural value, embellished by the fossil-rich limestone and rare plants growing on the cliffs.

Continue on a 170 kilometre journey to Alghero. Upon arrival, enjoy a walking orientation tour with your tour leader.

Alghero is known for its cobblestoned old town. It is the island’s main harbour town and one of its most beloved cities, renowned for its popular walkway along the port’s bastions. Along the walkway, witness the ruby red roofs and gorgeous natural bay that flows into the emerald sea. The shoreline is approximately 90 kilometres long and known as the Coral Riviera, home to a major colony of the finest coral. See the Catalan Gothic buildings, including the Santa Maria Cathedral with its imposing bell tower, Palazzo Guillot, San Francesco Church, and the nearby San Michele Church with its colourful tiled dome (entrance fees not included).

Hotel Catalunya or Hotel Grazia Deledda Sassari or similar, Alghero

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast head to Nuoro, described as the Athens of Sardinia, and enjoy a stroll with your tour leader through the historical centre. Step back in time as you walk over cobblestone streets lined with old stone houses, courtyards, porticos and little squares that seem to appear out of nowhere. Visit the popular Museum of Traditions (entry included).

Continue to the hill town of Orgosolo, famous for its street art murals and its anti-authoritarian streak - inspired by shepherds and immortalised in its street art. Enjoy a traditional lunch in a typical farm with the shepherds (included). Lunch includes drinks.

In the late afternoon, arrive in Oristano for your overnight. Featuring elegant shopping streets, ornate piazzas, popular cafes and some good restaurants, Oristano’s refined and animated centre is a lovely place to hang out. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Today's travel is approximately 290 kilometres. 

Overnight: Hotel Mistral 2 or similar, Oristano

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

Depart today to the historic city of Cagliari. On the way stop at the archaeological zone of Barumini to visit Nuraghe. Nuraghe is the main type of ancient megalithic edifice found in Sardinia, developed during the Nuragic Age between 1900 and 730 B.C. The complex is one of the 55 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy. According to UNESCO, this extremely important archaeological site is exemplary for being the most complete and best-preserved of the remains left by the Nuragic Civilization; at the same time, it also demonstrates the intelligent use of innovative materials and techniques by a prehistoric community.

Continue to Serdiana for a wine tasting at a popular wine cellar in the area, Cantine Argiolas, among the most recognisable names on the Sardinian wine scene. Arrive in Cagliari late afternoon and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. While you're here, take a chance to hang out at the busy cafes tucked under arcades in the seafront Marina district.

Today's travel is approximately 170 kilometres. 

Overnight: Hotel Regina Margherita similar, Cagliari

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Cagliari, a historic district with picturesque sea views, elegant shopping streets and panoramic terraces. It is known for the hilltop Castello, a medieval walled quarter situated high over the rest of the town. You may like to explore one of the town’s main architectural highlights, the 13th-century Cagliari Cathedral (entrance not included).

In the late afternoon, you will be transferred to Cagliari port where you will board the overnight ferry to Palermo (approximately 12 hours). The ferry will depart at approximately 19:00 this evening.

Overnight: Grimaldi Ferry or similar - twin-share cabin with private facilities

Meals included: Breakfast

Arrive in the port of Palermo early morning at approximately 05:00-06:00, where you will be met and transferred to the city centre for breakfast and afterwards enjoy a guided tour (approximately 3 hours).

Uncover the highlights of the Sicilian capital. Situated at the edge of Europe, but at the centre of the ancient world, it’s a place where souk-like markets rub against baroque churches and date palms frame Gothic palaces. See sights such as the Palermo Cathedral, the Teatro Massimo, one of Italy’s most famous opera houses, and the Norman Palace (entrance fees not included). The palace was the royal chapel for the kings of Sicily during the Norman domination and later served as the main seat of power for the subsequent rulers of Sicily.

Take the remainder of the day to relax or explore at leisure.

Overnight: Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal or similar, Palermo

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart for Erice on an approximately 300 kilometre travel day to one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Italy. Join awalking tour through the alley streets and the squares, bordered by churches and palaces that, in open spaces, reveal majestic landscapes. The symbol of Erice is Venus Castle, built by the Normans who used materials from the temple of Venus from which the castle takes its name. During the walk, you’ll stop to taste the typical sweets made from ancient recipes of the nuns of cloistered monasteries.

Drive through the “Salt Road” (La Via del Sale), which stretches along the northwestern tip of Sicily from Trapani to Marsala. The route is dotted with quaint Dutch-style windmills used to extract seawater and grind the pure white salt. Visit a typical wine cellar in the Marsala area where you’ll have a wine tasting and nibbles (included).

In the evening, arrive in Agrigento.

Overnight: Hotel Della Valle or similar, Agrigento

Meals included: Breakfast

Today enjoy a guided tour of the famous ‘Valley of Temples’ (approximately 2 hours - entry included), a vast archaeological site with well-preserved Greek temples and the ruins of the ancient city of Akragas. Here, you will see the famed temples of Concordia, Hercules, Juno, as well as Castor and Pollux.

Afterwards continue to Ragusa, a nice town in Noto Valley, part of Unesco World Heritage, with its beautiful palaces and churches in Baroque style. After a quick visit to Ibla, the ancient heart of the town, stop for a tasting of typical local products including chocolate and nougat.

Today's travel is approximately 140 kilometres.

Overnight: Hotel Mediterraneaneo Palace or similar, Ragusa

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast enjoy a guided tour of Marzamemi, a wonderful seaside village. Stop for a workshop on bottarga, the Italian name for a delicacy of salted and cured fish roe and salted anchovies which are still using traditional methods.

Continue to Portopalo di Capo Passero, the southernmost point of Sicily, where the Ionian and the Mediterranean Seas cross. Here, depending on the tide, you can reach Currents Island on foot or by boat.

Today's travel is approximately 150 kilometres.

Overnight: Hotel Mediterraneaneo Palace or similar, Ragusa

Meals included: Breakfast

Head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Syracuse, among the largest and most beautiful Greek colonies in Sicily. During the guided tour around Syracuse, your guide will lead you through the island's bustling market. You’ll be able to speak to vendors, identify seasonal produce, and learn about food provenance and sample some mouthwatering food along the way, including some local cheeses, delicious sun-dried tomatoes, olives and other local products.

The tour continues in Ortigia, Syracuse’s ancient island featuring the famous Fountain of Arethusa, the beautiful Cathedral and the Temple of Apollo. In the afternoon be transferred to Catania, the baroque Sicilian second largest city.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Today's travel is approximately 150 kilometres. 

Overnight: Grande Albergo Maugeri or similar, Catania Area

Meals included: Breakfast

Your journey today continues to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Along the way, you can admire the olive groves and citrus trees typical of the area. Drive up to a height of 2000 metres, where you can enjoy splendid views of Sicily. Walk to the spectacular Silvestri Craters, two small volcanic cones, inactive for a century, surrounded by lava from the last eruptions.

On the road to Taormina, known as “the pearl of the Mediterranean”, stop at the town of Zafferana Etnea to taste Etna’s honey. Continue to travel to Taormina upon arrival enjoy a guided walking tour through the narrow streets of this picturesque town, with a stop at the main square to admire the enchanting view.

In the evening, return to Catania.

Today's travel is approximately 150 kilometres. 

Overnight: Grande Albergo Maugeri or similar, Catania Area

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, spend time at leisure in the beautiful city of Catania. Cosmopolitan, exuberant and eclectic, Catania is a multicoloured universe, from the glittering whiteness of its Baroque stuccoes (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to the lava black of the Liotru, the elephant sculpted from basalt that greets visitors in the heart of the city - Piazza Duomo.

In the late afternoon, transfer to Pozzallo to take the ferry to Malta (2 hours). Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your accommodation in St Julians.

Today's travel is approximately 100 kilometres.

Overnight: Hotel Argento or similar, St Julians

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, head out on a full-day tour of Malta - a local guide will join you today. Your first stop is the Blue Grotto, which consists of a number of sea caverns on the southern coast of Malta (entrance fee to see inside the cave is not included. Approximately 10 euro per person) Every day from sunrise until about 13:00 a unique sight can be observed here. The location of the cave, combined with the sunlight leads to the water mirroring, showing numerous shades of blue. Several caverns mirror the brilliant phosphorescent colours of the underwater flora; other caverns show a deep dark shade of blue. The Blue Grotto is a popular destination for tourists on the island of Malta. It was also used for a scene in the 2004 film Troy.

You will have the opportunity to take a boat trip around the caves (subject to weather conditions). The next stop is Hagar Qim (entrance included), a megalithic temple complex dating from the Ġgantija phase. The Megalithic Temples of Malta are among the most ancient religious sites on Earth, described by the World Heritage Sites committee as unique architectural masterpieces. The temple of Hagar Qim stands on a hilltop overlooking the sea and the islet of Fifl.

Continue to Marsaxlokk, a small, traditional fishing village in the South Eastern Region of Malta. Take some time to wander its colourful harbour, known for its views, fishermen and history. Afterwards, head back to Valetta, where you will visit The Three Cities, a collective description of the three ‘fortified cities’ of Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua in Malta. The oldest of the Three Cities is Birgu, which has existed since the Middle Ages. The other two cities, Senglea and Cospicua, were both founded by the Order of Saint John in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Three Cities are enclosed by the Cottonera Lines, along with several other fortifications. Enjoy a walking tour of Birgu with your tour guide and delve deeper into this fascinating city.

Overnight: Hotel Argento or similar, St Julians

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, head out on a half-day city tour of Valletta with a local guide. Malta’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Valletta is nothing short of an open-air museum. Throughout the years, the city has welcomed emperors, heads of state, artists and poets and is now the permanent seat of the Maltese government. It is a living experience of Baroque architecture. Dotted with quaint cafes and wine bars, the city is today one of Malta’s main tourist attractions.

During your tour, your guide will walk you around Valletta’s Upper Barrakka Gardens, St John’s Co-Cathedral (entrance not included) and Republic St, the main shopping strip in Valletta.

Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure in Valletta.

Overnight: Hotel Argento or similar, St Julians

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day guided tour with a local guide of Northern Malta. The tour starts at the town of Mellieha, popular for its sandy beaches and natural environment.

Enjoy a walk through the city, stopping at the Parish Church of Mellieha (entrance fee not included). Beauty abounds at this peaceful church, with a number of amazing statues, paintings and frescoes inside. On the outside, the church's viewing points command stunning views over the whole village. The next stop is Mdina, the old capital of Malta, whose earliest inhabitants date back to 4000 BC. Commanding a magnificent view of the Island, Mdina maintained a strategic position due to its central location, the highest point on the island, and its distance from the sea.

Enjoy a walk through the city and visit its most famous site, the iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Wignacourt Museum and the St Paul’s Grotto (entrance included) set beneath the beautiful St. Paul's Church in Rabat. According to the Book of Acts, it was here that St. Paul and his missionary party took refuge after they shipwrecked on the island of Malta on their way from Crete to Rome.

Enjoy some free time before heading onwards to Mosta. Revel in a visit to the neoclassical Mosta Dome (entrance included), which is one of the most well-known churches in Malta and is the third-largest unsupported dome in the world.

After an action-packed day, arrive back in St Julians for your night’s accommodation.

Overnight: Hotel Argento or similar, St Julians

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is a relaxing day at your leisure. You can choose to go to the sea, go shopping or you can go for an optional full day trip by boat to Gozo, Comino and Laguna Blu (bookable on tour with the tour guide).

The islands of Gozo and Comino are located just off the northern coast of Malta and are known for their rocky shores and traditional fishing villages. This day cruise departs from Sliema and visits both islands in one day. Head to shore for a scenic tour of Gozo and see the most fascinating sights, including the General’s Stone, the Azure Window and the inland sea. Next, sail to the Comino Caves and the Blue Lagoon on Comino Island.

Overnight: Hotel Argento or similar, St Julians

Meals included: Breakfast

Today at the appropriate time, be transferred to the airport for your return flight home.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Please note: Some flights may arrive in +1 day later.