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Castille Palace, Valletta,
Malta
St. John's Co.
Cathedral, Malta
Entrance to Valletta, Malta
Mdina Streets, Malta
Marsaxlokk, Malta
The Vedette, Malta
Hagar Qim Temples, Malta
Typical Scenery
Blue Grotto
Local Village Piazza
Monreale, Sicily
Cefalu, Sicily
Greek Theatre & Etna,
Sicily
Agrigento,
Sicily
 
Mosaics at Roman Villa, Sicily |
11 day/10 night Malta & Sicily Tour
Starts in
Malta/Ends in Palermo (Sicily)
GUARANTEED DEPARTURE
MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE IS 25
ESCORTED BY ENGLISH SPEAKING ONLY
Itinerary:
5 nights in St. Julians, Malta
2 nights in Taormina, Sicily
3 nights in Palermo, Sicily
Thursday
On arrival at Malta airport
transfer to your hotel and check-in, rest of the day/evening at leisure.
Overnight in St. Julian's Bay.
Breakfast Included
Friday
Full day Valletta,
Mdina Medieval City, Hagar Qim Temple & Marsaxlokk Fishing Village tour
This tour covers three different
periods of Malta's golden history in one day.
Our
first visit during our tour is the capital, Valletta which was built
by the Knights of St. John in 1565.
Here
we include the Barraka
Gardens
which offer stunning views of the
Grand Harbour
and magnificent fortifications, a walk down
Triq Republikka
where you can admire numerous historical buildings built by the
Knights of St. John
including the
Aubereges,
the
Grand Masters Palace
and the
St. John's Co. Cathedral,
the church of the order and also home to
Caravaggio's
masterpiece "Beheading of St. John" amongst other treasures.
After our tour of the capital we will then visit the south west of the
island where the ancient Hagar Qim Temple site stands.
Set in a rural area this ancient temple is particularly interesting as
it has the largest and heaviest megaliths out of all the temple sites
around the Maltese Islands, some slabs weighing a staggering 20 tons.
This temple which dates back 3300BC, an era dominated by Neolithic man.
We then continue to our next stop and an opportunity to experience a
little local culture when visit the pretty traditional fishing
village of Marsaxlokk.
Marsaxlokk,
is a
quaint fishing village and is characterized by low lying buildings and
the colourful traditional fishing boats known as the 'luzzu'. A small
market lines the seafront and if you would like to sample fresh
Mediterranean fish there are numerous local restaurants to choose from
(other cuisine is available).
Our
final stop during this tour will be to Mdina. Mdina
is built on a plateau in the centre of the island, the cities old
Baroque buildings, cathedral and magnificent bastion walls dominate the
rural skyline. Mdina, once the capital of Malta until the modern city of
Valletta was built had many names including Melita (Roman occupation),
Medina (Arabic occupation), Citta Notabile (Knights of St. John) and
Citta Vecchia (after Valletta was built). Today it is also referred as
the Silent City since it inspires tranquillity at any time of the day or
night.
The only way to really experience and enjoy this city is on foot,
explore the quaint alleys, narrow streets, ancient buildings and
magnificent far reaching views form the high bastion walls.
Our tour at this point comes to an end and we head back.
Overnight in St. Julian's Bay.
Breakfast Included
Saturday
Full day
Three Cities (Senglea,
Cospicua & Birgu), Cottonera Lines and Grand Harbour
tour
Our tour
stats with the oldest part of the Grand Harbour and the Three
Cities. We first visit the Gardjola Gardens in Senglea. Here you can
admire the magnificent view from the Vedette (watch tower used by the
Knights), a great opportunity for some stunning photos of the huge
fortifications. Our guide will will unfold its fascinating history and
point out all of the prominent places around this famous harbour such as
Fort St. Angelo, the storage houses lining the waterfront, the dockyard
area and other important features. We continue with our tour driving
through Cospicua before arriving to the most important city of the Grand
Harbour, which is Birgu. In 1530 the Knights of St. John first
settled in this old city. Our walking tour will take us to the very
heart of city and our guide will give you an insight to an era dominated
by the Knights of St. John. The narrow streets and quaint alleys which
form an area know as the 'Collachio' was exclusively occupied by the
Knights and during the tour you will see the magnificent old Palazzo's
which where the original Auberge's occupied by the Knights', pass the
Inquisitors Palace, St. Lawrence Church which was the original church of
the order and end up on the stunning Birgu waterfront where the Galleys
use to berth...nowadays it is a beautiful Yacht marina. Lining the
waterfront are old authentic buildings used by the Knights, today they
accommodate restaurants and other catering establishments. Here you will
have some free time for lunch before continuing. The next part of the
tour will include a panoramic drive around the Cottonera Lines which are
the fortified walls surrounding this whole area and stretch a staggering
4050 metres and took 10 years to build. Our tour will end with a cruise
around the famous Grand Harbour. You will
cruise around the two
natural harbours on either side of Valletta – these are Marsamxett
Harbour and of course the Grand Harbour. A detailed commentary will
unfold the history of the two Great sieges of 1565 and 1942, as well as
all the other places of interest dotted around the harbours which can
only be admired from the sea. We cruise into every creek showing you the
closest possible views which is ideal for some great photos. After the
cruise your tour will come to an end and we return back to your hotel.
Overnight in St. Julian's Bay.
Breakfast Included
Sunday
Half
day Mellieha, Manikata, Mgarr, Bingemma Gap, Dingli Cliffs, Siggiewi
Village & Blue Grotto tour
A superb tour
taking you off the beaten track to some of the more secluded areas which
most visitors do not have the opportunity of exploring. We start with a
drive to the north east of the island, en route you will pass St. Paul's
and Xemxija Bay. Our first stop is the town of Mellieha, a hilltop town
which overlooks the beautiful Ghadira Bay (Mellieha Bay), the islands
longest sandy beach. Here you can admire the old church which is one of
the oldest parishes, visit the sanctuary (if permitted) which is said to
have been blessed by St. Paul and enjoy the extensive panoramas from the
village.
We continue onto the small town of Manikata which is set in a rural
area, the scenery surrounding is beautiful. We pass en route ‘Il-Grotta
ta' San Martin’, a small sacred cave on the way to the villages of
Zebbiegh and Mgarr. The village of Mgarr is a farmer’s village and
very popular with the locals that flock here to dine at one of the many
local speciality restaurants.
At this stage we will be crossing from the north to the west via
Bingemma Gap, a great opportunity for a photo stop..the view of the
north of Malta and Gozo Island in the distance is stunning.
As we drive to the west side of the island we pass Rabat and Buskett
Forrest.
This forest was
created in the 17th
century by the Grandmaster whom resided in the magnificent Verdala
Castle (not open to the public). The castle overlooks the Buskett
Forrest woodland area on one side and Girgenti on the other. We drive
through Girgenti which is a shaded
fertile valley renowned for its orchards and cultivated fields.
Citrus and other fruit trees thrive in the valley beneath the
surrounding ridge. The old picturesque farmsteads, are the homes of the
farming community who till the fields and cultivate the orchards. On a
spur overlooking the valley stands the summer palace of the Inquisitors
built by Monsignor Visconti in 1625 (not open to the public), nowadays
it is the summer residence of our Prime Minister. We continue
with our scenic drive through the rustic countryside to Dingli Cliffs.
These cliffs
are characterised by
vertical or near-vertical rock faces rising from the sea to heights of
up to 70-130m above sea level.
Some of the steep slopes are terraced and this unique feature together
with the expanse of the deep blue Mediterranean sea provide stunning
views. We will have time for a short break in the
typical local village of Siggiewi, here we visit the piazza which
surrounded by small local shops, tavernas...a typical village scene. You
can also try out a local savoury called pastizzi (these
are
filled with peas or ricotta cheese). The final stop of our tour is a
visit to the Blue Grotto.
This
picturesque grotto and its neighbouring system of sea caverns mirrors
the brilliant phosphorescent colours of underwater flora. Boat trip
(which are optional) which takes you to along the coast lasts around 25
minutes and it will allow you to explore these stunning grottoes and sea
caverns... The boat trip is not included in the overall price as it
operates subject to weather conditions, EUR7.50 paid on the day).
This tour is
accompanied by English speaking driver as there are no historical sites
included in the itinerary and therefore a Licensed Tour Guide is not
required.
Breakfast Included
Monday
Free day.
Relax or take an
optional tour (details available on request).
Overnight in St. Julian's Bay.
Breakfast Included
Tuesday
Check-out of hotel, rest of the day at leisure and later transfer from your
hotel.
Breakfast Included
Malta to Catania Flight
Book your flight direct with Air
Malta at http://www.airmalta.com
or we can book the flight for you.
On arrival at Catania airport
transfer to your hotel
in Taormina and check-in.
During the evening
why not take a stroll into central Taormina and enjoy dinner at a local
restaurant. Sicilian cuisine is renowned to be one of the best in the
Mediterranean region. After dinner find the ideal spot and enjoy the
stunning views as far as Calabria and inland views of Mount Etna....the
scenery is simply breathtaking.
Overnight
in Taormina.
Wednesday
Taormina
Day at leisure to explore Taormina or optional tours
are available on request.
You
can explore central Taormina,
visit the Greek Theatre and quaint streets which are lined with small
boutiques and curiosity shops. Maybe take a short bus ride to the town
further up the mountain, called Castelmola. The views of Taormina, the
bay and the slopes of Etna are really amzing. You can also take a cable ride down to
the resort of Giardini Naxos which lies at the foot of Taormina.
Giardini Naxos has a pretty seafront and opportunities to have a swim or
stroll the around Yacht marina.
Overnight
in Taormina. Breakfast Included.
Thursday
Agrigento - Piazza Armerina
Following breakfast, we
will drive through the interior of Sicily to reach Piazza Armerina where
we will view the ruins of the Roman Villa of Casale. The mosaics
discovered here are celebrated among scholars of antiquity. This
afternoon continue to Agrigento. On arrival light-lunch at country
restaurant. This afternoon we will visit the finest of all ancient Greek
sites—the complete Doric Temples. Then we will continue to Palermo, the
capital of Sicily.
Overnight
in Palermo. Breakfast & Lunch Included.
Friday
Marsala - Winery - Olive Oil Farm - Erice
Early departure to tour
western Sicily where we will reach Marsala and visit a local winery’s
cellar and taste Sicilian wines. Later we travel between Trapani and
Marsala on the Salt Way Road. We will tour the historic saltpan works,
where the ancient tradition of harvesting salt from the sea is still
practiced. Then, to an olive oil factory & farmhouse to our light lunch.
This afternoon we continue to Erice uptown. The Elymians settled the
medieval town of Erice, which was an important religious site associated
with the goddess Venus. Wander through its ancient streets and visit
some of the famous homemade pastry shops—world-famous for marzipan
candies and other delicacies like almond and pistachio pastries. Later
back to Palermo.
Overnight
in Palermo. Breakfast & Lunch Included.
Saturday
Monreale - Palermo
Breakfast at hotel. Morning
tour and our first stop will be Monreale
to see where the Arab-Norman art and
architecture reached the pinnacle of its glory with the Duomo, launched
in 1174 by William II. It represents scenes from the Old and New
Testaments all in golden mosaics. Then on to Palermo to visit the
Palatine Chapel, which was the
crowning architectural achievement of William II’s grandfather, Roger
II. We then continue by seeing: Piazza Pretoria and Via Maqueda with
its “four corners” converging Palermo at a quartet of Baroque palaces
left over from the heyday of Spanish rule dating back to 1560. This
afternoon is at leisure to explore the town on your own.
Overnight
in Palermo. Breakfast Included.
Sunday
Check-out.
Breakfast Included.
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Price
Price is per person based on 2 adults sharing.
€1625.00
€180 supplement for tours
departing on April 1st
Accommodation
Information
This tour includes the following 4*/5* preferred accommodation:
Malta
5*
Le Meridien St. Julians, St. Julians
Optional Upgrade:
€60.00 per person for sea view room
Sicily
4* Hotel Villa Angela or
4* Hotel Miramare, Taormina
4*
Hotel Plaza Opera, Palermo
Hotels can be replaced
with hotels of a similar if unavailable at the time of booking.
Tour Availability & Details
This tour starts in Malta on Thursday.
Connects Malta to Catania on Tuesday.
The tour ends in Palermo (Sicily) on Sunday.
Tour Starting
Dates
March 11, 18
April 1, 8, 22, 29
May 13, 20
June 3, 10, 24
July 1, 15, 22
August 26
September 2, 16, 30
October 7, 21, 28
November 11, 18
December 2
What is Included
• 11 day tour & hotel package
• 10 hotel nights on bed and
• breakfast basis
• 2 lunches
• 4 airport and hotel transfers
• English speaking Licensed Tour Guide
•
accompanies in Malta
• English speaking driver host/tour
• escort accompanies in Sicily
• Entrance fees during Malta Tour
Not Included
• Entrance fees during Sicily tour, paid
• locally
(allow approx. €30.00)
• International and connecting flights
Connecting Flights
Malta/Sicily flights with Air Malta.
Airline Websites:
Air Malta http://airmalta.com/
You can book your own
flights or should you require assistance with your flight bookings do
not hesitate to contact us.
How to Book/Make
an Enquiry..> |
