Embark on an unforgettable Mediterranean journey through the historic delights of Malta and the scenic wonders of Sicily. Discover the ancient history of Valletta & St Julian's before heading to Sicily to explore Palermo's vibrant markets and the treasures of Giardini Naxos & Taormina. Enjoy beachside relaxation, extensive sightseeing & delectable Mediterranean delights throughout your adventure. This is what you’ll enjoy on one of our new, exclusive hosted small group tours! Your adventure includes return flights from Australia, hosted coach and ferry transfers between each destination, local food, and wine tastings, and much more. Let us guide you through the details of some incredible destinations you will be experiencing on this hosted holiday.
Malta
Nestled between Sicily and the North African coast, the charming Mediterranean island of Malta ranks among Europe's top beach destinations. With its relaxed tropical ambience, stunning beaches, and exceptional diving opportunities, Malta is a true paradise. What's more, it boasts the world's highest concentration of historic sites, offering a unique blend of leisure and culture. Whether you seek seaside relaxation, underwater exploration in the Mediterranean, or a journey through a 5000-year-old necropolis, Malta has it all. Once you arrive in Malta, your journey starts with an overnight stay in Valletta followed by 2 nights in Gozo & 5 nights in St Julian’s.
Valetta, Malta
Valletta, often called Il-Belt, serves as the charming capital of Malta, a picturesque Mediterranean island. This fortified city was established on a peninsula in the 1500s by the renowned Roman Catholic order, the Knights of St. John, known for their deep-rooted history and traditions. Valletta is celebrated for its remarkable array of museums, grand palaces, and magnificent churches. During your visit, you'll have the freedom to explore this historic city at your own leisure, discovering local gems, quaint cafes, and inviting restaurants along the way.
Gozo, The Mediterranean Sea
Gozo, Malta's sister island, is a Mediterranean gem with an array of activities to enjoy along its picturesque coastline. Our journey commences with a scenic hour-long drive to Cirkewwa, where we'll board a 25-minute ferry to reach Gozo. Spanning 67 km² with around 34,000 residents, Gozo offers a peaceful and serene environment. It often feels like a step back in time, embracing a rustic charm and a more unhurried pace of life, reminiscent of days gone by. During our 2-night stay in Gozo, we'll have the opportunity to explore iconic sites such as Xlendi, Calypso's Cave, Ggantija Temple, and more. For those who prefer to explore independently, the island offers numerous scenic coastal walks that encircle the entire island. These trails vary in route and terrain, providing diverse and captivating views for those who enjoy walking and wish to experience the island's beauty at their own pace.
St Julian’s, Malta
As we journey from Gozo to St. Julian's, our coach transfer will lead us to Comino, renowned for the captivating Blue Lagoon, before we catch the ferry back to Malta. From there, we'll be seamlessly transported to our St. Julian's hotel. Comino, the smallest inhabited island in the archipelago, is mostly uninhabited but offers stunning natural beauty and 17th-century fortifications. The highlight is undoubtedly the mesmerizing Blue Lagoon, featuring white sands and striking turquoise waters. The clarity of the water in this bay often leaves people in awe. It's a place where photos truly don't do the island’s scenery justice. Comino is essentially a haven of swimming spots. During our stay in St. Julian's, we'll explore various UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, including Saint John’s Co-Cathedral and the National Museum of Archaeology, along with the Hagar Qim & Mnajdra Temples, among others. We'll also take a scenic walk between the two temple groups, following a well-maintained path before continuing a rough country path to the Tal Hamrija coastal 17th-century tower. Here, we'll be treated to breathtaking views as the cliffs rise majestically from the azure Mediterranean Sea.
Sicily, Italy
Sicily, the Mediterranean's largest island, is separated from the mainland by the Strait of Messina. This mountainous island features a rugged coastline and smaller islands situated at the bases of volcanoes, including Etna, Stromboli, and Vulcano. Over the centuries, Sicily has been shaped by various cultures, such as the Greeks, Romans, Normans, and Catalans, each leaving their mark through Byzantine palaces, Gothic castles, and Baroque architectural flourishes, particularly in the capital city of Palermo. While most major towns on the island house captivating museums, there are distinct highlights like Mount Etna and the ancient Hellenic temples in Agrigento. During your 3-night stay in Sicily, you'll have ample opportunities for sightseeing, including visits to Neapolis Archaeological Park, Ortygia Island, Temple of Apollo ruins, Maniace Castle, Villa Romana del Casale, and more.
Palmero, Italy
Your journey from Sicily to Palermo offers picturesque sights along the way. We'll begin with a drive up the winding mountain roads to the medieval hilltop town of Erice, a hidden gem in Sicily. Here, you'll have the morning to explore the charming town, wandering through its maze of cobblestone streets. Along the ancient entrance roads, you can discover the Sanctuary of Contrada Mango and the Agora, the city's central meeting place. Nearby, remnants from around 1442 include a castle, mosque, and church, near the amphitheatre. After leaving magnificent Segesta, we'll drive for approximately an hour along the north coast to reach our hotel in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Upon checking in for our 2-night stay, you'll have the evening free to explore Palermo's captivating atmosphere. This Mediterranean city, home to about 1 million residents, showcases a fascinating blend of characteristics. Its tumultuous history, marked by frequent changes in power, has left behind a rich legacy of architectural diversity, culinary influences, and unique place names, shaped by various conquerors, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, and more.
Giardini Naxos, Italy
Leaving Palermo, we embark on a scenic drive along the stunning northern coastline, eventually reaching the charming fishing village of Cefalu. Here, we'll pause to explore the town and perhaps take a refreshing swim in the inviting waters. You might consider visiting the Norman Cathedral, known for its remarkable mosaic of Christ Pantocrator. Continuing our journey along the picturesque coast, we'll arrive at the quaint coastal town of Giardini Naxos, where we'll be based for the next two nights. Giardini Naxos is a popular resort town situated just south of Taormina on the north-eastern coast of Sicily. It's a sought-after destination for tourists seeking both cultural experiences and beautiful beaches. The town itself boasts a pleasant and charming atmosphere; its appealingly painted buildings, abundant flowers, and palm-lined main street create an inviting ambience. You'll find a variety of cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options to choose from in this delightful town.
Taormina, Italy
After your three-night stay in Giardini Naxos, your guided touring comes to a close, but you'll have the next three days to explore Taormina at your leisure. Perched atop a hill on Sicily's eastern coast, Taormina offers enchanting panoramas of its surroundings. This charming town is situated near Mount Etna, an active volcano with trails leading to its summit. Taormina is renowned for the Teatro Antico di Taormina, a Greco-Roman theatre of great historical significance that continues to host events today. Adjacent to the theatre, rugged cliffs descend to the sea, creating secluded coves with sandy shores. A narrow strip of sand connects to Isola Bella, a small island that serves as a nature reserve, enhancing the town's natural beauty. The primary attraction in Taormina is undoubtedly the theatre. Now used for a variety of events, including plays, fashion shows, concerts, and cinema festivals, the Teatro Greco, as its name suggests, began its existence in the 3rd Century BC, hosting performances of works by Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes. Initially modest in size, the Romans expanded it to accommodate their own theatrical extravaganzas. The views from the theatre are spectacular, encompassing a typically smoking Mount Etna and the Bay of Naxos below.
From exploring Malta’s unspoilt turquoise waters & rocky coastline, to discovering ancient temples & architectural sites, embarking on our Old World Malta & Sicily Hosted Small Group Tour, will leave in you in absolute awe of the Mediterranean. To find out more, or to enquire about this immersive itinerary click here. Alternatively, you can contact our travel experts on 1300 854 897 or holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au
