Sicily, Malta & Aeolian Islands

Day 6: Lunch in ‘The Godfather’ village and Ortigia

Catching the hydrofoil back to Milazzo, we board our coach and drive down Sicily’s eastern coastline. Peeling off the highway, we climb up the steep mountainside on a series of tight hairpin bends to reach the perched village of Forza d’Agro. This area was the setting for some scenes from the film ‘The Godfather’, and is the perfect location for a stunning, very leisurely, typically ‘Italian style’ lunch. Later we drive past Catania to the city of Syracuse, where we cross over to delightful Ortigia Island, one of the most beautiful destinations in Sicily, where we will stay the next two nights. 

Meals: B,L

Day 7: Syracuse and Ortigia ‘My Time’

This morning we are joined by a local guide. First stop will be on the mainland at Syracuse, to explore the UNESCO Heritage listed temples and the massive amphitheatre in the 2500-year-old Greek and Roman city ruins. We will also visit the overgrown quarries and test the amazing acoustics in the famous ‘Ear of Dionysus’ cavern. Later we cross back onto Ortigia Island, to be guided through the delightful backstreets to the breathtaking architecture of the main square, Piazza del Duomo. Inhabited for over 3,000 years, a special highlight will be our visit to the Mercato di Ortigia - very traditional food markets, famous for the sing song calls of the vendors. The rest of the day and the evening is dedicated to ‘My Time’ in this delightful, ancient town. In the evening find a quiet café or trattoria, and make sure you visit the Piazza which is without doubt utterly stunning at night-time.  

Meals: B

• Grand Hotel Ortigia, Syracuse, Algilà Ortigia Charme Hotel, Syracuse

Day 8: Noto, lunch at Torre Marabino and Modica

Over the next three days we will visit 4 of the 8 cities that are grouped together with UNESCO World Heritage status. Your morning will be spent at leisure exploring the rebuilt city of Noto. Completely devastated by an earthquake in 1693, the whole city was lovingly rebuilt with a golden yellow limestone. Architects designed the churches and palaces with their own curvaceous take on baroque. Better still, the city planners aligned the streets to catch the sunlight, so Noto’s grand buildings are bathed in an apricot glow. Delightful! For lunch we are going somewhere very special, the gourmet farmhouse restaurant at Torre Marabino.  Surrounded by terraces shaded by olive and carob trees is an ancient Norman Stone tower, and La Morisca restaurant. Specializing in typical Sicilian cuisine, the food is sourced from their own, surrounding organic farm. Time to settle down and dine as guests of the owner, Francesca. Suitably relaxed, we continue the short distance to the amazing city of Modica where we stay the next three nights. On arrival we have included a welcome drink. This evening is at leisure.  Perhaps take a stroll up to Modica Ibla – the Old town on top of the hill.  Follow the old alleys and streets, up beautifully lit grand staircases, past the floodlit Cathedral…  The view is mesmerizing. The whole valley and old town are lit with thousands of little lights and you will understand why the locals often describe the town as a pomegranate, cut in half and turned inside out.

Meals: B,L

Day 9: Modica chocolate

Over the millennia, Modica has grown to cover two sides of a valley. Below is Modica Bassa, and above it Modica Alto (upper Modica) - the older town. The hillside is linked by characterful old streets and steep staircases.  A beautiful town with fine Sicilian baroque architecture, it has a great atmosphere, and friendly locals. Joined by a local guide, we start our walking tour from our hotel.  First stop will be a visit to the grand, baroque Cathedral of San Giorgio with its numerous works of art. From its terrace you savour the amazing view right over the valley. Continuing on, we wind our way down the staircases to Modica Bassa to the Church of San Pietro and the Antica Dolceria Bonajuto – a display centre regarded as an institution in town, where we enjoy a talk and tasting of Cioccolato di Modica – Modica’s famous chocolate inspired by an ancient Aztec recipe for Xocolatl. Your afternoon is ‘My Time’ - free time to explore further or relax by the pool. This evening we dine in a local Osteria, a short walk from our hotel.

Meals: B,D

Day 10: Ragusa, ‘My Time’ and Scicli

Our morning excursion is to Ragusa’s old town – Ragusa Ibla. As we draw close, we see the city perched high on a hill between two deep ravines. The main attraction in the old town centre is the grand Duomo di San Giorgio, which stands at the ahead of the large pedestrian square. At the far end is a park with churches and fountains and striking valley views. Time for a gelato!  Your afternoon will be ‘My Time’ relaxing back at Modica, and early evening we have another treat in store for you as we take you to the pretty town of Scicli. As dusk approaches, take a relaxing stroll and discover a restaurant to enjoy dinner at leisure.  

Meals: B

• Hotel Principe d'Aragona, Modica Bassa

Day 11: Valletta, Malta

We drive to Pozzallo on Sicily’s south coast to catch the hydrofoil ferry to Valletta, Malta. On arrival, we transfer to our resort hotel located right on the edge of Valletta’s superb old town. Where you stay is so important, especially as we have four evocative nights here, and Valletta old town, is fascinating with so much to see and do. The city itself is so grand, with massive ramparts and fortifications, and at night it is an absolute pleasure to stroll along its beautifully lit, broad, elegant, pedestrian boulevards. And that is why we choose to stay right here, where it matters, where you always have such easy access to the whole city by foot.

Meals: B

Day 12: Valletta city tour, a Harbour Cruise & 'My Time'

This morning we are joined by a local guide who will walk us through this amazing city, with its elegant buildings and palaces and thousands of years of history. 500 years ago, Charles V of Spain gave Malta to the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem. They made Valletta their capital and built one of the mightiest fortress cities in the world, every bit as grand and impressive as any in Europe. Now UNESCO listed, the ramparts are enormous, the harbour is one of Europe’s grandest, and the city with its elegant baroque architecture presents beautifully. In the centre, we visit the St John’s Co-Cathedral with its sumptuous interior, and the Malta Experience. First, we enjoy a film depicting 7,000 years of Malta’s history, and then we are guided through the ‘La Sacra Infermeria’ - the original, giant vaulted Holy Infirmary of the Knights of the order of St John. Fascinating! We have also included a Harbour cruise taking in the ‘Three Cities’ - the harbour towns of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua. Afterwards, the rest of your afternoon is free to explore the old city, the shopping is excellent. The views from the Bastion of the picturesque Upper Barrakka Gardens are spectacular, and twice a day there is a ceremonial gun salute.
This evening we will stroll into the heart of the old town to dine in a local restaurant and enjoy excellent Maltese cuisine.

Meals: B,D

Day 13: Gozo, Victoria citadel and Xlendi

Joined by a local Maltese guide, we drive to the north where we catch a ferry across to Mgarr, on the island of Gozo, also known as Homer’s legendary Island of Calypso. In the centre of the island, we visit its capital Victoria, and the Citadel above town. From the bastions of the massive, golden stone fortifications, featured in the Games of Thrones, there are 360 degree views across a countryside dotted with villages, farms, church spires and in the distance, is the sea. Gozo is also famous for its crystal clear swimming beaches and harbours. Lunchtime is spent relaxing in the pretty little harbour village of Xlendi. Time for a swim perhaps? Afterwards we catch the ferry back to Malta and the remainder of your afternoon and evening is free in Valletta.  

Meals: B

Day 14: Blue Grotto cruise, Ancient Ħaġar Qim, Marsaxlokk and Mdina

Our first stop today will be on the coast where we jump on a motorboat to cruise around the rugged cliffs and into the Blue Grotto.  Later we explore the incredibly old stone temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra. Our local guide will walk us through the visitor centre and then explain the rich background story of these ancient temples. Dating back to between 3,200 and 3,600 BC they are 1,000 years older than the pyramids of Egypt and some of the oldest structures in the world. Lunchtime will be spent in the pretty port of Marsaxlokk. Dozens of colourful fishing boats moor up to the harbourside where the tables and sun umbrellas of al fresco seafood restaurants beckon. So relaxing. Mid afternoon we return to Valletta for some free time before our dusk visit to the ‘Silent City’ of Mdina. We enjoy an early evening walk through the delightful, pedestrian old town to take in the sweeping views from the shady terrace on the far ramparts. As a finale we enjoy a farewell dinner in a historic restaurant built into the old Norman tower walls.

Meals: B,D

Day 15: Valletta, Malta

Your tour ends this morning after breakfast.  

Meals: B

• Grand Hotel Excelsior, Valletta