1st Day /Saturday CATANIA

Independent arrival at the hotel in Catania, accommodation, welcome cocktail, dinner and overnight. (D)

2nd Day /Sunday    CATANIA – SIRACUSA – CATANIA

After a buffet breakfast, departure to Syracuse: visit the archaeological area “Neapolis” including the famous Greek theatre, Latomie of the Paradise and the “Dyionisios Ear”. Continue to the island of Ortigia, the small baroque old city centre of Siracusa; visit of the Cathedral, which is built upon the site of the Temple of Minerva, the legendary Arethuse Fountain and the Temple of Apollo, Lunch on your own. In the afternoon return to Catania for a nice walking tour. During the tour in Catania, stroll through the city centre with your professional guide who will charm you with the history of the city. Dinner and Overnight at hotel in Catania. (BD)

3rd Day /Monday CATANIA – MODICA – RAGUSA

After a buffet breakfast, departure to Modica a town whose architecture has been recognised as providing outstanding testimony to the  exuberant genius and final flowering of Baroque art in Europe. Modica is a town with an ancient history, nicknamed "the city of 100 churches" and some of its most representative monuments, such as the Cathedral of San Pietro and the Church of San Giorgio, have been proclaimed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The tour will then continue with a visit inside the Artisan chocolate workshop; there you will have the chance to discover the techniques leading to the production of an amazing quality of "the Modican's chocolate". Lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, continue to the ancient city “Ragusa Ibla", cradle of Sicilian baroque, with its Cathedral and the “giardino Ibleo”; followed by free time to explore the town and shopping. Return to the hotel. Dinner and Overnight. (BLD)

4th Day /Tuesday RAGUSA – PIAZZA ARMERINA – AGRIGENTO

After a buffet breakfast, departure to Piazza Armerina to visit the worldwide known Villa Romana del Casale, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its well preserved mosaics depicting mythological themes and hunting scenes. Lunch in a local restaurant with a special menu chosen to give the opportunity to taste the local specialities. Departure to Agrigento, a hillside town famous for its magnificent Valley of  the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; guided tour of the Valley, including the Temple of Concordia, which is in almost perfectly preserved condition, the temples of Juno and Heracles. Accommodation and dinner at hotel in Agrigento. (BLD)

5th Day /Wednesday AGRIGENTO – MONREALE - PALERMO

After a buffet breakfast departure to Palermo, the capital of Sicily. At the arrival visit the town of Monreale, situated on a hill at few kms far from Palermo in panoramic position. Visit of the Cathedral, one of the most beautiful monuments in the world with its Moorish architecture, housing very fine mosaics representing a complete cycle of the Old and New Testaments in Arab-Norman style. Lunch in a Local restaurant. After lunch continuation for a panoramic tour of Palermo, passing by the Normand Palace, Teatro Massimo and the guided visit of the Cathedral. Then transfer to your hotel, accommodation, dinner and overnight. (BLD)

6th Day /Thursday PALERMO - CEFALU’ - TAORMINA

After a buffet breakfast, morning dedicated to the visit of the historical centre of the town, one of the largest in Europe; the walking tour will begin from "I Quattro Canti di Città” with Piazza Pretoria, Piazza Bellini and internal visit of Martorana Church; we continue to S. Giuseppe dei Teatini Church, “Ballarò Market” and Casa Professa Church with its fantastic marbles.

Departure to Cefalù a former fishing village, now a charming coastal town. Lunch in a local restaurant; after lunch, enjoy a walk to the city centre and down main street to reach the Arab-Norman Cathedral and the medieval wash-house built in the rock.

Proceed to Taormina. At the arrival accommodation, dinner and overnight at hotel. (BLD)

7th Day /Friday TAORMINA - MT ETNA (Optional excursion) - TAORMINA

After a buffet breakfast, morning at leisure or for those who are interested, opportunity to take an optional excursion to the Mount Etna, the highest active Volcano in Europe. Weather conditions permitting, across fascinating landscape, we will reach a height of 1800 metres to visit the Sylvester Craters where you can enjoy a spectacular panorama over the Ionian Sea (supplement on the spot; the excursion will take place with a minimum of participants). Lunch on your own. Afternoon in Taormina, charming city called "the pearl of the Ionian Sea": enjoy time at leisure for shopping or walking through its tiny streets. Possibility to visit the Greek-Roman Theatre on your own (Ticket €.12,00 p.p.), with its spectacular view of Giardini Naxos and Mount Etna. Return to your hotel, dinner and overnight. (BD)

8h Day SATURDAY: TAORMINA – CATANIA – MALTA

Breakfast in Hotel. At the appointed time, transfer from Taormina to Catania airport. Flight to Valletta, Capital of Malta, delightful Mediterranean island. Transfer to Hotel DOLMEN RESORT located in St Paul’s Bay or similar 4 stars. Arrival in Hotel and accommodation. Dinner and overnight. (BD)

9h Day SUNDAY: MALTA “MARSAXLOKK MARKET & THE BLUE GROTTO” Extended Half Day Excursion

The idyllic fishing village of Marsaxlokk with its colourful luzzus and unique character make the unrivalled setting for the local market. Continue the tour with a visit to the Blue Grotto (weather permitting – boat price not included) and the nearby caves. Explore one of Malta’s unspoilt village: the main square, the hub of the village with its parish church and band club. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Dinner in your Hotel. (BD)

10h Day MONDAY: MALTA “VALLETTA + MALTA EXPERIENCE” Half Day Excursion

Enjoy a morning tour of Valletta – Malta’s heritage-rich capital. Highlights include the Upper Barracca Gardens and St John’s Cathedral, home to a splendid Caravaggio painting as well as an intriguing Museum. Going down Republic Street you will walk past the Grandmaster’s Palace before watching the Malta Experience, an audiovisual show where Malta history throughout the centuries is brought back to life. Spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure. Dinner in your Hotel. (BD)

Please note: from April to June and in October, the excursion “Valletta + Malta experience” will take place in the afternoon.

11h Day TUESDAY: MALTA “MDINA” Full Day Excursion – lunch included

Today’s excursion takes us to the central part of Malta, dominated by the medieval fortified city of Mdina, Malta’s former capital city. The narrow streets, dating back to medieval times, lead to the imposing bastions. Leaving Mdina through Greeks’ Gate, we stop at the early Christian catacombs in Rabat before proceeding to the cliffs at Dingli. After lunch we will visit the San Anton botanical gardens situated near the Presidential Palace, which you will be able to admire from outside. We shall also spend time at the crafts centre at Ta’ Qali. At the end of the  tour, allow us to astound you with Mosta’s majestic dome, one of Europe’s largest. (BLD)

12h Day WEDNESDAY: MALTA

The tour ends after breakfast with a transfer to the port or the airport of Valletta. (B)

CATANIA               Il Principe Hotel, Mercure Excelsior****or similar