Mediterranean Medley - Malta & Sicily

Day 1 - Friday 15 September 2023

Melbourne - Malta

Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel.  Meet your Tour Hostess and fellow travellers at the Melbourne Airport for our flight to Malta.  Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment as we head towards our next adventure.

Day 2 - Saturday 16 September 2023

Welcome to Malta!

Welcome to Malta! Malta is a blend of Morocco, Greece and Italy, yet totally unique in its own right, making sense given its location in the Mediterranean Sea. With its Mediterranean seas and endless sunshine not to mention old historic cities with loads of history, fascinating culture, old fishing villages, and ancient temples, Malta is an interesting blend of old and new with a laid back, relaxed atmosphere.

Upon arrival we'll be transferred to our accommodation to settle in. 

Tonight we'll meet for a tour briefing.

Overnight -  Hotel Golden Tulip Vivaldi (or similar)

Day 3 - Sunday 17 September 2023

Visit to Gozo - Island of Calypso (B)

We depart our hotel by coach and drive through the eastern coast of Malta till we reach the port of Cirkewwa. Here we will embark of the Gozo ferry. After a 20-minute crossing we reach the port of Mgarr in Gozo, which immediately sets the pace to Gozo’s unique atmosphere. Our guide will lead you around the Megalithic Temples of Ggantija, the oldest free-standing monuments in the world, pre-dating the Pyramids of Egypt. We proceed to medieval citadel in Victoria – capital city of the island of Gozo to visit the Cathedral, the fjord-like Xlendi Bay and Dwejra to see the inland sea and take a boat to go through the creek which ends up into the open sea (sea permitting – boat ride not included).

Stop for lunch snack (not included) in a restaurant during our visit of the Island.

Gozo is well known for its crafts, particularly hand- made lace and knitted garments. Visitors cannot fail to be impressed by the island’s lush countryside, its serene atmosphere and how different it is from the larger island of Malta. Return to Hotel at 18.00hrs approximately.

Dinner tonight at leisure.

Overnight -  Hotel Golden Tulip Vivaldi (or similar)

Day 4 - Monday 18 September 2023

Malta - Mdina & Valletta (B)

After breakfast, we depart with our guide for a full day tour visiting the former capital city of Mdina and the present capital city of Valletta. We drive through the central part of the island to reach Rabat, a town outside the city walls of the medieval town of Mdina, also known as “the silent city”.

We leave our minivan and walk into Mdina by the Main Gate and walk through the narrow streets adorned by palaces belonging to the noble families of Malta. You will enjoy admiring the various types of architecture from Norman-Siculo, Gothic and Baroque. On reaching the main square we find the main Cathedral of Malta dedicated to St. Paul, patron Saint of the Maltese islands. Visit of the Cathedral and then proceed to the bastions which surround the town and enjoy a view of nearly the whole of Malta. We leave Mdina through the Greek Gate and return to our minivan to proceed to Valletta.

On reaching Valletta free time for a lunch snack (not included).

We start our walking tour of Valletta by visiting the Upper Barracca Gardens from where you may enjoy a beautiful view of the Gran Harbour and the Three Cities of Victoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea. We proceed to go visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral passing by Auberge de Castille y Leon which today is the office of the Prime Minister of Malta.

Our next visit is to St John’s Co-Cathedral, home of the splendid Caravaggio painting “The Beheading of St. John”. Should the cathedral museum open by then, we will include in the visit (closed at moment for restoration). We then walk down the main street of the city “Republic Street” passing by the Law Court till we reach St. George’s Square also known locally as the Palace Square where we can admire the Grand Master’s Palace. Return to hotel. 

Dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight -  Hotel Golden Tulip Vivaldi (or similar)

Day 5 - Tuesday 19 September 2023

Blue Grotto & South Malta - Catania (B)

Departure from hotel around 9.00am with luggage and guide for a full day tour of the south of Malta. We drive to the south of Malta past the town of Zurrieq and down to Wied iz-Zurrieq to visit the Blue Grotto. Here we can take an optional boat ride with the fishermen to take a close look of the Blue Grotto. (Boat ride is not included and depends on the sea conditions).

We then proceed to visit the archaeological site of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Ħaġar Qim, discovered under rubble in 1839, dates from around 2400 - 2000 B.C. The largest megalith at Ħaġar Qim is some seven meters high and weights around 20 tons. Much of interest has been unearthed at Ħaġar r Qim, notably a decorated pillar altar, two table-altars and some of the `fat lady' statues. The Mnajdra Temple stands isolated, about 600 meters further down from Ħaġar Qim. It is made up of two sizeable temples and is thought to date from around 3400B.C. The third temple at Mnajdra is perhaps the finest surviving temple in Malta. The masonry shows intricate knowledge of building techniques and excellent workmanship. The spiral carvings and decorated, pitted slabs give an exceptional aspect to this remarkable site. The ruins of Mnajdra yielded valuable relics.

The lack of any metal objects here and at other similar temples is evidence of its Neolithic origin. We then drive through local vineyards to reach the idyllic fishing village of Marsaxlokk. Some free time to walk on the promenade and walk through the little local market and the admire the typical colourful fishing boats called “luzzu”.

We leave Marsaxlokk to visit the temples of Tarxien. They date to approximately 3150 BC. The site was accepted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 along with the other Megalithic temples on the Island of Malta. They consist of 03 separate temples but attached structures. Of particular interest at the temple site is the rich and intricate stonework, which includes depictions of domestic animals carved in relief, altars, and screens decorated with spiral designs and other patterns.

We then transfer to Malta International Airport to take flight to Catania..

Meet & Greet from our assistant and transfer to Hotel Romano House.

Evening at leisure.

Overnight - Hotel Romano House (or similar)

 

Day 6 - Wednesday 20 September 2023

Catania Sightseeing (B.D)

After breakfast, we are meeting with local guide for half day visit of Catania.

Catania, second largest Sicilian city, lies on the Jonian coast at the feet of majestic Mount Etna. It is a lively city, with plenty of bars, restaurants and shops. Strolling through the Centro Storico with its artful baroque buildings, you should not miss visiting the grand Piazza Duomo with the huge Baroque cathedral devoted to St. Agata ant the Fontana dell’Elefante, symbol of Catania, the prestigious avenue Via Etnea with its elegant shops and neat café-bars and the Roman Odeon.

Just a few steps from the elegant Piazza Duomo, you can immerse yourself in  the noisy and colourful fish market, La Pescheria, where a lot of people go shopping every day, not only for fish but also for vegetables, cheese, fruit etc.

Lunch and afternoon at leisure.

Dinner tonight at a restaurant 

Overnight - Hotel Romano House (or similar)

Day 7 - Thursday 21 September 2023

Catania - Mt Etna - Siracusa (B,L)

Ater breakfast, meeting in the lobby with driver and with local guide for half day visit of Etna, the highest ACTIVE Volcano of Europe. Up to 1800 metres you can reach this level by bus and then have a 1 hour and half trekking tour at this level visiting CRATERI SILVESTRI. 

Starting from 1800 metres a.s.l. you can climb up to 3000 mts (OPTIONAL – payment on the spot) where the landscape seems to be lunar and you can have a unimaginable view above almost half of Sicily. In sunny days you can see also Calabria (continental Italy) and all the view from Siracusa to Messina including Aeolian Islands. The ground is hot and we recommend not to wear tennis shoes. As at this level it can be very windy it is possible to hire a kee-way directly on the spot.

Stop at Winery for wine tasting and lunch then we continue to Siracusa.

Dinner at leisure and overnight.

Overnight - Grande Albergo Alfeo (or similar)

Day 8 - Friday 22 September 2023

Siracusa - Noto - Siracusa Sightseeing (B,D)

After breakfast, meeting in the lobby with driver and with local guide.

Today we will visit Siracusa, one of the most ancient towns in the world. We will walk in the island of Ortygia, the picturesque and densely built original centre of Syracuse. Here we'll admire the wonderful PIAZZA DUOMO where stands the CATHEDRAL. Inside, traces remain of a Doric temple dedicated to Athena which date from the early decades of the 5th century BC.

Directly north of the Cathedral is the PALAZZO VERMEXIO, now Town Hall.

Recent excavation beneath the building have uncovered the unfished remains of an Jonic temple to Artemis. Attached to the Cathedral's southern side is the elegant, 17th century PALAZZO ARCIVESCOVILE. Nearby is the CHIESA DI SANTA LUCIA ALLA BADIA. The church's baroque façade is decorated with a wrought iron balustrade.

We cannot miss the visit to the magnificent of the Archaeological Park where we will admire the 5th‐cent BC Greek Theatre, the ear of Dionisus, the stone quarries, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Paradise Quarry-

After this visit we have free time for lunch.

Then we transfer to Noto, capital city of the baroque art in Europe.

Old Noto was completely destroyed in the extremely violent earthquake that struck Eastern Sicily in 1693, a quake that heavily damaged Catania and Syracuse also. The present site of Noto was rebuilt from scratch, and almost entirely in the Baroque style, the prevailing style of building in Sicily at the time. Unesco World Heritage, it represents a considerable undertaking, successfully carried out at a high level of architectural and artistic achievement. Keeping within the late Baroque style of the day, it also depict distinctive innovations in town planning and urban building. Do not miss the Cathedral: the cathedral's dome (cupola) collapsed due to an earthquake a few years ago and has been rebuilted exactly as it was before, using the same hand cut stone and a large part of the original material.

Return to Siracusa and dinner at restaurant and overnight at hotel.

Overnight - Grande Albergo Alfeo (or similar)

Day 9 - Saturday 23 September 2023

Free day in Siracusa (B.D)

A free day today to explore Siracusa at leisure.  

This evening, we'll regroup for dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight - Grande Albergo Alfeo (or similar)

Day 10 - Sunday 24 September 2023

Siracusa - Modica - Ragusa (B,D)

After breakfast departure from Hotel with luggage for a full day tour visiting Modica and Ragusa Ibla.

Meeting with local guide and visit the baroque village of Modica with your most comfortable walking shoes. With its steeply stacked medieval center and spectacular baroque cathedral, Modica is one of southern Sicily's most atmospheric towns. Visit to Chiesa di San Giorgio, one of Sicily's most extraordinary baroque churches.

Modica is known for its chocolate and its main street has several good chocolate shops.

Stop for a chocolate tasting in a typical local pastry shop. 

Then, transfer to Ragusa Ibla, capital city of the baroque art in Europe.

Meeting at parking bus with local guide and visit of Ibla (historical center) with baroque  monuments. This sloping area of tangled alleyways, grey stone houses and baroque palazzi is effectively Ragusa's historic center and it's quite magnificent. Ibla is also one of the location of   move ‘ il Commissario Montalbano’ .

Check into hotel and dinner at hotel and overnight.

Overnight - Hotel Mediterraneo Palace (or similar)

Day 11 - Monday 25 September 2023

Visit to Caltagirone (B,D)

Breakfast at hotel.

Meeting in the lobby with driver and depart to Caltagirone.

Meeting with local guide at parking bus of Caltagirone. Local little train to city center.

Caltagirone is a Unesco Site thanks to its monumental heritage, centuries-old ceramics tradition and picturesque folklore events. Stop in a typical local pottery shop.

The name Caltagirone derives from the Arab term Qalat-Jerun, that means “Castle of the burial grounds” because of the presence of vast necropolises in its territory.The first settlement rose in the surroundings of a castle during the Greek era. The earthquakes of 1542 and 1693 completely destroyed the town, and the new town was built in baroque style thanks to the work of several architects.

The most interesting monuments are the Norman Duomo, dedicated to S. Giuliano, preserving beautiful paintings by Francesco Vaccaro (1802-1882), the Chiesa del Collegio erected by the Jesuits in 1593, and the Chiesa di S. Giacomo reconstructed after the 1693’s earthquake.

The Corte Capitanale, preserving beautiful windows and portals by the artist Gagini (1478-1536), and the 18 century Chiesa di S. Nicola, today seat of the Sicilian Ethnologic Museum, are also noteworthy, as is the long staircase decorated with polychrome majolica, leading to the Chiesa di S. Maria del Monte and connecting the town’s upper and lower part.

Continue to Piazza Armerina.

Meeting at entrance of Villa Romana with local guide to visit the magnificent Villa Romana del Casale. The remnants of this 3rd – 4th century Roman villa, contain some of the most well preserved and fantastic mosaics in the world. 

Return to Ragusa.

Dinner at hotel and overnight.

Overnight - Hotel Mediterraneo Palace (or similar)

Day 12 - Tuesday 26 September 2023

Ragusa - Favara - Agrigento (B,L,D)

Breakfast at hotel then meeting in the lobby with driver and departure for cooking class in Favara.

Then we meet with Annalisa Chef and enjoy our sicilian cooking class (lunch).

Continue to Agrigento.

Then we meet at Bar Ristoro with the local guide and visit the Valley of Temples and Archaeological  Museum.

We explore the great Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. The Greek colony founded in 581 BC by Colonists from Gela. Was once considered the “fairest city inhabited by mortals.” Here we will see the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Temple of Heracles and the Temples of Concord and Hera. We will also visit the aercheological Regional Museum. The museum is located just outside the town at Contrada San Nicola, with a panoramic view over the Hill of the Temples. This area has recently been identified as the site of the upper agora of the ancient city and there are archaeological and architectural remains to be seen. The museum is housed in a complex of buildings redesigned in the 1960s in a perfect blending of the new site of the museum with the restored Convent of San Nicola (14th c.), containing the library, the conference hall and the auditorium. The museum illustrates the history of the ancient city of Agrigento and its territory from prehistory to the period of Hellenization.

Dinner at the hotel and overnight in Agrigento. 

Overnight - Hotel Dioscuri Bay Palace (or similar)

Day 13 - Wednesday 27 September 2023

Agrigento - Selinunte - Marsala (B,D)

Breakfast at hotel.

Meeting in the lobby with driver and departure to Selinunte then meeting at entrance of archaeological park with local guide and visit of Selinunte archaeological Area, considered to be one of the most striking archaeological sites in the Mediterranean.

Our last stop of the day is Marsala.

Visit the historical centre of Marsala and check in to our hotel.

Dinner at our hotel and overnight in Marsala. 

Overnight - Baglio Donnafranca (or similar)

Day 14 - Thursday 28 September 2023

Marsala - Palermo (B,D)

After breakfast meeting in the lobby with driver and with local guide and depart to full day visit of Salt Pans, Erice and Segesta.

The tour starts with the salt pans bordering to the coast. The whole area is a WWF oasis, as it hosts thousands of migrating birds in spring and autumn. In the summer, salt is still produced according to age old traditions.

After that continue to Erice.

Erice: the town is placed on the homonymous mount Eryx, religious center of Elimi, which is famous for its temple where the Phoenicians worshipped Astarte, the Greeks Aphrodite and the Romans Venus. Visit of Matrice Church. We will wander through its’ ancient streets and visit some of the famous pastry homemade shops, world-famous for marzipan candies and other delicacies like almond and pistachio pastry.

Then we depart for a tour of the majestic Greek ruins at Segesta. At Segesta we will tour the great Doric Temple with its well preserved 36 colossal columns built in the 5th century BC and the renowned Greek theatre.

Our last stop of the day is Palermo.

Check in, dinner and overnight at hotel.

Overnight - Hotel Porta Felice (or similar)

Day 15 - Friday 29 September 2023

Palermo (B,D)

After breakfast meeting in the lobby with driver and with local guide.

Then start our unforgettable full day tour of Palermo known as a capital of the "Kingdom of Sicily" for centuries. Founded by the Phoenicians, who named it Ziz. Greeks called it Panormos, meaning "all port. "Invaded by Saracen Arabs ("Moors"), who turned many churches into mosques and then became one of the Muslim world's most splendid cities, surpassed only by Baghdad. Mixture of Moorish, Norman and Spanish Baroque styles. Rich in monuments, royal palaces and churches: Cathedral, the Norman Palace with the Palatine Chapel in Norman-Arab style, the "Quattro Canti" and Piazza Pretoria.

Then visit of Marionette Museum and Cappuccini catacombs.

Return to hotel and dinner at the hotel

Overnight - Hotel Porta Felice (or similar)

Day 16 - Saturday 30 September 2023

Palermo - Monreale - Palermo (B,D)

After breakfast, meeting in the lobby with driver and with local guide.

Short drive to Monreale overlooks the "Conca d'Oro," beautiful valley beyond Palermo. Mosaics in Monreale Cathedral are said to be one of the world's largest displays of this art. Cloister of the Benedictine abbey alone would make Monreale famous. Located next to the cathedral, these 228 columns, some with mosaic inlay, each with a meticulously stone carved capital, enclose the gardens of the cloister.

Walking tour in Palermo. Visit Piazza San Francesco with the beautiful church, visit Corso Vittorio, Piazza Marina and Porta Felice.

Return to hotel and dinner at the hotel

Overnight - Hotel Porta Felice (or similar)

Day 17 - Sunday 1 October 2023

Palermo - Cefalu (B, D)

This morning meet in the lobby with driver and departure to Cefalù.

Cefalù is a medieval town on the northern coast of Sicily, about 60 km east of Palermo. It was built on the site of an ancient Greek settlement. Rests of the old megalithic boundaries and of the most ancient part of the inhabited area can be seen on the picturesque mountain rising on the back of the town.

Cefalù has a long, sandy beach, which you can freely attend if you want to go bathing.

Walking along its pedestrian main road and down the nice side streets, you’ll find plenty of delightful restaurants, cafés and shops.

The most important monument of Cefalù is the Cathedral, an amazing building in southern Romanesque style built by King Roger II, featuring beautiful golden mosaics. Also worth seeing are the medieval washing place and the ancient Osterio Magno palace.

Afternoon at leisure and dinner at restaurant 

Overnight - Hotel Artemis (or similar)

Day 18 - Monday 2 October 2023

Cefalu - Messina - Taormina (B,D)

Today after breakfast, we check out and depart from the hotel with luggage for a day tour visiting Messina.

We then have a meeting with a local guide and visit of of Fontana D’Orione and Nettuno and of Cathedral with the famous tower.

Free time for lunch.

Continue to Taormina.

Check in at Hotel Isabella in Taormina and dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight - Hotel Isabella (or similar)

Day 19 - Tuesday 3 October 2023

Taormina (B,D)

Our tour continues up in the mountains lining the coast: this is the so-called “God father” tour, featuring the authentic villages chosen by Francis Ford Coppola for the Sicilian scenes of his world famous movie. The tour allows us to explore the real untouched Sicilian countryside, local lifestyle and culture. The first stop is Forza d’Agrò, a very nice village still with its medieval layout, overlooking the most incredible views. Here Coppola recreated some glimpses of his fictional Corleone, filming the main square, the small SS. Trinità church, the belvedere.

Another “piece” of Corleone is to be found in Savoca, a very ancient village dating from the 12th century. Following the steps of the cast, we’ll see the picturesque spots shown in the movie, such as the Bar Vitelli, one of Coppola’s favourite places, which was filmed several times.

Don’t miss the opportunity to taste their delicious and refreshing lemon granita.

Then we make our way to the church of St. Lucy, where the scene of the wedding between Apollonia and Michael Cor leone was shot.

Return to Taormina.

Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight - Hotel Isabella (or similar)

Day 20 - Thursday 4 October 2023

Free Day in Taormina (B)

Breakfast at hotel and then meeting in the lobby with local guide for half day visit of Taormina.

Its narrow stone paved streets are lined by elegant shops and cafés; to spend some time in Taormina is an unforgettable experience between natural beauties, shores wet by a crystal blue sea and the deep culture of the island. Visit of San Nicola Church and the beautiful Greek theatre.

Free time for lunch and afternoon at leisure.

Free dinner and overnight at hotel.

Overnight - Hotel Isabella (or similar)

Day 21 - Thursday 5 October 2023

Last Day in Taormina (B,D)

Our last day in Taormina to relax and make the most of our surrounds before we farewell Sicily.

Tonight we'll regroup for our farewell dinner.

Overnight - Hotel Isabella (or similar)

Day 22 -Friday 6 October 2023

Farewell Sicily!

Time to Arriverederci Sicily as we transfer to the airport for our flight home. 

Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment of our airlines as we head towards home.

Day 23 - Saturday 7 October 2023

Welcome Home!

Welcome Home!  We thank you for joining us for your latest adventure and we look forward to welcoming you back.