Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Mediterranean Gems The Rich History of Malta & Iconic Sights of Sicily
Malta – Italy – Valletta – Sicily – Syracuse – Riposto
Begin in petite yet perfectly formed Valletta, Malta’s vibrant UNESCO-listed capital. This pocket-sized city is a breeze to explore and the perfect place for leisurely sightseeing in the sunshine. While away the hours with day trips to the medieval walled city of Mdina and the rural island of Gozo, escaping the crowds as you explore the shaded streets.
Italy is calling, so after a short flight or slightly longer ferry trip, say ciao to sunny Sicily. Stay in Syracuse first, where Baroque buildings jostle for your attention alongside ancient ruins and medieval streets. Then, onto Riposto – the final Mediterranean gem on this tour and a brilliant base for day trips to Noto, Taormina and the majestic Mount Etna (a must-see, if you ask us).
As you head home with ten days of memories, experiences and photographs to savour, we’ll bet this duo of divine islands will have stolen your heart.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
After your flight from London, which takes a little over three hours, land at Malta’s International Airport and transfer to Valletta. Your centrally-located hotel will be your home for the next four nights as you explore the island’s compact capital city, so make yourself comfy. Stretch your legs with a leisurely stroll to find your bearings, or relax at the hotel before dinner. Rest assured we can recommend a selection of great restaurants for your first night in Malta.
Wake up refreshed and ready to explore, with a hearty breakfast at the hotel to fuel you for a day of sightseeing. Today, a driver will collect you and take you to the heart of the island to join your private guide in Mdina; a fortified city that was once Malta’s capital. Discover a beguiling blend of medieval and Baroque architecture, before visiting neighbouring Rabat to see the catacombs of Saint-Paul and Sainte-Agathe.
Your day continues back in Valletta, where you’ll tick off local sights like the St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the lush Upper Barrakka Gardens, the Palazzo Malta and Casa Rocca Piccola, a splendid example of a Maltese palace. A busy first day, but a memorable one too.
After a hearty breakfast this morning, hop aboard a boat with a private guide for a day trip to Gozo Island, Malta’s smaller, greener and quieter little sister.
Once you’ve arrived on the island’s rural shores, you’ll be whisked on a tour of its most visited sites, starting at Victoria’s grand citadel.
Later, head to Dwejra for postcard-perfect views over the bay before soaking in more architectural wonders at the UNESCO-listed Ggantija Archaeological Park, one of the best-preserved prehistoric sites in the archipelago.
Finish the day with a few hours of relaxation on Ramla, the island’s best beach, before sailing back to the mainland for a chilled evening.
Spend today savouring local life in Valletta at your own pace. Enjoy a scenic city stroll, pausing for a pastizzi in a charming cafe and discovering hidden corners of the historic old town.
Whatever you’re in the mood for, be sure to round off your time in Malta with a delicious dinner before you begin your journey onwards to Sicily.
After a leisurely breakfast, head to the airport for the short 45-minute flight to Catania, in Sicily. If you’d rather not fly, the ferry to Pozzallo takes one hour and forty-five minutes. At the airport or ferry terminal, collect your hire car and enjoy a scenic drive to Syracuse.
Later, arrive and check into your hotel, your home for the next three nights. Settle in with an afternoon of relaxation before enjoying a taste of the exceptional local cuisine as you toast your first evening in Sicily.
After your first breakfast in Syracuse, it’s time to explore. Once the largest city in the ancient world, today it’s a vibrant melting pot of age-old ruins, Baroque piazzas and medieval streets.
Spend this morning finding out more about the city on a half-day private tour, accompanied by a local guide. During your tour, visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park, where a Greek theatre and Roman amphitheatre are among the many monuments you’ll see. Other highlights include the Baroque Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco and the 13th-century Castello Maniace, which overlooks the city’s sheltered bay.
The rest of today and tomorrow are yours to spend as you wish, whether with a trip to Ortigia market to soak up the colourful sights and fragrant smells of local specialities, or a day trip to Noto. However you spend your time here, look forward to ending each day with a memorable meal, before relaxing in comfort back at your hotel.
Today, after a tasty breakfast, load your luggage into your hire car for the drive to Riposto. The journey takes around an hour and ten minutes, heading north up the coast until you reach this small town in the shadow of Mount Etna.
When you arrive, make yourself comfortable at your hotel, where you’ll be staying for two nights, before heading out for a stroll to find your bearings. The town has some excellent eateries to choose from too, so enjoy the local cuisine before retiring for the night.
It would be impossible to overlook the vast volcanic beauty that towers over Riposto, so we’ve dedicated the day to exploring it. This morning, meet your friendly guide for a tour of Mount Etna, swapping between car rides in a comfortable 4x4 and short walks to ensure you see the best of the volcano’s spectacular scenery.
Along the way, you’ll have the chance to come up close and personal with the largest active volcano in Europe, stopping at extinct craters and panoramic viewpoints. Suitably wowed, round off the tour with a tasting of Sicilian specialities at a family-run farm, all washed down with a glass of local wine (yes, please).
The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend as you please. If you’re knackered after your exciting morning, simply sit back and relax at your hotel; if you’re still raring to go, there’s plenty to do in nearby Taormina and Noto, from intricate architecture to scenic sightseeing. Wherever you spend your last full day in Sicily, it’s sure to be a delight.
After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to make your way to Catania for the flight home. Depending on your departure time, you might be able to plan in a pit stop on the way back to the airport, and we can recommend something suitable if your schedule allows. You’ll arrive back in the UK later today.
Suggestions
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR OF TAORMINA, SICILY
The ancient city of Taormina perches on the cliffs between Messina and Catania, overlooking the sea. On a privately guided tour of the city, go beyond what’s mentioned in the travel guides, exploring the winding streets, quiet corners, hidden squares and serene gardens. With the local knowledge of your guide, you’ll discover a secret side to the city, on a tour that’s tailored to your tastes and timings.PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR OF NOTO, SICILY
The earthquake that flattened Noto Antica in the late 17th century meant that it was reconstructed in the prevailing architectural style of the time. As a result, beautiful Baroque buildings abound here, making it an ornately picturesque place to discover. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city with a private guide to learn about this history and much more.
Why visit Italy with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Italy
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
Why visit Malta with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Malta
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
