Sicily and Malta

Tour start date(s):	05-05-2026, 06-10-2026
Duration:	11 days/10 nights
Location:	Palermo - Monreale - Cefalù - Castelmola - Taormina - Volcano Etna - Savoca - Taormina - Syracuse - Noto - Catania( departure)
Price (including tax):	May 5-15 - DBL $2,755.00 US; SNGL $3,875.00 US, October 6-16 DBL $2,890.00 US; SNGL $4,170.00 US (flights not included)

Since ancient times, the beauty of Sicily has inspired poets, writers, and artists. As Goethe said, Sicily is the key to understanding Italy. During this tour, you will experience the culture, history, traditions, and gastronomy of this welcoming and vibrant island — the largest in the Mediterranean! You will also visit the island of Malta and learn its fascinating history.

Tour cost per person, May 5–15, 2026:

• DBL: $2,755.00 US

• Double for single use: $3,875.00 US

Hotels on the itinerary, May 5–15, 2026:

• 1 night: Best Western Dei Cavalieri in Palermo or similar

• 6 nights: Hotel Olimpo Le Terrazze 4* in Letojanni or similar

• 3 nights: Hotel Argento 4* (Malta) or similar

Tour cost per person, October 6–16, 2026:

• ½ DBL: $2,890.00 US

• Double for single use: $4,170.00 US

Hotels on the itinerary, October 6–13, 2026:

• 1 night: Hotel President 4* in Palermo or similar

• 6 nights: Hotel Albatros Beach 4* in Letojanni or similar

• 3 nights: Hotel Argento 4* (Malta) or similar

Day 1 — Palermo, the Pulsing Capital of Sicily

Arrival at Palermo Airport (Sicily). Please arrive before 2 pm. Meet your guide at the airport and transfer to the hotel in Palermo (any flight).
At 17:00 you will meet the guide at the hotel and enjoy an evening walk through Palermo. You will see the Palermo Cathedral, founded in the 12th century on the site of a former mosque. Its Norman, Catalan, and Gothic elements blend harmoniously, while traces of Islamic influence remain. Here, Sicilian emperors and kings were crowned. The archbishop who began construction wanted to surpass the Cathedral of Monreale… Tomorrow you will visit Monreale and decide for yourself which cathedral “won the Game of Cathedrals.”

We will also see the Teatro Massimo — the third largest theater in Europe after Paris and Vienna, a triumph of the Liberty style. Several churches were demolished to build it, and townspeople still claim the ghost of Saint Agatha wanders near the theater. The evening ends with a welcome dinner in the heart of old Palermo, where we will enjoy local cuisine and celebrate our first day in hospitable Sicily.Overnight in Palermo.

Day 2 — The Golden Cathedral of Monreale & Cefalù, the Sicilian Paradise

Breakfast at the hotel. At 9 am meet your tour escort in the lobby and depart with luggage.
Transfer 12 km to Monreale Cathedral, the Arab-Norman masterpiece of the 12th century visited by tourists from around the world. You will experience the extraordinary golden glow of its stunning mosaics — an effect intentionally created in the 12th century to symbolize divine presence. You’ll learn how these mosaics were made and the secrets of the medieval craftsmen.

Next, we head to the charming town of Cefalù. Its name comes from the ancient Greek word Kephaloidion, meaning “head” or “rock,” referring to the shape of nearby La Rocca mountain. Surrounded by mountains and the azure sea, Cefalù rightfully earned its nickname: the Sicilian Paradise. Overnight at a seaside hotel on the eastern coast of Sicily.

Day 3 — Taormina, the Pearl of the Ionian Sea, and Castelmola

After breakfast, transfer to Taormina (7 km), affectionately called the Pearl of the Ionian Sea. Maupassant once said: If you have only one day in Sicily, spend it in Taormina.
We walk along the main street from the Messina Gate to the Catania Gate — the most beloved street in Sicily. You’ll see the Corvaja Palace with its Arab tower, ancient churches, and the narrowest alleyway in town, Vicolo Stretto. In front of Taormina Cathedral you’ll meet an unusual symbol of the city — the crowned centaur-maiden. From Piazza IX Aprile, you will enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramas in the world. Free time to visit the Greek Theater (optional) and have lunch. The best arancini in Sicily can be found in Taormina! We continue to Castelmola (7 km), an ancient hilltop town perched above the Ionian Sea. We walk through San Antonio Square, paved with mosaic lava stones, see the ruins of the 12th-century Norman castle, and visit a unique bar offering almond liqueur served in phallic-themed glasses. Overnight at a seaside hotel on the eastern coast of Sicily.

Day 4 — Conquering Mount Etna & Catania, the City of the Sphinx

After breakfast, departure at 9:00 by bus. Arrival at Mount Etna (55 km). To the ancient Greeks, Etna was home to giants and monsters. We ascend to the tourist area at 1,900 m with magnificent panoramas. You can shop for lava souvenirs and try the famous liqueur Fire of Etna (orange zest with hot pepper). Lunch on the volcano (extra) or an optional ascent to 3,000 m by cable car + jeep.

We then descend for a tasting of local wines, olive oil, and Etna honey — with the option to purchase local delicacies. Continue by bus to Catania (15 km), the largest city on Sicily’s east coast. We explore the lively 300-year-old fish market, visit the Cathedral with the tomb of Bellini and relics of Saint Agatha, view Ursino Castle (outside), and see excavations of the ancient Roman Amphitheater (2nd century BC). Your guide will also tell you about the local delicacy — Saint Agatha’s breasts — and where to try them. Overnight at a seaside hotel on the eastern coast of Sicily.

Day 5 — Messina, the Gateway to Sicily & Following The Godfather in Savoca

After breakfast, depart by bus with the guide.
Transfer to Messina (50 km), founded by the Greeks in the 8th century BC — one of the oldest Sicilian cities. We visit its magnificent cathedral and see the clock tower whose astronomical clock is the largest in the world. Transfer to Savoca (42 km), where Francis Ford Coppola filmed many iconic scenes of The Godfather. We will see Bar Vitelli — where Michael Corleone met Apollonia’s father — and the Church of Santa Lucia, where the wedding scene was filmed. Your guide will explain the real history of the Sicilian mafia, its modern structure, and clan wars. Return to hotel. Overnight on the eastern coast of Sicily.

Day 6 — Ortigia Island in Syracuse & Noto, the Stone Garden

After breakfast, depart for Ortigia (120 km) via the bridge from Syracuse. We start at the central market where you’ll learn about local delicacies and may taste oysters with prosecco, cheeses with black pepper and pistachios, and melt-in-your-mouth almond cookies (extra). We walk along the island’s oldest street to the Temple of Apollo, see the Cathedral, the beautiful 15th-century Church of Saint Lucia, and learn the legend of the nymph Arethusa. Free time on Ortigia’s waterfront, where your guide will recommend the best seafood restaurants. We continue to Noto (40 km), located in the picturesque Asinaro Valley among olive, almond, and citrus groves. Nicknamed the Stone Garden, Noto is famous for its ornate and elegant facades, balconies, arches, and villas. We pass through the Royal Gate of the Bourbon dynasty and see the Cathedral and architectural pearls of the historic center. Don’t miss the almond wine tasting. Overnight on the eastern coast of Sicily.

Day 7 — Free Day at the Sea

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day for relaxation or optional excursions (extra).
Overnight on the eastern coast of Sicily.

Day 8 — Departure from Italy & Arrival in Malta

Transfer to Catania Airport for any flight. Departure to Malta (airfare from Sicily to Malta is purchased independently). Arrival in Malta. Meet our driver and transfer to the hotel. Check-in.

Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Malta.

Day 9 — Valletta: Capital of the Knights. The Genius of Caravaggio. Mdina, the Mysterious City

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet your guide and depart for a 4-hour bus/walking tour.
We visit Valletta, founded by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century. Wander through its enchanting narrow streets, enjoy views from the Barrakka Gardens overlooking the cobalt-blue harbor and old fortresses. Many famous productions were filmed here — Game of Thrones, The Count of Monte Cristo, Gladiator, and Assassin’s Creed. The highlight is St. John’s Co-Cathedral (ticket included), featuring Caravaggio’s dramatic masterpiece The Beheading of St. John the Baptist (1608) — his largest and only signed work. The ceiling is decorated with scenes from the life of St. John, and even the floor is a “book of history" made of richly decorated tombstones. We continue to Mdina, the former capital of Malta — a medieval walled city full of legends and secrets, famous for its Norman and Baroque architecture and intentionally winding streets. Return to the hotel for rest, swimming, and an evening promenade. Overnight in Malta.

Day 10 — Malta, the Island of Knights. A Visit to the Domain of Grand Master Cotoner

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet your guide and depart for a 4-hour tour.
Today we learn everything (or almost everything) about the Order of the Hospitallers and how the knights came to Malta. We visit the Three Cities — Senglea, Cospicua, and Vittoriosa — where the Order settled in 1530. This triangle of fortresses was surrounded by two lines of defensive walls built under Grand Master Nicolas Cotoner, whose name the area still bears. We will see the Chapel of St. Joseph, which keeps the sword and hat of Grand Master La Valette — after whom Malta’s capital is named. We will learn the meaning of the symbols on the city tower — the eye, the ear, and the bird — and enjoy beautiful views of the harbor. You will have the opportunity to purchase exclusive knight-themed souvenirs. In the evening, explore local restaurants to discover Maltese cuisine with Provençal influences — flaky pastizzi with ricotta, Maltese bread, and stewed rabbit. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Malta.

Day 11 — Departure

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport. We say See you again, Malta! — because this island is worth visiting more than once.

Package Includes:

• 1 night in Palermo + 6 nights on the eastern coast of Sicily

• Breakfasts

• Arrival/departure transfers (night transfers $30 per person, 8 pm–8 am)

• Comfortable air-conditioned bus transportation

• Headsets for the entire tour

• Licensed Russian-speaking tour escort

• Entrance ticket to Monreale Cathedral

• Wine, olive oil & honey tasting on Etna

• Almond wine tasting in Castelmola

• Almond cookie tasting in Noto

• Malta: 4-star hotel with breakfasts

• Malta transfers (night transfers 10 pm–7 am: $30 per person)

• All tours in Malta with licensed Russian-speaking guide

• Entrance ticket to St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta

Package Does Not Include:

• Airfare, insurance, tips for driver and guides

• City taxes paid at the hotel

• Anything not listed under "Included"

• Malta environmental tax: €0.50 per person per day

• Meals other than breakfasts

• Headsets