WELCOME to MALTA !!!

You will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel.

   Overnight  PRELUNA  HOTEL, Malta

Saturday

Morning ferry crossing to Gozo. The enchanting island of Gozo is an escapist’s dream.  The haven of peace and tranquility with its exceptional beauty and ancient history and deep blue sea around. The island is also known for its local lace and knitwear.

Step back to prehistoric times at the Gigantija temples and Azure window and learn all about remarkable history.  Discover how man lived in an age that pre-dates even pyramids of Giza.

After lunch enjoy the pretty costal town of Xlendi surrounded by high cliffs and turquoise waters.  With its charming bars and restaurants it offers the perfect setting to sit back and watch the world go by. (b,l)

      Overnight  PRELUNA  HOTEL, Malta                

Sunday

Take in the awesome splendors of the impressive Blue Grotto, famous for its crystal clear water with beautiful colors passing through it going from light blue to deep blue, then green, and even red.

The limestone heritage offers an insight into the ancient crafts of quarrying and stone masonry.  It is set within a disused open pit quarry.  The smooth walls of the quarry are an attraction in

themselves and display the scars of labor and various strata that make up the geology of the island.

Other attractions are fossil remains from ancient seas including corals, seashells and shark teeth embedded in what was a sandy seabed.

The main fishing village of Marsaxlokk whose waterfront is lined with “luzzus’” painted in traditional red, blues, yellows that add color to this peaceful bay.  Take time to spend browsing around the local market stall.

Afternoon at leisure. (b)

   Overnight  PRELUNA  HOTEL, Malta

Monday

Malta – Valetta sightseeing

Today afternoon guided tour through the bustling streets of Valetta will first allow you to view the Barrakka Gardens that command a breathtaking panorama of the Grand Harbour and then to St Johns Co-Cathedral.  Visit the cathedral adorned in riches that date back to the Knights of Malta including the world famous Caravaggio painting that is on display in the Oratory of this Cathedral. 

Visit also the Church museum that is adorned with Flemish tapestries.  After we will also view from the outside, the Grand Master's Palace and other buildings of historical importance.

Lastly stop at the Malta Experience, a multivision show that depicts Malta's history throughout the ages. (b))

  Overnight  PRELUNA  HOTEL, Malta

Tuesday  

Malta – Mdina

A half day tour to the old capital of Mdina.  During the walk in the silent city, admire a panorama view of most of the island. 

Later proceed to Dingli Cliffs and finally arrive at the botanic gardens of San Anton. (b)

  Overnight  PRELUNA  HOTEL, Malta               

Wednesday

When the Knights of St.John came to Malta, their first home was the city of Mdina.

You will visit the city of Sebglea from where one can enjoy a spectacular view of the Grand Harbour.

Visit the city of Cospicua. You will see the original Auberges of the various Langs of the order of St.John. (b)

  Overnight  PRELUNA  HOTEL, Malta  

Thursday

At leisure. (b)

Or OPTIONAL

This ever popular Jeep Safari has been planned to show you the most
beautiful parts of our Islands which are rarely visited by tourists. We
avoid all the usual tourist sites and concentrate on an action packed day
full of scenic beauty and fun. Our professional Safari leader will guide you
throughout the day via radio taking you to places that even most local
people do not know exist. A stop for swimming is also programmed.

We serve a typical lunch where one may sample a large selection of local
specialties and taste the local farmers' wine.

The Jeep Safari is ideal for all age groups and it is a superb way of
getting to know Malta and Gozo. There are only a limited number of places
available every day and it is recommended that you book early during your
holiday. Jeeps are Chauffer Driven. All jeeps are 4 wheel drive, fully
insured including passengers liability and have radio contact with the
Safari Leader. All passengers, including driver, also have insurance cover.

Cost per person  $90.00

  Overnight  PRELUNA  HOTEL, Malta            

Friday

Transfer to Malta airport for Air Malta departing at                                          9.15am

Arrive Catania at                                                                                        10.00am

WELCOME TO SICILY !!!

Arrival in Catania. Transfer to your hotel for dinner .(b,d)

     Overnight VILLA DIODORO, Taormina

Saturday

Taormina

Morning at leisure or optional explore the slopes of Mt.Etna climbing to 1800 mt to enjoy the best views and villages sit on ancient volcanic eruptions.

 Also enjoy a honey tasting in a farmhouse climbing on Mount Etna. Back to Taormina and tour of its charming city centre including the Greek/Roman amphitheatre with its view of Giardini Naxos and Mount Etna. (b)

Overnight VILLA DIODORO, Taormina

Sunday

Taormina/Siracusa/

Taormina

Experience your excursion to Siracusa. A guided tour of this city highlights the Archaeological Park, Greek Theatre, Latomia del Paradiso and Cave of Dyonisius’Ear.

On the way back to Taormina, you may take an optional “Godfather” tour that shows the authentic villages chosen by Francis F.Coppola for most of the

scenes in the Godfather movies. This is a taste of the real untouched Sicilian countryside, local lifestyle and culture.

This evening savor a special Sicilian dinner with wine in a restaurant characteristic of this region.(b,d)))

 Overnight VILLA DIODORO, Taormina

Monday

Taormina/Agrigento/

Palermo

Depart for Agrigento, famous for its Valley of the Temples. Enjoy a guided tour of the valley dating back to the 5th century B.C. The Doric style temples, like that of

Concordia which is an almost perfectly preserved condition.

 You will learn the history and architecture of Concordia and of the other temples , part of this treasure.

After the visit, resume travel to Palermo where you will arrive in the evening time for a relaxing dinner at your hotel. (b,d)

     Overnight AI CAVALIERI HOTEL, Palermo

Tuesday

Palermo/Segesta/Marsala/

Trapani/Palermo

Journey to Segesta, a large archaeological zone with a magnificent Doric Temple located within a natural setting that ranks as one of the best preserved Greek architectural sites.

Continue to the sea town of Marsala very famous for its sweet wines. Visit a wine cellar and sample some Marsala during a special wine tasting session.

Drive along Trapani’s coastline and stop for a special Sicilian lunch in a restaurant and return to Palermo. (b,l)

Wednesday

Palermo/Monreale/

Palermo

Enjoy a morning tour of Palermo, a city full of character, features Quattro Canti, a splendid example of Spanish Baroque architecture, the Palace of the Normans and

its superb Palatine chapel. The Cathedral and the famous Benedictine Abbey of Monreale.

Here you will admire a 12th century cathedral, housing very fine mosaics

representing a complete cycle of the Old and New Testaments.

Balance of the day at leisure or take an optional tour to the picturesque fishing village of Cefalu’. In the evening enjoy a special dinner at local restaurant. (b,d)

        Overnight AI CAVALIERI HOTEL, Palermo

Thursday

Palermo/Corleone/Ficuzza

A day dedicated to one of the most famous social phenomena in Sicily. Depart in the morning Corleone (inland Sicily) known for being the place where Mafia phenomena

was born but also known for being the place where Mafia is firmly fought.

 First, participate to an interesting cooking lesson so to prepare some of the traditional Sicilian dishes and then enjoy this special lunch.

After lunch, you will experience an interesting lecture on Mafia. One of the inhabitants of Corleone, born in the UK, will present a fascinating discussion to the topic of the Sicilian Mafia bus also explaining the origins and the way how Corleone inhabitants has taken to eliminate organized crime.

 Back to Palermo, enjoy a festive farewell dinner at your hotel. (b,l,d)

                Overnight AI CAVALIERI HOTEL, Palermo

Friday

  Transfer to airport or pier .(b)