Treasures of the Mediterranean: Malta & Sicily
Beautiful landscapes, rich history, and delicious food!
Let your heart guide you to the stunning Mediterranean! Spend 8 nights in Malta and Sicily as you discover the rich history and culture of these two gems. Take a city tour of Valletta, visit a market and cook a delicious meal, and so much more! This vacation package includes airfare, hotels, some tours, and a rental car for your time in Sicily!
What's Included
- Roundtrip economy class airfare into Malta (MLA), out of Catania (CTA)
- Roundtrip airport transfers in Malta
- 4 nights in Valletta at La Falconeria Hotel, or similar
- Valletta City Tour (half-day)
- One-way economy class flight from Malta (MLA) to Catania (CTA)
- Manual rental car for your time in Sicily- upgrade to automatic available
- Pickup and drop off Catania airport
- 4 nights in Taormina at the Hotel Villa Diodoro, or similar
- Taormina Cooking Class and Food Market Tour
- Breakfast daily
*Please Note: the
Maltese Government has imposed an Eco Contribution Tax of .50 Euro per person
per night, up to a maximum of 5 Euro per person per stay, payable directly to
your hotel.
**Please Note:
When entering churches in Malta, ladies are asked to cover their shoulders, and
not to wear short shorts or skirts. Men are asked not to wear shorts.
Great Ways to Explore
-
Take a tour of Valletta, Europe's first planned city!
Walk by the Grand Harbour in the evening to catch a spectacular sunset!
-
Visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens for a scenic garden stroll!
-
Teatro Antico di Taormina is an ancient theater in Taormina that is still used today!
-
Isola Bella is a beautiful nature reserve and a perfect place for a peaceful afternoon adventure.
Spend 8 nights in Malta & Sicily! Dive deeper into these regions with stays in Valletta and Taormina.Â
Begin your trip in Valletta, Malta. Known as the first planned city in Europe, Valletta has a rich history. It is also the capital of Malta, and an important cultural hub! Stroll along the stunning Grand Harbour, one of the nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Malta. There are many museums, palaces, and churches waiting to be discovered! Your time here also includes a half-day city tour.
Hop on a flight to Catania, pick up your rental car, and drive to Taormina! The drive will take approximately one hour. Check into your hotel and begin to explore! Taormina sits at the top of a hill on the East Coast of Sicily. This beautiful area also has a rich history, making it a wonderful compliment to Valletta! Be sure to check out the Teatro Antico di Taormina, Isola Bella, and Mount Etna. A highlight of your time here will be a food market tour and cooking class! Get your hands involved by picking your produce and making a delicious Sicilian meal! Take your newly acquired knowledge home to share with your friends and family after an incredible 8 nights!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Roundtrip economy class airfare into Malta (MLA), out of Catania (CTA)
- Roundtrip airport transfers in Malta
- 4 nights in Valletta at La Falconeria Hotel, or similar
- Valletta City Tour (half-day)
- One-way economy class flight from Malta (MLA) to Catania (CTA)
- Manual rental car for your time in Sicily- upgrade to automatic available
- Pickup and drop off Catania airport
- 4 nights in Taormina at the Hotel Villa Diodoro, or similar
- Taormina Cooking Class and Food Market Tour
- Breakfast daily
*Please Note: the
Maltese Government has imposed an Eco Contribution Tax of .50 Euro per person
per night, up to a maximum of 5 Euro per person per stay, payable directly to
your hotel.
**Please Note:
When entering churches in Malta, ladies are asked to cover their shoulders, and
not to wear short shorts or skirts. Men are asked not to wear shorts.
-
Take a tour of Valletta, Europe's first planned city!
Walk by the Grand Harbour in the evening to catch a spectacular sunset!
-
Visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens for a scenic garden stroll!
-
Teatro Antico di Taormina is an ancient theater in Taormina that is still used today!
-
Isola Bella is a beautiful nature reserve and a perfect place for a peaceful afternoon adventure.
Spend 8 nights in Malta & Sicily! Dive deeper into these regions with stays in Valletta and Taormina.Â
Begin your trip in Valletta, Malta. Known as the first planned city in Europe, Valletta has a rich history. It is also the capital of Malta, and an important cultural hub! Stroll along the stunning Grand Harbour, one of the nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Malta. There are many museums, palaces, and churches waiting to be discovered! Your time here also includes a half-day city tour.
Hop on a flight to Catania, pick up your rental car, and drive to Taormina! The drive will take approximately one hour. Check into your hotel and begin to explore! Taormina sits at the top of a hill on the East Coast of Sicily. This beautiful area also has a rich history, making it a wonderful compliment to Valletta! Be sure to check out the Teatro Antico di Taormina, Isola Bella, and Mount Etna. A highlight of your time here will be a food market tour and cooking class! Get your hands involved by picking your produce and making a delicious Sicilian meal! Take your newly acquired knowledge home to share with your friends and family after an incredible 8 nights!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Prices From:
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to Valletta!
Upon arrival in Malta, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Valletta! Check in, drop your bags, and begin exploring!Â
Transfer to Valletta hotel
Check-in - La Falconeria
Unwind in the chic La Falconeria in the Valletta region of Malta. With beautiful views, a subterranean pool, an on-site bar, and a gym the guests are welcome to use. Those staying with the Falconeria have access to the 24-hour front desk and car rentals provided by the hotel.Â
Rooms are comfortable and stylish, some with views of either the city or the sea. They feature a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, a safe, ironing facilities, coffee or tea making facilities, a hair dryer, and private bathrooms complete with toiletries, slippers, and bathrobes.
The National Museum of Fine Arts and the Upper Barrakka Gardens is just 1,300 feet from the hotel, and the Malta International Airport is a little over 3 miles away.
Day 2. Valletta
After a good night's rest and a rejuvenating breakfast, grab your camera and get ready to seize the day! Today, explore every inch of Valletta on an included half-day city tour. Spend the rest of your day sightseeing and re-visiting your favorite sights from the tour. Be sure to check out Saint John's Co-Cathedral and the magnificent Grandmaster's Palace. Stroll the narrow stone streets of the city and find a cute restaurant for dinner!
Valletta City Tour (half-day)
Discover the beauty and charm of the fortified city built by the Knights of St. John in 1566 - the capital of Malta, Valletta. The Order of St. John ruled over the islands for 268 years and left a unique cultural legacy of which Valletta is the prime example. Take in the beautiful views over the Grand Harbor from the Upper Barrakka Gardens before heading out to visit St. John's Co-Cathedral. Admire Flemish tapestries, the church museum, Caravaggio masterpieces in the Oratory, and the beautiful marble inlaid floors.
Going down Republic Street, walk past the Grand Master's Palace and the recently restored St. George's Square before enjoying an audio-visual show of Malta's history.
Day 3. Valletta
Enjoy breakfast, then head to the lovely Upper Barrakka Gardens. Nestled on the highest point of Valletta, these picture-perfect gardens encircle part of the city's old fortifications! Stroll through vibrant flower beds, trickling fountains, and rows of impressive archways. The gardens are known for their stunning views of the Grand Harbor, so have your camera ready!
These peaceful gardens are not only beautiful - they are also filled with history. Just below the gardens, you'll find old military cannons that are fired every day at noon during a traditional ceremony.
After a lovely morning in the gardens, head to Valletta Waterfront, a local hot-spot for off-the-beaten path dining! Colorful shops, renowned restaurants, and gorgeous views? Yes, please.
Day 4. Valletta
Spend your final day in Valletta however you wish! Stroll by the Grand Harbor and take in wonderful Mediterranean views as you sip local wine. Treat yourself to once-in-a-lifetime meals at renowned restaurants and taste the freshness of Maltese cuisine!
Day 5. Valletta - Taormina
Today, you'll be transferred to the Malta Airport for your flight to Taormina! Upon arrival, you'll pick up your rental car and head to your hotel. Check in and begin to explore Sicily!
Transfer to Malta Airport
Flight from Malta - Catania
Find beauty and tranquility at Hotel Caparena & Wellness Club, located on gorgeous garden grounds just steps from the beach. Check-in with the welcoming 24-hour reception team, then head to your room. Upon opening the door, you'll find crisp air conditioning, flat-screen TV, plush bedding, free WiFi, and much more. Many rooms even have balconies and sea or garden views!Â
Once you're all settled in, unpack your swimsuit and make a splash in the sparkling outdoor pool. You may also want to take a dip in the hot tub, work out in the fitness center, or steam your stresses away in the sauna. When you work up an appetite, treat yourself to an unforgettable meal at Caparena's onsite restaurant, serving up a range of mouthwatering Sicilian favorites.
Although Taormina's historic center is just over 2 miles away from Hotel Caparena, a free shuttle bus is provided! The beachfront position of this hotel provides a quiet escape, with convenient access to the heart of town.Â
Just steps from Taormina's adorable center, this hillside beauty boasts a sparkling outdoor pool and stunning sea views. As you step into the lobby, admire elegant decor and warm Sicilian hospitality. Open the door to your spacious room and find plush bedding, crisp air conditioning, free WI-Fi, and luxurious bath amenities. Some rooms even have views of Mount Etna or the Bay of Naxos! Spend your free time swimming, working out in the fitness center, or pampering yourself with a spa treatment. When you work up an appetite, walk to any of the many surrounding restaurants, or treat yourself to a romantic dinner at the stunning on-site garden restaurant.Â
Nestled in Taormina's historic old town, Hotel Isabella boasts elegance and comfort on the city's main shopping street, Corso Umberto. Check-in with the inviting 24-hour reception team and admire the lobby's classic decor, then, find your room! Open the door to rich colors, comfortable bedding, and modern amenities like free WiFi and crisp air conditioning. Many rooms even have balconies and views of the Ionian Sea down below. Once you settle in, take a 5-minute walk to the famous Ancient Greek Theater of Taormina.
Day 6. Taormina
Today, take a food market tour and cooking class! Spend the rest of the day at leisure as you continue to discover Taormina!
Taormina Cooking Class and Food Market Tour (Small Group)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
- Visit to Taormina’s Food Market
- Food tasting from a typical Sicilian delicatessen
- Pick fresh products for your cooking class
- Learn to prepare and cook homemade dishes
Meeting at the Gate of Porta Messina, you'll begin with a guided tour of the Taormina market. Shop for fresh ingredients and enjoy learning about the local produce! You'll also take part in a small tasting of salamis and cheeses - yum! Back at the Porta Messina Restaurant, the chef will explain the recipes in your program while you sip on some warm coffee. The preparation and the cooking of the food will then start, with the making of hand-made pasta as a highlight!
Once the dishes are prepared, everybody will be invited to the table for a typical local lunch with delicious accompanying wines. Afterwards, each participant will receive a certificate and an autographed apron as a souvenir of this special day! Mangia, mangia!Â
Day 7. Taormina
Today, you may wish to visit some of the top attractions in the region!
If you're feeling adventurous, consider hiking some of the trails leading to the summit of Mount Etna! Isola Bella is a great beach spot to relax at, and be sure to visit the nature reserve there, too! Piazza IX Aprile is the central plaza in the city and a very popular sightseeing spot! Whatever you choose, it's sure to be a great day.
Day 8. Taormina
Today is the final day of your trip! Take this opportunity to shop for souvenirs, visit any last sights on your list, and bask in the glory of the beautiful setting. Find a delicious looking restaurant for dinner to celebrate a successful trip!
Day 9. Depart Italy
Make your way to the Catania Airport today in time for your flight home!