- Two charming, seductive islands, rich in art and history that complement each other perfectly
- Your hotel is in the old town of Valletta and in Sicily you have two chic countries retreats
- The private tours of Valletta, Mdina and Syracuse are already planned
- Our usual services include a smartphone app, car and GPS, hot spots and on-site Concierge
Contact one of our specialists + 44 (0) 20 3958 6120
Your Trip
The logistics of this trip are flexible and entirely tailored from scratch. Malta isn't very big, so it is easy to walk about and get around using local transport. Sicily is bigger. Cars are the most appropriate method of transport and allow you the freedom to explore. That's why we've reserved one for you. As well as a brief flight between the two islands. Your hotel in Valletta is the ideal place from which to explore the capital of the Knights of Saint John. In Sicily, you are first in the hinterland of Syracuse, then at the foot of Mount Etna. Expect rugged surroundings and old houses tastefully brought up to date. With a couple of fine restaurants here and there. Two spas and two beautiful swimming pools. So that you don't miss out on any of the Maltese and Sicilian treasures at your fingertips, we've arranged private tours with guides. In case of a setback or change of plans during your stay, you also have the contact details of our on-site Concierge. It's their job to deal with unforeseen circumstances.Route
Flight to Malta - Valletta
Welcome at the airport and transfer to Valletta, on the Xiberras peninsula. Four-night stay in the historic centre. The hotel used to belong to the Knights of Saint John. Minimalism isn't in its vocabulary; comfort is opulent. In the bedrooms there are satin quilts, mirror, drape curtains. The bathrooms are functional. The restaurant has a buffet and the food copious and very decent. The breakfast sets you up for the day ahead. The pool is on the roof where you can also sunbathe under the Maltese sun, surrounded by so much art and architecture.
Valletta
Included in the itinerary - Visits to Mdina and Valletta, accompanied by a private guide. In the centre of the island, Mdina is a blend of the medieval and baroque within its ramparts; in the neighbouring commune of Rabat, the catacombs of Saint-Paul and Sainte-Agathe are also fascinating. Back in Valletta, discover the sumptuous co-cathedral of Saint John (16th century), home to the Beheading of St. John the Baptist by Caravaggio (1608); the lush Upper Barrakka Gardens, with pine trees, laurels, hibiscus, pistachio trees and a spectacular panoramic view of the Grand Port; the Magistral Palace (16th century), headquarters of the presidency and parliament and Casa Rocca Piccola, a splendid example of a Maltese palace (16th century), among others.
Valletta
Malta is an amazing island, more baroque than medieval, and oozing charm. Walk around, eat pastizzi, sip on cans of Kinnie, the Maltese soft drink. Life is sweet. Eventually, make your way to Gozo. Smaller, greener, more rural, with contrasting landscapes and spectacular sites. Such sites include the megalithic shrines of Ggantija, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Azure Window, an imposing natural arch in the Dwejra Bay Reserve; Calypso'a Cave (where the nymph kept Ulysses captive for seven years), overlooking the island's best beach, Ramla.
Valletta - Catania (Sicily) - Syracuse
Transfer to the airport and flight to Catania. Collect your hire car and drive to Syracuse. Three-night stay around six miles away in the countryside in a converted 19th century farm. The rooms have a very positive, cheerful feel. The garden features a large swimming pool. The wellness centre provides various techniques with the utmost professionalism: pinda sweda, hot stones, Hawaiian or Arabic massage, sensory shower and more. In the restaurant, set in a beautiful white attic room, you will have the opportunity to experience a new and sophisticated version of Sicilian cuisine. Local orchards provide fresh fruit for breakfasts.
Syracuse
Plato came to Syracuse - then ruled by the tyrannical Dionysius the Younger - to try to introduce moderate politics but, once he found that the Republic wasn't ready for such a move, he returned to Athens to form the Academy. Despite this failure, the city underwent a brilliant development that visitors can still appreciate today. A Greek theatre and a Roman amphitheatre are among the admirable monuments in the Neapolis Archaeological Park. As for the old stone quarries called Latomia, they also served as a prison during ancient times - it is said that Dionysius used their acoustic qualities to spy on inmates.
Optional - Private tour of Noto.
Syracuse
In the itinerary - Private tour of Syracuse with a guide. The city has its fair share of splendour: the cathedral (18th century), for example, with its magnificent Baroque facade; the Beneventano del Bosco palace facing it; Maniace Castle (13th century), built by Emperor Frederick II Hohenstaufen. The Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Lacrime is ideal for lovers of contemporary curiosities (Michel Andrault and Pierre Parat, 1966-1994). You can also go to the Ortygia Market, a monument of colourful and overflowing stalls. This is where you'll find the ingredients for spaghetti alla Siracusana, caponata and coniglio alla stimpirata.
Syracuse - Riposto
Road to Riposto. You'll spend two nights in the middle of a real botanical park, home to vineyards, vegetable gardens and orchards. The house dates back to the late 19th century and has been perfectly restored and decorated with a new spirit: it oscillates between minimalist glamour and enlightened classicism. The rooms and common areas have a certain chic that can only be found in Italy. Chef Andrea Macca has turned the restaurant into a temple to Sicilian cuisine, with his dishes accompanied by fine Sicilian wines. There's an outside pool, and a spa. In the morning, enjoy sunrise yoga before breakfast.
Riposto, Etna and Taormina
Riposto has stunning views of the green slopes of Etna and the coastal plain. In the morning, weather permitting, enjoy an excursion to the volcano. Next, visit Taormina.
To see and do - The Roman theatre of Taormina with its stage, framing Etna in the distance - the Isola Bella nature reserve and its Mediterranean scrubland - the visit to the Norman castle of Aci Castello - the islands of the Cyclops of Aci Trezza - sip a glass of vino di mandorla, the local liqueur - a hike on the slopes of Etna.
Optional - Private tour of Taormina.
Riposto - Catania - Return flight
Return hire car at Catania airport and catch return flight.
A la carte
Taormina private guided tour - Sicily
Above the sea, between Messina and Catania, Taormina an ancient city. Narrow streets, corners and nooks, squares, courtyards, gardens: go beyond the monuments mentioned in the travel guides. It takes a little exploring to discover the most beautiful corners and the beautiful views. That's where your guide comes in. They can discuss your desires, expectations and possibilities, and tailor the tour accordingly.Optional
Noto with a private guide - Sicily
The earthquake that razed Noto Antica in the late 17th century meant that it was reconstructed in the most up-to-date style of its time: Baroque. You will walk around the city, from church to palace and from convent to theatre, learning about the diversity of the style. As the earthquake was a big one, seven other towns in Val di Noto went through the same fate as Noto Antica. And UNESCO has listed all eight as heritage sites. Private tour with a guide.Optional
A Rough Idea of Price
- The international flight to Malta, return from Catania
- Flight between Malta and Catania
- Airline taxes
- Special welcome and assistance on arrival at the airport in Malta
- Private transfers as per the itinerary
- Five-day car hire in Sicily
- Our app, loaded with your itinerary, hotel details and places to visit
- Four-night stay in Valletta at the Osborne Hotel in a double room with breakfast
- Three-night stay in Syracuse in Borgo Pantano in a double room with breakfast
- Two-night stay in Riposto at the Donna Carmela hotel in a double room with breakfast
- Private tour of La Valletta and Mdina, with a guide
- Private tour of Syracuse, with a guide
- Our on-site Concierge
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