Mediterranean Gems: Malta & Sicily

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.