Malta and Sicilia 2024/2025

Flight to Malta

Our adventure in Malta will begin with passport and baggage check-in. The archipelago consists of the islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino, as well as two uninhabited islets, Cominotto to the north, and Filfla to the south.

Valetta

After arriving in Malta, we will start exploring the island from the capital – Valletta. A city walk will include the Grand Master’s Palace, St. George’s Square, the Barrakka Gardens, and the harbor with a breathtaking city panorama. We will also visit the Cathedral of St. John.

Following the itinerary, we will explore the fortified port of Cospicua and take a walk through the narrow labyrinth of streets in Vittoriosa.

In the evening, we will transfer to the hotel for the overnight stay.

Gozo Island

After breakfast, we have a full-day ferry trip to the island of Gozo. The ferry crossing to Gozo will take approximately 30 minutes.

We will visit the ancient Ggantija Temples and then explore Ir-Rabat with the dominating structure of the Citadel. We will also drive to a viewpoint overlooking the Calypso Cave. If time allows, we may make a short visit to the beautiful Ramla Bay.

Finally, we will head to a viewpoint in the Dwejra area.

Ta'Qali

After breakfast, we will spend the day on a full-day trip, visiting the San Anton Gardens, the former summer residence of the Grand Masters of the Order of Saint John.

We will then head to the crafts village of Ta’Qali, where local products such as glass and filigree silver are produced.

Next, we’ll go to the area of the Blue Grotto, where, for an additional fee and weather permitting, you can take a short boat trip along impressive cliffs, caves, and rock arches.

Finally, we’ll visit the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, known for its traditional colorful fishing boats and the Saturday fish market. Return to the hotel for the night.

Mdina

After breakfast, we will head to the southern coast of Malta to admire the high cliffs of Dingli. On this day, we will explore Mdina, the former capital of the island. Just outside the walls of Mdina is the town of Rabat. We will visit St. Paul’s Grotto, where the apostle sought refuge after his shipwreck at sea.

Next, we’ll drive to Popeye Village, an amusement park in Malta, located in the Mellieħa municipality, above Anchor Bay. The park is designed like a village and was built in just 7 months in 1979 for the filming of the movie Popeye, shot here in 1980.

We’ll return to the hotel. For those interested, there will be free time for relaxation and shopping. Overnight stay.

Modica

After breakfast and checking out from the hotel, we will take a ferry to Sicily.

We will arrive at the port of Pozzallo. Upon disembarking, we will drive to the baroque town of Modica, renowned for its production of Modica chocolate. We will then head to a panoramic point overlooking the city. We’ll explore the baroque Cathedral of St. George and the churches of Matrice of St. Peter.

Next, we’ll proceed to Ragusa Ibla.

A stroll through the city and some free time will be included. Transfer to a hotel near Agrigento. Check-in, dinner, and overnight stay.

Agrigento, Palermo

After breakfast, we will visit the Valley of the Temples (Valle dei Templi) in Agrigento.

Here, we will see landmarks such as the Temple of Concordia, the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Temple of Heracles, archaic necropolises, the Tomb of Theron, and the Fragapane Cave.

We will then proceed to Palermo, check into the hotel, have dinner, and spend the night.

Palermo, Monreale

After breakfast, we will explore Palermo. We’ll visit the market, the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary Assumed into Heaven (Cattedrale di Palermo), the Church of St. Catherine, the Massimo Opera House square, the Quattro Canti intersection, the Fountain of Shame, and Bellini Square.

We will then drive to Monreale, situated at an elevation of 310 meters above sea level, overlooking Palermo and the Conca d’Oro Valley, also known as the “Golden Shell.”

We will visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Nuova, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If time allows, on the way back, we will see the famous catacombs (a unique Sicilian cemetery). Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Cefalu, Catania

After breakfast, we will drive to Cefalu and then to Catania. We’ll take a stroll through this unique city built from lava.

We will see the Cathedral of St. Agatha, Duomo Square, the elephant fountain, and the remains of the Roman amphitheater. We will also have the opportunity to taste almond wine and Sicilian liqueurs.

Etna Volcano

After breakfast, we have a trip to Mount Etna (about 1.5 hours drive). We will ascend to an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level, and then higher using a cable car and jeeps to reach an altitude of about 2800 meters above sea level – allowing us to admire the lunar landscape and take a guided walk with an alpine guide (cost: €68 per person).

This higher ascent may be optional, but we generally recommend it as the experience is unique (weather conditions dependent).

We will then arrive in Taormina, take a stroll through the town, and visit the ancient theater (entrance fee: €10 per person), the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, and the city park. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Syracuse

After breakfast, we will have an excursion to Syracuse. The city, located on the southeastern coast of Sicily, is known for its rich history and archaeological treasures.

We will visit the archaeological park of Neapolis, where you can explore the ancient Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater, and the Ear of Dionysius, a cave with remarkable acoustic properties. Then, we will proceed to the island of Ortygia, the historical center of Syracuse, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In Ortygia, you can visit the Cathedral of Syracuse, dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, and the Fountain of Arethusa, a freshwater spring surrounded by lush vegetation. Enjoy some free time to explore the charming streets, shops, and cafes in Ortygia.

In the evening, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Departure

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel, and transfer to the airport for the return flight to your home country. We hope you enjoyed your adventure in Sicily with Rek Travel Adventure. Feel free to explore our other exciting tours, such as the Balkans. Safe travels!

Malta and Sicilia 2024