Old World Sicily & Malta Tour with 26 Reviews by Collette Tours

12 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

44 peopleMaximum group size

1 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Sliema, Malta

Ends

Taormina, Italy

Highlights

Explore Valletta (UNESCO), the capital of the Knights of Malta, a city “built by gentlemen for gentlemen.”

Pass by Baroque architecture and wrought iron balconies on a winding walking tour of Ragusa (UNESCO).

Spend three nights in Taormina (UNESCO) and explore its iconic Greek theater.

Itinerary

Step into the storybook landscapes of Sicily and Malta on this 12-day walking tour, thoughtfully designed for experienced travelers and seniors who appreciate a harmonious mix of culture, history, and gentle adventure. Beginning in Malta’s lively Sliema, you’ll spend four nights delving into the island’s dynamic past, from ancient temples to vibrant harbors. Guided explorations reveal the layers of Malta’s UNESCO heritage and living traditions.

The journey continues across the Mediterranean to Sicily, where you’ll uncover Siracusa’s archaeological marvels and wander the atmospheric lanes of Ragusa. Three nights in the hilltop town of Taormina offer spectacular views over the Ionian Sea and a chance to truly savor southern Italy’s famed hospitality. Along the way, encounter timeless villages and bustling piazzas—each step weaving together the old and the new.

A highlight of this moderate activity tour is an off-road adventure on the slopes of Mount Etna, providing a fresh perspective on Europe’s most iconic volcano. Experience firsthand how Sicily’s and Malta’s ancient customs have shaped their modern identities, with guided walks that balance discovery and relaxation.

The unique selling point of this trip lies in its seamless fusion of leisurely exploration and rich cultural immersion, all set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean’s most alluring islands. For travelers seeking a tour package that brings together history, scenic beauty, and authentic local experiences—without rushing the journey—this is an unmissable escape.

day 1 - Overnight Flight

You’re on your way to Malta and Sicily – legendary isles nestled amongst the deep blue waves of the Mediterranean. Discover how ancient traditions blend into modern society as you travel along timeless Italian and Maltese towns.

day 2 - Sliema, Malta

Start your journey with a 4-night stay in Sliema, a welcoming Maltese resort town with a lively waterfront promenade. Stretch your legs and take in views of Marsamxett Harbour and Manoel Island. Uncover Malta’s deeply rooted heritage, teeming with mysterious prehistoric temples and Renaissance architectural masterpieces. This evening, get to know your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner.

Meals:Dinner

day 3 - Sliema - Valletta - Sliema

Begin your adventure with a panoramic sailing of Valletta’s (UNESCO) Grand Harbour aboard traditional dghajsa boats* before exploring the Maltese capital during a walking tour led by a local expert. View the skyline of the Three Cities from the Upper Barrakka Gardens and take in the elegant profile of the Grand Master’s Palace. Then, enjoy some time to explore on your own. This afternoon, visit the private home of a modern-day Knight of Malta before hopping on the local ferry* back to Sliema for an evening at leisure.

Meals:Breakfast

day 4 - Sliema - Maltese Village Experience

Enjoy a morning at leisure. Perhaps you’ll join a half-day optional tour to Mdina – the “Silent City” and Malta’s ancient capital. This afternoon, immerse yourself in Maltese traditions as you board a retro bus for a village where daily life and customs remain unchanged. Experience an Impact Moment as you are hosted for dinner at a local band club. Band clubs have a special place in the community. A source of intense pride and with a solid place in Maltese social culture, the band club's premises are an ideal meeting point for locals to exchange gossip, play a game of pool, or engage in village festa activities.

Meals:Breakfast & Dinner

day 5 - Sliema

The entire day is yours. With free time, you might choose to relax in Sliema or venture back to Valletta for a visit to Caravaggio’s masterpiece housed in Saint John’s Co-Cathedral. Or, join an optional full day exploration of the Isle of Gozo,* the second largest island of the Maltese archipelago and home to the Ggantija temple complex (UNESCO), which is older than Stonehenge.

Meals:Breakfast

day 6 - Sliema - Ferry to Sicily - Ragusa, Italy

Early this morning, grab your bags** and hop on a ferry*** to Sicily. Pause in the seaside town of Pozzallo for a Sicilian breakfast. As in most of Italy, breakfast in Sicily is a simple but tasty affair, traditionally consisting of a pastry and cappuccino. Continue your culinary exploration of the Sicilian countryside with an Impact Moment: a visit to a family-owned herb farm to learn about their production of organic aromatic plants. Then, during lunch, enjoy dishes enlivened with herbs grown on the farm. A delightful way to experience the region’s unique and delicious flavors. This afternoon, settle into your hotel for a leisurely 3-night stay in Ragusa.

Meals:Breakfast & Lunch

day 7 - Ragusa

Make your way through Ibla (UNESCO), Ragusa’s time-worn neighborhood, perched upon a hill. Meander through this late-Baroque district with an expert guide, passing by winding lanes, cobblestone streets, and wrought iron balconies. Make the most of a free afternoon to explore on your own. As the sun sets, linger in town for dinner on your own.

Meals:Breakfast

day 8 - Ragusa

The day is yours to do as you please. With free time, you might choose to relax in Ragusa. Or, perhaps you will join an optional tour to the picture-perfect towns of Scicli and Modica (UNESCO), where you’ll enjoy a savory brunch featuring fresh ricotta at a countryside restaurant before venturing to an Aztec chocolate shop for some sweet samples.

Meals:Breakfast

day 9 - Ragusa - Siracusa - Taormina

Take in the rugged landscape of southeastern Sicily en route to Siracusa (UNESCO). Then, it’s your choice! Explore the fascinating streets of Ortigia and find out more about local culture and traditions in the company of a local expert -OR- take in views of the old town during a panoramic boat ride. This afternoon, relax during a bus transfer to Taormina, a charming resort town perched high above the Mediterranean Sea.

Meals:Breakfast

day 10 - Taormina - Mount Etna - Taormina

See Sicily’s wilder side on an off-road adventure to Mount Etna (UNESCO). Stare up at the iconic peak as your vehicle climbs along the sides of Europe’s largest active volcano. Spend the day exploring this legendary giant, passing by lava formations and basalt rocks before pausing for lunch at a local home. Back in Taormina, enjoy an evening at leisure.

Meals:Breakfast & Lunch

day 11 - Taormina

Discover Taormina with a local guide, leading you to the city’s Duomo, public gardens, and the well-preserved Greek theater. Walk in the footsteps of ancient attendees and take in an unparalleled viewpoint of the adjacent ocean. Spend the free afternoon on your own. Perhaps you’ll grab a bite to eat at a sidewalk café, or peruse the local boutiques for handcrafted souvenirs. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers as you recount memories of the Mediterranean islands accompanied by Sicilian food at dinner, surrounded by local musicians.

Meals:Breakfast & Dinner

day 12 - Taormina - Tour Ends

Say goodbye to Sicily and the Mediterranean as your tour comes to a close today.

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

Land's End Boutique HotelHotel Pietra d'AcquaExcelsior Palace Hotel

Meals

10 Breakfasts2 Lunchs3 Dinners

Transport

Transport Included

Guide

Guided by Tour Manager/s

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Old World Sicily & Malta

4.6

based on 26 reviews

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