SICILY AND MALTA

Upon your arrival in Catania, one of our vehicles will be waiting for you at the airport to welcome you and comfortably and quickly transfer you to your hotel. After you check-in, the rest of the day will be free for you to relax and begin enjoying Catania at your own pace. 

Catania is a beautiful city located on the east coast of Sicily. It has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The city has witnessed the influence of different civilizations, including Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Normans, which is why the historic center of Catania is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Greca Tip: Head to Piazza Umberto and try the traditional and highly refreshing drink “completo” (orzata, fresh lemon juice, anise, and soda water) at one of the square's kiosks.

After breakfast you will head towards Syracuse, a UNESCO heritage site, where you will visit the most beautiful and powerful Greek colony in Sicily, with its archaeological park of Neapolis.

The visit will begin with the splendid Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater, the Latomies of Paradise and the Ear of Dionysus. The tour will continue with the historic center of Ortigia, where you will be enchanted by the beautiful Piazza Duomo and its Cathedral, whose façade in perfect Sicilian baroque style was in the past a sacred temple in the Doric style. Next, walking through the charming streets of the center you can admire the famous fountain of Aretusa, of mythological memory. Free lunch.

The day will continue towards Noto, capital of the Sicilian Baroque called "stone garden", with its beautiful buildings in 18th century style and considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Inspired by the baroque ideals of the “open city,” Noto is a clear example of the theatrical tastes of eighteenth-century architecture. You will take a walk through the streets of the center to admire the brilliant creativity of the local mestranzas.

The Baroque of Noto is a game of elegant curves, floral patterns, foreshortened perspective, palaces and gardens, capitals and puttos that adorn the facades of churches and monasteries. You will visit the Nicolaci Villadorata Palace, a wonderful stately residence in the purest baroque style, once the residence of Don Giacomo Nicolaci, a man of great culture. Free time to take a walk. Dinner and accommodation in a hotel in Ragusa.

Greca Tip: One of the most famous residents of Syracuse was the Greek mathematician and scientist Archimedes. Numerous discoveries in mathematics and physics are attributed to him, and he is said to have lived and worked in Syracuse.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will visit Ragusa Ibla, the birthplace of the late Baroque with its beautiful churches and the Ibleo garden. Known thanks to Inspector Montalbano's television series, Ragusa today appears among the 44 Italian sites mentioned by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. This wonderful ancient city has more than fifty churches and many baroque style palaces.

Next, you will stop in Modica, a treasure chest of countless churches and baroque architectural treasures and therefore declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. During the visit, you will stop at one of the most important chocolate shops in this city, Sabadì, whose chocolate has received worldwide recognition in the last 9 years.

You will enjoy a multi-sensory chocolate tasting discovering authentic Sicilian perfumes... local nepitella (wild mint), orange blossom honey, PGI quality Sicilian lemon and PGI quality Sicilian red orange are just some of the many flavors that let's try!

Afterwards you will enjoy the freshness of the Orti di San Giorgio, seven gardens suspended between light and beauty. Tasting the typical local dishes, we can enjoy the wonderful panorama.

In the afternoon you will move to Piazza Armerina to visit its splendid Villa Romana del Casale, from the late Roman period and considered a UNESCO Heritage Site. This majestic villa, which belonged to a member of the Roman aristocracy, has a monumental entrance and houses a beautiful collection of polychrome pavement mosaics that represent scenes of hunting and leisure, mythological episodes and historical representations. Transfer to the hotel in Agrigento, dinner and accommodation.

Greca Tip: These cities are known for their delicious Sicilian food. You can enjoy authentic dishes such as pasta with tomato sauce, cannoli, and other culinary delights at local restaurants.

The circuit begins after breakfast with the visit of the famous “Valle dei Templi” mentioned by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, where among the almond trees are the remains of the ancient city of Akragas, called by Pindar "the city most beautiful of human beings". There you can admire the "Tempio di Giunone", the "Tempio della Concordia" and the "Tempio di Ercole". A journey through mythology, history and nature...

Leaving Agrigento, you will continue to discover the charming city of Marsala, in whose port Garibaldi landed in May 1860. Marsala is a Mediterranean and modern city, a dividing line between sky and earth, characterized by many colors: yellow of the tufa, blue of the sea , red from the sunset, white from the salt and green from the vines.

You will take a walk through the streets of the center where there are noble palaces, monuments and imposing baroque style churches. You will continue with a guided tour of the Florio Wineries, a journey that begins in front of the majestic giant vats, built at the end of the 19th century that are still used for aging Marsala wine, and continues inside the 3 fascinating 165-meter-high coopers. interspersed with 104 arches, beneath which are lined up 1,400 barrels and some 600 vats of different capacities where, in silence and stillness, some 5,500,000 liters of Marsala are stored.

After a tour of the barrel rooms where the old tuff floor was restored, you will enter the tasting room for lunch and a taste of the local wines.

You will continue with a tour along the Salt Route: you will be able to enjoy some of the oldest salt mines in the world.

Between the coasts of Trapani and Marsala, the lagoon and the islands of "Stagnone" are a nature reserve of great environmental value and its warm waters are home to many species of fish, crustaceans and rich aquatic vegetation. In recent years, the salt mines have once again represented one of the oldest salt extraction industries in the world. In the afternoon, transfer to the hotel in Palermo, free dinner and hotel accommodation.

Greca Tip: Marsala has a rich history dating back to ancient times. In 241 BC, the Battle of the Egadi Islands took place near Marsala, which was a key naval battle in the First Punic War between Rome and Carthage.

After breakfast at the hotel, the morning will be dedicated to discovering Monreale where you will visit its magnificent Arab-Norman cathedral, defined as the eighth wonder of the world, and the beautiful Cloister, a masterpiece of the art of hard stone inlay. To continue, you will admire the wonderful treasures of Palermo. The city lies at the foot of Monte Pellegrino on a promontory described by Goethe as the most beautiful he had ever seen.

In Palermo, more than anywhere else in Sicily, historical eras with their different architectural styles overlap. Its artistic and architectural heritage includes the remains of the Punic walls, Art Nouveau villas, noble residences, 17th century squares, baroque churches and neoclassical theaters.

Residence of emirs and kings, Palermo preserves monuments from the Arab-Norman period, including the beautiful cathedral, the Martorana church, one of the most fascinating Byzantine churches of the Middle Ages in Italy, and the Palatine Chapel, considered the best example of fusion between different cultures and religions given that under Ruggiero II Byzantine, Muslim and Latin masterships followed one another.

Break for typical lunch with local products. Next, we can admire the Teatro Massimo and the fountain in Pretoria Square, adorned with sculptures from the 16th century and located in the old Kalsa district. Free dinner and hotel accommodation.

Greca Tip: Palermo is known for its lively markets, such as the Ballaró Market, the Capo Market and the Vucciria Market. These places are perfect for exploring Sicilian culture, shopping for fresh produce, and enjoying local cuisine.

After a rich breakfast, you will leave for Cefalu, a small and beautiful fishing village, famous for its Norman cathedral, its medieval old town, its archaeological museum, and its gastronomy loaded with seafood.

You will stroll through the charming streets of the center and you will have the possibility of visiting the famous Mandralisca Museum that exhibits one of the most beautiful and mysterious portraits of Antonello Da Messina, the portrait of the "Unknown Man", whose enigmatic smile seems to have inspired the Mona Lisa of Leonardo da Vinci.

Then you will continue to Catania, a city that was not lucky in terms of the countless invasions in the course of history, but that was able to find a balance in the beauty of its historical center, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Once in Catania, you will walk through the historical center passing through the old fish market in Plaza Alonso de Benedetto until reaching the Plaza del Duomo with the Cathedral of Santa Agata, rebuilt after the earthquake in 1693, and then the fountain with a stone elephant holding an obelisk on his back (symbol of the city).

We will make a stop at a very cozy bar where you will taste the typical sweet granita with brioche.

After this amazing tour, we will have accommodation in Catania.

Greca Tip: If you like taking panoramic photos, go up to the dome of the Cathedral of Santa Ágata.

After a delicious breakfast, you will make a quick visit to the historic fish market. Then you will go to visit Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You will arrive at the Sapienza Refuge at 1,800 meters of altitude, where you will visit the extinguished craters or, "Crateri Silvestri". The beauty of this place is based on the fact that for centuries the volcano has created a place where nature, culture, and history have come together to give rise to a unique place in the world.

Then you will visit a beekeeping company, exactly a honey extraction laboratory, we will taste artisanal honey and typical products of the area.

Finally, you will continue to Taormina to discover the romantic alleys of the city or to visit the famous Greco-Roman Theater, a typical postcard image of Taormina.  You will marvel at its architecture and enjoy the panoramic views with Etna in the background.

The theater was built in Hellenistic times and almost entirely rebuilt under Roman rule when the venue was used for gladiatorial fighting. Currently, the Taormina Film Festival is held here.

The day will end with panoramic views of the splendid Cyclops Riviera.

After the tour comes to an end, you will return to your hotel in Taormina to enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Greca Tip: Remember to bring a coat to avoid catching cold in the Sapienza Refuge.

After breakfast at the hotel, free time in the historic center of Catania. Private transfer to the airport and direct flight to Malta.

The circuit now continues without a guide/companion. Arrival in Malta and private transfer to the hotel. Free dinner and accommodation.

Valletta is the capital of Malta and a historic city with a rich cultural and architectural heritage. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its stunning Baroque Renaissance architecture and historical importance. The city was laid out by the Knights of the Order of St. John in the 16th century and is an exceptional example of a Renaissance planned city.

Greca Tip: Valletta is known for its impressive fortifications, including the city walls and several forts, such as Fort St. Elmo. These fortifications played an important role in the defense of the city throughout its history.

After breakfast you will take a full-day excursion with a private driver and guide to discover the beauty of this magical island. You will start with Cottonera also known as the Three Cities: the three fortified cities of Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa.

You will continue towards the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk, whose coast is decorated with small, very colorful Maltese fishing boats called "Luzzi". Free time to stroll the streets and visit the famous local market.

In the afternoon, visit the town of Wied iz-Zurrieq where we will embark on an excursion to the famous Blue Grotto, a very beautiful and picturesque natural cave.

The excursion will continue aboard a private vehicle towards Dingli, crossing the most beautiful natural landscapes. Back to the hotel. Free dinner and accommodation.

Greca Tip: The most prominent feature of Dingli is the impressive Dingli Cliffs. These cliffs are some of the highest in Malta, with heights reaching 250 meters above sea level.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will take a half-day excursion with a driver and guide through the capital of Malta: Valletta.

We will visit the beautiful Casa Rocca Piccola, an old palace from the 16th century that belonged to the Maltese nobility and today is the private residence of the Marquis De Piro and the Cathedral of Saint John.

There you can enjoy the beautiful "Beheading of Saint John the Baptist", performed by Caravaggio and the Barraca Gardens from where a stunning view of the picturesque port of Valletta opens up.

You will also make a stop at the Grand Master's Palace, today the seat of the Parliament of Malta. The circuit will continue to Mdina, the ancient capital, where you will visit St. Paul's Cathedral. Free time to stroll through its charming streets, enjoying the wonderful panorama. Return to the hotel and free afternoon. Hotel accommodation.

Greca Tip: The food in Malta is a delicious mix of Mediterranean, Arabic, Italian and British influences.

After breakfast at your hotel and at the agreed time, we will transfer you to Luqa-Malta airport to board your international flight. 

Having spent a few days with Greca we hope to see you again to help you create some more memorable moments that you will cherish for a long time to come.

Have a nice trip! Or as you may also say, 'Addiju!'

Greca Tip: As a going-away gift, you may look for handmade filigree, especially those bearing the eight-pointed Maltese cross.