Splendors of Sicily and Malta

ITINERARY

Depart the U.S. for Istanbul on individual flights.

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Welcome to our journey through Sicily and Malta, where we'll discover centuries of Mediterranean history, art, and culture intertwined. Together, we'll explore stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites, come face-to-face with masterpieces by Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina, and immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of Mediterranean life.

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Day 1: Our adventure begins in Palermo, where we'll check into the elegant Palazzo Brunaccini, a beautifully restored 18th-century palace in the heart of the historic center. The evening starts with welcome drinks and dinner, setting the tone for the cultural feast ahead.

Overnight: Palazzo Brunaccini, Palermo. We will stay here for three (3) nights, unless you have chosen to arrive a day earlier, which is optional, in which case you will check in on February 16 and stay for four (4) nights.

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

 

Day 2: With our expert local guide, we'll discover Palermo's treasures on a walking tour through the historic center. We'll explore the baroque splendor of Piazza Pretoria, admire the Arab-Norman architecture of Saint Cataldo and the magnificent Palermo Cathedral, and marvel at the Byzantine mosaics of the Martorana. After lunch, we'll visit the Oratory of San Lorenzo to see the meticulously crafted replica of Caravaggio's stolen masterpiece. Our day continues at Palazzo Abatellis, home to Antonello da Messina's famous "Virgin Annunciate" and other Sicilian masterpieces. For those interested, this evening or next may offer an optional performance at the magnificent Teatro Massimo, Italy's largest opera house.

Overnight: Palazzo Brunaccini, Palermo.

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Day 3: With the assistance of a local guide, our scenic day trip will take us first to Monreale, home to one of the world's most spectacular Byzantine-Norman cathedrals, with its dazzling golden mosaics covering nearly 70,000 square feet. We'll continue to the charming coastal town of Cefalù, where we'll visit the Mandralisca Museum, housing Antonello da Messina's enigmatic "Portrait of an Unknown Man." The town's Norman cathedral, with its towering twin towers, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dinner tonight will be on your own.

Overnight: Palazzo Brunaccini, Palermo.

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Day 4: After checking out from Palazzo Brunaccini, we'll journey to Agrigento to visit its cathedral and archaeological museum with our guide, showcasing important artifacts from the region's Greek period. Our afternoon is devoted to the Valley of Temples, a stunning archaeological park featuring some of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples outside of Greece. We'll then travel to Syracuse, checking into the comfortable Mercure Hotel, a short taxi drive away from the historic island of Ortygia.

Overnight: Mercure Siracusa Prometeo Hotel, Syracuse. We will be at this location for two (2) nights.

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Day 5: In the morning, we'll explore the magical island of Ortygia, Syracuse's historic heart. The stunning Piazza del Duomo will take our breath away - it's one of Italy's most beautiful baroque squares, dominated by the Cathedral of Syracuse. This extraordinary church uniquely incorporates a Greek temple of Athena within its structure - we can still see the ancient Doric columns integrated into its walls! We'll also visit the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia, where we'll admire Caravaggio's masterpiece 'Burial of Saint Lucy,' painted during his time in Sicily. Our morning continues with a visit to Ortygia's vibrant local market, a feast for all senses where we'll experience local life and enjoy lunch among the Syracusans. After lunch, there is an optional trip to Messina to admire two Caravaggio masterpieces and works by Antonello da Messina.

Overnight: Mercure Siracusa Prometeo Hotel, Syracuse. We will be at this location for two (2) nights.

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Day 6: With our guide, we begin our day in beautiful Taormina, visiting its spectacular ancient Greek theater with breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. After a stroll along the charming Corso Umberto and lunch, we'll explore Catania by visiting several of its historic sites. After dinner in Catania, we’ll take a late flight to Malta and check in at the luxurious Palazzo Paolina in Valletta, a boutique hotel in a restored noble palace.

Overnight: Palazzo Paolina, Valletta, Malta. We will be at this location for four (4) nights.

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Day 7: We'll start our day with a walk to the iconic Triton Fountain, one of Malta's most impressive modern monuments. Here we'll meet Nigel, our expert Maltese guide. He will take us through Valletta's UNESCO-protected streets while introducing us to the rich history of Malta. After lunch, we'll head to the medieval city of Mdina, Malta's ancient capital, followed by a visit to neighboring Rabat, a town that grew around the old Roman city of Melite. Our day concludes at the fascinating Wignacourt Museum with its underground catacombs.

Overnight: Palazzo Paolina, Valletta, Malta. We will be at this location for four (4) nights.

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Day 8: We'll take a full-day excursion with our guide to Gozo, Malta's enchanting sister island, which we'll reach by a scenic ferry ride across the Mediterranean. On Gozo, we'll explore the prehistoric Ġgantija Temples, the oldest free-standing structures in the world. Our journey continues to the dramatic Qala viewpoint, offering breathtaking panoramas of Malta, Comino, and the blue lagoon. We'll marvel at the centuries-old Salt Pans, a stunning 3km stretch of Roman-era checkerboard cuts in the coastal rock where sea salt is still harvested today. Our day includes a visit to the magnificent Ta' Pinu Shrine, a national sanctuary that rises majestically from the rural landscape, known for its remarkable architecture and as Malta's foremost pilgrimage site. Dinner tonight will be on your own.

Overnight: Palazzo Paolina, Valletta, Malta. We will be at this location for four (4) nights.

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Day 9: Our final day with Nigel begins with a visit to the mysterious prehistoric Hypogeum. Then, we'll explore Birgu where Nigel guides us through this historic maritime city, once home to the Knights of St. John. We'll take a traditional dghajsa (Maltese gondola) to cross the Grand Harbour, offering spectacular views of the Three Cities, and then ride the panoramic Barrakka Lift which will whisk us up to Valletta's Upper Barrakka Gardens, offering breathtaking views over one of the world's largest natural harbors. After lunch in Valletta, we'll save the best for last: St. John's Co-Cathedral, home to Caravaggio's largest and only signed painting, "The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist." After bidding goodbye to Nigel, we'll have free time for shopping or relaxation before gathering for our farewell dinner.

Overnight: Palazzo Paolina, Valletta, Malta. We will be at this location for four (4) nights.

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Day 10: We’ll leave Malta with an early flight carrying memories of two islands where every stone tells a story and every view captures centuries of history.

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This itinerary, which is always subject to changes, promises an unforgettable journey through the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of Sicily and Malta.

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Note:

• All activities marked as “optional” or “on your own” are at the traveler’s discretion. The cost for the optional trip to Messina will be determined based on the number of participants.​