Infos

1. Arrival - Overnight in the Taormina area            

2. Etna and Taormina - Overnight in the Taormina area
This morning is dedicated to the iconic Mt. Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano. The route reaches approximately  1,900 m, where the Silvestri Crater offers views of  lava flows from the 1983 and 2001 eruptions. Weather permitting, optional cable-car and jeep ride to 3000 m (extra charge applies). Return to the coast, arriving in Taormina, a charming town overlooking two sweeping bays with cliffs, gardens and deep blue seas. The Greco-Roman Theater, the town’s most celebrated landmark provides exceptional photo opportunities. 

3. Godfather-inspired tour - Overnight in the Taormina area
The tour begins in Savoca, which, together with Forza D’Agrò, served as the setting for several scenes in Francis Ford Coppola’s epic movie “The Godfather”.  Travelers can enjoy a traditionally refreshing Sicilian granita at the Vitelli Bar, featured in the movie as the place where Corleone asked Apollonia’s father for permission to meet his daughter. The bar is continues to operate today. The tour then continues to the village of Forza D’Agrò, where locals take pride in their long history, traditions and rich cultural heritage, offering a glimpse of life that remains largely untouched by the pressures of modern society.

4. Transfer to Malta – hotel change - Overnight in Malta
Transfer by coach to Pozzallo and board the ferry to Valletta. The crossing takes approx. 1hr 45 mins 

5. La Valletta - Overnight in Malta
Guided tour of La Valletta, built by the Knights of St. John after the Great Siege of Malta by the Ottomans in 1565. The fortified city was described as "Built by gentlemen for gentlemen".  Boasting over 320 monuments within a 2-mile radius, Malta’s Baroque capital was named European Capital of Culture in 2018. The town offers a great mixture of history and contemporary liveliness. 

6. Mdina, Mosta and transfer to Sicily - Overnight in the Syracuse area
Mdina, with its narrow, cobbled streets and mysterious atmosphere, transports visitors back in time. Malta’s former capital has been renamed several times by its different rulers in the 4,000 years since it was founded.   A large town in central Malta, Mosta is steeped in local legends and  surrounded by historical sites, including the Victoria Lines fortifications, built by the British to defend against land invasion from the North. Mosta boasts the third largest unsupported dome in the world.  Transfer to La Valetta for the return ferry back to Sicily

7. Syracuse and Ortigia - Overnight in the Syracuse area
Guided tour of Syracuse, once one of the most important cities of ancient Greece. It offers archaeological treasures including a beautiful Greek amphitheatre and the famous Ear of Dionysius. The afternoon is devoted to Ortigia, site of the ruins of the earliest Greek constructions. Its most celebrated landmark, the Cathedral, rises from the highest point of the peninsula, overlooking the historic town.

8. Departure

3 x nights in the Taormina area
2 x nights in Malta
2 x nights in the Syracuse area