Compare Discover Malta by Great Value Vacations vs Sicily in Depth (Malta, Classic, 6 days) by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 6 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 1,599 | $ 2,273 |
| Price Per Day | $ 267 | $ 422 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | N/A | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | No |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
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| Description |
Dive into the enchanting culture and history of Europe's smallest member, Malta! Spend 5, 6, or 7 nights in Qawra and see Valletta, Mdina, Comino, and more! |
See every slice of Sicily and experience the heart of Malta during this 12-day guided tour. Take off to Paradise Quarry in Syracuse with a Local Expert, who will show you its Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped limestone grotto: call out to your fellow travelers here, and your voice may echo as many as 16 times. Visit the Palatine Chapel to marvel at the glittering gold mosaics for a stunning sight. Travel to the quaint fishing town of Cefalú and stroll to the Porta Marina for a picture-perfect view of the harbor. In Taormina, perched above the Ionian Sea, join a Local Expert at the city’s cliffside Greek theater, from which you can see Mount Etna, the island’s active stratovolcano. Venture from your waterfront hotel in Sliema to the capital of Malta. In Valletta, meet a Local Expert who will guide you through the Fortress City, filled with golden-hued buildings and anchored by St. John's Cathedral. Later, in Mdina, join a Local Expert on a walk through the fortified Silent City, nicknamed for its peaceful atmosphere. Then, toast to an incredible journey during a final celebration dinner with your fellow travelers. |
Day 1: Welcome to Malta!
Say "bongu" to Malta! Arrive at Malta International Airport and transfer to your accommodation in Qawra (pronounced our-rah), a popular seaside resort town within St. Paul's Bay. After settling in, take a stroll through Qawra's streets and find a restaurant in town to get your first taste of Maltese cuisine.
Transfer to Qawra hotel
Day 2: Qawra
Spend the day exploring Qawra, the site of one of the many towers built by the Knights of St. John in 1637. Standing on Qawra point, this small watchtower faces St. Paul’s Bay to the West and Salina Bay to the east.
With its prime seafront location, you can enjoy water activities like snorkeling, jet skiing, diving, and kayaking. In the evening, take a sunset stroll along the promenade as you enjoy lovely views of the open sea.
Day 3: Qawra
Today, consider exploring Malta's capital of Valletta, located just 10.9 miles from Qawra. See the stunning Caravaggio painting in St. John's Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster's Palace, and centuries-old fortresses like Fort St. Angelo and Fort Ricasoli - seen in many Hollywood films!
Day 4: Qawra
Today, why not explore Mdina, Malta's oldest city founded by the Phoenicians 4,000 years ago. Stroll the cobblestone streets inside the walled city where very few cars are permitted. This city is home to just 300 inhabitants!
In Mdina, you will find the baroque St. Paul's Cathedral and the Cathedral museum, two gems of history and art worth exploring.
Day 5: Qawra
Consider visiting Malta's other islands today! In Gozo, head to Dwejra Bay and swim in the Blue Hole - and underwater chimney - and a lagoon nicknamed the Inland Sea. In Comino, the tiny island between Gozo and Malta, you can snorkel in the Blue Lagoon. This tiny slice of heaven is one of the most beautiful places in all of Malta.
Day 6: Depart Malta
Your Malta adventure ends today. At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Transfer to Malta airport (MLA) Fly home!
Day 1: Arrive in Giardini Naxos
Welcome to Sicily. Relax in your hotel or take a stroll along the beach before meeting your Travel Director and traveling companions this evening. Your Sicily and Malta adventure begins with two glorious nights on the Taormina Riviera.
RG Naxos Hotel, Taormina.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Taormina and the Dawn Coast of Europe
Your hotel faces east, so early risers may learn why D.H. Lawrence christened this 'The Dawn Coast of Europe.' After breakfast, perhaps take an Optional Experience through the vineyards to Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano. Travel to the old town of Taormina, which clings to the side of Mount Tauro, overlooking the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. With your Local Expert, visit the Greek theater set on a cliff and open to the sky. Take a moment to sit in this ancient theater and admire the view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna. Stroll through the old town and admire Taormina's grandest building and along the elegant Corso Umberto.
Breakfast
Day 3: Cefalu and Palermo
Travel to the quaint fishing town of Cefalu. The town's imposing cathedral was erected to fulfill a vow made by the Norman King Roger II. Stroll down to the medieval stone fountain and seek out the Gothic arch of the Porta Marina for a picture-perfect view of the little harbor. Later, travel onwards to Palermo.
NH Palermo.
Breakfast
Day 4: Palermo & the Golden Age of the Normans
Explore Palermo with Insight Choice. Choose a walking tour with a visit to the spectacular 12th century Palatine Chapel with a Local Expert. Alternatively, join the Anti-Mafia tour of Palermo, part of a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and find out how locals are working together in modern day Palermo. In your free time this afternoon, you could visit Palermo Cathedral which has been altered many times over the years and observe its unique blend of architectural styles. For your dining pleasure, you can experience the foods the locals like to eat and experience how they like to eat it on your Dine-Around Evening.
NH Palermo.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 5: Explore the Valley of the Temples and on to Ragusa
Journey to Agrigento. Explore the Valley of the Temples with a Local Expert and see the massive Temple of Concordia and the clifftop Temple of Juno overlooking the sea. Your travels continue to the hilltop town of Ragusa.
Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa.
Breakfast
Day 6: Ancient Syracuse and Catania
Sightseeing with your Local Expert takes you to Syracuse’s Paradise Quarry with its unusual Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped grotto with an unusual echo. See the superb Greek theater, carved out of solid rock, one of the largest of the ancient world. There is time to explore the atmospheric Old City, a maze of narrow streets lined with palaces, sprawling over the island of Ortygia. It was here that the famous geometrician Archimedes ran naked through the streets, crying ‘Eureka!' Continue to Catania to celebrate your time in Sicily over Dinner with your fellow travelers.
NH Catania Centro.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: Fly from Catania to Malta
During your private transfer to Catania airport, appreciate the vistas of Mount Etna one last time. Board your short flight to Malta where on arrival you are met and taken to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and settle into your hotel. Join your Travel Director at 18:30 for Dinner.
Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Free time in Sliema Relaxed Start
Your day is at leisure. You may want to explore the World Heritage Site of Haġar Qim and Mnajdra temples before proceeding to the idyllic fishing village of Marsaxlokk, enjoy a stroll around the many market stalls whilst admiring the colorful ‘luzzu’ fishing boats in the harbor.
Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Breakfast
Day 9: Explore Valetta Relaxed Start
With a Local Expert, you’ll visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens and the impressive St. John's Cathedral, designed in a baroque fashion. Find yourself captivated by the abundance of history as you walk through the elegant streets to see why it is named The Fortress City with its restored golden-stone buildings that mould the cityscape. For lunch feast on delicious meal made from fresh local ingredients.This afternoon visit the National War Museum. Learn about Malta’s important role in WWII with a lecture from an historian.
Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
Day 10: Free Day in Malta
Today is free for you to relax at leisure on the rooftop terrace and enjoy the marvelous seascapes from the seafront hotel. Perhaps take a relaxing stroll along the promenade lined with restaurants and bars. If you’re feeling active, why not take an Optional Experience with lunch on Gozo Island? Calypso Cave, found on the island, is said to be the one Homer wrote about in his acclaimed epic poem, The Odyssey.
Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Breakfast
Day 11: Mdina the Silent City
Head to Mdina with a Local Expert in the late afternoon to explore this golden city, known also as the silent city for its shady streets and peaceful atmosphere. Enjoy a Celebration Dinner at a wonderful local restaurant where you’ll toast to your trip with your fellow travelers.
Waterfront Hotel, Sliema.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 12: Depart Malta
It’s time to say goodbye to this beautiful island and your fellow travelers, as a transfer takes you to Malta International Airport for your onward journey.
Breakfast
