Detailed Port Descriptions

Day 1 Thurs October 2 Sliema, Malta

Uncover Malta’s deeply rooted heritage, teeming wth mysterious prehistoric temples and Renaissance architectural masterpieces. Today you will arrive in Malta, one of the worlds smallest countries. Accommodation: Land’s End Boutique Hotel, Tas-Sliema

Day 2 Fri October 3 Sliema, Malta

Sliema is a welcoming Maltese resort town with a lively waterfront promenade.. You will Spend your day in CME learning sessions. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner. (D)

Day 3 Sat October 4 Sliema—Valletta—Sliema

Start your exploration of Malta with a panoramic cruise of Valletta’s Grand Harbour aboard traditional Dghaisa boats. Then, it’s on to the Three Cities, a conglomeration of three fortified towns of medieval heritage. Once the setting of battles by the Knights of Malta, this area preserves endless layers of the past. Connect with the heart of the neighborhood at a Band Club, where locals gather to learn music and marching for the local festivals. (B)

Day 4 Sun October 5 Sliema—Gozo—Sliema

Today we have a 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. (B&L)

Day 5 Mon October 6 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. (B,L&D)

Day 6 Tues October 7 Sliema—Ferry to Sicily—Ragusa Countryside, 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 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 flavours. This afternoon, settle into your hotel for a leisurely 3-night stay in the Ragusa countryside. There will be a 2hour CME Session after check in. (B, L, D) Accommodation: Hotel villa Carlotta, Ragusa

Day 7 Wed October 8 Ragusa Countryside—Ragusa-Ibla—Ragusa Countryside

Make your way to Ragusa-Ibla (UNESCO), a time-worn city perched upon a hill. Meander through its late-Baroque neighbourhood 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, retreat to your countryside resort just outside the city or linger in town for a dinner on own. (B)

Day 8 Thurs October 9 Ragusa Countryside

This morning we will be in a CME Session and in the afternoon you will join a tour to the picture-perfect towns of Scicli and Modica (UNESCO). During this tour, you’ll enjoy a savoury brunch featuring fresh ricotta at a countryside restaurant before venturing to an Aztec chocolate shop for some sweet samples. (B)

Day 9 Fri October 10 Ragusa Countryside—Siracusa—Taormina

Take in the rugged landscape of South-Eastern Sicily en route to Siracusa (UNESCO). Then, it’s your choice! Discover the expansive Neapolis, the ancient Greek colony established 27 centuries ago -OR- take in the ancient city's most precious treasures during a visit of the archeological museum in company of a local expert. This afternoon, relax during a bus transfer to Taormina, a charming resort town perched high above the Mediterranean Sea. (B) Accommodation: Hotel Caparena, Taormina

Day 10 Sat October 11 Taormina

Discover Taormina with a local guide, leading you to the city’s Duomo, public gardens, and the well-preserved Greek theatre. Walk in the footsteps of ancient attendees and take in an unparalleled viewpoint of the adjacent ocean. Spend the early afternoon on your own. Perhaps you’ll grab a bite to eat at a sidewalk café, or peruse the local boutiques for handcrafted souvenirs. There will be a 2hour CME session before dinner.(B)

Day 11 Sun October 12 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. Back in Taormina, gather with your fellow travellers as you recount memories of the Mediterranean islands accompanied by Sicilian food at dinner, surrounded by local musicians. (B, D)

Day 12 Mon October 13 Taormina

Say goodbye to Sicily and the Mediterranean as your tour comes to a close today. Transfers will depart from Hotel Villa Diodoro Taormina to Catania Airport. (B)