Ultimate Sicily & Malta

A unique cultural and culinary tour. Stay in stunning boutique hotels and dive straight into thrilling explorations of Sicily and the beautiful island of Malta. Take in the key historical sites and Roman villas before exploring the fascinating Maltese cities of Valletta and Mdina. And you can expect stunning local cuisine at every turn.

Malta

9 nights private tour

Journey highlights

Delve into the finest bespoke tours of stunning Melilli gardens, ancient Catania, and the fascinating Villa del Tellaro in Southeast Sicily
Be blown away by the abundance of Roman cultural gems in a unique walking tour of Ragusa
Lose yourself in boutique luxury hotels, with stunning views and Michelin fine dining
Embrace the fascinating and rich history of Valletta, with exclusive private tour of the Upper Fort St Angelo and St Johns Co-Cathedral with a private Caravaggio viewing
Ultimate itinerary:A harmonious blend of authenticity and superlative luxury, our Ultimate Journeys are designed for the discerning traveller, providing unparalleled insider access and exclusive luxury private experiences

Our tailor made journeys include:

Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
Private international airport transfers in destination
Your own private, English-speaking local guides
Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
Entrance to must-see local sites
Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support

When to visit

Best time to visit

Good time to visit

Average time to visit

Sicily enjoys a blissful Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm springs and autumns. Even February, the coolest month, has average temperatures of 13°C, which means that any time of year is suitable.

If you want to go sightseeing around the island’s legendary historic and natural sites, October–November and March–June are reliably warm, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 26°C. July and August are blessed with glorious sunshine, and average temperatures of around 28°C. Whatever the season, Verdura’s beach will never get crowded.

Malta enjoys a glorious Mediterranean climate, with mild winters, warm spring and autumns with hotter summer months. Even February, the coolest month, has average temperatures of 13°C, which means that any time of year is suitable.

Malta is an exciting island to visit any time of year, with October–November and March–June being reliably warm with most attractions being open all year round, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 26°C. July and August are hotter with plenty of sunshine, and average temperatures of around 28°C. May to September are fantastic months to visit Malta as the local festas ramp up and there is plenty to see and do throughout Valletta, Gozo and the surrounding villages.

Itinerary

Day 1-3

Taormina, Sicily, Italy

Burst into an abundance of charm and sophistication from the off at the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, a stunning neo-classical hotel situated in beautiful Taormina.With the Greek Amphitheatre just steps away from the hotel, you are close to the action, but with the tranquil atmosphere of the hotel and gardens, it’s easy to escape. After an evening of sublime cuisine with magical panoramic views of Mount Etna and the Bay of Taormina you will be well rested to start your explorations the following day.

The following morning you will meet your expert art historian guide and set out on a truly fascinating and exclusive walking tour through the upper town of Taormina, with gorgeous cliff views overlooking the Ionian Sea. You will be delighted to visit the celebrated Teatro Greco, the Greek theatre of Taormina, a celebration of history on a large scale in the company of a prominent expert Sicilian astronomer. A unique and rare experience where you will be introduced to the fascinating topic of archeoastronomy, the connection between Sicilian archaeology and astronomy. A truly memorable and unique experience.

The next day you will embark on a walking tour of Catania, the ancient port city on Sicily's east coast. This exceptional visit will be guided by the Director and Curator of the library, a very competent and compassionate host full of wisdom and passion for this building, leading you through its striking beauty and amazing collection of ancient books and prints.

Accommodation: Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo ( 2 nights )

Restaurant view - Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo

Day 3-6

Ragusa and the south, Sicily, Italy

En-route to your next hotel in Noto you will visit the private garden of a Sicilian marquis in the countryside of Melilli, boasting plant specimens from all over the world. After strolling in the garden and learning about the family, enjoy an elegant aperitivo at leisure. From one stunning hotel to another, you will be staying at the luxurious Il San Corrado di Noto, once the ancient farmhouse owned by Prince Nicolac the idyllic property has been lovingly restored into the ultimate luxury hotel.

After breakfast you will meet your local guide to visit the fascinating Villa del Tellaro. They will take you on an in-depth tour taking in the history of this unique villa and mosaic art. Return to your hotel to cool off in one of the sublime pools and enjoy another relaxed evening at your leisure making the most of the first-class facilities here.

Feeling rested you will meet your expert historian guide for a truly unique walking tour of Ragusa where you will visit the Saint George’s gate, Piazza Pola and the church of San Giuseppe and finally the church of San Giorgio. Indulge in a unique opportunity to visit an ancient watermill located in the middle of a canyon in Ragusa. Followed by a delicious tasting of local specialties made with the flours produced in the watermill inside a charming cave. This is an exceptional day out and one that will stay with you forever.

The icing on the cake for the whole trip is the exclusive opportunity to enjoy a gourmet farewell dinner at an elegant palace in Noto. You will be taken on an exclusive tour of the palace along with a viewing of the private apartments. After this exceptional tour you will attend a buffet aperitif on one of the palace’s terraces with live Baroque music and a gourmet candlelit dinner in one of the nobile’s halls with more divine live music. The perfect way to end your tour in this very special corner of Sicily before your ferry to the beautiful island of Malta the following day.

Accommodation: Il San Corrado di Noto ( 3 nights )

Day 6-10

Malta

Arrive in Malta and travel through the cobbled streets of Valletta to the exquisite Iniala Harbour House Hotel, your boutique hideaway for the next four nights overlooking the stunning Grand Harbour. Kick off your first evening in Malta in style at Iniala’s two Michelin-starred restaurant ION The Harbour, with a mind-blowing tasting menu.

Over the next few days, discover the best of Malta starting with a private guided walking tour through Valletta including the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Continue by private Dghajsa (boat) to the city of Vittoriosa for an exclusive private visit to the Upper Fort St Angelo – the home of Knight Resident Fra. John Critien. Your private tour will be led by Fra. John himself, full of charm and character, as he shares fascinating insights into the history of his home. Continue for a private after-hours guided tour at the spellbinding Baroque St John’s Co-Cathedral which was built by the Order of St John, where you will have the chance to enjoy an exclusive viewing of two renowned Caravaggio paintings housed inside the cathedral: The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist and the Saint Jerome Writing. Following a fascinating day, savour an incredible meal in a private palazzino in the city of Cospicua in the Three Cities, with musical accompaniment by traditional instrumental artisan, Francesco Sultana.

After another glorious breakfast you will be ready for an action-packed day as you discover the beautiful island of Gozo. Meeting your private speedboat at the jetty, you will be whizzed across the open blue seas before meeting your guide on shore for an exhilarating quad bike adventure across the island. Highlights include Wied il-Mielah, a stunning limestone natural arch that spans the piercingly blue sea, the striking coastline of Dwejra Bay and the beautifully calm Inland Sea. Enjoy an alfresco picnic lunch in a secluded setting with a beautiful spread of handmade delicacies by the incredible Ana, before returning to Valletta in the afternoon. This evening another Michelin-starred delight awaits you at Under Grain, with an exceptional tasting menu of dishes that resemble contemporary works of art.

The next day you will have a chance to sample the authentic cuisine of rural Malta with a day trip to a local olive farm for a hands-on experience learning how to make the famous Maltese snack, pastizzi – a hot, flaky savory pastry traditionally filled with either ricotta or curried mushy peas – with the king of pastizzi himself, master baker Gilinu. With your pastizzi freshly baked you can enjoy a delicious rustic lunch in a quiet spot on the farm, sampling an array of produce paired with local wine and coffee. After lunch, discover one of the most respected vineyards on the island, Ta’ Betta, for a private tasting of their fabulous fine wines.

As night falls, buckle up for an exceptional evening ahead as you are whisked by classic car from your hotel to the medieval old city of Mdina. Be stunned by the stillness that engulfs this ‘silent city’ and be swept away by the history and noble families that have resided here for generations. You will have the rare chance to visit a private palace, with just a couple of knocks on the door, you'll enter to find more than just a home. This exclusive opportunity will have you meet a family member who will share their most prized possessions and the stories linked to them, before enjoying another Michelin dining experience at the Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux hotel, nestled in the ancient city walls with far-reaching views over Malta. Return to Valletta for your final night before departing the following day.

Accommodation: Iniala Harbour House Hotel ( 4 nights )

We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you.
Call us on 020 3993 5842 to start planning your holiday.

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