Old World Sicily & Malta - 2024
Overview
Highlights
- Explore the flavors of Maltese cuisine during a family-style dinner at a local band club.
- Pause for a Sicilian cappuccino and pastry breakfast at a local “bar.”
- Visit a family-owned organic herb farm and enjoy a lunch flavored with delicious aromatic plants.
- Soak up the island ambiance of Malta with a 4-night stay in Sliema.
- Delve into Maltese culture during a tour of a traditional limestone village.
- Ascend the sides of Mount Etna (UNESCO) in off-road vehicles.
- Explore Valletta (UNESCO), the capital of the Knights of Malta, a city “built by gentlemen for gentlemen.”
- Pass by Baroque architecture and wrought iron balconies on a winding walking tour of Ragusa (UNESCO).
- Spend three nights in Taormina (UNESCO) and explore its iconic Greek theater.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
You’re on your way to Malta and Sicily – legendary isles nestled amongst the deep blue waves of the Mediterranean. Discover how ancient traditions blend into modern society as you travel along timeless Italian and Maltese towns.
Start your journey with a 4-night stay in Sliema, a welcoming Maltese resort town with a lively waterfront promenade. Stretch your legs and take in views of Marsamxett Harbour and Manoel Island. Uncover Malta’s deeply rooted heritage, teeming with mysterious prehistoric temples and Renaissance architectural masterpieces. This evening, get to know your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner.
Begin your adventure with a panoramic sailing of Valletta’s (UNESCO) Grand Harbour aboard traditional Dghajsa boats* before exploring the Maltese capital during a walking tour led by a local expert. View the skyline of the Three Cities from the Upper Barrakka Gardens ...
The entire day is yours. With free time, you might choose to relax in Sliema or venture back to Valletta for a visit to Caravaggio’s masterpiece housed in Saint John’s Co-Cathedral. Or join an optional 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.
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 unchang...
Early this morning, grab your bags** and hop on a ferry*** to Sicily. Pause in the seaside town of Pozzallo for a Sicilian breakfast. Like in most of Italy, breakfast in Sicily is a simple but tasty affair, traditionally consisting of a pastry and a cappuccino coffee....
Make your way to Ragusa-Ibla (UNESCO), a time-worn city perched upon a hill. Meander through its late-Baroque neighborhood 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.
The day is yours to do as you please. With free time, you might choose to relax in the countryside and enjoy the resort’s amenities. Or, perhaps you will join an optional tour to the picture-perfect towns of Scicli and Modica (UNESCO), where you’ll enjoy a savory brunch at a ricotta farm before continuing to an Aztec chocolate shop for some sweet samples.
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- explore the fascinating streets of Ortigia and find out more about l...
Discover Taormina with a local guide, leading you to the city’s Duomo, public gardens, and the well-preserved Greek theater. Walk in the footsteps of ancient attendees and take in an unparalleled viewpoint of the adjacent ocean. Spend the afternoon on your own. Perhaps you’ll grab a bite to eat at a sidewalk café, or peruse the local boutiques for handcrafted souvenirs.
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. ...
Say goodbye to Sicily and the Mediterranean as your tour comes to a close today.
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Collette Reviews & Ratings
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It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary ...
we had an absolute wonderful time
My wife & I just returned from your National Parks tour and we had an absolute wonderful time. Great itinerary, tour director (Merrin) and driver (John). First c...
Do not travel with Collette They area subpar company
This is worst tour I have ever taken. Poorly planned and not worth the money. Collette brought you to Lisbon where we sat for three days because NO TOURS or sited w...
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Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.
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Among Collette’s worldwide collection of tours we offer a variety of guided travel choices. No matter where (or how) you want to go, Collette can take you there.
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From vibrant cities to remote villages, immerse yourself in other worlds. As part of a small group, enjoy accommodations chosen to capture the spirit of the destination, savor spectacular local cuisine, and take the time to explore on your own. Along the way Explorations sets the stage for the unexpected moments that make travel so special. With just 12-24 passengers, these are the personal adventures that today’s cultural explorers dream about.
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Collette's Family tours bring travelers of all ages together to experience the world’s greatest destinations. There’s no better classroom than the world, no better education than taking a walk through history. Today’s parents — and grandparents — want to share the riches of travel with their children and grandchildren. Each tour in our family line is specially crafted with the best local experiences, iconic must-see's, family-oriented hotels and immersive cultural activities. Children ages 14 and under enjoy substantially discounted rates.
Collette's Cancel for Any Reason Travel Protection Plan
The Traveling Well Experience
Our Commitment to Your Well-being and Enjoyment
There’s no denying that life and travel will likely look a little different for the foreseeable future, which is why we worked with our partners all over the world to create enhanced protective measures for our guests. These measures are intended to help safeguard guests’ health and well-being, while allowing for an enjoyable travel experience.
From flexible booking to more open space on the coach and much more – all aspects of travel have been considered. This is The Traveling Well Experience.
- Travel Protection Plan – cancel for any reason up until 24 hours before departure, plus provides numerous on-tour protections
- More Physical Space – on the coach, in restaurants, and more
- Wellness Protocols – for partners like motor coach operators, hotels, restaurants, and airlines
- Enhanced Tour Manager Training – our tour managers are destination experts and highly equipped to handle a variety of unexpected situations – including illnesses and emergencies
Before Your Tour
Cancel for Any Reason Waiver
Our Travel Protection Plan financially protects you in the event you need to cancel or move your trip to a different date. Learn more here
Pre-Tour Health Screenings
We will ask all travellers to complete a wellness declaration form before joining their tour.
Private Sedan Service
Your ride to and from the airport will be stocked with fresh water for every pickup and all surfaces will be disinfected daily and after every passenger.
Air Travel
Specific details will vary by airline, but standard operations typically include flight attendants wearing masks, sanitizing all surfaces between flights and physical distancing. For links to major airlines, head to the bottom of the page, or visit your airline’s website for specific information.
On Your Tour
Smaller Groups
Tours will operate with a number of empty seats to allow guests to space out for a more comfortable experience.
Your Tour Manager
We have employed new and enhanced hygiene & physical distancing protocols for tour managers. They are local experts and highly trained to handle a variety of unexpected situations — including illnesses and emergencies. They are also available 24/7 for guests throughout the tour should any situation arise.
Use of Face Coverings
Face coverings will be included with your pre-tour documents and will be required throughout many experiences on tour including the motor coach and air travel.
Motor Coach
All surfaces will be sanitized often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitizer will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear when appropriate.
On-Tour Experiences
We work closely with our local partners to ensure adequate physical distancing during meals, experiences, and sightseeing. Guests may be rotated in smaller sub-groups when necessary.
On-Tour Insurance Coverages
When you purchase our Travel Protection Plan, you’ll have access to telehealth services should you need it, plus you’re covered on tour for emergency assistance, baggage loss, trip interruption, medical expenses, and more. Learn more here
Self-Screening
We will ask all travellers to monitor their health throughout their tour, with protocols in place in the event someone becomes ill.
Hotels
Specific protocols will vary from destination to destination, hotel to hotel. Overall, rooms and areas like restaurants, fitness centres, etc. will be deep-cleaned regularly, with rooms disinfected thoroughly between guests. High-traffic areas like lobbies and elevators will be cleaned hourly.
After Your Tour
Post-Tour Survey
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What's excluded
- The land price does not include air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end-of-trip gratuities for your Tour Manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship waitstaff, and any incidental charges.
Accommodation
A Day in Gozo Island - $129
Malta Embark on a full-day exploration of the isle of Gozo, the second largest island of the Maltese archipelago. A short ferry ride takes you to across to Malta’s greener neighbor, home to the Ggantija temple complex (UNESCO), which is older than Stonehenge. Uncover this UNESCO site with a local expert and learn about Gozo’s 7,000 years of history. Pause for lunch at a local restaurant before enjoying a panoramic drive highlighting the many captivating legends of Gozo. Discover for yourself why the great epic poet Homer identified Gozo as the home of the nymph Calypso who kept Ulysses captive here for seven years. Duration approximately 9 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. This option must be booked at least 30 days prior to departure. The ferry boat ride is 20-25 minutes each way and is dependent on weather and sea conditions.Mdina, the Silent City - $65
Malta Spend your morning in Mdina, the Silent City. Your tour begins with an exploration of the site that is traditionally identified with Saint Paul’s Grotto, where legend holds that this is where Paul the Apostle stayed when he arrived on the island in 60 CE. Then, set off on foot through the narrow, winding streets of Mdina for an intimate look at Malta’s ancient capital, absconded in the countryside and protected for centuries before the arrival of the Knights of Malta. Duration approximately 4 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. St. Paul's Grotto can only be reached via a steep staircase and may be unsuitable for travelers with claustrophobia.Sicily's Baroque Valley: Scicli & Modica with Lunch - $125
Sicily Journey to Sicily’s Baroque Valley, known for its ornate historic architecture. Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites in Scicli and Modica. The town of Scicli dates back to the 3rd century BC, home to a number of centuries-old churches. Visit a local farm for brunch to learn about two local specialties: ricotta cheese and sausage. The hilly city of Modica, dating back to the 2nd century BC, is renowned for its baroque architecture and breathtakingly detailed facades. Taste Modica’s historically rooted artisanal chocolate, based on flavorful Aztec recipes of millennia ago. This tour will immerse you in the alluring culture and history of the Baroque Valley. Duration approximately 8 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 8 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.Become a member
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