Old World Sicily & Malta - 2024

12 days
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USTOA

Group Tour
Explore Sicily and Malta – two island paradises nestled amongst the deep blue waves of the Mediterranean.
19%
$4,857
From$3,949
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

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?

    Explore Sicily and Malta – two island paradises nestled amongst the deep blue waves of the Mediterranean.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age range36 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CitySliema
End CityTaormina

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

Attractions

  • Sicily
  • Taormina
  • Valletta

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Overnight Flight

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.

Day 2 Sliema, Malta - Tour Begins

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.

Day 3 Sliema - Valletta - Sliema

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 ...

Day 4 Sliema

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.

Day 5 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 unchang...

Day 6 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. Like in most of Italy, breakfast in Sicily is a simple but tasty affair, traditionally consisting of a pastry and a cappuccino coffee....

Day 7 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 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.

Day 8 Ragusa Countryside

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.

Day 9 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- explore the fascinating streets of Ortigia and find out more about l...

Day 10 Taormina

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.

Day 11 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. ...

Day 12 Taormina - Tour Ends

Say goodbye to Sicily and the Mediterranean as your tour comes to a close today.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,949
Price per day$329
Last Updated: 12/6/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Double Share
Single Standard
Triple Share
Availability
09 Mar 2025
20 Mar 2025
$3,199
$3,899
$3,149
16 Mar 2025
27 Mar 2025
$3,499
$4,199
$3,449
20 Apr 2025
01 May 2025
$3,999
$4,799
$3,949
27 Apr 2025
08 May 2025
$3,999
$4,799
$3,949
04 May 2025
15 May 2025
$3,999
$4,799
$3,949
11 May 2025
22 May 2025
$3,999
$4,799
$3,949

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

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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Worst and most poorly planned guided tour I have evr taken

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Do not travel with Collette They area subpar company

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Tour Operator

Collette

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True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.

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.

Everyone at Collette believes travel is vital to a life well-lived and our executive team sets the tone. Drawing on a diverse set of skills that includes operations, sales, information technology, law and financial planning, they work across three offices to bring you the best experience possible.

Go Guided:

There are so many benefits to letting someone else take on all the details that come with having The Perfect Trip. See why more and more travelers choose to Go Guided — and why they never go back.

5 Reasons to Go Guided:

Go Tour Managers!

On Day 1 of your trip, you’ll meet a friendly person who sure does know a lot about your tour and the destinations you’re visiting. This highly skilled professional is your tour manage and from the moment you meet this key player on your tour, you’ll know you’re in good hands. With their rich travel backgrounds, as well as their useful information about language, currency, and all things local, you can relax and enjoy the ride.

Go Culture!

Visiting a destination gives you a taste of the local culture. But imagine actually becoming part of that culture. Staying overnight in an Irish castle like Old-World royalty…feeling the cool waters of the Great Barrier Reef envelop you as you snorkel in its turquoise paradise…or rolling dough with an Italian chef to make the perfect pizza. It’s not just about all the iconic spots that will make for the best photos, it’s about diving into another world that makes for the best memories.

Go Product Team!

Our product experts are probably on the road right now — scoping out the best of our worldwide destinations. They go, take it all in, and find the moments they love best. Those are the moments they create for you. Those experiences and sights comprise each itinerary and make each one extra-special. Best of all, you don’t have to plan a thing. You just need to choose which itinerary best suits you.

Go Social!

Travel is social by nature. Guided travel is extra social. Meet a cast of characters: your fellow travelers, tour manager, driver, local guides and more. The social aspect of guided travel is one of the best parts! Many travelers on our tours have forged lasting friendships. Think of all the wonderful people waiting to meet you out in the world.

Go Worry-Free!

Your peace of mind is the most important thing to us. And that starts with our roundtrip home to airport sedan service. Forget taxis, airport fees, or public transportation. We will get you there...and back. And if for any reason you need to cancel your tour, you can do so — right up until the day before departure — and receive a full refund (thanks to our travel protection plan).

There are many ways to experience the world:

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.

Small Groups, Big Experiences

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.

Amazing Family Moments Included

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.

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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

After you get home, you’ll be able to share your opinions of your tour experience, allowing us to constantly improve for the benefit of future guests.

Why we love this operator
With a history that spans back to 1918, they have unparalleled expertise in the guided tour industry and can cater to all types of travelers.
What they’re known for
A huge variety of expertly-guided international trips that include cultural activities unique to the destination.

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Logistics

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

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
16
Age Requirements
36 years and up
Optional Activities

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.
Additional Information
Trip ID
collette-15201

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