Gourmet Treasures of Malta & Sicily
A journey overview
- Valletta
- Ragusa Ibla
- Agrigento
- Palermo
- Salina Island
- Taormina
- Syracuse
- Catania
19 Days Exploration
- Departing:
- 5 May 2025 Only 2 places remain
Savour the beauty and style of these revered Mediterranean islands. We circle Sicily in a leisurely fashion, enjoying multiple-night stays in towns brimming with coastal charm and culinary acclaim. Our journey also includes a three-night stay on the remote Aeolian Island of Salina. Just 24 guests will join renowned wine expert Michael Trembath on this enchanting exploration, where everything has been considered and included.
Tour Manager - Michael Trembath
Tour Doctor - Dr Claudia Lee
Valletta (Malta)
As Your Tour Manager, Michael Trembath Welcomes You On This Journey
Your Accompanying Tour Doctor For This Journey Is Dr Claudia Lee
Described by UNESCO as ‘one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world’, Malta’s capital of Valletta is replete with significant sights. Take the opportunity to explore at leisure this afternoon, before we come together at our hotel’s restaurant for a Welcome Dinner. For the next three nights, we enjoy the hospitality of the distinguished Phoenicia Malta.
Valletta
Take a guided walking tour across Valletta this morning, admiring its abundance of limestone buildings and towering churches. A wealth of choice is on offer today for lunch in the many waterfront restaurants and cafes of Valletta. After lunch, take the rest of the afternoon to explore on your own schedule. Tonight, we head to Marsaxlokk Bay for dinner. The traditional fishing village is known for the colourful fishing boats that fill its harbour.
Valletta
Your World experiences allow you to see Malta in a manner that most pleases you:
— This full-day experience begins at the archaeological site of Hagar Qim, where ancient temples sit side by side. Nearby, the beguiling blue grotto reveals its shimmering and crystal-clear waters. You will then travel to the former capital, Mdina, whose well-preserved walls are enchantingly juxtaposed against a verdant hillside. Enjoy lunch here before heading to the town of Rabat, home to the catacombs of St Paul and St Agatha.
— Embark a private boat for a full-day excursion to Gozo Island, just north of Malta’s main island. Admire the beautiful blue waters of secluded bays set against rugged cliffs. Stop for lunch in one of the island’s delightful restaurants.
— Alternatively, delve deeper into the culinary aspects of Malta, enjoying lunch at Ta’ Betta Wine Estate.
Take your pick of Valletta’s notable local restaurants for dinner this evening.
Ragusa Ibla (Italy)
This morning, a ferry delivers us across the Strait of Sicily. Disembarking in the southern Sicilian port of Pozzallo, we immediately engage with the local dining scene. A coach transfers us to Modica, the island’s chocolate capital. We enjoy lunch here before an afternoon walking tour brings us to the Chocolate Museum of Modica, which showcases its elaborate chocolate sculptures. We also wander the medieval streets of the city, whose high-density housing resembles an intricate jigsaw puzzle from afar. We then transfer to our elegant hotel, the Relais Antica Badia, within the hillside region of Ragusa Ibla. Enjoy authentic Sicilian cooking this evening in one of Ragusa Ibla’s quality restaurants.
Ragusa Ibla, Agrigento
Take in Ragusa Ibla’s abundance of baroque buildings, churches, and public squares, during a walking tour this morning. We then wind along Sicily’s western coast to arrive at Agrigento. Here, we check into our sublime residence, the Hotel Villa Athena. Situated within the Valley of the Temples Archaeological Park, magnificent views of the nearby Temple of Concordia can be enjoyed from our hotel restaurant’s balcony, where we dine this evening.
Agrigento
Morning Your World experiences offer a choice of two distinct aspects of this fascinating region:
— Explore Agrigento’s ancient site, the Valley of the Temples. Marvel at the Temple of Concordia, the Paleo-Christian necropolis, the Temple of Zeus, and many other well-preserved relics of Hellenic architecture.
— Visit the Mandranova Olive Farm. Occupying an idyllic agrarian tract, the farm’s centrepiece is the Mandranova Resort, where you can enjoy a home-style Sicilian lunch.
The afternoon is yours to do as you wish. Perhaps explore the narrow, winding streets of the Old Town or simply relax at our hotel. This evening’s dinner is at Michelin-starred Il Re di Girgenti.
Palermo
This morning, we aim for the northern Sicilian city of Palermo. But first, a tasting awaits, and so we head straight to Morgante Winery, which cultivates the red wine grape, Nero d’Avola, along the hills and valleys of its family-run vineyard. After lunch, we continue our scenic northbound drive before checking into our accommodation, Villa Igiea. The late 19th-century palazzo is a well-crafted blend of neo-Gothic and art nouveau. The property’s grounds, ornamented by a tasteful selection of palms and hedges, overlook the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Our dining venue, the stylish Florio Restaurant, is conveniently located within our hotel.
Palermo
We begin today with a guided walking tour of Palermo’s historic streets, whose markets and public squares lead to a series of narrow and enchanting lanes. After sampling a diversity of street food, we take the afternoon at leisure. Continue your exploration of Palermo on your own terms or make the most of your time at our tranquil waterfront hotel. This evening, choose your preferred dining venue from among the city’s wealth of options.
Palermo
Your World experiences provide further opportunities for discovery today:
— Set out on a full-day exploration of the region’s magnificent ruins. Admire the well-preserved Doric temple at Segesta. Built around 420 BC, it is one of the finest examples of this type of architecture anywhere in Europe. Then head toward the coast and the town of Erice. Wander past the town’s many historic churches and explore its hilltop castle. Pause for lunch, enjoying sweeping views of the Gulf of Castellammare.
— Head to nearby Monreale Cathedral. The cathedral’s interiors boast a treasure trove of awe-inspiring art, including its elaborate 12th-century mosaics, which illustrate various scenes from Genesis. Following lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon is yours at leisure.
This evening, we savour traditional, seasonal Italian cuisine at Villa Costanza.
CefalĂą, Salina Island
Tracing the northern coast of Sicily, we soon arrive in Cefalù. Renowned for its seafood, the coastal town is blessed with beautiful beaches. We stop here for lunch before continuing east to the town of Milazzo. Here, we join a boat for a crossing to Salina Island. Settle into our idyllic seaside residence, Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia. This evening, we dine at our hotel’s restaurant, whose produce is largely sourced from its own garden.
Salina Island
Our hotel hosts us for a wine tasting this morning. We then further our epicurean pursuits over lunch at a local waterfront restaurant, enjoying views of the famous Stromboli volcano. Afterwards, wander the town of Santa Marina Salina at your leisure, and perhaps browse its many boutique fashion stores. We reconvene this evening for a fine-dining experience within an extraordinary seaside setting at the Michelin-starred Hotel Signum.
Lipari Island, Salina Island
Take the ferry to the neighbouring island of Lipari. At the Archaeology Museum, we become further acquainted with the influence that ancient civilisations had upon the region. There’s also plenty of time to enjoy lunch and shopping opportunities while we are on the island. You may prefer to remain at our idyllic hotel. Late this afternoon, embark a private boat for a sunset sailing off the coast Salina Island. Our vessel docks along Stromboli Island and we disembark for dinner. While here, we wait for the sight of majestic Mount Stromboli erupting nearby.
Messina, Taormina
We return to mainland Sicily by ferry this morning, before transferring to the city of Messina, on the island’s north-eastern shore. At Le Casematte Winery, we enjoy a tasting and light lunch, nestled in the hills between the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas. We then round Faro Point, travelling south to Taormina. Here, we check into Villa Sant’Andrea, which stretches along the shores of the Lido Mazzarò.
Taormina
A walking tour brings us to Taormina’s historic sites, including the sublime Greek Theatre. Built in the third century BC, the original site was later expanded upon by the Romans, before eventually being used for the purpose of gladiatorial combat. Our explorations across history promote an appetite, so we adjourn to one of Taormina’s quality restaurants for lunch. This afternoon, take the opportunity to wander Taormina at leisure, soaking up the ancient history and vibrant present of its storied streets. Later, make your entrance to the dining room of your choice, as you select from the city’s best restaurants for dinner.
Taormina
Today, we head to Europe’s largest active volcano, Mount Etna, for a full-day exploration with a local guide. While in the area, we also pay a visit to Pietradolce, whose vineyards can be found along the hillsides of Castiglione di Sicilia, on the mountain’s northern slopes. Here, we enjoy lunch and a tasting of their specially cultivated reds and whites. On returning to our palatial accommodation, we take our seats for dinner within its Ristorante Sant’Andrea.
Catania, Syracuse
The city of Catania awaits this morning. During a walking tour of the city, we absorb the atmosphere of the Piazza del Duomo, then peruse the offerings available at the vibrant, local fish market. With our hunger aroused, we take our leave and head to one of Catania’s culinary hotspots for lunch. Our journey then continues onward to Syracuse. On arrival, we make ourselves comfortable within our final residence, Ortea Palace Hotel. The nearby waterfront restaurant, Area M, hosts us for dinner this evening.
Syracuse
This morning, we encounter a fascinating part of Sicily, as we tour the tiny island of Ortigia. Already a Greek settlement prior to the colonisation of most of Sicily, Ortigia is considered the historic centre of Syracuse. A guided walking tour takes us along a network of narrow lanes, populated by bars and boutiques. While sites such as the Temple of Apollo and the Cathedral of Syracuse attest to the historical significance of the area. After dining in one of the island’s many charming restaurants, spend a relaxing afternoon exploring Ortigia on your own terms. Let your senses guide you to one of the city’s many first-rate restaurants this evening.
Noto, Syracuse
The town of Noto proudly displays its abundance of baroque buildings. Having been rebuilt in the early 18th century, following a devastating earthquake, it is often referred to as the ‘Garden of Stone’. Noto is also known for its tuna industry, and the harbour can be seen lined with a fleet of blue wooden fishing boats. Further south, we arrive at the seaside village of Marzamemi, whose waterfront restaurants enjoy the fruits of the local artisanal fishermen. Our hotel’s restaurant hosts us for our Farewell Dinner this evening.
Catania
Enjoy a final breakfast at our hotel this morning, before we are transferred to Catania’s airport, where our journey concludes.
Gourmet Treasures of Malta & Sicily
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