We gather for our overnight flights to Malta. 

Our journey starts this evening as we arrive in Malta, an island whose story spans more than eight millennia. The islands were first settled in prehistoric times by seafarers from nearby Sicily. The name Malta is believed to be derived from the Greek word meli (“honey”), a nod to the island’s long tradition of beekeeping and honey production. Valletta, the capital, was founded by the Order of St. John following the Great Siege of 1565 and became the Knights’ new fortified city after their loss of Rhodes to the Ottoman Empire in 1522. Our home for the next five nights is a waterfront hotel in the heart of Sliema.

The Waterfront Hotel (5 nights) 

We begin our morning at the Malta Experience, an immersive audio-visual journey through the island’s dramatic history. Afterward, a walking tour guides us through the historic streets, winding alleys, and vibrant squares of Valletta. Along the way, we’ll step into the       Co-Cathedral of St John to marvel at its magnificent marble floors and lapis lazuli altar, followed by a visit of the Grand Master’s Palace. After a special lunch at Muza (or similar), the afternoon is yours to explore independently or visit the National Museum of Archaeology inside the spectacular Auberge de Provence.   

Today's excursion takes us to Malta's sister island, Gozo, known for its quaint fishing villages, rural charm, and dramatic landscapes. Highlights of the day include the Citadel in Victoria, the Ggantija megalithic temples (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the beautiful Basilica of Ta’ Pinu, and the viewpoint at Calypso’s Cave, associated with Homer’s odyssey. Along the northern coast, we also stop at the Xwejni Salt Pans to learn about the centuries-old tradition of salt harvesting. We then enjoy lunch in Victoria, followed by free time to explore the town at leisure and walk up to the historic Citadel for panoramic views across the island.

Journey to the central hills for a leisurely walk through the fortified Saracen city of Mdina, the island's ancient capital—a peaceful citadel filled with graceful palaces, churches, and piazzas. The arrival of Christianity dates from 60 AD, when St. Paul is believed to have arrived on Malta. Visit the Cathedral of St. Paul before we move on to Rabat and visit the Wignacourt Museum to explore St Paul's Grotto, plus sections of the catacombs. Enjoy a hands-on Maltese cooking experience: after a short introduction to traditional breadmaking, we learn how to prepare ftira dough, a Maltese sourdough flatbread often compared to a pizza. Add toppings to create your own lunch cooked in a traditional wood-burning oven. Finally, enjoy a special opportunity to meet local residents as we explore a small, seldom-visited village and learn about everyday life in Malta. 

This morning introduces us to the long history of the island as we visit the megalithic temple complex of Ħaġar Qim, dating back over 5,000 years and older than the pyramids of Egypt. Visit the Blue Grotto and enjoy a boat cruise (weather permitting) through this spectacular series of sea caves, renowned for their vivid blue reflections and dramatic limestone arches. At the Marsovin Cellars, we will tour the historic cellars followed by a premium wine tasting. The balance of the day is at leisure, followed by our final dinner in Malta.

Early this morning, we catch the fast ferry to Pozzallo on the southern tip of Sicily, where we will meet our Sicilian guide and coach. It was along these southern shores that Canadians entered the war as part of the Italian Campaign in 1943. We follow the route of the army as it made its way into the hills to the town of Ragusa, where we will have time to explore the medieval centre and enjoy lunch. We then visit the Baroque town of Noto, famed for its 18th-century architecture rebuilt after a devastating 1693 earthquake. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features golden limestone buildings, grand palaces like Palazzo Ducezio, and the majestic Noto Cathedral. Later, we continue to historic Siracusa and the island of Ortygia. 

Grand Hotel Villa Politi (2 nights) 

Our morning is dedicated to the Archaeological Park of Neapolis—discover the grandeur of ancient Syracuse as we explore the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, and the awe-inspiring Ear of Dionysius, a limestone cave shrouded in myth and history. Visit the colourful market for a lunch of local delicacies before exploring the ancient streets of Ortygia to see the exquisite Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square), and its majestic cathedral, which houses the shrine of the city’s patron saint, Santa Lucia. The balance of the day is at leisure. 

We begin our day in the Sicilian countryside at a charming private villa, joining our host for a hands-on cooking class. Using the freshest seasonal ingredients, we will craft authentic Sicilian dishes before sitting down to enjoy the fruits of our labour, beautifully paired with regional wines. Afterward, we journey to Mt Etna, where an expert volcanologist provides fascinating insights into one of Europe’s few active volcanoes—known locally as Mongibello, a name reflecting the mountain’s layered linguistic heritage. Later, we travel to the coast to check into our hotel for the next two nights, located just below the magical hilltop town of Taormina. 

Sant Alphio Garden Hotel (2 nights) 

Spend the morning exploring Taormina, beginning with its Greek Theatre and a walk along the Corso Umberto, the pedestrian-only main street. Taormina is often described as one of the most beautiful hilltop towns in all of Italy. This afternoon, we step back in time to relive scenes from The Godfather. In Forza D’Agrò, a hidden medieval gem, we enjoy a delicious lunch in a family-run trattoria. We then continue into the hills to Savoca to walk the cobbled alleys and visit the Church of San Nicolò, where Michael Corleone was wed. Before heading back, cool off with a local treat: a refreshing Sicilian granita. 

We visit the magnificent Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating from the 4th century CE that houses the world’s most extensive collection of vivid Roman mosaics. Relax over lunch in the charming medieval town of Piazza Armerina. Later, we travel to Agrigento, one of the greatest ancient Greek cities of the Mediterranean and home to the Valley of the Temples, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Hotel Della Valle (1 night) 

We spend the morning at the archaeological park, exploring the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The site features an extraordinary collection of ancient Greek ruins, including one of the astonishing telamons—colossal, 8-metre-tall human figures carved from stone that were once used to support the massive Temple of Olympian Zeus. After a relaxing break for lunch, we will make our way across the island to Palermo, Sicily’s diverse capital. Palermo is renowned for its unique Arab-Norman architecture, bustling open-air markets, delicious street food, and fascinating mix of cultures. 

Hotel Plaza Opera (3 nights)

This morning, our coach takes us to the grand Palazzo dei Normanni and its mosaic-covered Cappella Palatina.  Nearby, we visit the historic Palermo Cathedral and Chiesa della Martorana, the tiny church founded by the grand admiral of the Norman fleet. Explore the lively Mercato Ballaro, where our lunch will be a delightful sampling of the traditional street food delicacies for which Palermo is famously known. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, exploring the downtown streets, unique local churches, and vibrant piazzas on your own. 

Visit La Zisa Palace, the 12th-century summer residence and hunting lodge built for the Norman kings. Then, continue up into the hills to Monreale to admire its great Duomo, a cathedral celebrated worldwide for its exquisite golden mosaics. After free time to explore and have lunch in the local market, we will spend time in the magical Benedictine Cloisters. Also dating from the 12th century, these cloisters feature a stunning Arab-Norman design adorned with truly ornate stone carvings. 

Follow the coast to the enchanting seaside town of Cefalù, where the medieval cathedral stands proudly by the sea. Stroll along the waterfront and explore the town’s charming narrow streets before visiting the renowned Duca di Salaparuta winery. Founded in 1824, this historic estate boasts oer two centuries of exceptional wine-making heritage. Here, we savour our farewell lunch paired with the estate’s finest wines, before enjoying an afternoon at leisure.  

Early this morning we gather for our flights back to Canada.