DURATION: 7 or 9 nights
BEST FOR: Cultural immersion
PACE: Moderate

Explore Malta & Sicily 

Set off on a self-guided journey through two iconic Mediterranean islands, where history, landscapes and coastal beauty come together effortlessly. From the golden stone streets of Malta to the volcanic scenery of Sicily, each stop reveals a new atmosphere, shaped by centuries of culture and tradition.

Wander through historic cities, discover fishing villages, explore dramatic coastlines and take in breathtaking views, from Valletta to Mount Etna, via Gozo, Taormina and Syracuse. A journey designed to balance discovery and relaxation, at your own pace.

Choose the length of your stay:

7-night road trip: 

Day 1: Arrival in Malta

Day 2: Valletta → Marsaxlokk → Blue Grotto

Day 3: Mdina → Rabat → Mosta → Dingli → Ta’Qali

Day 4: Malta ⇄ Gozo

Day 5: Malta → Catania

Day 6: Catania ⇄ Taormina

Day 7: Mount Etna

Day 8: Departure from Catania

9-night road trip: 

Day 1: Arrival in Malta

Day 2: Valletta → San Anton

Day 3: Mdina → Rabat → Mosta → Dingli → Ta’Qali

Day 4: Marsaxlokk → Blue Grotto

Day 5: Malta ⇄ Gozo

Day 6: Malta → Catania

Day 7: Catania ⇄ Taormina

Day 8: Mount Etna

Day 9: Syracuse

Day 10: Departure from Catania

The freedom to explore:

Discover our expertly curated self-guided tours, designed to offer the perfect balance of structure and flexibility. While our travel experts suggest itineraries to help you explore each destination in depth, you have the freedom to tailor activities and pace to suit your personal preferences. Rest assured, the carefully selected hotels will remain as listed, ensuring a comfortable and seamless experience throughout your journey.

Please note: your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same. Arrival is in Malta and departure is from Sicily.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN MALTA

Fly to Malta. Upon arrival, collect your rental car and drive to your hotel, where you will stay for four nights.

From your very first moments, the island reveals its warm, luminous character, golden stone, deep blue waters and a gentle Mediterranean rhythm. Settle in and enjoy a first evening at leisure, perfect to ease into your surroundings.

Included:

• Night in Malta

Suggestions:

• Enjoy a seaside walk at sunset
• Dine in a local restaurant overlooking the water
• Try your first Maltese specialities

DAY 2: VALLETTA → MARSAXLOKK → BLUE GROTTO

Discover the richness of Malta’s heritage in Valletta, a compact capital filled with architectural treasures. As you wander through its elegant streets, the island’s history unfolds through baroque façades, quiet courtyards and panoramic viewpoints.

Continue south towards Marsaxlokk, where the atmosphere becomes more authentic and maritime, before reaching the spectacular Blue Grotto, where light and water create striking reflections.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Night in Malta

Suggestions:

• Take in panoramic views from the Upper Barracca Gardens
• Visit St John’s Co-Cathedral and its ornate interiors
• Stroll along Marsaxlokk harbour and admire the colourful boats
• Stop by the Blue Grotto for a scenic coastal experience

DAY 3: MDINA → RABAT → MOSTA → DINGLI → TA’QALI

Step into Malta’s past with a day dedicated to its historic and cultural landmarks. In Mdina, silence and elegance define the atmosphere, with narrow streets lined by noble houses. In Rabat, hidden heritage reveals itself underground, while Mosta impresses with its monumental architecture.

The day continues along the dramatic coastline of Dingli, before ending in Ta’Qali, where traditional crafts are still passed down through generations

Included:

• Breakfast
• Night in Malta

Suggestions:

• Wander through Mdina’s historic streets and viewpoints
• Visit the catacombs of Rabat and St Paul’s grotto
• Admire the impressive dome of Mosta
• Enjoy the coastal views from Dingli cliffs
• Discover local craftsmanship in Ta’Qali

DAY 4: MALTA ⇄ GOZO

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN MALTA

Fly to Malta. Upon arrival, collect your rental car and drive to your hotel, where you will stay for four nights.

From your very first moments, the island reveals its warm, luminous character, golden stone, deep blue waters and a gentle Mediterranean rhythm. Settle in and enjoy a first evening at leisure, perfect to ease into your surroundings.

Included:

• Night in Malta

Suggestions:

• Enjoy a seaside walk at sunset
• Dine in a local restaurant overlooking the water
• Try your first Maltese specialities

DAY 2: VALLETTA → SAN ANTON

Begin your discovery with Valletta, a capital rich in history and elegance, where baroque architecture and panoramic viewpoints define the landscape.

End your day in the peaceful surroundings of the San Anton Gardens, offering a softer, more tranquil atmosphere.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Night in Malta

Suggestions:

• Upper Barracca Gardens views
• St John’s Co-Cathedral visit
• Walk through Valletta streets
• Relax in San Anton Gardens

DAY 3: MDINA → RABAT → MOSTA → DINGLI → TA’QALI

Step into Malta’s past with a day dedicated to its historic and cultural landmarks. In Mdina, silence and elegance define the atmosphere, with narrow streets lined by noble houses. In Rabat, hidden heritage reveals itself underground, while Mosta impresses with its monumental architecture.

The day continues along the dramatic coastline of Dingli, before ending in Ta’Qali, where traditional crafts are still passed down through generations

Included:

• Breakfast
• Night in Malta

Suggestions:

• Wander through Mdina’s historic streets and viewpoints
• Visit the catacombs of Rabat and St Paul’s grotto
• Admire the impressive dome of Mosta
• Enjoy the coastal views from Dingli cliffs
• Discover local craftsmanship in Ta’Qali

DAY 4: MARSAXLOKK → BLUE GROTTO

Head south to experience a more authentic side of Malta. In Marsaxlokk, the colourful fishing boats create a picturesque setting, while the nearby coastline reveals impressive natural formations, culminating at the Blue Grotto, where the sea reflects striking shades of blue.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Night in Malta

Suggestions:

• Stroll along Marsaxlokk harbour
• Photograph traditional luzzu boats
• Visit Tarxien temples
• Stop at the Blue Grotto

DAY 5: MALTA ⇄ GOZO

During your stay, you will be accommodated in carefully selected 4* hotels (or similar):

• Malta: Gillieru Hotel 4*
• Sicily: Palazzo Scammacca Catania 4* 

If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be accommodated in hotels of a similar category.

Perched on a sun-drenched peninsula in the heart of the Mediterranean, Valletta is a city where history, culture, and stunning architecture converge. Known as a living museum, the capital of Malta captivates visitors with its Baroque streets, fortified walls, and sparkling harbours. Every corner tells a story, from grand palaces to charming squares, making Valletta an unforgettable destination for travellers seeking culture, beauty, and coastal charm.

Must-sees:

• St. John’s Co-Cathedral: Marvel at the intricate Baroque interior and Caravaggio masterpieces housed in this iconic church.
• Upper Barrakka Gardens: Enjoy panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities from this peaceful, scenic terrace.
• Grandmaster’s Palace: Step inside one of Malta’s most historic buildings, showcasing ornate halls and a rich collection of artefacts.
• National Museum of Archaeology: Explore Malta’s prehistoric heritage, from Neolithic temples to ancient artefacts.
• Valletta Waterfront: Stroll along beautifully restored quays, lined with restaurants, cafes, and vibrant nightlife.

Culinary culture

Valletta’s cuisine is a delightful mix of Mediterranean flavours, featuring fresh seafood, local olive oil, and aromatic herbs. Try traditional dishes such as bragioli (beef olives), lampuki pie (fish pie), and rabbit stew, accompanied by Maltese bread and local wine. For dessert, indulge in cannoli or figolli, washed down with a strong coffee or a glass of sweet Maltese wine.

Dive deeper

Wander the narrow streets to uncover boutique shops, artisan workshops, and hidden squares. Take a ferry across the Grand Harbour to explore the historic Three Cities, or enjoy a harbour cruise at sunset for a new perspective on Valletta’s golden fortifications. Cultural festivals, live music, and theatre performances add vibrancy to the city year-round.

Good to know

The currency is the euro (EUR). Valletta is highly walkable, though public buses and ferries connect the city to other parts of Malta. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather, but the city’s charm and Mediterranean light are enchanting all year.

A sun-drenched mosaic of cultures, Sicily is a land where ancient history and dramatic landscapes collide. Greek temples rise from golden plains, Baroque cities gleam under the Mediterranean sun, and Mount Etna smoulders on the horizon. Whether you're drawn to its archaeological wonders, pristine beaches, or time-honoured traditions, Sicily captivates with its raw beauty and rich heritage.

Don’t miss:

• The Valley of the Temples – an awe-inspiring collection of ancient Greek ruins in Agrigento
• Palermo’s vibrant markets – a sensory overload of colour, noise, and mouth-watering street food
• Taormina’s ancient theatre – a spectacular setting with Mount Etna as a backdrop
• The Aeolian Islands – a volcanic archipelago perfect for hiking, diving, and unwinding
• Baroque splendour in Noto, Ragusa, and Modica – stunning towns that are works of art in themselves

Culinary culture:

Sicilian cuisine is a feast of sun-ripened flavours and multicultural influences. Cannoli and cassata showcase the island’s sweet tooth, while arancini – crisp, golden rice balls – are a beloved street food staple. Seafood lovers can savour pasta con le sarde (pasta with sardines) and fresh swordfish, while the island’s citrus groves provide zesty delights. Pair it all with a glass of bold Nero d’Avola or a chilled Marsala wine for the perfect taste of Sicily.

Dive deeper:

Beyond the postcard sights, Sicily is home to unique cultural gems. Witness the fiery spectacle of Easter’s Processione dei Misteri in Trapani or experience the age-old Opera dei Pupi, a traditional marionette theatre. In the countryside, age-old bagli (fortified farmsteads) offer a glimpse into Sicily’s rural soul, while Marsala's salt pans shimmer in pink and gold hues at sunset.

Good to know:

Sicily enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters – spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing. Public transport links major cities, but renting a car is the best way to explore remote villages and coastal hideaways. The currency is the euro, and while Italian is the official language, many locals speak Sicilian, a distinct and poetic dialect shaped by the island’s layered history.