SEPTEMBER 2025

Day 1 – Sunday 14:  Let the adventure begin…

On arrival into Malta, you will be met by your private driver in the arrivals hall and transferred to you hotel, home for the next 4 nights.

This afternoon is at leisure and this evening, meet with the rest of the group and Donna for an welcome drink and tour briefing.  It’s casual tonight so enjoy your first night watching the sunset and sipping on a cocktail as you immerse yourself into the beauty of this island.

Overnight Accommodation:  Grand Hotel Excelsior or similar

Day 2 – Monday 15:  A half day explore of Valetta and meet the Marquis …

This  morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast before today’s exploration begins.

Meet your guide at your hotel this morning to enjoy a privately guided tour of Valletta. Valletta is the capital city of the island, located halfway down the northern coastline. It was designed to be a fortress for the Knights of St John and built from scratch in the 16th century. Today it is a thriving and beautiful city, offering magnificent buildings, glorious views and architectural evidence of the different eras in its history. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the only capital city in the world to have this honour. The jewel in the crown is the fabulous church of the Knights, today known as St John’s Co-Cathedral, which offers unsurpassed craftsmanship and stunning artworks of every type including two fine works of art by Caravaggio. The floor contains 369 inlaid marble tombstones of the Knights, and is often described as the most beautiful floor in the world.

Following your tour, enjoy a 30-minute Dghajsa Tal-Pass tour of the Grand Harbour.

Lunch and the afternoon is at leisure before you head to Casa Rocca Picola this evening, and your exclusive welcome dinner at the Casa.

Enjoy an after hours tour with the Marquis De Piro, the 9th Marquis of the family, at his residence and museum, Casa Rocca Piccola. Casa Rocca Piccola was constructed in the 16th century in Valletta as one of the first noble houses in the City. The de Piro family were one of a few members of the Maltese aristocracy to transform their house into a public museum giving many interesting insights and reflections of the Maltese history. Casa Rocca Piccola contains over 50 rooms most of which are open to the public for viewing. These rooms hold some of the finest and oldest furniture, silver and paintings preserved over the last 400 years. You will not only be able to view some of the quirkiest antiques but also learn most of the family’s exciting stories.

Then enjoy a 3-course welcome dinner in the Winter Dining room at the Casa before heading back to your hotel.

Overnight Accommodation:  Grand Hotel Excelsior or similar

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 – Tuesday 16:  Mdina & Rabat followed by dinner at Palazzo Falson

This morning and early afternoon are at leisure for you to explore your own Valletta, soaking up the ambience or just relaxing at your hotel before heading out this afternoon to explore Mdina & Rabat.

You’ll meet your guide in the lobby and enjoy a tour Mdina, the old capital city of Malta. It was founded nearly five millennia ago and chosen for its strategic defensive position on top of a steep hill.   Mdina has a certain air of timelessness about it which offers a refreshing and stimulating look into the past.  History at every corner, narrow streets and magnificent houses, all of which have a delightful honey-coloured patina on their facades. On particularly clear nights you can see the lights of the villages of Sicily from the viewing gallery at the back of the city, a magical experience in itself.  Today it is a compact and charming gem.  Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral and admire the incredible stained-glass windows and then head to the Cathedral Museum to take a look at all the beautiful art works kept there.

Afterwards, you will visit the village of Rabat. Visit The Domus Romana and the Wignacourt Collegiate Museum in Rabat a baroque residence of the Chaplains of the Knights of Malta inaugurated by Grand Master Aloph de Wignacourt (1601-1622).  It forms part of a Pauline complex just outside the walls of the old Roman City of Malta and is materially linked to St Paul’s Grotto, the cradle of Christianity in Malta, the place where St Paul the Apostle in A.D. 60 is believed to have founded the first Christian Community on the island.

Then to dinner at Palazzo Falson, in the heart of Mdina, where you will enjoy a beautiful 3 course meal before returning to the hotel.

Overnight Accommodation:  Grand Hotel Excelsior or similar

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 – Wednesday 17: time to cook!

This morning is time to shop, explore more or spa at the hotel (book before you get there!) before a mid afternoon cooking class which will be your dinner as well…

Head to Diar Il-Bniet in Dingli to experience an exciting hands-on cooking class. You will receive a small introduction by the head chef regarding Maltese cuisine and the process of the Traditional Ftira dough and history of local bread bakers. Get your hands dirty and learn how to make a special Maltese dish from scratch. Your creating will be using sensational and seasonal toppings. Your ftiras will be baked in a traditional wood burning oven. Afterward dine in the restaurant to enjoy the fruit of your labour. At the end of the experience you will be encouraged to take home your recipes, apron and chef’s hat!

Then time to get ready for your departure tomorrow for Gozo.

Overnight Accommodation:  Grand Hotel Excelsior or similar

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 – Thursday 18:  The Three Cities & then to Gozo…

Breakfast and check out this morning.

Head to the beautiful historical area known as the Three Cities. Begin with touring the Grand Harbour on a Dghajsa Tal-Pass.  Walk around the narrow winding streets of the village core of Birgu.  It was here that the Knights first inhabited when coming from Rhodes in 1530. Briefly visit The Gardjola Gardens which are located in Senglea, home to the Senglea watch tower perched on the bastion with fantastic panoramic views. It is decorated with carvings of eyes and ears, symbolising watchfulness, and commands a view to the west over the length of the Grand Harbour and southern flanks of Valletta. Enjoy free time to have a coffee break and a quick snack at one of the cafes overlooking the famous Super Yacht Marina next to the imposing Fort St Angelo. In between touring you will visit to the great Hypogeum, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back 3,500 BC. The Hypogeum is one of the greatest remaining structures from prehistory. When discovered it contained the bodies of over 7,000 people. It is at least three storeys deep and contains rock-cut features such as a ‘speaking chamber’, trilithons, lintelled doorways, a large cistern and a ‘holy of holies’ surrounded by ’embryonic’ chambers.

Then transfer to Gozo in Mercedes Sprinter from the hotel.  Take a relaxing drive in your luxury vehicle to the Gozo Fast Ferry Terminal where you will embark on a ferry which takes you to Malta’s sister island, Gozo in 45 minutes.  Transfer to your new hotel on arrival.

Evening and dinner at leisure.

Overnight accommodation:  Hotel Kempinski

Included Meals:  Breakfast

Day 6- Friday 19:  Be Immersed into Gozo…

Today enjoy the tranquil charm of Gozo: the smaller, greener and more rural sister-island of Malta.

The first stop is a visit of the Ggantijia prehistoric temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples date back to 3,500 BC and are considered the oldest man-made, free-standing structures in the World.

Your next stop is the impeccably restored fortified Cittadella, also known as the Citadel of Victoria, which has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. This entirely pedestrianised fortress boasts stunning views of the island and contains churches, historic sites and archaeological deposits.

Stop for lunch at a traditional Gozitan Seaside Restaurant. To start off with, try the delicious traditional sourdough-style bread with homemade cheeselets made from fresh goats’ milk, accompanied by bright red and juicy tomatoes, local olives and hand-picked Gozitan capers. The homemade ricotta ravioli with slowly simmered tomato sauce is also a top favourite.

Stop by the traditional open air sea saltpans and meet up with the local character, Leli or his family, to hear how he harvests his ‘white gold’ – which you can purchase as a quirky souvenir to take home and use to season your cooking with the true flavour of the Mediterranean Sea. Time permitting, you will head to the panoramic area of Dwerja, where your guide will offer leisure time for you to marvel at the famous in-land sea, soak up the sun while paddling in the creek, or to sit on a rock and feel the energy of the sea breeze.

Then back to the hotel and evening is at leisure.

Overnight accommodation:  Hotel Kempinski

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 – Saturday 20: Exploring on your private catamaran…

Enjoy a short drive to the Marina to be welcomed aboard your beautiful Catamaran. Discover the beautiful side of Malta with your own personal skipper. Fantastic bays and lonely beaches with crystal clear water are awaiting you!

Indulge in a unique underwater world and enjoy an unforgettable trip to the Blue Lagoon in Comino and surrounding areas in Gozo on your amazing boat, tasting the Mediterranean food and soaking up the sun.

Return to the hotel for a leisurely evening and get ready for your departure tomorrow, to Sicily!

Overnight accommodation:  Hotel Kempinski

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8 – Sunday 21:  Farewell Malta.  Hello Sicily…

This morning checkout and then time for your transfer to the airport for your flight.  This will be on Ryan Air so please note baggage is restricted to 20 kilos.   D

Arrive into Sicily and transfer by private vehicle to your hotel in Taormina, all rooms with a sea view and walking distance to this beautiful town.

The rest of the day is at leisure with dinner at the hotel this evening.

Overnight accommodation:  Villa Paradiso

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 – Monday 22:  Hello Taormina and a little White Lotus…

The White Lotus Tour will land you in wonderful places on the Sicilian island, the ones where the second season of the famous TV series White Lotus, recently awarded Best Miniseries 2022 in the US and winner of two Golden Globes, was set.

Celebrating the Dolce Vita and the iconic golden vacations of the Mediterranean, the miniseries’ director, Mike White, has chosen specific Sicilian destinations for filming to offer his audience and its rich and luxurious protagonists, unique and soughtafter locations. These locations, then, will be the ones featured and planned in this unforgettable journey. The tour will start from beautiful Taormina, since, most of the scenes of White Lotus 2 were filmed there and at the legendary five-star Hotel San Domenico Palace, where in the past several famous figures such as Oscar Wilde, Sophia Loren and many others stayed.

The day will captivate you with a tour of discovery of Taormina, founded by the Greeks in 358 BC. It was occupied by the Romans and then fell into the hands of the Byzantines. In episode 2 of White Lotus Bert, Albie and Dominic venture into town, inviting Portia along for the ride. A short distance from the San Domenico Palace, there is a clear view of Mount Etna as well as the Calabrian coast and the Ionian Sea from this point on the east coast. Built in the third century B.C., the theatre consists of three parts, the stage, the orchestra and the cavea, and its beauty is known throughout the world, so much so that Johann Wolfgang Goethe, in his Journey to Italy, wrote, “never has the audience of a theatre seen such a spectacle.”

This evening dinner is in a local restaurant in Taormina.

Overnight accommodation:  Villa Paradiso

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 – Tuesday 23:  Mt Etna & Olive Oil…

After breakfast another full day and arguably one of the most thrilling experiences in Sicily.  So wear comfortable clothes and shoes,  pack your hat, sunscreen and water before heading out.

A private driver will pick you from your hotel, accompanied by a seasoned naturalist guide primed to unveil the raw majesty of Mount Etna—the highest active volcano on the Eurasian plate and UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013.

Prepare for awe-inspiring vistas, postcard-perfect panoramas, a kaleidoscope of colours, and an untouched symphony of sounds far from the bustling crowds. With over 400 craters and trails resembling scenes from a fairy tale, this adventure promises an immersive experience where mind and body harmonize, plunging you into one of nature’s most enthralling landscapes. Discover the unparalleled beauty of a land unlike any other in Sicily, where it feels like stepping into another dimension. Enchantingly led by a naturalist guide whose knowledge and passion will leave you spellbound.

At Casa Merlino, which stands on a strip of land on the slopes of Etna and extends over an area of about sixteen hectares in the Municipality of Randazzo, the land is extraordinarily rich in lava minerals and favoured with optimal natural exposure and weather conditions. Enjoy a guided tour of the olive grove, with a wonderful technical tasting of 3 EVO oils (2 monovarietals + 1 Monte Etna DOP) and end it up with a typical lunch!

Then back to the hotel for this evening at leisure.

Overnight accommodation:  Villa Paradiso

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11 – Wednesday 24:  Ortigia & Syracuse…

This is a full day excursion so pack lots of water, sunscreen before heading off starting with an approximately 90 minute transfer.

Is this Sicily’s most stunning city? One thing is for sure: Siracusa’s vibrant tapestry of history, culture and human expression will captivate you.   This ancient gem boasts an incredible legacy that spans millennia. It once rivalled the power and opulence of Athens!  It stood tall against Rome’s siege, guided by the brilliant mathematician Archimedes. UNESCO has bestowed Siracusa with the honour of being named a World Heritage Site. This incredible city is a living testament to human achievement and is a treasure trove of architectural and cultural wonders, with antiquities that predate its Greek origins.

Ortigia, the ancient heart of Siracusa, is a living canvas of enchanting poetry where myths and legends come to life.   Take a stroll through this captivating island, where the timeless tale of Arethusa unfolds at the Fountain of Arethusa—a magical union of freshwater spring merging with the sea, echoing the poignant myth of Arethusa and Alphaeus, an integral part of Siracusa’s mesmerising lore.  Ortigia exudes a unique charm:  Its winding alleys pulse with vibrant life, adorned with bustling markets offering local delights, inviting seafood eateries, and charming cheese, fruit, and vegetable shops. Delve into its charm as you uncover hidden treasures like ancient temples, fortresses, and churches tucked away in every corner, including the grandeur of the Cathedral majestically perched atop an ancient Greek temple.

Lunch today is at The Fratelli Burgio’s Salumeria, nestled in the heart of Ortigia and its market.  Here you will enjoy fine cold cuts and cheeses, but also many specialties of the typical Mediterranean tradition.

After a full day back to the hotel for an evening at leisure and to prepare for departure tomorrow.

Overnight accommodation:  Villa Paradiso

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12 – Thursday 25:  To Verdura & Villa Romana del Casale on the way…

This morning checkout of  the hotel and then time to transfer to Verdura.

Today, you will delve into another remarkable piece of history the Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the heart of Sicily. This residential marvel hails from the late ancient period, and while the exact identity of its original owner remains a mystery, prevailing theories point to the esteemed Lucius Aradio Valerius Proculus Populonius. Proculus, a prominent figure of the Constantine age, who served as the governor of Sicily from 327 to 331 and attained the consulship in 340.  The Roman Villa, a true architectural gem, spans an impressive 3,500 square meters, showcasing a mosaic pavement that has stood the test of time. Besides serving as a residence, this opulent estate may have also doubled as a hunting lodge and a venue for hosting distinguished guests.  What truly captivates are the meticulously preserved mosaics, among which a 60-metre-long hunting scene steals the spotlight.

Lunch is at a local establishment.

Check in late this afternoon and dinner is at leisure.

Overnight accommodation:  Rocco Forte Verdura Resort

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13 – Friday 26:  Day at leisure & an exclusive Sunset Dinner…

Today is at leisure to relax at this beautiful hotel.

Enjoy the pool or the Verdura Spa included in your offer.  Enhance your wellbeing with a restorative treatment or take a dip in the  Thalassotherapy pools.  Relax at their infrared or Finnish saunas. Take a yoga class or just sit by the pool and read your book.  Golf perhaps?  The choice is yours.

Early evening you are in for something special.

Your private guide will guide you to one of the highlights of your Sicilian sojourn with a visit to  one of the best preserved Greek temples in the world.  Nowhere else will you find ancient ruins so faithful to the original, nestled within the famous Valley of the Temples.  The Archaeological Park of Agrigento was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1997, and still has an enormous amount of treasures, the apex of which is represented by the three main temples overlooking the Via Sacra: Temple of Juno, Temple of Concordia and theTemple of Hercules.

Then enjoy an exclusive dinner nestled within the Diodoros Garden.  Prepare for a sensory delight as you indulge in a feast featuring typical, zero-mile, organic cuisine crafted from cherished ” grandmother’s recipes.”  This extraordinary locale, a citrus grove set in the pristine natural splendour of the Valley of the Temples, traces its origins back to 1740. Ancient maps reveal that the visionary Cistercian Monks carefully curated this space, adorning it with the most vibrant and fruitful trees on the island.  Travel less than a mile from the Via Sacra of the Valley of the Temples to discover this exclusive haven.

Overnight accommodation:  Rocco Forte Verdura Resort

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14 – Saturday 27:  Sicilian Country Life…

Today unveils the heart and soul of Sicily—a land where tradition reigns supreme amidst breathtaking vistas and unhurried moments.

The Sicani Mountains, nestled in central-southern Sicily, epitomise this essence and your guide will  unlock a world steeped in authenticity and exclusivity.  Journey to Val di Kam, where time meanders leisurely, mirroring the unhurried pace of grazing sheep and locals chatting over cards at the bar.  Stroll through village lanes, savouring typical local delights and forging genuine connections with the locals.  Pause for a delightful sampling of local cheeses paired with the cherished ‘pani cunzatu’.  Indulge your senses with almond cookies, honey, artisanal wines, olive oil, and seasonal treasures—a taste-packed odyssey. And the pinnacle? A mouthwatering lunch, crafted by a local family, showcasing authentic dishes and age-old traditions!   This isn’t just a tour—it’s an immersion into life itself, where the true essence of a place reveals itself through the warmth of its

Overnight accommodation:  Rocco Forte Verdura Resort

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch

Day 15 – Sunday 28:  To Palermo with a visit to Monreale Cathedral & Cloister…

Check out this morning and then transfer to Palermo.

Arrive in Monreale and meet your guide, visit the Cathedral and the Cloister.  The Monreale Cathedral stands as an unparalleled fusion of art, culture, and spirituality that holds its place as a quintessential Italian treasure.  Unsurprisingly, it reigns as a premier Italian attraction.

Erected in 1172, its claim to fame rests on the stunning Byzantine mosaics that adorn its every corner, imparting an unparalleled artistic and spiritual grandeur. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, its significance is profound.  No exploration of the Cathedral is complete without delving into its adjoining cloister. This ancient 12th-century Benedictine monastery, crafted in pure Romanesque style, expands the narrative, offering a wide canvas of history and architectural brilliance. Capture the essence of this exceptional visit through your lens or as a cherished memory: the Monreale Cathedral experience is destined to linger in your heart and soul!

After the visit, have lunch in Monreale and transfer to Palermo.

On arrival check in and the rest of the evening at leisure.

Overnight accommodation:  Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch

Day 16 – Monday 29:  Exploring Palermo…

Today, your journey takes you to the heart of Sicily as you explore the historic center of Palermo. This vibrant city is a treasure trove of cultural richness that blends ancient charm with modern dynamism. From its diverse architectural styles to its vibrant markets, Palermo promises an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of the Sicilian spirit. The markets, such as Capo, Ballarò and Vucciria, are vibrant hubs teeming with colorful stalls selling fresh produce, local delicacies and handicrafts, exuding a lively atmosphere that engages all the senses.

Nestled amidst the captivating allure of the Giardini del Massimo lies an extraordinary inspiration – the revered Teatro Massimo. With its captivating history and symbolic significance to both Palermo and its visitors, this unique venue embodies the remarkable craftsmanship that birthed this jewel.  Encompassing an eclectic style, adorned by the strokes of decorators, painters, and sketches envisioned by the visionary architects Giovan Battista and Ernesto Basile. Giardini del Massimo is a multisensory haven, inviting patrons to immerse themselves in a tapestry of emotions. It’s a sanctuary where indulgence takes many forms; a place to relish unique flavours and be enraptured by Mediterranean scents while savouring this unexpected and enchanting space, exchanging words, ideas, and emotions.

Evening at leisure to explore the culinary delights of Palermo.

Overnight accommodation:  Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch (tasting tour)

Day 17 – Tuesday 30:  Cefalù & Villa Tasca…

Today you’ll explore two of the most enchanting places:  Firstly Cefalù, famous for its conformation and wonderful views, where Jake and Portia, on their day trip out, have an ice cream right on a bench that overlooks the beautiful view of Cefalu Bay.  Then the incredible Villa Tasca, the location where Daphne and Harper escape in the third episode (for scenic reasons the series location was Noto, but Villa Tasca is actually one of the mainstays of the Sicilian capital: Palermo)

Enjoy a lunch at your leisure in between, so as to add the extraordinary Sicilian food to the unique flavor of this experience.

This evening your farewell dinner in a local restaurant in this fascinating capital.

Overnight accommodation:  Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Dinner

October 2025

Day 18 – Wednesday 01:  Time to say farewell…

Alas, all good things must come to an end.  Time to say farewell and head to your next destination.  A private transfer to Palermo Airport.

Included Meals:  Breakfast