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The Grand Tour, Malta To Southern Italy

Trip introduction
23 NIGHT TRIP
Embark on a captivating 24 day journey through the heart of the Mediterranean, from the golden shores of Malta to the historic wonders of Sicily, the sun-soaked villages of Puglia, and the timeless beauty of Rome. This once in a lifetime Grand Tour blends ancient ruins, baroque cities, dramatic coastlines, world class cuisine, and vibrant culture into one unforgettable experience.
Highlights
Explore Malta’s medieval Mdina and breathtaking Dingli Cliffs
Discover Gozo, the mythical isle from Homer’s Odyssey
Taormina and Siracusa, gems of ancient Sicily
UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples in Agrigento
Wine tasting and cave dwellings in Puglia’s Matera
Sleep in a Trullo in iconic Alberobello
Scenic Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Pompeii ruins
Insider access to Vatican Museums before opening
Food tours through Rome’s Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere
Follow the Illuminati trail on an Angels & Demons-themed tour
Description

Day 1: Arrive in Malta
The grand tour begins

Welcome to your Mediterranean escape! Upon arrival in Malta, enjoy a private transfer to your boutique hotel in Sliema. After check-in, unwind with a delicious local dinner. Overnight stay.

Day 2: The silent city of Mdina &
Botanical beauty

After breakfast, delve into the medieval charm of Mdina. Wander through its winding alleys, discover panoramic island views from the bastions, and explore the majestic San Anton Botanical Gardens. Return to Sliema for an evening at leisure. Overnight stay.

Day 3: Gozo,
Isle of Calypso

Enjoy a full day at leisure or take an optional trip to Gozo, Malta’s greener sister island. A tranquil escape with mystical cliffs, traditional villages, and legendary ties to Homer’s Odyssey. Return and overnight in Sliema.

Day 4: Welcome to Sicily
Taormina

Transfer to the airport for your short flight to Catania. Upon arrival, a private driver will take you to Taormina, Sicily’s sparkling hilltop town. Enjoy an afternoon walking tour, including the Greek Theater with views of Mount Etna. Overnight stay.

Day 5: Siracusa &
the Island of Ortigia

Depart for Siracusa, one of Magna Grecia’s most important cities. Explore the baroque island of Ortigia, from the Temple of Apollo to the Fountain of Arethusa. Overnight stay in Siracusa.

Day 6: Baroque treasures:
Noto & Modica

Travel through Sicily’s baroque belt. Visit Noto, a true architectural jewel, then stop in Modica, famous for its chocolate and ornate cathedrals. Continue to Agrigento. Overnight stay.

Day 7: Agrigento
Valley of the Temples

Enjoy a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples, home to some of the best-preserved Greek ruins outside of Greece. Afternoon and evening at leisure. Overnight in Agrigento.

Day 8: PALERMO,
Sicily’s capital

Journey to Palermo, the cultural crossroads of Sicily. After check-in, spend the evening exploring at your own pace. Overnight stay.

Day 9: Palermo &
Monreale Cathedral

Today’s guided tour reveals Palermo’s rich layers of history, followed by a visit to Monreale’s magnificent cathedral, adorned with the largest Byzantine mosaic cycle in Italy. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay.

Day 10: Arrive in Puglia
Alberobello

Fly to Bari and transfer to Alberobello, home of the famous Trulli houses. Enjoy a rustic dinner in a typical Apulian restaurant. Overnight stay

Day 11: Primitivo wine &
Matera’s cave houses

Sip Primitivo wine in Gioia del Colle before heading to the ancient city of Matera. Explore its cave dwellings and unique landscape. Return to Alberobello. Overnight stay.

Day 12: Grotte, Polignano &
Trullo tour

Visit the caves of Castellana Grotte and enjoy lunch in Polignano a Mare. End the day with a guided tour of Alberobello and its Trullo museum. Overnight stay.

Day 13: Trani &
Castel del Monte

Visit the picturesque port of Trani, followed by lunch at a Michelin-recommended countryside restaurant. Explore Castel del Monte, a mysterious octagonal fortress. Return to Alberobello. Overnight stay.

Day 14: Enchanting
Aamalfi Coast

Board a high-speed train from Bari to Naples, then transfer to your hotel in Sorrento. Enjoy your first stunning views of the Amalfi Coast. Overnight stay.

Day 15: Pompeii

Step back in time on a morning tour of the legendary ruins of Pompeii. Discover life frozen in time beneath the ashes of Mount Vesuvius. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight stay.

Day 16: Capri excursion

Sail to the glamorous island of Capri. Visit Villa San Michele, shop in the chic Piazzetta, and soak up the coastal beauty. Return to Sorrento. Overnight stay.

Day 17: Day at leisure on
the Amalfi Coast

Relax poolside, swim in the crystal waters, or shop in Positano’s charming boutiques. Overnight stay in Sorrento.

Day 18: Arrive in Rome
Introduction to the Eternal City

Transfer to Rome via Naples by train. After check-in, take a guided orientation walk to the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Spanish Steps. Enjoy a classic Roman aperitif. Overnight stay.

Day 19: Colosseum &
Forum exploration

Travel back to Ancient Rome with a guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. In the evening, indulge in a Roman food tour through the Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere. Overnight stay.

Day 20: The Vatican &
hidden Rome

Start with early access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel before the crowds. Continue to St. Peter’s Basilica. In the afternoon, explore underground Rome on a tour of catacombs and the Capuchin Crypt. Overnight stay.

Day 21: Illuminati trail

Follow the path of the Illuminati through Rome’s most mysterious sites, inspired by Angels & Demons. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay.

Day 22: Art & cooking
in Rome

Tour the Borghese Gallery, home to masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael. In the evening, take a hands-on Italian cooking class followed by a shared dinner with local wine. Overnight stay.

Day 23: Rome at your pace

A full day to explore Rome on your own. Optional tour to Tivoli to visit Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana. Overnight stay.

Day 24: Departure

Private transfer to the airport. Farewell, and arrivederci!

NOTE: This journey of a lifetime is subject to change based on the availability of the services/tours/activities listed at the time of your traveling.

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Alberobello's Trulli. Puglia. Italy.

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