Malta and Sicily

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2: Qawra

Welcome to Malta, known for its abundant sunshine, unique culture, stunning architecture, and rich history. Meet your ACIS Tour Manager and transfer to your hotel on the northern coast where you can begin to take in the sea air and perhaps head to the beach.

Day 3: Qawra

This morning visit Valletta, Malta's capital city. A guided sightseeing tour will introduce you to the highlights of this fortified UNESCO World Heritage City, founded in the 1500's and brimming with beautiful churches, palaces, world-class art and Baroque architecture. See the incredible art and relics of St. John's Co-Cathedral, built in the mid-1500s, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens, which stand atop the impressive Saints Peter and Paul defensive bastions and offer stunning views across the harbor. Then drive to Mosta to view the Rotunda, a Roman Catholic church famous for its massive, nearly 189-foot-tall dome. Here you’ll enjoy a Maltese Food-Tasting Lunch served by local volunteers. This will provide an opportunity for cultural exchange with the community as you enjoy authentic culinary specialties such as bread topped with a Maltese tomato spread called kunserva, peppered goat cheese, savory pastries, traditional sweets and more. After lunch, you’ll travel to the medieval fortified city of Mdina for a guided orientation tour and time to explore its many shops, tiny streets and expansive views. Then return to the Qawra district of St. Paul’s Bay for the evening.

Day 4: Qawra

Today take an excursion to the small, lovely island of Gozo. You'll transfer by boat to this hidden gem of the Maltese archipelago and embark on a Tuk-Tuk tour that shows you historic and natural sights all over the island. Stops include the Church of Saint John the Baptist and its iconic rotunda; the dazzling limestone Sanap Cliffs; Xlendi’s beach, cliffs and caves; the spring-fed Knight’s Wash House, where locals have been doing laundry since the 16th century; the imposing Citadel; the Roman Catholic Ta' Pinu National Shrine; the fascinating Xwejni Salt Pans; and Qbajjar Bay’s crystal clear waters. Weather permitting, enjoy a swim in the pristine Blue or Crystal Lagoon. A pizza lunch is included during today’s excursion. Return to Qawra in time for dinner tonight.

Day 5: Syracuse

Depart Malta on an early-morning ferry from Valletta to the Sicilian city of Pozzallo, enjoying breakfast on board. Then drive to Noto, where you’ll visit the grand Cathedral and take a stroll around to admire the incredible Baroque architecture. Continue Syracuse, where you’ll visit the important Neapolis Archaeological Park, highlighted by an ancient Greek theatre, a Roman Amphitheatre, a legend-filled cave and more. This is followed by free time in Ortigia, the small island upon which the city’s original Corinthian colonists landed, and that now charms with atmospheric streetscapes, shops, restaurants and a famous market.

Day 6: Taormina

Today you’ll take a scenic cable car ride to an elevation of about 8,200 feet for a visit to Mount Etna, one of the largest and most active volcanoes in Europe. As you take in the spectacular views, it’s easy to see why the ancient Greeks believed the volcano was the work of Hephaestus, the Greek god of fire. You may choose to enhance your Mount Etna adventure with an optional guided off-road vehicle excursion up to the summit for an up-close look at the mountain's volcanic activity. Descend from the mountain and travel on to Taormina, a hilly coastal town on the Ionian Sea.

Day 7: Palermo

The morning begins with a guided tour of the ancient and remarkably well-preserved ruins of Taormina’s Greek Theatre. Then journey to charming Cefalù, a fishing port known for its stunning beaches, Norman cathedral, medieval architecture and mouthwatering seafood. After discovering its postcard-pretty highlights, indulge your sweet tooth in a Sicilian specialty with a cannoli tasting. Then continue to Palermo.

Day 8: Palermo

This morning a sightseeing tour led by a local guide introduces you to Palermo's fascinating heritage and culture, reflected through its wealth of sights. Included is a visit to the exquisite Cappella Palatina in the Palazzo dei Normanni, whose interior positively glitters with golden mosaics, carved marble and precious stones. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore more of this lovely city on your own, perhaps practicing your Italian-speaking skills as you mingle with locals at one of its historic markets or sampling some Sicilian sfincione, a pizza unlike any found in the rest of Italy.

Day 9: Departure

Depart for the USA.