Sicily & Malta: A History of Two Islands

Day 1 - UK - Catania - Marina di Ragusa, Sicily

Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your flight to Catania. On arrival in Sicily, transfer to the locally rated 4-star Hotel Acacia Marina in Marina di Ragusa, your base for the next four nights. Set along Sicily’s south-eastern coast, Marina di Ragusa is known for its broad sandy beach, lively promenade with choice of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops plus a laid-back atmosphere. After checking in, settle into your surroundings before dinner at the hotel this evening.

Hotel Acacia Marina, Marina di Ragusa (4-star)

Day 2 - Ragusa and Scicli

Travel into the heart of the Val di Noto, a region rebuilt in spectacular style after the devastating earthquake of 1693 and now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin in Ragusa, one of Sicily’s most striking Baroque towns. A guided walking tour introduces its honey-coloured palaces, grand churches and steep lanes linking the upper and lower town. Visit the peaceful Giardino Ibleo gardens, framed by palms and stone terraces, before taking in the ornate Church of San Giuseppe, the dome of San Giorgio and the original church's remarkable portal, one of the few features to survive the earthquake. Afterwards, step inside a private palazzo for a glimpse into Sicilian aristocratic life before enjoying free time for lunch. Later, continue to Scicli for a short, guided walk. Often overlooked in favour of its larger neighbours, Scicli offers a more laid-back side of the Val di Noto, with elegant Baroque architecture and everyday Sicilian life unfolding in its streets and piazzas.

Hotel Acacia Marina, Marina di Ragusa (4-star)

Day 3 - Noto

This morning enjoy a guided tour of Noto, often described as the capital of Sicilian Baroque. Built almost entirely from warm local limestone, the town seems to glow gold in the sunlight. Enter through the Porta Reale, the grand ceremonial gateway to the historic centre, before following your guide along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, lined with churches, monasteries and noble palaces. Climb the many steps to the entrance of Noto Cathedral, rebuilt after its dramatic dome collapsed in 1996 and restored to its former grandeur. You’ll also see Palazzo Ducezio from the outside, the elegant town hall designed to mirror the cathedral opposite. There’s time to pause at one of the cafés along the corso. Noto is famous for almond granita and pastries made with local almonds – a speciality of this part of Sicily. Return to the hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure.

Hotel Acacia Marina, Marina di Ragusa (4-star)

Day 4 - Donnafugata Castle

Head inland to visit Donnafugata Castle, one of south-eastern Sicily’s hidden treasures. Despite its name, this isn’t a medieval fortress but a 19th-century country residence with turrets, sweeping staircases and charming rooms. Surrounded by landscaped gardens and a stone maze, it feels more like a fantasy retreat than a castle. The name Donnafugata translates loosely as “the woman who fled”, tied to local legends of royalty, mystery and escape that still surround the estate today. You can also visit a costume exhibition which houses beautiful dresses and stylish suits from over the years. Later, continue to a local winery to discover another side of Sicilian culture. The island is one of Italy’s oldest wine-producing regions, with vines cultivated here for over 2,500 years. Enjoy a tasting of regional wines paired with lunch, with the chance to sample varieties shaped by Sicily’s sun-drenched climate and mineral-rich soils.

Hotel Acacia Marina, Marina di Ragusa (4-star)

Day 5 - Marina di Ragusa, Sicily - St George’s Bay, Malta

Leave Sicily behind and travel by ferry across the Mediterranean to Malta. The crossing offers changing views across open sea before the island’s honey-coloured coastline comes into view. On arrival, transfer to the locally rated 5-star Radisson Blu in St Julian’s Bay, your base by the sea for the next four nights. Malta’s position between Europe and North Africa has made it a crossroads of cultures for centuries. Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Knights of St John and the British all left their mark here, shaping the island’s architecture, cuisine and language. It also became a much-loved home for Queen Elizabeth II during her early life, when she lived here with Prince Philip in the 1950s. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

Radisson Blu, St Julian’s (5-star)

Day 6 - Valletta

Spend the day discovering Valletta, Malta’s compact and characterful capital. Built by the Knights of St John after the Great Siege of 1565, the entire city is UNESCO-listed and packed with palaces, churches and military history. Visit St John’s Cathedral, whose richly gilded interior contrasts with its austere exterior. Inside hangs Caravaggio’s The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist. Continue to the Grand Master’s Palace, once the seat of the knights who ruled Malta, before visiting the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Set high above the Grand Harbour, the gardens offer sweeping views across the fortified waterfront. Later, visit Palazzo Parisio, an 18th-century palace with lavish interiors and formal gardens, and pause for tea before returning to the hotel.

Radisson Blu, St Julian’s (5-star)

Day 7 - St Julian's Bay

Today is free to enjoy Malta at your own pace. Relax at the hotel, stroll along the waterfront at St Julian’s Bay or perhaps venture out to explore more of the island independently. Malta’s compact size makes it easy to discover, whether that’s wandering through historic streets, stopping for lunch in a harbourside café or simply enjoying views across the Mediterranean.

Radisson Blu, St Julian’s (5-star)

Day 8 - Mosta Dom, Mdina, Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk

Spend your final full day discovering more of Malta’s coastline, historic harbours and grand architecture. Begin with a visit to Mosta Dome, including entrance to the church, followed by a guided walking tour of Mdina. After some free time, continue via the Dingli Cliffs to the Blue Grotto on Malta’s south coast. Weather permitting, take a boat trip through the sea caves, where sunlight reflects through the water in brilliant shades of blue. Finish the day in Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village known for its colourful luzzus bobbing in the harbour, before returning to the hotel for a farewell dinner.

Radisson Blu, St Julian’s (5-star)

Day 9 - St George's Bay - Malta - UK

After breakfast, transfer transfer the airport for your return flight to the UK Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.