Seductively beautiful and perfectly placed just south of Italy in the heart of the Mediterranean, the islands of Sicily and Malta are at the top of many bucket lists! This tour combines a week exploring the east coast of Sicily with four nights on the magnificent island of Malta.

Sicily is the largest of the Italian islands. It boasts wonderful weather, and a diverse range of culinary influences, featuring hearty pasta dishes, the freshest seafood, and the world's best cannoli! It is an island of extremes: Rocky volcanic coastlines and white sandy beaches; crumbling ancient architectural treasures and the majestic Mount Etna, the world's most active volcano. 

Malta is an island country 50 miles south of Sicily. With superbly sunny weather, attractive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 8,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to do here. It is home to the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in any nation, and more than 360 churches scattered across the small island. St. Paul brought the Christian faith to Malta when he shipwrecked here in 60 A.D., and his steps can be retraced through the shrines, grottos, catacombs, and more.

May is a great time to visit Sicily and Malta - the temperatures are pleasantly warm without being too hot. The average daytime high is 75 degrees F, and it rarely goes below 60. It can get a little chilly at night, with an average low of 53 degrees F.

Sicily and Malta are blessed with a lot of sun. In fact, they are among the sunniest places in Europe.  May is one of the driest months of the year. And you won't have to deal with the peak tourist crowds!

This tour will focus on the east coast of Sicily which favors Sicily's Greek and Roman heritage: the towns of Catania, Taormina, Syracuse, Ortigia, Noto, and Modica. 

Our expert guides will open your eyes to the depth and breadth of Sicily’s ancient history, its daily life, its beauty and heart. When you enjoy warm Sicilian hospitality and meet the families that make traditional products, you will begin to understand Sicily. 

Experiencing Sicily this way would be nearly impossible on your own. But our small group will discover an unsurpassed hand-selected variety of special sites and dining experiences curated by our host, Karen LaRosa, who creates custom and unique tours full of authentic experiences and Sicily's beating heart.

There’s an alluring laid-back feel and modest beauty to the small Mediterranean island of Malta, and plenty of activities (or stunning spots to sit and do nothing) to fill your days and impress your friends. 

Throughout the years, Malta was ruled by the Romans, Arabs, and Brits, to name a few, and you can feel the mix of cultures in everything and everywhere.

Whether you’re exploring the narrow old streets of Mdina, plunging into Sliema’s Ballutta Bay for an afternoon dip, or marveling at the stunning architecture all around you, you’ll leave Malta wanting more!

This moderately-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking and requires an average level of physical fitness. 

Please note: Sicily and Malta are 85% hills and mountains. For strategic reasons, many towns were built on top of hills that are at some altitude. Your visit will often have you walking on inclines, climbing steps, and encountering uneven surfaces. Comfortable sturdy shoes are highly recommended. When visiting local farms and agricultural spots such as vineyards, you will often walk on dirt and stones. Carrying a lightweight, foldable walking stick is a good idea if you require support.

This 11-day, 10-night adventure is priced $3,825 per person double occupancy (not including airfare to and from Sicily). If you prefer a single room, the supplement is $400. 

Your space will be secured when we receive a deposit of $500. 

Tour deposits are refundable up to 120 days prior to departure date. Deposits made after 120 days are non-refundable.

We have a payment plan which allows the entire cost of the trip to be paid in 12 equal installments of about $275. (You are welcome to make larger payments at less frequent intervals.) Full payment is due by February 1, 2024.

If you need to cancel your trip, you will forfeit your deposit, and these fees will be applied:

• Between 100-61 days before your arrival date, 25% of the entire tour price.

• Between 60 and 46 days before your arrival date, 50% of the entire tour price.

• Between 45 and 31 days before your arrival date, 75% of the entire tour price.

• Between 30 and 1 days before your arrival date, 100% of the entire tour price.

Please plan to fly into Catania–Fontanarossa Airport in Sicily, Italy. 

Plan to fly home from Malta International Airport.

You need to be in Sicily on or before Sunday, April 21, 2024, which means you will need to depart the USA by Saturday, April 20, 2024. 

Plan to depart from Malta International Airport on or after the morning of Monday, May 1, 2024. 

Please ASK US if you have any questions before you purchase your airfare!

Your passport should be valid for at least three months (six months preferred) beyond your planned date of departure. Two blank pages in your passport are required for entry stamp. 

Italy does not currently require any proof of vaccination, a negative test result, or a COVID-19 recovery certificate to enter the country.

Starting sometime in 2024 (possibly in May), Americans will be required to obtain a ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization to enter Italy. The authorization will be available online, valid for three years, and cost about $8. 

Please check here for updates on applying for the ETIAS:

 https://etias.com/etias-application 

Included in the trip price is:

• 10 nights accommodations 
• All breakfasts
• Farewell dinner
• Four lunches featuring local wines and foods with unique dining experiences
• Chocolate tasting
• Expert tours with exceptional guides
• Entrance fees on guided tours
• Private, air-conditioned group transportation

Not Included

• Airfare
• Gratuities for guides and drivers
• Travel Insurance (strongly recommended)
• Anything not specified in the itinerary
• Hotel tax, averaging 3 euros per night
• Pre - or post-tour travel arrangements

Romano House in Catania, Sicily - 3 nights

A harmonious cross between historical 17th century architecture and the most contemporary and sophisticated design, the hotel features an international atmosphere, skillfully restored art from the 17th century, the finest luxury details, and maximum comfort. In the heart of baroque Catania, at the centre of the city's nightlife and business quarter, Romano House is known as a great place to stay in this beautiful city.

Hotel Gutkowski in Ortygia, Siracusa, Sicily - 3 nights

The Hotel Gutkowski is a charming boutique hotel with 26 unique rooms situated on a waterfront promenade in Ortygia, a small island in the historical centre of Syracuse. 

The hotel consists of two beautiful and recently renovated 19th century buildings just a few steps from the sea, which retain their charming Mediterranean atmosphere. With the hotel's central location, hotel guests can easily walk to all the sights of Ortygia.

AX The Victoria Hotel in Silema, Malta -  4 nights

AX The Victoria Hotel is considered one of the best hotels in the heart of Sliema with elegant rooms and exceptional spa facilities. The Victoria is contemporary, sophisticated and state-of-the-art, yet fully honors the Victorian style that previously dominated this area of Sicily. 

 A little more than a mile from the main seafront promenade, you will find an abundance of bars, restaurants and shopping outlets. 

No vaccines are required to enter Sicily or Malta. 

No matter where they travel, all world travelers should be up to date on routine vaccinations including varicella (chickenpox), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, flu, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), polio, and shingles. 

Hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended for all unvaccinated travelers to Italy.

Restaurants

We will provide lists of restaurant recommendations for the days you are on your own for dinner.

Electricity 

In Sicily they supply 220v. For computers, phones and camera chargers, you will need a 2 or 3 prong plug adapter designated for ‘Southern Europe’. A converter is necessary only for heat-drawing electronics such as a hair dryer or razor. 

Language

All Sicilians speak Italian. But Sicilian is also an oral language. It has many dialects across the island and, for the most part, is spoken in families and between friends. 

Money

The currency used in Italy is the Euro.

Most credit cards are accepted (except American Express and Discover) in hotels and restaurants.

ATMs are all over the island, but not as accessible as in the USA. Most have cash withdrawal limits around E250 to E500 daily. Sometimes the ATMs are “down,” so always make sure you have cash on hand. 

Can I drink the water?

The water in Sicily is not unsafe but owing to old pipes, the culture is bottled water. I use a Brita refillable water bottle with a filter so I can get water from the tap and not contribute to the landfills. They are available online and not expensive.

Walking

Any visit to Sicily will include walking on inclines, climbing some steps, and encountering uneven surfaces, especially in agricultural settings. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are highly recommended. Carrying a lightweight, foldable walking stick is a good idea if you require support.

What should I wear?

Dress in Sicily is generally casual, with smart casual for dinners.

What can I bring home for souvenirs?

Leave room to bring things home with you such as packaged cheese, wine, honey, olive oil, and ceramics.

Bucket List Travel recommends travel insurance for all our guests. Travel insurance provides financial protection for unexpected events that affect a trip, such as a cancellation, illness, or an injury that occurs during the trip, and may include coverage for trip expenses, medical emergencies, travel delays, and luggage.

We have partnered with a company called Travel Insurance Master, which works with 11 of the country’s best travel insurance providers to find the best plan and value for you so you don’t have to figure it out yourself. 

They take into account your age, trip cost, and the features you want, and present you with what they think is your best option, as well as several alternatives. You only pay the premium amount; there is no additional cost to you.

Take a look at Travel Insurance Master, and rest assured they’ll find you the best trip insurance for your needs. 

https://travelinsurancemaster.com/a?5cc9488b-808d-4077-a31f-c22a7c47abd2 

The boutique nature of this itinerary means that it is subject to minor changes, updates and even additions as we get closer. Any changes would reflect the goal of enhancing your Sicilian experience.

Seeking Sicily by John Keahey

A wonderful read and good overview of Sicily including history, mythology, and a travel writer’s view of the people and their traditions.

The Peoples of Sicily by Louis Mendola

A very readable history to explain the cultures, dominations, and layers.

The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa

A classic piece of literature that considers the Risogimento of the late 19th century. Love, politics, ageing and Sicily all wrapped into one magnificent read.

The Wine Dark Sea by Leonardo Sciascia

Short stories written by one of Sicily’s most important authors and political activists of the 20th century.

The Florio’s by Stefania Auci

An historical fiction that depicts the life of this very important Sicilian family beginning in the 18th c. A fascinating read of the developing merchant class of that period.

Bitter Almonds: Recollections & Recipes from a Sicilian Girlhood by Maria Grammatico

This light read will tell you about the life of a girl raised by the nuns when her family couldn’t afford her, and what she learned that has served her well even today.   

The Dangerously Truthful Diary of a Sicilian Housewife  by Veronica Di Grigoli 

This book had me laughing out loud. Leaving London city life to marry into a Sicilian family has its moments and quite a demanding adjustment phase. Veronica is very funny and still quite happily married!

Almonds - anything made with almonds

Arancini – stuffed fried rice balls

Cannoli - made with sheep’s milk ricotta

Casatelle – sweets with ricotta cream

Cassata cake – made with ricotta cream, marzipan and more!

Citrus – lemon and oranges

Gelato or Granita with Brioche

Fish, fish, fish, fish

Marzipan – and cookies made with almond paste

Pasta alla Norma (a classic)

Pasta – Busiate with Pesto alla Trapanese

Pasta – Nero di Seppia (squid ink)

Pistachios – anything made with pistachios

Pizza – it’s delicious

Sarde a Beccafico

Sicilian wines from the various areas.

Torrone – almond nougat

Upon arrival at Catania–Fontanarossa Airport, you will be met by a Bucket List Travel representative and transferred to your hotel.

This evening, any of us who are interested (and not too tired from travelling!) will head to the Vuciata Restaurant in Catania to share a wonderful meal and meet our fellow travelers. (Not included.)

Hotel: Romano House Hotel, Catania 

Today, we will have a full-day guided tour to Mount Etna, an active volcano situated in a large national park. At 10,902 feet, it is the highest point in Sicily. Etna is still an active volcano, but apart from ash, rarely causes problems.

(Wear sneakers and bring a light jacket)

At 9:30 a.m., your driver will pick you up at your hotel and drive to Mount Etna. During this up-close look at Her Majesty Mount Etna, your guide will show you the volcanic lunar landscape of the tallest active volcano in Europe. You will see the extinct craters and learn about the soil fertility she provides. 

On a walk up to the crater rims, your guide will explain Etna's history, geology, mythology and more.

Afterwards, we will visit Terra Costantino, an organic Etna winery for a tour, wine tasting and lunch.

At 3:30 p.m., we'll return to the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast; lunch at Terra Costantino Winery

Guided tour: Mount Etna

Hotel: Romano House Hotel, Catania 

Today we'll visit Taormina, a spectacular hilltop town on the east coast of Sicily. Cliffs drop to the sea forming coves with sandy beaches, and a narrow stretch of sand connects to Isola Bella, a tiny island and nature reserve.

The historic center is given over to pedestrians who wander among the high-quality shops and cafes and with restaurants serving aromatic foods.

We will tour the famous Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greco-­Roman theater still used today. Built in the third century BC, the theater could hold 10,000 spectators. Today, the theatre is used as a venue for an annual arts festival.

We'll return to the hotel at 4 p.m.

Meals included: Breakfast

Guided tour: Taormina

Hotel: Romano House Hotel in Catania

After breakfast, we'll head out to Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse. The Archaeological Park, along with the entire city, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. It is home to two of the most significant ancient archaeological sites from both Greek and Roman history, situated adjacent to one another in this park: the Greek Theatre and the Roman Amphitheater. They combine to make this one of the greatest archaeological sites in all of Italy.

The Greek Theatre is one of the most celebrated of all the ruins of Syracuse, which dates back to at least the 5th century BC. It is about 450 feet in diameter, making it the largest Greek theatre in Sicily. Its 59 rows of seating could hold as many as 15,000 spectators. This wonderfully preserved theater has remained in remarkable condition and appears today much as it did centuries ago. The theater was cut directly out of the limestone rock with the seats facing the sea providing a wonderful view, especially from the top tiers.

Nearby we'll see the ruins of the huge Roman Amphitheater, built in the 3rd century AD. It measures 459 feet by 390 feet and was used for gladiator fights.

Just outside of the Greek Theater is an area called the Latomia del Paradiso, or Paradise Quarry. This former limestone quarry is now a very green and peaceful tropical garden full of local and exotic plant species.  Walk the path through this beautiful area to a huge cave called the Ear of Dionysius. Legend has it that Dionysius, the ruler of ancient Syracuse would eavesdrop on the prisoners who were incarcerated here. The cave, which was carved out of the limestone hill, is shaped similar to a human ear and because of its shape, it has excellent acoustics, which allowed Dionysius the ability to eavesdrop. The cave measures 73 feet high and 213 feet deep. 

We’ll continue the tour on the island of Ortigia, the historical center of Syracuse. We’ll visit the Piazza Duomo, the main square of Syracuse, which features many beautiful Baroque buildings and ancient treasures.

We’ll finish with a delicious lunch at Fratelli Burgio, a Sicilian-style deli in the local market.

From here, we'll transfer to our home for the next three nights, Hotel Gutkowski.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch

Guided tour: Ortigia/Siracusa

Hotel: Hotel Gutkowski, Siracusa

Today we'll have a free day to explore Ortigia, the old town center of Syracuse. Enjoy the beautiful panoramas of the sea, shop in the local markets, or explore the picturesque streets of the old part of town and discover the traces left by all the different people who governed Sicily. 

Visit the market, walk along the Lungomare, enjoy all the artisans and shops in this charming town.

You might explore Cathedral Square with its magnificent bright limestone buildings: the town hall, Palazzo Beneventano, the bishop's palace, St. Lucy's Church, and the Cathedral - the only church still in use today which used to be a pagan temple.

You might explore the Jewish Quarter to Via Maestranza, the street where the nobility of the town had their pompous homes. On Archimedes Square, the neoclassical Fountain of Diana remembers once more the glorious past of Syracuse. 

Or visit the local fish and fruit markets where you can experience local life, colors, and scents of Sicily. 

Today - April 25 - happens to be the Italian holiday Festa della Liberazione, or Anniversary of Italy's Liberation. Public events, like marches and parades, are organized annually in all Italian cities - and you may see some here in Ortigia.

Meals included: Breakfast

Hotel: Hotel Gutkowski, Siracusa

After breakfast, we'll leave for a tour of Noto, renowned for its spectacular Sicilian Baroque architecture. It is packed with opulent churches and palaces, all made of the local, compacted, honey-colored limestone rock. Curvaceous concave façades battle for supremacy next to their convex cousins. Grotesque masks, cherubs, curlicues, and puffed-up, wrought-iron goose-breasted balconies abound.

The Baroque architecture was very much a planned effort by the church to re-assert itself after the Reformation. It was their chance to demonstrate power and importance, which they did with great flair and artistry. Sicily was for centuries a very tolerant place where the cultures of the Greeks, Arabs, Jews, and Byzantines were blended. The Spanish came and destroyed all of that basically in the quest for Catholic power and presence.

You'll have free time to explore the galleries and attractions in the town. You might want to stop at the famous Caffe Sicilia, which has been producing delectable sweets since 1892!

At 4 p.m., we'll return to our hotel. 

Meals included: Breakfast

Guided tour: Noto

Hotel: Hotel Gutkowski, Siracusa

After breakfast, we'll drive to Modica, the chocolate capital of Sicily. Modica is one of eight UNESCO Heritage towns in south-eastern Sicily whose architectural landscape changed forever following the devastating earthquake of 1693.

The medieval old town of Modica, once carved into rock, has been replaced by stunning baroque facades, extravagant churches and beautiful palaces. The old and new are connected by a maze of narrow streets and staircases.

Modica is the center of Sicilian chocolate production. We will delight in a visit to the famous chocolate producer, Antica Dolceria Bonajuto, which has been making its chocolate here since 1880. Hardly anything has changed since the old cold-processing method of cocoa used by the Mesoamericans. The tour will end with a chocolate tasting session.

Following our chocolate extravaganza, we'll head to Pozzallo, a charming seaside town, and take the ferry to Malta. 

Meals included: Breakfast, chocolate tasting

Hotel: Victoria, Silema, Malta

At 8.30, we'll depart from our hotel and drive through the eastern coast of Malta to port of Cirkewwa and take the 20-minute ferry crossing to the Island of Gozo. 

Gozo is well known for its crafts, particularly hand-made lace and knitted garments. Visitors are impressed by the island’s lush countryside, its serene atmosphere and how different it is from the larger island of Malta. 

Our guide will lead you around the Megalithic Temples of Ggantija, the oldest free-standing monuments in the world, pre-dating the Pyramids of Egypt!!

We'll stop for a delicious light lunch during our visit of the Gozo. 

We proceed to Victoria, capital city of the island, and visit the Medieval Citadel and Cathedral. 

We'll return to our hotel around 6 p.m.

Meals included:  Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: Victoria, Silema, Malta

At 9 a.m. we'll depart with our guide for a full-day tour visiting the former capital city of Mdina and the present capital city of Valletta. We enter Mdina by the Main Gate and walk through the narrow streets adorned by palaces of the noble families of Malta. 

On reaching the main square, we visit the main Cathedral of Malta, dedicated to St. Paul, patron Saint of the Maltese islands. 

From there we'll proceed to the city walls which surround the town and enjoy a view of the whole island of Malta. We leave Mdina through the Greek Gate.

After lunch, we proceed to Ta’Qali – Crafts Village and a short stop to visit the glass blowing factory of Mdina Glass.

Our next stop will be in Mosta to visit the basilica known as “the Rotunda” for its round dome, the fifth largest in Europe. 

Our last visit will be to the Botanical Garden of San Anton. The garden is a botanical delight with mature trees, old stone urns, fountains, ponds and formal flower beds. The garden is formal with rustic touches and holds a wide variety of plants and flowers, such as Jacaranda trees, Norfolk Pines, Bougainvillea and roses.

We'll return to our hotel at 5 p.m.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: Victoria, Silema, Malta

Today, you will have the full day at leisure in Malta. Relax on the beach and take a refreshing swim, go for a hike, do some last-minute shopping, enjoy some people watching from a sidewalk cafe, or visit some of the locations where scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed!

Tonight we'll enjoy a delicious farewell dinner, talking about our fabulous adventures and saying goodbye to our new friends.

Meals included: Breakfast, farewell dinner 

Hotel: Victoria, Silema, Malta

Today, we will bring you to the airport and say goodbye to charming, spectacular Sicily and Malta.