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