Jewels of the Mediterranean

Malta

• Visit beautiful Barraca Gardens for superb panoramic views of the Grand Harbour
• Excursion to the three cities of Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea
• Explore Mdina, Malta’s ancient walled capital
• Walk the narrow winding streets of Rabat to St Paul’s catacombs and grotto

Sicily

• Explore Catania’s impressive Piazza Duomo, surrounded by beautiful baroque buildings
• Two-night stay at the breathtakingly beautiful town of Taormina
• Take a 4WD to the base of Mt Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes
• Explore the ancient Greek site of Agrigento
• Visit Sicily’s oldest historic site, the Valley of the Temples
• See the imposing churches and the ornate sculptures and fountain in Palermo’s beautiful piazza

Sardinia

• Admire the Spanish-style architecture of the beautiful coastal town of Alghero
• Visit the beautiful lagoons, bird sanctuaries and wildlife reserves at Cagliari
• Take a boat ride to the mysterious underground caves at Capo Caccia (weather permitting)
• Explore the fortress-castle and the remains of a Nuraghic village at Barumini

Corsica

• Stay two nights at the extraordinary medieval cliff-top town of Bonifacio
• Tour Bonifacio’s old town, with its labyrinth of narrow streets and historic buildings
• Admire the extraordinary mountain scenery on the drive north to Bastia
• Visit Cap Corse, famous for its rugged peaks and ‘Genoese’ towers

Inclusions

• All flights between Australia and Europe/Europe and Australia
• All ticketable air taxes (NB may be subject to change)
• All accommodation (twin-share)
• All transfers and ground transportation
• All meals as specified
• Travel Directors’ tour leader throughout
• Expert local guides
• All entrance fees for specified sightseeing
• All tips and gratuities

Please note that whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the above pricing, currency fluctuations beyond our control can affect final costs. A booking form is to be completed by all passengers, and a non-refundable deposit of AUD $3,000 per person paid at the time of booking. All tours are based on a minimum group size of 10 people travelling.

06/05/2025 Australia – Dubai

Check-in at your chosen Australian airport for the flight to Dubai with Emirates.

07/05/2025 Dubai – Malta (D)

Depart Dubai Emirates Airlines EK 109, 07.55

Arrive Malta 14.05

On arrival in Malta we transfer to our hotel. First settled around 5200 BC, the strategic importance of Malta was recognised by the Phoenicians who occupied it, as did, in turn, the Greeks, Carthaginians, and Romans. The island is steeped in history, and this afternoon is at leisure to explore the beautiful district of Sliema.

Victoria Hotel

Malta

08/05/2025 Malta (BLD)

Today we begin to explore the island of Malta and its 7,000-year history. We start in the capital,Valletta, and visit the beautiful Barraca Gardens for superb panoramic views of the Grand Harbour. We also visit the Grand Master’s Palace, which is the seat of government and the private residence of the President of Malta.

09/05/2025 Malta (BLD)

After breakfast we visit Mdina, the old capital of Malta located in the central part of the island. This ancient walled settlement has spectacular views of the countryside from its bastions. Later we visit Rabat, a village next to Mdina, where we enjoy a short walk around the narrow winding roads leading to St Paul’s catacombs and the grotto. After lunch we head south to the cities of Vittoriosa and Senglea. Here we discover the narrow shady streets that make this historic area unique.

10/05/2025 Malta – Pozzallo – Taormina (BLD)

This morning we leave Malta on an early morning ferry to the Sicilian port of Pozzallo.

Depart Malta 05.00

Arrive Pozzallo 06.45

On arrival in Sicily we begin our journey to Taormina arriving around midday. This afternoon we explore Sicily’s most picturesque town, located on the terrace of Mount Tauro. Since the end of the 19^th century, Taormina has been a world-famous international resort where visitors are captivated by its charming atmosphere, ancient history and unspoilt beauty.

Eurostars Monte Tauro

Taormina

11/05/2025 Taormina – Mt Etna – Taormina (BLD)

This morning we board 4WD vehicles to drive to the base of Mount Etna. To the ancient Greeks, Mount Etna was the realm of Vulcan, the God of Fire. At 3,350m high, it is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Eruptions throughout the 20^th century occurred frequently from the four active craters at the summit and on its slopes. Etna is monitored by 115 seismic-activity centres spread around the mountain and is under constant satellite surveillance.

12/05/2025 Taormina – Agrigento (BLD)

This morning we leave Taormina and drive to the town of Piazza Amerina. However, it is not the town that most people come to see, but the famous Villa Romana del Casale, which is nearby. Built in the middle of the 4th Century AD as a hunting lodge by a Roman patrician, the Villa is home to some of the best-preserved and extensive examples of Roman mosaics in the world. Almost completely covered by a landslide in the 12th Century, the Villa was not excavated until the 20th Century. Only then did the magnitude and magnificence of Villa Romana del Casale come to light. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. After lunch we continue south to Agrigento.

Baglio Della Luna Hotel

Agrigento

13/05/2025 Agrigento (BLD)

Today we visit Sicily’s oldest historic site, the Valley of the Temples. One of the greatest legacies of ancient Greece, this World Heritage-listed complex of well-preserved Doric temples, dates back to the fifth and sixth centuries BC and is what remains of the Greek city of Akragas.

14/05/2025 Agrigento – Palermo (BLD)

This morning we drive along the west coast of Sicily to Marsala, the famous wine-growing region of Sicily. After lunch at the Planeta winery we head north to Trapani. Here we take a short cable car ride to the magnificent town of Erice. Perched atop Mount Erice, the town boasts one of the most dramatic settings in the world. We then make the short journey to the bustling Sicilian capital of Palermo.

Centrale Palace Hotel

Palermo

15/05/2025 Palermo (BLD)

Palermo boasts architectural and cultural influences from North Africa, Italy, Spain and Greece and its historic district is unique, having survived many invasions over the years. At the heart of Palermo is a cluster of imposing churches and buildings that surround the ornate Fontana Pretoria. This huge fountain fills the piazza with its tiered basins and sculptures. The city bought the fountain in 1573 and local churchgoers dubbed it the Fountain of Shame, due to the flagrant nudity of the provocative nymphs!

16/05/2025 Palermo (BLD)

Today we commence the short journey to Monreale. The Cathedral façade is impressive but gives few hints as to the magnificence that lies inside. It was built between 1174 and 1185 by William II, the Norman ruler of Sicily, who wished to showcase the magnificence of his kingdom. The project employed both Sicilian and Byzantine craftsmen, resulting in a magnificent fusion of eastern and western influences.

17/05/2025 Palermo – Cefalu – Palermo  (BLD)

The coastal town of Cefalu is said to be one of the most beautiful in Italy. It is known for its Norman cathedral, a 12th-century fortress-like structure with elaborate Byzantine mosaics and soaring twin towers. Today we explore this delightful town, just an hour’s drive from Palermo.

18/05/2025 Palermo – Cagliari (Sardinia) (BD)

Early this morning we transfer to the ferry terminal for our journey to Sardinia.

Depart Palermo MV Toscana 09.00

Arrive Cagliari 21.00

On arrival in Cagliari we transfer to our hotel.

Hotel Regina Margherita

Cagliari

19/05/2025 Cagliari (BLD)

The ancient island of Sardinia has been inhabited since the Palaeolithic period. The island has produced flourishing diversified cultures including Phoenician, Roman, Vandal and Byzantine, which have left their traces in numerous monuments and hand-crafted artefacts. This incredible history has also left its mark on Cagliari, with archaeological remains, superb churches and several fine museums. The city centre is a medieval square with many taverns and restaurants dotting the cobbled piazzas. As well as its crystal-clear seawater and one of the most beautiful and longest beaches in the Mediterranean, Cagliari is also an unspoiled natural environment consisting of lagoons, bird sanctuaries and wildlife reserves that are unique in Europe. This lagoon area, a few minutes from the city centre, is home to a vast flamingo colony. These are the only flamingos in the world that never migrate from Cagliari! Today we make a full exploration of the town.

20/05/2025 Cagliari – Alghero (BL)

Leaving Cagliari, we head north to the small village of Barumini. At this UNESCO site we discover the largest Nuraghe on the island. This amazing structure once stood more than three storeys high. Built nearly 3,500 years ago, it is surrounded by the ruins of an extensive village with interlocking buildings covering the hillside. The site was rediscovered only in 1949. We continue into the Sardinian heartland to the town of Orgosolo, where the mountains are covered in beautiful forests and wild boar roam freely. After lunch we continue our journey to Alghero.

Hotel Catalunya

Alghero

21/05/2025 Alghero – Capo Caccia – Alghero (BLD)

Although it has been part of Italy for generations, Alghero was once part of the kingdom of Aragon from the Spanish region of Catalonia and the residents still speak Catalan. Easily the most picturesque of Sardinia’s medieval cities, Alghero is also famous for its unique blood-red coral which is often fashioned into magnificent jewellery. We also visit the wonderful and rugged Capo Caccia which is situated on the southern point of a huge limestone triangle that juts out into the sea. There are impressive 300m high cliffs on its west side, but it is the underground labyrinth of mysterious caves for which Capo Caccia is most renowned. We take a boat to one of the most famous caves, Grotta di Nettuno, which is 2,500 metres long. Capo Caccia is one of the wildest and most beautiful places in Sardinia.

22/05/2025 Alghero – Palau (BLD)

This morning we leave Alghero and head to the most northern point of the island. Here, at the small port village of Palau, we board a boat that will take us to the island of Maddalena. Famous for its pink sand, La Maddalena is the centre island in a wonderful archipelago. Its cobbled piazzas and food markets contribute to an atmosphere of perpetual holiday.

Hotel Vecchia Fonte

Palau

23/05/2025 Palau – Bonifacio (Corsica) (BLD)

This morning we make the short journey to Santa Teresa to board the ferry to Corsica and the town of Bonifacio.

Depart Santa Teresa 10.00

Arrive Bonifacio 11.00

Visitors from all over the world come to Bonifacio to see its medieval houses teetering precariously on the edge of the imposing limestone cliffs. Bonifacio’s Old Town, with a labyrinth of narrow streets and historic buildings, was built by the Genoese and is a fascinating place to explore. It has a wonderful natural harbour dotted with unspoiled Corsican beaches and is surrounded by staggeringly beautiful mountains.

Hotel Centre Nautique

Bonifacio

24/05/2025 Bonifacio (BLD)

Today we drive through the remarkable Alta Rocca mountain range, the backbone of Corsica, en-route to the town of Porto Vecchio. Deep inside these verdant mountains beats the heart of ancient Corsica with its archaeological treasures and Bronze Age settlements. The Alta Rocca is home to a number of spectacular mountain villages, including Zonza, where we stop to explore and enjoy lunch.  After lunch we continue our drive to Porto Vecchio and explore the town before returning to Bonifacio.

25/05/2025 Bonifacio – Ajaccio (BLD)

This morning we drive to Ajaccio, capital of Corsica and the island’s largest city. Its modern history is dominated by the figure of Napoleon, who was born in the city. As we commence our walking tour we venture down delightful narrow streets that contain lovely and varied architecture, until we arrive at Napoleon’s house which is now a fascinating museum. The city also has a beautiful harbour area with numerous boats and yachts, arriving from French ports such as Marseille, Nice and Toulon.

Hotel San Carlu

Ajaccio

26/05/2025 Ajaccio – Gulf of Porto – Ajaccio (BLD)

In an island of such extraordinary natural beauty as Corsica, it is difficult to suggest one area which contains the most sublime scenery on the island. Yet the Gulf of Porto lays claim to this title. Here stacked slabs of red granite, towering pinnacles and gnarled, claw-like outcrops of rock were formed by volcanic eruptions 250 million years ago and subsequent erosion has fashioned spectacular shapes in the rock. The colours are remarkable and vary from charcoal-grey to incandescent reds and rusty purples which strike a vivid contrast with the deep green maquis and the cobalt- blue sea. The headland and its surrounding waters were declared a nature reserve in 1975 and dolphins and seals thrive here.

27/05/2025 Ajaccio – Bastia (BLD)

Our drive today takes us through some of the most breathtaking scenery on the island. After leaving Ajaccio we arrive in Corte and enjoy a tour of the town before continuing on to Bastia. En route we see lush forests, plunging gorges and the amazing Vecchio Viaduct. The viaduct was engineered by none other than Gustav Eiffel, better known for his tower! As we continue towards Bastia we see a panorama of dazzling white granite, obelisks and truncated columns of rock rising savagely against the skyline. On arrival in Bastia we transfer to our hotel.

Hotel Des Gouverneurs

Bastia

28/05/2025 Bastia (BLD)

Today we depart for Cape Corse, a finger of land that juts from the northern tip of Corsica where we see some of the island’s most dramatic scenery. We also explore rugged peaks, olive orchards, vineyards, remote bays and quaint fishing villages that feature the historic ‘Genoese’ towers.

29/05/2025 Bastia – Nice (BD)

After breakfast we depart for the airport and our flight to Nice. On our arrival on the French mainland we enjoy a farewell dinner.

Depart Bastia on Air Corsica XK204, 15.20

Arrive Nice 16.10

Beau Rivage Hotel

Nice

30/05/2025 Nice – Dubai (B)

This morning is at leisure in Nice. Early afternoon we transfer to the airport for our flight to Dubai.

Depart Nice Emirates EK 78,  15.35

31/05/2025 Dubai – Australia

Arrive Dubai  00.10

In Dubai we connect with the flight to our chosen Australian city.

Why is the Tour Fitness Level rated as ‘Active’?

This tour involves a reasonable amount of walking, climbing steps and stairs and getting on and off boats and ferries. Some of the towns on the islands are perched on hills and clifftops with narrow cobbled streets and steps, and some of the terrain at the historic sites can be uneven.

Do I need vaccinations for this journey?

Tetanus should always be up to date. Other recommended vaccinations are Typhoid, Cholera and Hepatitis A. Please consult your doctor for more information.

How long is the flight from Australia to Malta?

Total flying time to Dubai is between 11 and 15 hours, depending on your Australian capital city of departure. Flight time from Dubai to Malta is 5 hours.

If I travel alone, do I have to pay the single supplement?

If you wish to have sole use of a hotel room on the tour, you will need to pay the single supplement. If you are travelling alone but willing to share a room, we will endeavour to match you up with another solo traveller of the same gender. We cannot guarantee that a share-match can be provided, and in the event that this cannot be arranged at the time of final payment, you will need to pay the single supplement.

What are the average temperatures along the route?

The weather in the Mediterranean is very pleasant in May. Temperatures are generally in the late teens to mid-twenties.

What is the best currency to take on this journey?

The best currency is Euros, in small denominations. i.e. 100s, 50s, 20s, 10s.

How much spending money do I need for the entire trip?

Because almost everything is included, we would suggest an amount of 800 Euros per person as being ample for the whole 25-day journey.

Are credit cards acceptable?

Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the journey and ATMs are available along the entire route. However it is not recommended to rely on these as your main source of funds.

Can I extend my stay in Nice at the end of the tour?

Yes, it is possible to stay on in Nice after the group departs. Our consultants will be happy to make the arrangements for you. If you wish to take up this option, all arrangements must be confirmed before leaving Australia.

Do I need any visas for this tour?

No, visas are not required on this tour.

A lot of companies have many expensive optional extras on their tours. Do you?

We don’t believe in a lot of expensive ‘optional tours’. Our itineraries are designed to make the best possible use of time and to include all the must-see sights, plus additional surprises. Therefore practically everything is included in the tour cost.

Is the water safe to drink en route and what is the general standard of hygiene?

We err on the side of caution on all of our tours and advise travellers to drink only bottled water. This is easy to obtain everywhere. The standard of hygiene is high along the entire route.

What is the standard of the hotels?

The hotels are generally 4-star quality, comfortable, clean and all with en-suites.

Are there internet facilities en route?

Most of the hotels we use have internet facilities. There are also many internet cafes in the near vicinity of the hotels offering even cheaper access.

Do mobile telephones work?

Telstra and Optus mobiles work throughout the entire journey. You will need to ensure you have global roaming. Contact your service provider for further details.

How much should we tip the guides and porters?

There is no need to tip guides or porters as all tips and gratuities are included in the tour cost.

Listed below is a selection of books which you may wish to read prior to, or during, your journey.

The Knights of Malta

H J A Sire

Frommers’s Sicily

Darwin Porter

Dreaming of Sicily: A Travel Memoir

Betsy Vincent Hoffman

A History of Sicily

Moses Finley

Sea and Sardinia

D H Lawrence

Sardinia: The Elusive Gem

Damian Simonis

Honourable Bandit; A walk across Corsica

Brian Bouldrey

The Corsican

William Hefferman

Granite Island: A Portrait of Corsica

Dorothy Carrington