Magic of Malta & the Best of Italy 12 Day Package

Price Per person double occupancy

Dates
Request a quote or call 800-322-0788 for more information.

Price Includes: All motor coach and land transportation, sightseeing, admissions, services of tour director and driver, lodging, meals as specified in tour itinerary, taxes, gratuities to bellhops and waiters at included meals.

Not Included: Cost of obtaining passports or visas, laundry, meals, beverages or sightseeing not included in the itinerary, travel insurance, gratuity to guide, driver, communication charges, & excess baggage fees. Port charges and gratuities to crew are not included on cruises.

Deposit Required: $300 per person will reserve your place. A $100 service fee will be charged for cancellation at any time in addition to our normal payment and cancellation policy.

Day 1: Overnight Flight to Malta

Relax and enjoy your overnight flight to Malta.

Day 2: Malta Experience

We arrive at our Mediterranean paradise and are greeted by our tour host during our stay. We begin with a brief tour including a stop at the Malta Experience, a multi-vision show that depicts Malta's history throughout the ages. Our lodging for the next 4 nights will be a charmng ocean-side property.

Day 3: Blue Grotto & Temples, Farm Dinner

Discover the Southern part of Malta. After having visited the fishing villages of Marsaxlokk and Birzebbugia, we proceed to the fabled Blue Grotto where there will be the possibility of admiring the grottoes from close by. Lunch is then served in one of the villages nearby. After lunch you will visit the famous Tarxien temples - a group of three temples, which portray the skill and artistic abilities of our forefathers. The day will come to an end when guided through the cave of Ghar Dalam, one of the first habitats of these islands. A special Farmhouse Dinner Show is included tonight. Enjoy excellent Maltese cuisine while admiring local talent that will provide entertainment reviving many aspects of the island's heritage.

Day 4: Sicily Optional Day Tour or Free Time

An optional tour to Sicily involves an early morning transfer, a modern Catamaran to Sicily, docking at Pozzallo where we are met by a local motorcoach and guide. The scenic route begins by crossing over the 2nd and 3rd highest bridges in Europe, which pass over the baroque town of Modica. We move to the Iblei Mountain range with views of quaint tile roof villages among panoramic canyons. Continuing our drive up to the Sylvester craters of Mount Etna, allow for free time for photos and souvenirs, then on to Taormina, Sicily's beautiful yachting center. After a tour and free time, our guided tour continues back to the Catamaran for the high - speed ship back to Malta.

Day 5: Gozo Island

Today we take a tour to Malta's sister island of Gozo. After a twenty-minute crossing and on setting foot in Gozo, you will notice that both islands are similar in history and development. But Gozo is a three-hilled island, greener and more picturesque than Malta. During this excursion, you will visit the Azure Window at Dwejra, the citadel in Victoria, the bay of Xlendi, and the Gozo Heritage. While walking among historical carved figures, you will discover the fascinating stories, speculate about missing treasures and examine the elaborate sculptures which together with the sounds, smells and special lighting effects will take you back in time. Free time for shopping will also be given - Gozo is well known for its woolen goods and handmade lace.

Day 6: Ancient Rome

In the morning you will have only a couple of hours to take advantage of a last walk on the beach or the purchase of a bargain item before we transfer to the airport for our flight to Rome. Upon arrival, our guide will treat us to a driving tour to see the many marvels of this ancient city before we check into our hotel for the next two nights.

Day 7: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter Basilica

After breakfast you will begin a full day of siteseeing. First visit Vatican City where you will see the Basilica at St. Peter, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums with stunning works of art at every turn. Arrangements have been made for a tour of the famed Coliseum, and the Scala Santa, Luther's Holy Steps.

Day 8: Assisi

This morning we travel to the walled city of Assisi, built high upon a spur of Monte Subasio, overlooking the velvet green Umbrian countryside. The Basilica di San Francesco, built in memory of the greatly loved St. Francis, houses the magnificent fresco cycles of Giotto - most celebrated of the masters of the Italian Renaissance. A walking tour will also include the Crypt, Castle, Cathedral di San Rufino and many other medieval sites. We travel on to Florence and our lodging for the next two evenings.

Day 9: Florence

Today we'll enjoy a morning tour of Florence, the home of Dante and Da Vinci. We'll visit such wonderful sites as Giotto's Bell Tower, Signoria Square and Ponte Vecchio. Next we'll have the opportunity to marvel at one of the greatest statues in the world - Michelangelo's David. A stop will be made at Ponte Vecchio. The "Old Bridge" is to Florence what London Bridge is to London. Across the river from Florence, we will take a panoramic group photo with the beautiful red-tiled roof cityscape in the background. Following lunch, enjoy a walking tour beginning at the Piazza del Signoria including the Duomo, Baptistry and many other sites followed by free time to visit the excellent shops.

Day 10: Venice by Water Launch

Our destination today is the delightful city of Venice. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to our hotel, drop our bags and begin our adventure with a charter launch tour of the fascinating city between sea and sky. Built on 117 islands, Venice has 150 canals and 400 bridges. We begin with views of the commercial and harbor freight district with massive ships and freighters, continue to view the Basilica, Doges' Palace and the many imposing sights of St. Mark Square, and conclude with the colorful gondolas, shops, restaurants, waterside hotels and water taxis along the bustling Grand Canal. Our tour will conclude at our place of lodging for the next two evenings just outside Venice.

Day 11: Venice

A full day of sightseeing in Venice begins with a water taxi to St. Mark's Basilica where we view the fabulous, glowing Pala d'Oro, a dazzling masterpiece of medieval gold and jewel work. Other visits will include the Palace of the Dodges and the Accademia, the grand cathedral of Venetian art, ablaze with light and color. For the romantic, we advise an afternoon gondola ride and for the shoppers a paradise of shops before dinner overlooking the Grand Canal.

Day 12: Homeward

Our transatlantic flight will bring us home to one of our ports by late afternoon.