Sicily & Malta – Islands in the Mediterranean
Mediterranean flair, fascinating coasts & island of Gozo
Discover the fascinating diversity of the Mediterranean on a special journey to Sicily and Malta. Experience Sicily's impressive landscapes, historic cities, and cultural treasures, explore the vibrant Palermo, and get close to the imposing Mount Etna. In Malta, you can expect picturesque coastlines, millennia-old buildings, and Mediterranean charm. Another highlight is the island of Gozo, which offers its own unique impressions with its unspoiled landscapes and charming towns. Look forward to varied days filled with culture, nature, and the deep blue Mediterranean.
Travel Features
Itinerary
Day 1 | Ferry Genua – Palermo (approx. 853 km)
Early departure and drive to Genua. There you board the night ferry and start the approximately 20-hour crossing to Sicily. Dinner on board.
Day 2 | At Sea - Course to Sicily
After breakfast on board, there is time to enjoy the amenities of the ferry and spend the journey across the Mediterranean in a relaxed manner. In the evening, you will reach Palermo. After disembarking, transfer to the hotel and dinner.
Day 3 | Cefalù – Giardini Naxos (approx. 280 km)
From Palermo, you drive to Cefalù. The journey takes you through the varied landscape of Sicily. In Cefalù, one of the most beautiful coastal towns on the island, a guided tour awaits you. The historic old town with its narrow streets, the imposing Norman cathedral, and the magnificent location directly by the sea invites for a leisurely stroll. Afterwards, enjoy a coffee break with cappuccino and typical Sicilian cannolo. Continue to Giardini Naxos on the east coast of Sicily. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4 | Etna & Zafferana Etnea (approx. 97 km)
You will take a full-day excursion with a guide to Etna and Zafferana Etnea. The drive takes you up into the fascinating volcanic landscape of Etna. Inside, it bubbles and glows – you get very close to the highest active volcano in Europe. In the area of the Silvestri craters, you will take a walk and discover the characteristic crater formations and the impressive landscape. Afterwards, visit a beekeeping farm and taste local products. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5 | Catania – Syracuse – Noto Area
(approx. 189 km)
Today you leave Giardini Naxos and drive to Catania. During a guided tour, you will discover the city at the foot of Etna with its baroque architecture made of dark lava stone. Then continue to Syracuse, one of the most significant historical cities in Sicily. After the visit, you will leave the east coast and drive to the Noto–Modica area to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6 | From Sicily to Malta (approx. 20 km)
After breakfast, you drive to Pozzallo and take the ferry, including the coach, to Malta. Upon arrival on the island, you will drive to your hotel, which will be your residence for the next four nights. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7 | Valletta & the Three Cities (approx. 65 km)
After breakfast, you start with your guide to Valletta. During a guided tour, you will discover the Maltese capital with its rich historical and architectural heritage. A highlight is the visit to St. John's Co-Cathedral, one of Malta's most significant buildings. Then a short ferry ride across the Grand Harbour to Birgu, one of the historic Three Cities. From here, you will explore Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua. Afterwards, return to the hotel and dinner.
Day 8 | Island of Gozo (approx. 60 km)
Today you can look forward to an excursion to the island of Gozo. The smaller neighboring island of Malta delights with its green, varied landscape and picturesque villages. You will take the ferry from Malta to Gozo and explore the island with the local coach. A highlight is the Ġgantija Temples, a significant megalithic temple complex and one of the oldest prehistoric structures of the Maltese archipelago. In the afternoon, return to Malta.
Day 9 | Mosta, Mdina, and Wied iz-Zurrieq
(approx. 42.2 km)
With your guide, you will discover three special places in southern Malta today. In Mosta, you will visit the famous Rotunda, whose massive dome is one of the largest free-standing church domes in Europe. Next, you will go to Mdina, the former capital of Malta. Narrow streets, historic palaces, and imposing fortification walls give the
Inclusions
- Travel in a modern coach with 5-star comfort and leg rests
- Night ferry Genua - Palermo and back
- 2x overnight stay on board in inside cabins including breakfast and dinner
- 2x overnight stay including half board at the 4-star Hotel President Palermo in
Palermo (local category) - 2x overnight stay including half board at the 4-star Hotel Sant Alphio Garden Hotel & Spa in Giardini-Naxos (local category)
- 1x overnight stay including half board in a good mid-range hotel in the Noto area
- 4x overnight stay at the 4-star Solana Hotel & Spa in Mellieħa, Malta (local category)
- 4x half board plus = unlimited drinks from dispensers: house wine, house beer, soft drinks, mineral water, juices, and coffee and 1x welcome drink
- 1x overnight stay including half board at the 4-star Hotel Tower Genova Airport in Genua (local category)
- Half-day tour of Cefalù
- 1x cappuccino and cannolo in Cefalù
- Full-day tour guide for the excursion
"Etna and Zafferana Etnea" - Visit to a beekeeping farm with a small tasting
- Full-day tour guide for the excursion
"Catania and Syracuse" - Ferry crossing Pozzallo – Malta – Pozzallo
- Full-day tour guide for the excursion
"Valletta and the Three Cities" - Ferry ride Grand Harbour – Birgu
- Full-day tour guide for the excursion
"Gozo Island" - Ferry crossing Malta - Gozo - Malta
- Full-day tour guide for the excursion
"Mosta, Mdina and Wied iz-Zurrieq" - Wine tasting at a winery
- City tour in Palermo
- Tourist tax
- 1 complimentary drink per travel day (excluding days 2 and 12)
- Audio guides for the entire duration of the trip
- Continuous BOHR travel accompaniment
Note
For the ferry crossing, your complete data including ID card number is required.
We recommend bringing a small piece of hand luggage with the most important personal items for the overnight stay on board. Your main luggage will remain in the bus during the crossing.
Entrance Fees - Included in the Travel Price
Entrance to Crateri Silvestri in Etna
Entrance to St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta
Entrance to Ġgantija Temple, Island of Gozo
Entrance to the Church of Mosta in Mosta
Hotel Accommodations (National Category)
02.11. - 03.11. 2027: Palermo
4-Star Hotel President Palermo
www.presidenthotelpalermo.it
03.11. - 05.11.2027: Giardini-Naxos
4-Star Sant Alphio Garden Hotel & Spa
www.santalphiohotel.com
05.11. - 06.11. 2027: Noto Area
Good Mid-Range Hotel
06.11. - 10.11.2027: Mellieħa, Malta
4-Star Solana Hotel & Spa in Mellieħa
www.solanahotel.com
10.11. - 11.11.2027: Palermo
4-Star Hotel President Palermo
www.presidenthotelpalermo.it
12.11. - 13.11.2027: Genoa
4-Star Tower Genova Airport
www.towergenova.com
Ferry Crossings
01.11. – 02.11.2027: Ship Passage
Night Ferry Genoa - Palermo
11.11. – 12.11.2027: Ship Passage
Night Ferry Genoa - Palermo





















