Escorted by our very own Christina Chysyk!
Embark on a 17-day guided journey through the cultural heart of Italy and the stunning landscapes of Sicily, beginning in the Eternal City of Rome with visits to the Vatican and the Colosseum. Explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii and the cliffside beauty of Sorrento and Capri, then journey through the charming whitewashed towns of Puglia, including Alberobello and Lecce. Discover the haunting cave dwellings of Matera and connect with locals reviving traditions in the village of Grottole. Cross to Sicily to uncover the dramatic coastal scenery, ancient Greek theaters in Taormina and Syracuse, and UNESCO-listed marvels like the Valley of the Temples and Villa Romana del Casale. Enjoy authentic culinary experiences including limoncello and chocolate tastings, a winery visit in Marsala, and a celebratory dinner in Palermo. With expertly guided tours, handpicked accommodations, and a balance of cultural exploration and coastal relaxation, this immersive experience captures the spirit, history, and flavors of southern Italy and Sicily.
Continue this amazing experience with our exclusive optional 5 Day Malta Extension. See below for more details!
For more information or to book, contact:
Christina Chysyk
Email: cchysyk@maritimetravel.ca
Phone: 604-531-3307
WELCOME TO THE ETERNAL CITY OF ROME (2 NIGHTS)
On arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, you are met by your Travel Director and transferred to the hotel on our one group transfer. After checking in, there’s time at leisure to explore or relax. Later, get together with your Tour Director for a Welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Meal(s): Dinner.
Hotel(s): Radisson Blu GHR Hotel Rome or Similar
VATICAN CITY AND ROME WITH A LOCAL EXPERT
Rome is about art, antiquity, piazzas and palaces. Join a Local Expert for an in-depth experience bringing millennia of history to life. Journey from the Vatican City across the Tiber river to ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus. Admire the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine and discover the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum on a guided visit. (subject to availability) as you stroll with your Local Expert, imagine the gladiatorial battles and roaring spectators around the arena. Later, perhaps continue your exploration of Rome to see the Pantheon and the stunning piazzas and fountains of Rome.
Meal(s): Breakfast.
POMPEII AND SORRENTO (2 NIGHTS)
Buried in A.D. 79 by the historic eruption of Mount Vesuvius, discover the archaeological site of Pompeii in the region of Campania. Walk with your Local Expert through the cobbled streets to see a city frozen in time. Venture on to the picturesque resort of Sorrento, perched upon the southern cliffs of the Bay of Naples and looking over to Mount Vesuvius.
Meal(s): Breakfast.
Hotel(s): Hotel Isabella Sorrento or Similar
CAPRI, THE ISLE OF DREAMS
The impossibly blue sea welcomes you to the sun-drenched island of Capri as you cruise by jetfoil. On arrival, meet your Local Expert for an orientation walk through the narrow alleyways. Explore Capri with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the immaculate Gardens of Augustus with a Local Expert and admire the views over the Faraglioni Rocks. Alternatively, enjoy a tasting of limoncello, Capri’s famous lemon liqueur.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner.
ALBEROBELLO (3 NIGHTS)
The brilliant blue of the sky set against the white of the buildings of the southern Italian towns and villages will inspire the mind of any curious traveler. A photographer’s paradise around every corner from Field Marigolds in early spring to date palm trees, figs and pomegranates with groves of olive trees for a picture perfect setting. Exploring the southern part of Italy is a chance to enter a world away from the throng of tourists and discover how Italians live and enjoy life. Rub shoulders with UNESCO World Heritage sites and friendly locals who will enchant you with their hospitality.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel(s): Grand Hotel la Chiusa di Chietri or Similar
THE TRULLI OF ALBEROBELLO
Admire another of Italy’s record number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a Local Expert. The Trulli of Alberobello are circular structures with conical roofs that are domed within, built from local limestone and stacked without using mortar. Get up close learning the insights behind these unique structures. Relax this afternoon with your time at leisure or take the opportunity to join an optional experience to explore more of the Puglian countryside and heritage. Later, deepen your discoveries joining an optional experience for a Masseria dinner.
Meal(s): Breakfast.
DISCOVERING LECCE
Italy will enchant the most curious of travelers. Enjoy a visit with your Local Expert to one of the most beautiful cities of southern Italy, Lecce. The town is often referred to as the Florence of the South due to its dazzling architectural, beautiful Baroque buildings and monuments dating back to Roman times. Amble along its spider’s web of streets offering a kaleidoscope mix of long-range vistas and alluring glimpses. Next is the pretty seaside town of Gallipoli where you’ll view the Greek Fountain and medieval castle before making your way to a viewpoint looking out over the Ionian Sea.
Meal(s): Breakfast.
JOURNEY SOUTH TO MATERA
Visit Matera with a Local Expert for an in-depth exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sassi — a labyrinth of cave dwellings, churches, staircases and arches, hewn out of the solid rock. You may recognise Matera as the biblical backdrop for the film ‘The Passion of the Christ.’ Continue to the small village of Grottole. Once a thriving community, it has lost most of its activity and population. Meet Andrea, a local striving to reignite the traditional way of living of the area. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience explore the historic old town to learn about the fascinating history of the village. Later, enjoy an aperitif with local snacks helping to preserve the culture. This evening, reflect on your day of discoveries over dinner with your fellow travelers.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel(s): UNA Hotels MH Matera or Similar
CROSSING TO SICILY – GIARDINI NAXOS (2 NIGHTS)
Drive through Calabria, crossing the straits of Messina to Sicily and the beachside resort town of Giardini Naxos below Taormina. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel(s): Delta Hotels by Marriott Giardini Naxos or Similar
TAORMINA AND THE DAWN COAST OF EUROPE
Your hotel faces east, offering early risers a glimpse of why D.H. Lawrence dubbed this ‘The Dawn Coast of Europe.’ After breakfast, consider an Optional Experience through the vineyards to Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Journey to the charming old town of Taormina, perched on Mount Tauro with views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. With your Local Expert, visit the ancient Greek theater, set on a cliff and open to the sky. Sit and absorb the breath-taking view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna. Stroll along the elegant Corso Umberto and enjoy panoramic views from Piazza IX Aprile. Celebrate your time in Sicily with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, savoring Sicilian cuisine with exquisite Italian wines.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner.
ANCIENT SYRACUSE – RAGUSA (2 NIGHTS)
Discover Syracuse through Insight Choice. Opt for sightseeing with your Local Expert at Syracuse’s Paradise Quarry, home to the unique Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped grotto with remarkable acoustics. Next, visit the impressive Greek theater, carved from solid rock, and one of the largest of the ancient world. Alternatively, take time to explore the atmospheric Old City on the island of Ortygia, a labyrinth of narrow streets lined with palaces. This historic area is where the famed mathematician Archimedes famously ran through the streets, exclaiming ‘Eureka!’ Continue to Ragusa and explore the labyrinthine alleyways of Ragusa Ibla with your Local Expert. This town, with origins dating back to the Bronze Age, was inhabited by the Sicels tribe, who lent their name to Sicily. Admire the significant Sicilian Baroque architecture that has earned Ragusa UNESCO recognition. In the evening, enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel(s): Mediterraneo Palace Hotel Ragusa or Similar
MODICA
Enjoy a Relaxed Start this morning or join an Optional Experience to the Val di Noto and the town of Noto. Later, explore the town of Modica, rebuilt after the 17th-century earthquake, and discover its artisanal techniques used to create the town’s celebrated handmade chocolate.
Meal(s): Breakfast.
DISCOVER VILLA ROMANA DEL CASALE AND AGRIGENTO
Travel inland to the Villa Romana del Casale, a luxurious Roman villa renowned for its rich and intricate mosaics. This UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized since 1997, showcases the opulence of ancient Rome.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel(s): Scala dei Turchi Resort Hotel Agrigento or Similar
EXPLORE THE VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES AND MARSALA
Explore the Valley of the Temples with a Local Expert. Recognized by UNESCO, these temples are exceptional examples of ancient Greek architecture. Marvel at the imposing Temple of Concordia and the cliff-top Temple of Juno, both overlooking the sea. Then, savor the flavors of Marsala with a tasting at a local winery, where you can enjoy the town’s renowned wine in beautiful surroundings. Reflect on this unforgettable day with your fellow travelers over dinner at the hotel, sharing insights and experiences.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel(s): Seawater Hotels Marsala or Similar
TRAPANI AND PALERMO (2 NIGHTS)
Nestled along its crescent-shaped coastline, Trapani is embraced by the Mediterranean Sea. Discover the age-old tradition of salt production when you visit the colorful salt pans and an ancient stone windmill to see where sea water is transformed into salt crystals. Afterwards we arrive in Palermo for our two night stay.
Meal(s): Breakfast.
Hotel(s): Federico II Central Palace Hotel Palermo or Similar
PALERMO & THE GOLDEN AGE OF THE NORMANS
Discover Palermo on a walking tour featuring a visit to the stunning 12th-century Palatine Chapel with a Local Expert. This afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring Palermo Cathedral, a fascinating site with its unique blend of architectural styles reflecting centuries of history. In the evening we enjoy a Celebration Dinner to cap off our journey!
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner.
DEPART PALERMO
Your Italy and Sicily tour has now come to an end. We make our way to the airport on our one group transfer for your onwards journey.
Meal(s): Breakfast.
$3539 CAD per person, includes Air from Italy to Malta
WELCOME TO MALTA – SLIEMA (5 NIGHTS)
Welcome to picturesque Malta. A striking island abundant in character, you’ll delve further into its 7,000-year history over the next few days. We make our way to the hotel on our one group transfer. Once at your hotel, sit back and relax before meeting your Travel Director and enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers.
Meal(s): Welcome Dinner.
Hotel(s): Waterfront Hotel Sliema or Similar
FREE TIME IN SLIEMA
Your day is at leisure. You may want to explore the World Heritage Site of Haġar Qim and Mnajdra temples before proceeding to the idyllic fishing village of Marsaxlokk, enjoy a stroll around the many market stalls whilst admiring the colorful ‘luzzu’ fishing boats in the harbor.
Meal(s): Breakfast.
EXPLORE VALETTA
With a Local Expert, you’ll visit the Upper Barracca Gardens and the impressive St. John’s Cathedral, designed in the Baroque style. Be captivated by the wealth of history as you stroll through the elegant streets, discovering why the city is known as The Fortress City, with its restored golden-stone buildings shaping the cityscape. For lunch, enjoy a delicious meal made with fresh, local ingredients. This afternoon, visit the National War Museum. Learn about Malta’s significant role in WWII as you explore with a historian.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch.
FREE DAY IN MALTA
Today is free for you to relax at leisure by the Mediterranean sea. Perhaps take a relaxing stroll along the promenade lined with restaurants and bars. If you’re feeling active, why not take an Optional Experience with lunch on Gozo Island? Calypso Cave, found on the island, is said to be the one Homer wrote about in his acclaimed epic poem, The Odyssey.
Meal(s): Breakfast.
MDINA THE SILENT CITY
Head to Mdina with a Local Expert to explore this golden city, known also as the silent city for its shady streets and peaceful atmosphere. Experience Palazzo Falson on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Return to the coast for an afternoon at leisure. This evening, enjoy dinner at a wonderful local restaurant where you’ll toast to your trip with your fellow travelers.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner.
DEPART MALTA
It’s time to say goodbye to this beautiful island and your fellow travelers, as a transfer takes you to Malta International Airport for your onward journey.
Meal(s): Breakfast.
Terms and conditions: Prices indicated are per person in Canadian dollars. Single Supplement $1799
Malta Option: May 6th – 11th 2026 $3539. Single Supplement $989. Triple room on request.
Taxes, fees, Air from Italy to Malta and gratuities included, plus 50Euro Excursion Credit and Special surprise additions along the way.
Not included International flights, travel insurance, optional offered excursions
Images courtesy of Insight Vacations.
MORE ESCORTED TOURS
12 Easy Payments
Travel the World Lightly
Give the Gift of Memories
Know Before You Go
Receive the latest and greatest deals and some great
vacation ideas!
Receive the latest and greatest deals and some great
vacation ideas!
