Mediterranean Wonders: Italy, Sicily & Malta
Immerse yourself in a Mediterranean melting pot of culture, coastline and cuisine, from the Eternal City of Rome to the limestone-laced island of Malta. Wander the famous Pompeii ruins, swoon over the sun-dappled splendour of the Amalfi Coast, and see history intertwine with myth across the ancient archaeological sites of Sicily.
Round-trip tour departing from Australia for 22 days. Multiple departures from 7 Sep 2026 to 5 Oct 2027.
Below Price is for 28 Sep 2026 – INCLUDES AIRFARES! *
- Twin Share from $17,395 per person*
- Single from $21,645 per person*
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*Advertised fares are available until allocation is exhausted, and prices may fluctuate during the campaign period without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Depart Australia
Day 2 – Arrive Rome
Welcome to Rome, the historic capital of Italy, renowned for its ancient landmarks, vibrant culture and delicious cuisine. Arrive at your hotel by 5:00pm to meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director over a welcome drink.
Enjoy the evening soaking up the atmosphere of this timeless city.
Day 3 – Rome
Explore Imperial Rome on foot, visiting the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, Capitoline Hill and the magnificent Colosseum. Discover the city’s fascinating ancient history before enjoying a free afternoon to explore at your own pace.
Finish the day with a group welcome dinner.
Day 4 – Rome
Enjoy a full day at leisure to discover Rome your way. Visit museums, the Sistine Chapel, Pantheon or Trevi Fountain, or simply wander the cobblestone streets.
Take time to savour Rome’s famous cuisine, from pasta and pizza to delicious Italian gelato.
Day 5 – Rome – Pompeii – Sorrento
Leave Rome and travel to ancient Pompeii for a guided tour of its remarkably preserved ruins, buried by Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.
Continue along Italy’s scenic coastline to Sorrento, beautifully perched above the Bay of Naples and the gateway to the Amalfi Coast.
Day 6 – Sorrento – Isle of Capri – Sorrento
Take a scenic ferry from Sorrento to the glamorous Isle of Capri. Explore the hilltop village of Anacapri with a local guide, then enjoy free time to discover the island’s charming streets, cafés and stunning coastal views.
Return to Sorrento by funicular and ferry.
Day 7 – Sorrento – Amalfi Coast – Sorrento
Explore the spectacular UNESCO-listed Amalfi Coast, visiting the colourful seaside village of Positano with time to browse its shops and cafés.
Cruise by ferry to Amalfi and explore its charming streets and waterfront before returning to Sorrento for a relaxed afternoon and evening.
Day 8 – Sorrento – Alberobello
Leave Sorrento and travel to Puglia, Italy’s scenic “heel”. Visit Alberobello, famous for its unique UNESCO-listed trulli houses, with a guided walking tour through the historic centre.
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore Alberobello’s charming streets.
Day 9 – Alberobello – Monopoli – Locorotondo – Alberobello
Explore the seaside town of Monopoli, with free time to discover its historic streets and Baroque cathedral.
Continue to Locorotondo, known for its whitewashed buildings, vineyards and olive groves. Enjoy a local food tasting before returning to Alberobello for a hands-on orecchiette pasta-making experience with a local Nonna.
Day 10 – Alberobello – Ostuni – Matera
The journey this morning takes you to the small beach suburb of Marina di Ostuni, to enjoy a guided walk through a Masseria and its fertile grounds.
Day 11 – Matera
Discover the UNESCO-listed city of Matera, famous for its ancient cave dwellings carved into the rock. Enjoy a guided walking tour, visiting a historic rock church and cave home to learn about life in the city’s past.
Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring Matera’s unique streets, museums and hidden corners before enjoying its atmospheric evening glow.
Day 12 – Matera – Taormina Riviera
Leave Matera and travel through scenic Calabria, passing mountains, villages and coastal landscapes. Cross the Strait of Messina by ferry into Sicily.
Continue along the coast to the beautiful Taormina Riviera, known as the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea”, with stunning views of the sea and Mount Etna.
Day 13 – Taormina Riviera – Mount Etna – Taormina Riviera
Visit Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, with photo stops and time to explore the volcanic landscape.
Return to Taormina for a walking tour, visiting the historic Duomo, ancient Greek amphitheatre and charming Old Town. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 14 – Taormina Riviera – Palermo
Travel to Cefalù, a beautiful coastal village nestled between the sea and La Rocca. Explore the historic centre and admire its impressive Norman cathedral before enjoying free time for lunch.
Continue along the coast to Palermo, Sicily’s vibrant capital, known for its diverse architecture, rich history and delicious street food. Enjoy the evening at leisure.
Day 15 – Palermo
Explore Palermo on a guided tour, visiting the Church of St John of the Hermits, Palermo Cathedral and the Royal Palace, known for its stunning Byzantine mosaics.
Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to browse local markets, sample a traditional cannoli or relax at your hotel.
Day 16 – Palermo – Monreale – Agrigento
Visit Monreale and explore its UNESCO-listed cathedral, famous for its stunning mosaics and beautiful cloister.
Continue to Agrigento and discover the remarkable Valley of the Temples, home to ancient Greek ruins including the Temples of Concordia, Juno and Heracles.
Day 17 – Agrigento – Ragusa – Malta
Travel along the Mediterranean coast to Ragusa, where you’ll visit a local cheese producer and taste the region’s famous Ragusano cheese. Explore the historic old town before continuing to Pozzallo.
Board the ferry to Malta and enjoy the scenic crossing before arriving at your hotel in the evening.
Day 18 – Malta
Explore Malta’s historic capital, Valletta, on a guided walking tour. Discover Republic Street, the magnificent St John’s Co-Cathedral, St George’s Square and the Grandmaster’s Palace.
Visit Casa Rocca Piccola, a beautifully preserved 16th-century palace showcasing Malta’s rich heritage.
Day 19 – Malta
Take a short ferry to the charming island of Gozo, known for its scenic landscapes, villages and historic churches.
Visit the ancient Ġgantija Temples, then explore Victoria and its impressive Citadel. Stop at beautiful Xlendi Bay and enjoy free time for shopping and local crafts.
Day 20 – Malta
Enjoy the day at leisure to relax or explore more of Malta. In the evening, stop for a photo at the Mosta Rotunda before visiting the atmospheric medieval city of Mdina.
Wander through its lantern-lit streets and historic bastions before celebrating the journey with a farewell dinner.
Day 21 – Malta
Enjoy breakfast before concluding your journey through Southern Italy, Sicily and Malta. Depart with wonderful memories of your Mediterranean adventure.
Day 22 – Arrive Australia
*This itinerary is subject to change without notice.
Highlights
- Discover Southern Italy, Sicily & Malta.
- Explore ancient ruins, charming towns & coastlines.
- Savour authentic Mediterranean culture and cuisine.
Immerse yourself in a Mediterranean melting pot of culture, coastline and cuisine, from the Eternal City of Rome to the limestone-laced island of Malta. Wander the famous Pompeii ruins, swoon over the sun-dappled splendour of the Amalfi Coast, and see history intertwine with myth across the ancient archaeological sites of Sicily.
Inclusions
Sightseeing
La Dolce Vita
- Explore Imperial Rome including the Colosseum
- Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Rome
- Visit the famous ruins of Pompeii
- Take a pizza making class in Sorrento
- Explore the beautiful Isle of Capri
- Enjoy an excursion along the stunning Amalfi Coast
- Delight in free time to explore Positano and Amalfi
- Take a walking tour of Alberobello
- Stay in a heritage-listed trullo
- Visit the town of Monopoli
- Explore Locorotondo
- Enjoy dinner and a pasta demonstration with a Nonna
- Tour an olive oil farm in Ostuni
- Visit the fortified hilltop town of Ostuni
- Spend two nights in the sassi cave residences
- Enjoy a walking tour of Matera
- Travel to Sicily by ferry
- Visit Mount Etna
- Explore the hillside town of Taormina, including the ancient theatre
- Spend time in Cefalù
- Tour the city of Palermo
- Visit Monreale and see its impressive Cattedrale di Monreale
- Discover the Valley of the Temples
- Tour the fascinating town of Ragusa and visit a local cheese producer
- Travel from Sicily to Malta by ferry
The Jewel of the Mediterranean
- Tour the city of Valletta, including Casa Rocca Piccola
- Enjoy a cruise of the Grand Harbour
- Be immersed in the history of Malta with a 5D show
- Enjoy pastizzis in a local cafe in Valletta
- See the prehistoric Temples of Ggantija in Xaghra
- Visit a traditional Maltese restaurant for a wine tasting and light lunch
- Visit Gozo’s capital of Victoria and the Bay of Xlendi
- Tour the medieval city of Mdina
Travel
- Return economy-class flights from Australia to Europe. Taxes included
- Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour
- All touring in air-conditioned vehicles
- Ferry from Calabria to Sicily
- Ferry from Pozzallo to Malta
Meals
- 19 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 5 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners
- Meal highlights:
- Sorrento, learn how to make authentic pizza in a cooking class
- Alberobello, enjoy dinner and a pasta demonstration with a Nonna
Tour Guides
- English-speaking locally based tour directors
- English-speaking locally based guides
Porterage
- Porterage included where available
Exclusions
- Travel Insurance
- Visa
FAQs
Accommodation
- 15 nights in 3-4 star hotels
- 2 nights in a local trullo, Alberobello
- The town of Alberobello in Italy’s Puglia region is famous for its unique houses known as trulli. These UNESCO World Heritage-listed traditional stone buildings feature conical, vaulted rooves and were originally constructed both as dwellings and storehouses. Some have now been transformed into hotel accommodation which makes for a truly special experience when we visit the town.
- 2 nights in a cave hotel, Matera
- On top of a rocky outcrop in Italy’s Basilicata region lies Matera. Situated in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, we’ll stay in a famous sassi cave hotel which has been carved into the mountainside. Enjoy panoramic views from the terrace or stroll to some of the town’s most famous attractions, like the Cathedral of Matera, San Giovanni Battista Church and Tramontano Castle.
Properties include:
- Hotel Genova, Rome
- Grand Hotel Flora, Sorrento
- Charming Trulli, Alberobello
- Hotel Sassi, Matera
- Hotel Excelsior Palace, Taormina Riviera
- Hotel Politeama, Palermo
- Hotel Colleverde Park, Agrigento
- AX The Victoria Hotel, Malta
*Hotels listed are an indication and are subject to change without notice.
Double for Single Use: Please note the single supplement you pay on our tours entitles you to sole use of a room. A double-for-single-use room is larger than a traditional single room offered in Europe. Often these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Please note:
- Whilst our first choice is morning bookings for the Colosseum, this may not always be the case due to its popularity and availability.
- On day 3, you are unable to take luggage, backpacks, or large bags into the Colosseum. Please ensure you leave your belongings at your hotel.
- The Colosseum has introduced new regulations, requiring a passport upon entry. Please ensure that you have your passport with you.
- On day 7, will be in a smaller coach as there are local government restrictions on coach sizes along the Amalfi coast and the roads we use are quite narrow and windy.
- On the excursion to Mount Etna on day 13, the coach will be stationed at Refugio Sapienza – the starting point for the ascent to the top of Mount Etna. You can take the optional cable car (at an additional cost) up to the crater at an altitude of 2,900m. Alternatively, you can walk with your Tour Leader through the volcanic landscape and admire the volcano from lower heights. Due to volcanic activity and unpredictable weather conditions, it often becomes necessary to cancel the excursions on offer; therefore we suggest booking these on arrival in Mount Etna.
- The weather on Mount Etna is very intermittent and even in summer it can get very cold. Visitors that want to climb to the higher craters should take into consideration bringing warm clothes even if at the bottom of the mountain temperatures may be well over 30°C.
- Sassi cave hotel stay – The sassi cave dwellings are located right in the heart of Matera’s ancient cave town, which dates back thousands of years. This means there are multiple flights of stairs, plenty of steps and uneven cobblestone ground to navigate. Rooms are scattered across multiple levels, accessed from outside – they are not inside a singular building. Meeting our mobility and fitness requirements are essential. No two rooms are the same with quirky layouts that can be dimly lit. While these rooms are still comfortable remember you are staying in a cave! These are incredibly unique and a once in a lifetime experience to stay in this unforgettable location.
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