Taormina Theatre, Sicily
Some journeys are defined by a single destination. Others invite you to discover two fascinating worlds woven together by centuries of history, culture and Mediterranean influence. The Gems of Sicily & Malta small group tour does exactly that, combining the timeless charm of Sicily with the rich heritage and island beauty of Malta.
From the bustling streets of Palermo and the coastal beauty of Taormina to the fortified city of Valletta and the ancient temples of Gozo, this journey uncovers a remarkable collection of cultural treasures, culinary traditions and stunning landscapes. Along the way, you'll sample local delicacies, learn traditional recipes and explore sites that reveal the many civilisations that have shaped these Mediterranean islands.
Rich in history, local traditions and unforgettable flavours, this small-group journey offers the perfect balance of guided discovery, authentic cultural experiences and time to soak up the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.
10 Days Small Group Tour from Palermo to Sliema
Your Itinerary
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Your Small-Group Discovery Begins! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner.
Meals Included Dinner
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A sweet start! Your Sicilian discovery starts this morning with a guided sightseeing tour of Palermo, including a visit to the cathedral. End the sightseeing on a sweet note! Visit the Church of Santa Caterina and the "Segreti del Chiostro," a historically significant bakery ocated in the cloisters. Sample the pastnes, still made the traditional way, using ancient recipes handed down by the nuns. This afternoon and evening, enjoy free time to see more of Palermo.
Meals Included Breakfast
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Picture Perfect Panoramas
This morning, take a scenic drive to Monreale for a panoramic view Of the Conca doro and a visit to the Norman Cathedral. Continue to the coasta town Of Cefalü, famous for its stunning cathedral with soaring twin towers. Enjoy free time to explore the center with its charming medieval squares. Later, reach the Taormina Riviera and enjoy an evening at eisure.
Meals Included Breakfast
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Grand Greek Drama
Follow your Local Guide on a walking tour of Taormina’s historic center. Stroll along Corso Umberto, see the Cathedral, and enjoy the view from Piazza IX Aprile. Visit the Greek Theater, one of the largest in Italy. Later, get to grips with Sicilian street food as a professional chef shares knowledge and tips during a hands-on small group cooking class. Taste the dishes you’ve prepared accompanied by local wine.
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch
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The Pearl of the Mediterranean
Enjoy a free day on the Taormina Riviera. Take a stroll on the seafront, browse the stores, laze on the beach, or try local specialties at a traditional eater
Meals Included Breakfast
Optional Excursions at an additional cost
Etna Experience: Nature, Flavours and Music. Journey to Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano at an additional cost, travelling through orchards, vineyards and forests while discovering the natural beauty, flavours, and traditions of eastern Sicily.
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Natural Aromas
This morning, drive to the vibrant city of Catania. Visit the Museo Storico dello Sbarco, (Historical Museum of the Landing in Sicily) which focuses on Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily, an important factor in Europe’s liberation. Join a guided walking tour of the center, featuring Piazza del Duomo with views of the Cathedral. Later, enjoy a special small group experience: drive to a farm that specializes in medicinal and aromatic herbs. A guided visit will introduce you to their unique characteristics and uses before you are served a delicious dinner of local products accompanied by live music.
Meals Included Breakfast, Dinner
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Island Hopping
This morning leave Italy behind and board a catamaran for a ride across the Mediterranean Sea to Malta. After disembarking, start your Small Group Maltese Discovery with a sightseeing tour of Valletta, the capital city. As you explore the city you will also discover local food traditions when you stop to try pastizzi (savory pastries), Maltese coffee, and chocolate. Later, arrive at Sliema.
Meals Included Breakfast
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Home of the Giants
Enjoy a scenic ferry ride to Gozo, Malta’s sister island. Highlights of the day include a visit to the awe-inspiring Ggantija Temples, one of the world’s oldest and best-preserved sites. Plus, visit a local farm to learn about the ageold process of cheese making with a tasting and light lunch
Excursion to Gozo Island
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch
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Grandma’s Cooking
Enjoy free time to explore more. Later, take advantage of the small group size for a hands-on cooking class to prepare your farewell dinner! Don your aprons and chef’s hats to learn the rustic tricks of Grandma’s cooking as you prepare a three-course meal. Together with your traveling companions, sit down to enjoy the meal you have prepared.
Meals Included Breakfast, Dinner
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Safe travels until we meet again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. The nearest airport is Valletta.
Meals Included Breakfast
What Your Journey Looks Like
Palermo & Monreale's Heritage Explore Palermo with a Local Guide, visit the Church of Santa Caterina, sample traditional pastries and discover the magnificent Norman Cathedral of Monreale overlooking the Conca d'Oro
Taormina & Catania's History Visit Taormina's ancient Greek Theater before exploring Catania's highlights and learning about Operation Husky at the Museo Storico dello Sbarco
The Flavours of Sicily Get hands-on with Sicilian cuisine during a small-group street food cooking class, then enjoy dinner at a local farm specialising in medicinal and aromatic herbs
Discover Malta & Gozo Sail by catamaran to Valletta for a sightseeing and tasting tour, then explore Gozo's Ġgantija Temples and enjoy lunch at a local farm
A Hands-On Sicilian Farewell Finish your journey with an exclusive cooking workshop, preparing your own farewell dinner alongside a professional chef
Palermo, Sicily, Italy
Tour Inclusions
Guided Sightseeing with an experienced Tour Director and local experts
Included Meals 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners.
Accommodation 9 nights in selected hotels across Sicily and Malta
Max Group Size 18
Authentic Culinary Experiences Sicilian pastry tasting, street food cooking class, herb farm dinner, Valletta food tastings and a traditional Maltese cooking class.
Island Hopping Experiences Catamaran crossing from Sicily to Malta and a scenic ferry journey to Gozo Island
Book by 30 October and save $500 per couple OR take a $1,000 per couple Air Credit* on select 2027 Small Group Tours
From $9,435 per person share twin, save $250pp
*From price is based on departure date 29 May 2027. Airfares and pre/post accommodation is additional.
Valletta, Malta
Terms & Conditions *Prices shown are per person, based on two people sharing a room. Prices include applicable discounts. *Offer is valid on new 2026 & 2027 Small Group Discovery tours booked and deposited by 30 October 2026. Choose one offer: Save $250 per person OR receive $500 air credit per person - offer must be selected and applied at the time of booking and cannot be claimed retrospectively. To secure the land offer, a non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $500 per person/per tour is required at time of booking. To secure the air offer, a non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $500 per person/per tour is required at time of booking, along with full flight payment, unless otherwise stated. Air credit applies only to flights booked through Globus airdesk. Air tickets are non-refundable once ticketed, unless otherwise stated. In the event your tour is withdrawn, flights booked in accordance with this promotion may also be subject to cancellation - fees apply. Flight booking amendments may incur additional charges; any changes will be confirmed at the time of the amendment. Airline schedule changes are subject to change without notice and Globus is not liable for any additional costs incurred due to airline changes. Offers not combinable with any other offer except Second Tour discount (multiple tours must be booked at the same time for travel within the same calendar year) and/or Welcome Back Credit. Offer not applicable to group bookings. Offers applicable to singles - single supplement applies. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Offers may be withdrawn or amended at any time without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Travel agent service & credit card fees are additional. All tours subject to availability at time of booking. For full terms & conditions, contact Wanderlust Travel Experts.
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