September 16–25, 2026
Malta • Gozo • Taormina • Palermo
Experience the rich history, distinctive cuisine, luxury hospitality, and dramatic landscapes of Malta and Sicily on this carefully curated familiarization journey.
Arrive in Malta and transfer to Gozo.
Overnight: The Duke Boutique Hotel, Gozo
9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. — Full-Day Gozo Tour
Discover the cultural heritage and distinctive landscapes of Gozo during a guided island tour.
Visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu, one of Gozo’s most important religious and architectural landmarks.
Continue to the historic Xwejni Salt Pans, where traditional sea-salt harvesting methods have been passed down through generations.
Explore Victoria, also known as Rabat, the capital of Gozo. Visit the historic Citadel, a fortified hilltop complex offering panoramic views across the island.
1:00 p.m. — Lunch at Neolitik Kitchen & Lounge
3:00 p.m. — Connect2Gozo Experience
Participate in a destination-focused experience hosted by Connect2Gozo.
7:30 p.m. — Dinner at Peppina
Overnight: The Duke Boutique Hotel, Gozo
9:30 a.m. — Transfer to the Gozo Channel ferry terminal
Explore Mdina, Malta’s former capital and one of Europe’s finest fortified medieval cities.
Known as the “Silent City,” Mdina is celebrated for:
Complete a site inspection of The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux, a luxury boutique property located within Mdina’s historic walls.
12:30 p.m. — Verdala Wellness Hotel Inspection and Lunch
Visit the Verdala Wellness Hotel for a property inspection followed by lunch.
Transfer to the hotel and check in at ME Malta.
6:30 p.m. — Transfer to Ta’ Cicivetta Farm
7:00 p.m. — Dinner at Ta’ Cicivetta Farm
Enjoy an authentic farm-based dining experience showcasing local Maltese ingredients and traditions.
Overnight: ME Malta
9:00 a.m. — Visit Vittoriosa
Explore Vittoriosa, also known as Birgu, one of Malta’s historic Three Cities.
As one of the island’s oldest fortified towns, Vittoriosa played an important role in Malta’s maritime and military history.
11:00 a.m. — Għaqda Barklori Isla
Visit Għaqda Barklori Isla, a traditional Maltese rowing club based in Senglea, or Isla.
Learn about Malta’s maritime traditions and the role of rowing clubs within the historic harbour communities.
11:45 a.m. — The Saluting Battery
Watch the traditional cannon-firing ceremony at the Saluting Battery, overlooking the Grand Harbour.
Continue to St. John’s Co-Cathedral, one of Malta’s most important cultural and religious landmarks.
The cathedral is renowned for:
1:45 p.m. — Lunch at Contessa
Complete a site inspection of The Phoenicia Malta, a landmark luxury hotel located beside Valletta’s historic city walls.
2:15–5:30 p.m. — Free Time in Valletta
Enjoy time at leisure to explore Valletta’s shops, cafés, museums, gardens, and historic streets.
Overnight: ME Malta
9:30 a.m. — Blue Grotto Viewpoint
Visit the Blue Grotto viewpoint and admire the dramatic limestone coastline and deep-blue Mediterranean waters.
Explore two of Malta’s most significant prehistoric temple sites.
Situated along the island’s southwest coast, the complex offers:
12:00 p.m. — Visit Ta’ Betta Wine Estates
Enjoy an introduction to Maltese winemaking and the estate’s locally produced wines.
2:00 p.m. — End of the daytime tour
5:00 p.m. — Odyssey Malta Experience
Participate in an Odyssey Malta destination experience.
Complete a detailed inspection of the ME Malta property.
Enjoy dinner at Toro Toro, the hotel’s contemporary steakhouse.
Overnight: ME Malta
Transfer to Taormina and check in at NH Collection Taormina.
Enjoy an approximately two-hour guided tour of one of Sicily’s most celebrated destinations.
Perched above the Ionian Sea, Taormina is known for:
Stroll through the town’s historic centre and experience its refined atmosphere and dramatic setting.
Welcome dinner in Taormina, venue to be confirmed.
Overnight: NH Collection Taormina
Travel to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The excursion includes:
Lunch will be arranged in the hotel’s pool area.
Spend the afternoon relaxing with a curated spa and wellness experience.
Dinner arrangements to be confirmed.
Overnight: NH Collection Taormina
Check in at NH Collection Palazzo Sitano.
Dinner arrangements to be confirmed.
Overnight: NH Collection Palazzo Sitano
Discover Palermo, Sicily’s vibrant capital and a city shaped by centuries of cultural exchange.
Explore the historic centre, where Arab-Norman, Baroque, classical, and Mediterranean influences come together.
Tour highlights may include:
Experience Palermo’s energetic atmosphere and distinctive blend of European, North African, and Mediterranean traditions.
Lunch arrangements to be confirmed.
Afternoon activities to be confirmed.
Conclude the journey with a special farewell dinner. Venue and final arrangements to be confirmed.
Overnight: NH Collection Palazzo Sitano