Sicily into Malta: The Middle Sea
Sail aquamarine waters, sip vineyard-grown vintages, and trace ancient civilizations across Sicily and Malta. Explore Greek temples, baroque towns, and sun-drenched coasts with private guides. From hidden hilltop villages to seaside grottoes, your Destination Expert designs every moment to capture the essence of the Mediterranean.
- Duration
- 12 days, 11 nights
- Route
- Palermo · Trapani · Realmonte · Pozzallo · Valletta
- Style
- Private and tailor-made: your own guide and driver throughout
- From
- $11,160 per person, hotels, guides and transfers included
- Sail the Aegadian Islands on a private catamaran, stopping to swim in hidden coves.
- Visit the Valley of the Temples, then savor Sicily with a countryside cooking class.
- Cruise Malta’s coast, taking in Dingli Cliffs, the Blue Grotto, and secluded island spots.
- Explore Valletta, go underground at the Hypogeum, and discover Gozo’s ancient wonders.
- Dine at Palazzo Parisio, a mini-Versailles, an evening tailored by your Destination Expert.
Every day, already yours.
Get Settled
Upon arrival at Palermo Airport, you’ll be met outside customs by your Meet & Greet assistant, who'll be waiting with a sign displaying your name. They’ll walk you through your itinerary, answer any initial questions, and assist with your arrival. You’ll then join your private driver and escorted to your vehicle for a comfortable private transfer to Trapani.
- Airport with Meet & Greet, 1 hr - Private Transfer
- Italy Welcome Package
A Healthy Dose of History
Uncover Sicily’s rich layers of history and flavor on a full-day private tour of Segesta, Erice, and the Trapani salt pans. Begin in Segesta, where your local guide leads you through the magnificent 5th-century BC Greek Temple, one of the best-preserved in the world, intriguingly left unfinished. Continue to the hilltop town of Erice, a medieval gem once believed to be the birthplace of Venus.
- Segesta, Erice & Salt Pans (with Wine & Tastings, 10 hrs) - Private Tour
Vitamin Sea
Transfer by private vehicle to port where you'll board a private catamaran, embarking on a full-day cruise discovery of the Aegadian Islands. With a dedicated skipper, multiple cabins and restrooms on board, plus fishing equipment and a tender, an unforgettable day on the water awaits.
- Aegadian Islands by Catamaran (with Lunch, 7 hrs)
Taste and Tipple on a Vineyard Visit
Depart Trapani with a private driver, embarking on a full-day transfer to Realmonte, pausing en route to experience the delights of the Planeta Ulmo winery. Established in 1995 outside the village of Sambuca di Sicilia, Ulmo was the first of the Planeta wineries. Built near an ancient 16th-century stone farmhouse, the winery overlooks a picturesque estate, and houses the Iter Vitis open-air museum, dedicated to the history of Sicilian viticulture.
- Transfer - Private - Trapani - Realmonte [with Planeta Ulmo Winery Visit with Tasting & Lunch, 5.5 hrs] - Vehicle/Driver
Cross an Item off the Bucket List
Meet your private driver and embark on a full-day tour of the ancient Valley of the Temples, serene Kolymbetra Gardens, and the historic center of Agrigento. You'll first head to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Valley of the Temples, one of the must-see highlights of Sicily, where you'll meet your private local guide.
- Valley of the Temples, Kolymbetra Gardens & Agrigento (with Picnic Lunch, 9 hrs) - Private Tour
Hone Your Skills
Step into the heart of Sicilian life with a private, full-day excursion that unveils the rhythms, flavors, and customs of a hidden village nestled in the scenic Sicani region. After being met by your private driver for a picturesque ride through rolling hills and quiet valleys, you’ll arrive in a historic village where time seems to stand still.
- Walking & Cooking in the Countryside (with Lunch, 7 hrs) - Private Tour
Sights and Insights
Meet your private driver and embark on a full-day transfer to the port of Pozzallo, discovering UNESCO-listed towns, tasting local delicacies, and witnessing the beauty of typical Sicilian landscapes and architecture en route. Your first stop will be at a charming 18th-century country estate, home to a winery, where a guided visit will give insight into the specific processes used to cultivate grapes and produce wine.
- Realmonte to Pozzallo Port with Wivery Visit, Ragusa Ibla, Modica & Scicli (with Lunch, 10.5 hrs) - Private Transfer
- Ferry from Pozzallo to Valletta, 1.5 hrs
- Private Port Transfer
- Malta Welcome Package
Explore with an Expert
Golden limestone streets, grand façades, and hidden courtyards set the scene for an immersive walk through Valletta’s UNESCO-listed heart. Meet your private guide in your hotel lobby and explore Malta’s Baroque capital, founded in 1566 by the Knights of St. John. Stroll atmospheric streets past St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the contemporary City Gate and Triton Fountain, and the historic spine of Republic Street and St. George’s Square.
- Essence of Valletta Walking Tour (3.5 hrs) - Private
- Golden Hour Views & Harbour Walk - Self-Guided
Winding the Wind-Swept Shorelines
Meet your private driver for a transfer to the marina where you'll meet your dedicated skipper and embark on a scenic and relaxing private boat cruise of the stunning coves and bays of Malta's northern coast. Once aboard, your skipper will discuss the ideal cruise itinerary based on current weather and sea conditions. Starting from either Portomaso or Laguna Marina, you'll aim to cruise to St.
- North Coast by Private Boat (8 hrs) - Tour
Island Time
Meet your private guide and driver as you embark on a full-day excursion to the island of Gozo. Board a ferry for a relaxing 30-minute ride over the island, disembarking to head inland as you visit the UNESCO-listed prehistoric site of the Ggantija Temples. Considered to be one of the oldest free-standing monuments in the world, predating Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, these two temples date back to 3600 and 3200 BCE.
- Gozo Island Discovery (10 hrs) - Private Tour
It’s All Ancient History
Meet your private driver for a transfer towards the nearby town of Tarxien, home to the ancient Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On arrival, you'll join a guide and a small group of no more than 10 participants and head underground to explore the incredible Hypogeum.
- Hal Saflieni Hypogeum (2 hrs) - Small Group Tour with Private Transfers
- Private Car Service & Dinner Reservation at Palazzo Parisio (4 hrs)
Until Next Time…
Meet your private driver and vehicle for an airport transfer.
- Private Airport Transfer
Where you will wake up.
Baglio Soria
Situated in the picturesque countryside of western Sicily, Baglio Soria is a modern concept resort and wine estate in the Trapani countryside. Occupying a traditional 17th century building, Baglio Soria’s 13 spacious rooms and suites marry the traditional with the contemporary, without compromising on comfort or...
Borgo Delle Pietre
Set along Sicily’s captivating Scala dei Turchi coast and just 53 miles from the Valley of the Temples, Borgo delle Pietre is a restored 15th-century gem steeped in history. This historic Sicilian residence serves as a tranquil haven surrounded by lush countryside and Mediterranean beauty.
Palais Le Brun
The boutique hotel Palais Le Brun occupies an authentic 17th century Baroque palace, steps away Valetta’s main square, and the seaside at St. Elmo Bay. One of the earliest private residences in the city, the palace’s traditional Maltese architecture is honored across 28 spacious guestrooms and suites, each boasting...