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Small Group Tour

Malta & Sicily – Mediterranean Islands small group tour

12 days · Small group · Max 14 travellers

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86% return to travel with us again 40+ years of small-group escorted touring 43,000+ travellers have toured with Odyssey

Tour Overview

From Malta to Palermo

Mediterranean Islands small group tour to Malta and Sicily

Odyssey's Mediterranean islands small group tour of Malta & Sicily is the short tour of this longer program. Our guides lead you on a ten day tour through the region's culture and history. This fully escorted tour for seniors takes you on a fabulous journey around the Western Mediterranean.

The History of Sicily and Malta

These two unique islands have long held the keys to the Mediterranean. Over centuries, the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Arabs, Normans, Spanish and French imprinted their distinct history and architecture on the landscape of the islands, making the islands a perfect mix of cultures. From 1530 to 1798, Malta was ruled as a vassal state of Sicily by the Knights of St John. In the 19th century, Malta secured the Mediterranean for Britain and helped make it the world's major maritime power. Possession of Sicily brought similar benefits to Rome, as did Corsica for France.

Today, Sicily is an autonomous region of Italy, while Malta is one of the more recent independent members of the European Union. Today, however, their inhabitants still retain their own distinctive characteristics and ways of life. Each island visited has its own character, shaped by its history. Odyssey's small group educational tour compares and contrasts the culture, history, geography and peoples of these two unique islands.

Discover more about the islands of the Mediterranean with our blog post.

Malta & Sicily Small group tour itinerary

Throughout our guided tour you'll experience a number of cultural and historical highlights, from archaeological sites to idyllic resort towns. Odyssey's small group tour of these Western Mediterranean islands is a magnificent holiday for those who wish to learn. Odyssey caters to mature travelers, whether couples or those journeying solo. The tour is fully escorted by an Odyssey Program Leader and a local guide who shares their expert knowledge of the history and culture of these wonderful islands.

Malta

On Malta, we make a walking tour of Malta's medieval history on a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage listed capital city, Valletta, where we visit the Grandmaster's Palace and St. John's Cathedral. We also visit the city of Rabat, where we visit the grotto of St. Paul. According to Christian tradition, St. Paul lived and preached in these catacombs during three months in Malta in 60 AD. Following Rabat, we head to the walled city of Mdina. Our trip to Malta also includes an excursion to Gozo, the second largest of the islands of Malta, where we visit the megalithic temples of Xaghra, an important prehistoric heritage site. We also make the time to take in Malta's beautiful sandy beaches, including a number of walks along the shore.

We then get the ferry to Sicily.

Sicily

Our tour of Sicily begins with a walking tour of Noto, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its grand baroque architecture. We then explore Siracusa (Syracuse), home to ancient Greek ruins and a well-preserved Roman amphitheater. For more ancient archaeological ruins, we then visit Agrigento, home to Greek temples. We also visit the Sicilian capital, Palermo, where we make a stop at the Arab-Norman Cappella Palatina (Palatine Chapel), before making a daytrip to the famous cathedral of Monreale. Finally, we travel to Trapani, where we stay in a hotel for two nights. The streets of this medieval town by the sea remain largely untouched from the period of Arab and Norman rule. From Trapani, we make a day trip to the island of Mozia for an archaeological tour, and then head to Erice for a cableway car to enjoy the spectacular views.

Our tours aim to immerse you in local culture. Sicily and Malta are home to one of the world's richest food cultures, with subtle differences between the two cuisines. In order to experience the cuisine of both places, we always enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at a local restaurant.

You can learn about Malta and Sicily (Italy) with our country profiles. For more details, click the ‘Top 5’ or ‘Itinerary’ buttons above! If you’re keen to experience this tour, please call or send an email. Or, to book, simply fill in the form on the right hand side of this page.

 

Articles about Malta and Sicily published by Odyssey Traveller:

For all the articles Odyssey Traveller has published for mature aged and senior travellers, click through on this link.

External articles to assist you on your visit to Malta and Sicily

Tour Notes

Group size is limited to a maximum of 18 participants.

This tour is part of our Mediterranean Islands tour, that continues on to Sardini and Corsica. More details here.

Tour highlights

  • Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites on Malta: Valletta, built by the Knights of St John Hospitaller; and the megalithic temples
  • In Sicily, see the mosaics at the Villa Romana del Casale, the magnificent Baroque town of Noto, and Arab/Norman Palermo
  • Enjoy wonderful scenery and local food and wine throughout all the islands
  • Explore the UNESCO world heritage town of Noto, the finest Baroque town in Sicily
  • Take a ferry to Mozia island and visit its main archaeological sites

Value built into your journey

What’s included

  • 11 nights accommodation.
  • 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 6 dinners.
  • Applicable entry fees and services of local guides.
  • Transport and field trips as indicated.
  • Touring by comfortable and modern coach.
  • Ferry services.
  • Service charges and gratuities.
  • Detailed tour information booklet.
  • Services of an Odyssey tour leader.
See all inclusions & exclusions →

The Odyssey difference

Small enough to experience more

One dinner table, shared experience

Our groups are deliberately small enough to dine together around one table—an intimate way to get to know fellow travellers, whether you join as a couple or on your own.

Access that larger groups miss

A smaller group can visit more intimate venues, stay in characterful places, and reach experiences that are often impractical for larger coach parties.

Time to understand a place

Expert Program Leaders and local guides add depth, while a considered pace leaves room to explore, rest, or follow your curiosity.

Discover why travellers choose Odyssey →
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Journey journal

Read, learn & explore before you travel

Expand your journey before departure with destination stories and carefully selected reading that bring the history, art and culture of this tour into sharper focus.

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What's Included:
What's included in our Tour
  • 11 nights accommodation.
  • 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 6 dinners.
  • Applicable entry fees and services of local guides.
  • Transport and field trips as indicated.
  • Touring by comfortable and modern coach.
  • Ferry services.
  • Service charges and gratuities.
  • Detailed tour information booklet.
  • Services of an Odyssey tour leader.
What's not included in our Tour
  • Return international airfare and departure taxes.
  • Comprehensive international travel insurance.
  • Items of a personal nature, such as telephone calls and laundry.
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary.

Activity Level

Level 3 - Moderate to Challenging
Participants must be in excellent health, extremely mobile and live an active lifestyle. Program activities may include up to 6 hours of continuous strenuous, moderate to fast paced activity per day over varied terrain.
Learn about activity levels

🛏 Select Room Type

Prices shown per person

Prices displayed below are per person, twin share occupancy.
Departure Date Price Availability
14 Apr – 25 Apr 2027
$11,650 AUD
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27 Sep – 8 Oct 2027
$11,650 AUD
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12 Apr – 23 Apr 2028
In Demand
$12,250 AUD
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25 Sep – 6 Oct 2028
$12,250 AUD
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14 Apr – 25 Apr 2027
$11,650 AUD
✓ Available
Book This Date
27 Sep – 8 Oct 2027
$11,650 AUD
✓ Available
Book This Date
12 Apr – 23 Apr 2028
In Demand
$12,250 AUD
✓ Available
Book This Date
25 Sep – 6 Oct 2028
$12,250 AUD
✓ Available
Book This Date

A deposit of A$1,000 per person secures your place. Balance is due 120 days before departure. All prices are per person. View Terms & Conditions.

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Available dates & prices

Choose a departure and room type to see the current tour price. Every departure travels in a small group of no more than 14 travellers.

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Prices shown per person, twin share occupancy. Select a departure to view booking details.

Small-group touring with a maximum of 14 travellers Meals: 11B · 4L · 6D included Comfortable accommodation and expert local guidance A$1,000 deposit per person secures your place

How many travellers?

Twin share Sharing a room with a companion
Solo traveller A room of your own

0 travellers Deposit due today: —

Review your booking details next. Balance due 120 days before departure.

Small-group touring with a maximum of 14 travellers Meals: 11B · 4L · 6D included Comfortable accommodation and expert local guidance A$1,000 deposit per person secures your place

How many travellers?

Twin share Sharing a room with a companion
Solo traveller A room of your own

0 travellers Deposit due today: —

Review your booking details next. Balance due 120 days before departure.

Small-group touring with a maximum of 14 travellers Meals: 11B · 4L · 6D included Comfortable accommodation and expert local guidance A$1,000 deposit per person secures your place

How many travellers?

Twin share Sharing a room with a companion
Solo traveller A room of your own

0 travellers Deposit due today: —

Review your booking details next. Balance due 120 days before departure.

Small-group touring with a maximum of 14 travellers Meals: 11B · 4L · 6D included Comfortable accommodation and expert local guidance A$1,000 deposit per person secures your place

How many travellers?

Twin share Sharing a room with a companion
Solo traveller A room of your own

0 travellers Deposit due today: —

Review your booking details next. Balance due 120 days before departure.

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Book with confidence

Your departure, room type and price are confirmed before checkout.

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Flexible booking support

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Your route

From Malta to Palermo, one journey at a time.

Follow a carefully paced route through the places, stories and experiences that bring this journey to life. Open any day for the detail behind the itinerary.

Route map for this tour
⌖ 12 days · 5 stops
⌗ View larger map
1–5 5 days

Malta

You arrive in Malta and settle into your hotel, then gather for a welcome briefing and dinner. Over the following days, you explore ancient temples and prehistoric caves, stroll through Valletta's grand palaces and gardens, journey to the fortified city of Mdina, and ferry to Gozo to discover coastal villages, megalithic temples, and windswept shores.

After arriving in Malta, make your way to the hotel. In the evening the group will meet at the hotel for a tour briefing, followed by a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

In the morning we set off for a tour of the main sites around our hotel, commencing at Paola, home of the enigmatic Tarxien Temples. We will also visit Birzebugga, to visit the prehistoric Ghar Dalam cave. Next we will move on to the picturesque Marsaxlokk, famous for its market, to Marsakala where we stop to have lunch. In the afternoon we transfer to Three Cities, where we have some free time to explore or perhaps take a cruise along the shore (not included, paid locally, approx. EUR 20 per person). We will transfer back to the hotel in the later afternoon. (B,L)

Today's activities centre around Valletta, the capital of Malta. We visit the Upper Barakka Gardens, the Grandmaster’s Palace, St. John’s Co-Cathedral, and the Museum of Archaeology. In the late afternoon we take in the ‘Malta Experience’, an audio-visual attraction set in a purpose-built auditorium overlooking Valletta’s magnificent Grand Harbour. We return to our hotel for a short rest and later take an evening walk to a local restaurant for dinner. (B,D)

We spend today further exploring the island, We learn about Malta’s natural and cultural heritage, strategic Mediterranean importance, centuries-old fortifications, settlements, and religious sites. Typical of the islands of the Mediterranean, Malta has played host to waves of several great civilisations including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and the Spanish. The Knights of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, also known as the Knights of St John, were Malta’s Masters from 1530 to 1798, when Napoleon’s French forces invaded. Then, in 1800, the British assumed control until Malta was granted independence in 1964. The island and its people were awarded the George Cross for their bravery during World War II. We then enjoy a full-day tour of local sites, starting with the ancient fortified city of Mdina where we enjoy a walking tour and stop to view the Cathedral. We visit Mosta to see the Mosta Rotunda, then travel to Rabat for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon we explore St. Paul’s Church and Grotto, and St. Paul’s Catacombs, then make our way back to our hotel and the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B,L)

This morning we’ll take a morning ferry ride across to Gozo, Malta’s second largest island, where we have a full day island tour. We visit the citadel at Victoria and the coastal village of Xlendi, which is still guarded over by a 17th century tower built by the Knights of St John. Following lunch, we will travel up the western coast of Gozo to visit Dwejra. Here we will take a boat ride to Fungus Rock, then on to the Ta Pinu basilica in Gharb, followed by a tour of the megalithic Ggantija Temples in Xaghra. In the evening we’ll return via ferry and coach to our hotel. We have dinner at our hotel this evening. (B,L,D)

6–7 2 days

Syracuse

We ferry into Sicily's sun-warmed embrace, crossing to Pozzallo before journeying through Noto's exquisite Baroque streets—where San Francesco Church and Palazzo Ducezio speak of centuries past. Syracuse awaits, offering time to wander its hidden corners before we gather for dinner. Tomorrow we explore ancient theatres and monumental altars, then surrender to the enchanting world of

This morning begins with an early morning ferry across to Pozzallo in Sicily. Here we join our coach and continue to the UNESCO world heritage town of Noto, the finest Baroque town in Sicily, home to sights like the San Francesco Church, Monastery of Santa Chiara and Palazzo Ducezio. We have free time for lunch, and continue on to Syracuse. The remainder of the day in Syracuse is free to relax or explore on your own until we meet as a group again for dinner at the hotel. (B,D)

Today we enjoy a half day tour of Syracuse, where a visit to the Neapolis Archaeological Park will be followed by a trip to Ara di Ierone, the Great Altar of Syracuse, a monumental grand altar in the ancient quarter of Neapolis. In the evening we attend a traditional "puppet theatre" (Opera dei Pupi - Sicilian marionette show) and then return to our hotel. (B)

8 1 day

Agrigento

We journey south to Agrigento, pausing in Caltagirone to climb its celebrated monumental staircase. After lunch at leisure, we explore the extraordinary mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale at Piazza Armerina, where Roman artistry comes vividly alive. The evening welcomes your own discovery of Agrigento's character.

Today we depart to Agrigento with a stop in Caltagirone along the way where we view the Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte. We will enjoy some free time for lunch and then we make our way to visit Piazza Armerina and see its famous mosaics during our guided tour of the Villa Romana del Casale. Later we transfer to our hotel and the evening is free to explore the town on your own. (B)

9–10 2 days

Trapani

In Trapani's luminous corner of Sicily, we discover the grandeur of Greater Greece. Morning light floods the Valley of the Temples at Agrigento, where ancient columns speak of classical mastery. We pause at Segesta's dignified ruins—its Doric temple and theatre suspended in time—before settling into Trapani for the evening. The following day unfolds across water

In the morning we tour Agrigento and visit the Valley of the Temples, one of the most outstanding examples of Greater Greece art and architecture. We then depart towards Trapani, with a stop in Segesta, an archaeological site outside Palermo, where we’ll take a guided tour to see the Doric Temple and ancient theatre. We arrive in Trapani later in the afternoon and the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant. (B,D)  

This morning we’ll enjoy a walking tour of Trapani to view its main attractions, we’ll then transfer to San Leonardo for a ferry trip across to the island of Mozia. We’ll visit the main archaeological sites here, including the Whitaker Museum, followed bylunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon we Erice where we take the funicular to the medieval eyrie of Erice, to enjoy its sweeping views of the valley and sea. We then transfer back to our hotel for the evening. (B,L)

11–12 2 days

Palermo

We ascend to Monreale's magnificent cathedral, where cloisters and sacred art transport us across centuries. Then Palermo unfolds before us—its piazzas, medieval churches, and palatial grandeur revealing Sicily's layered history. We explore the opera house's splendid halls before settling into our final evening together, reflecting on the journey we've shared.

This morning we transfer to Monreale, to visit its cloistered Cathedral followed by Palermo, Sicily's capital where we overnight. In Palermo we visit Quattro Canti, the “Theatre of the Sun”, and La Martorana, the city’s most famous medieval church, visit Palazzo dei Normanni and Cappella Palatina and then take a guided tour of Teatro Massimo, Palermo’s magnificent Opera House. Dinner this evening is at our hotel. (B,D)

The tour concludes this morning after breakfast. (B)

Plan with confidence

Travel Information

Everything you need to know before you travel, presented in one easy-to-read planning guide.

What’s Included

What's included in our Tour
  • 11 nights accommodation.
  • 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 6 dinners.
  • Applicable entry fees and services of local guides.
  • Transport and field trips as indicated.
  • Touring by comfortable and modern coach.
  • Ferry services.
  • Service charges and gratuities.
  • Detailed tour information booklet.
  • Services of an Odyssey tour leader.
What's not included in our Tour
  • Return international airfare and departure taxes.
  • Comprehensive international travel insurance.
  • Items of a personal nature, such as telephone calls and laundry.
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary.

Traveller stories

What our travellers say

Real reflections from travellers who have experienced this journey with Odyssey.

More traveller reflections

Stories from this Odyssey journey

★★★★★

“This tour started out very well in Malta, with lots to see and do, and just kept getting better as we progressed through the other islands. It is a beautiful part of the world, with wonderful history and scenery.”

Pat C.
★★★★★

“Sunshine, blue seas and mountains were the backdrop to discovering so much of the history of these islands with a friendly group of fellow travellers.”

Suzanne W.
★★★★★

“The trip was well organised and communication was also good. Busy tour giving full educational history. The Odyssey Program leader was absolutely wonderful, I felt very safe particularly as she had both French and Italian and if we were without the guide in the evenings, she was able to communicate with the other person. We had particularly good guides all along the way, but perhaps Maria in Malta was very, very good as it was apparent she really loved showing her country and its history to us.”

Participant
Malta & Sicily – Mediterranean Islands small group tour
$11,650 AUD
per person · 12 days
Next departure
14 Apr 2027
View dates & prices