A Journey Through Sicily's Timeless Heritage with Ponant

Day 1 - Valletta

Valletta, Malta: Malta's capital, the petite city of Valletta, boasts ornate palaces and museums safeguarded by substantial honey-coloured limestone fortifications. Houses along the narrow streets feature overhanging wooden balconies, ideal for observing the world from indoors. Historically, these balconies allowed housebound women to watch the street below. The main entrance to the city, through the City Gate (the terminus for all bus routes), leads onto Triq Repubblika (Republic Street), the grid-pattern city's main thoroughfare and shopping street. Parallel to Repubblika is Triq Mercante (Merchant Street), another excellent spot for a leisurely walk. Valletta's compact nature makes it perfect for exploration on foot. The City Gate area is seeing extensive redevelopment, including a new Parliament Building and an open-air performance venue. When setting out along Republic Street, it's advisable to stop by the tourist information office on Merchant Street for maps and brochures.

Day 2 - Porto Empedocle

Porto Empedocle, Italy: This charming port town in Sicily acts as a gateway to the famous Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, offering exquisite coastal views and an authentic Italian atmosphere. The town features vibrant markets, quaint cafes, and a relaxed vibe that makes for a delightful exploration as visitors appreciate its blend of historical ambience and coastal charm.

Day 3 - Tunis

Tunis, Tunisia: South of the Tunisian capital, Tunis, Sousse presents itself as an ancient city filled with culture and beauty. It has become a lively resort for travellers with expansive sandy beaches, historic catacombs, and traditional souqs offering shopping delights. The city blends tradition with contemporary flair to present an enticing destination for all who visit.

Day 4 - Trapani

Trapani, Sicily, Italy: The most vital town on Sicily's west coast, Trapani is nestled below Mount Erice's headland, offering breathtaking views of the Egadi Islands on clear days. The Old District lies on a scimitar-shaped promontory, flanked by open sea and revived ancient salt marsh industries, highlighted in the Museo delle Saline. Beyond the salt marshes, Trapani's surroundings include the hill town of Erice, the Capo San Vito promontory, the serene island of Motya, and the town of Marsala. Excursions further afield open up visits to the magnificent Segesta site or the Egadi Islands accessible by boat or hydrofoil from Trapani Port.

Day 5 - Palermo

Palermo, Italy: As the former intellectual capital of southern Europe, Palermo stands at the crossroads of civilisation. Set on a crescent-shaped bay beneath Monte Pellegrino, the city has absorbed diverse cultures over the centuries, creating a unique identity that is both Arab and Christian, Byzantine and Roman, Norman and Italian. Its heritage reflects Sicily's varied epochs, especially the Arab-Norman identity interwoven with Byzantine, Jewish, and Norman influences creating resplendent art. Palermo thrives with chaotic vitality in its outdoor markets, public squares, street bazaars, and food vendors, culminating in the grand spectacle of Passeggiata—Italy's most spectacular social stroll along the city’s principal thoroughfare.

Day 6 - Lipari

Lipari, Italy: Lipari, the largest and most developed of the Aeolian Islands, welcomes visitors with its distinctive pastel-hued houses. Fields of agave plants adorn the northern Acquacalda area, home to pumice and obsidian quarries. The western side features San Calogero, known for its hot springs and mud baths. From a red-lava base, a plateau arises crowned by a 16th-century castle and a 17th-century cathedral.

Day 6 - (Alternative)

Lipari, Italy: On this day, enjoy additional leisure activities such as exploring the town's charming narrow streets, soaking up the sun on local beaches, or taking a leisurely boat trip around the archipelago, relishing Lipari's natural beauty and tranquillity.

Day 7 - Taormina

Taormina, Italy: The enchanting medieval town of Taormina, perched on cliffs, is famed for its natural beauty. The panorama of the sea and Mount Etna from jagged, cactus-covered cliffs is breathtaking. The town has captivated writers ever since its founding in the 6th century BC by Greeks. The boutique-lined streets may become tiresome quickly, but the spectacular hiking paths clinging to Taormina's surrounding hills offer timeless adventure. A visit to the picturesque Castelmola, whether by foot or car, is indispensable.

Day 8 - Syracuse

Siracusa, Sicily, Italy: Known as Syracuse in English, Siracusa is a magnificent example of ancient grandeur. Once a rival to Athens, this city founded in 734 BC became the wealthiest city-state in the West. Famed for its Baroque architecture and Greco-Roman ruins, its cultural treasures include a legendary Duomo—a microcosm of its storied history. Siracusa is split into two areas: the Archaeological Zone on the mainland and the island of Ortygia. The latter's compact old town is an excellent area for exploration. Mainland Siracusa yields a grid of avenues leading to the Parco Archeologico and sites such as the archaeological museum and the catacombs of San Giovanni. Ortygia, connected by two small bridges, offers a fascinating glimpse of ancient grandeur meeting contemporary appeal.

Day 9 - Valletta

Valletta, Malta: The capital city of Malta, Valletta, is a jewel with ornate palaces and museums residing behind imposing fortifications of honey-coloured limestone. Its narrow streets showcase overhanging wooden balconies, perfect for observing street life. Enter the city through the City Gate, leading to Triq Repubblika (Republic Street), the main street lined with shops forming the grid-pattern layout. Parallel Merchant Street is also superb for strolls. Valletta's compact size makes it ideal for exploration on foot. Ongoing redevelopment at City Gate includes a Parliament Building and an open-air venue. Begin your journey from the tourist information office on Merchant Street to collect necessary maps and materials for your tour.