Overnight Flight from Toronto to Malta.
Welcome to Malta!
The group will be met at the airport by an English-speaking driver/guide who will assist with the transfer to the hotel in the charming seaside town of Sliema on the beautiful island of Malta.
There will be some free time to settle in. The group will gather in the late afternoon for an Orientation Meeting and Introductions followed by a celebratory Welcome Dinner.
Overnight AX The Victoria Hotel Sliema (or similar).
Breakfast at the hotel.
The group will head out for a full-day guided site seeing tour of Valletta, the capital city of Malta. The tour will begin with a scenic boat ride from Sliema through Valletta’s UNESCO-listed Grand Harbour aboard traditional dghajsa boats (approx. 25 minutes).
Upon arrival in Valletta, the group will explore this spectacular city on a guided walking tour. Some of the highlights will include The Upper Barrakka Gardens and the impressive Grand Master’s Palace.
There will be free time for lunch at leisure.
In the afternoon, enjoy a private visit to the home of a modern-day Knight of Malta. For Catholic pilgrims and Catholic Educators, the visit offers unique personal insights into Malta's history, the history of chivalry, the special role of Malta to our Catholic faith, the importance of the history of humanitarian work and service, and the importance of diplomacy that the Knights represent. The Knights were founded in the 11th century, originally to care for pilgrims in the Holy Land and the Order has evolved from a medieval order of warrior-monks to a modern humanitarian organization.
In the late afternoon, you will return to Sliema by local ferry.
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Overnight AX The Victoria Hotel Sliema (or similar).
Breakfast at the hotel.
Today you will head out on a fascinating journey truly in the footsteps of St. Paul on a full-day guided site seeing tour to the beautiful towns of Mdina and Rabat.
Your tour will include a visit to St. Paul's Catacombs, one of the most prominent features of Malta's early Christianity archeology. The archeological discovery of the site has revealed an extensive system of underground galleries and tombs dating from the third to the eighth centuries including the catacombs of Saint Agatha, San Katald, St. Augustine, and many others.
There will be some free time provided for lunch at leisure.
In the afternoon, you will explore Rabat’s winding medieval streets that burst with icons and statues of our dearly beloved Saints. The journey in the footsteps of St. Paul will continue with a visit to the spectacular St. Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina, and later to St. Paul’s Bay—believed to be the site of his shipwreck in 60 AD. You will enjoy this historical walking tour marvelling at the beauty of these Medieval cities and learn about Malta’s early Christian roots.
After the tour, you will return to the hotel to enjoy the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Overnight AX The Victoria Hotel Sliema (or similar).
Check out of the hotel. The group will be met at the hotel and transfer by private coach to the Port to take a ferry to Sicily.
This morning as you say goodbye to beautiful Malta, your pilgrimage will continue as you move on to enjoy the marvels of Sicily. The group will then be met at the Port in Sicily and head out by private coach. On route, you will make a stop in Pozzallo, to enjoy a traditional Sicilian breakfast (pastry & cappuccino).
Then you will continue onward to Siracusa. The full-day guided walking tour will include a visit to the spectacular Duomo di Siracusa. The Cathedral of Syracuse is an spectacular Catholic church that was originally a Greek doric temple. The Duomo has a number of relics of Santa Lucia (Saint Lucy) and is an important site of pilgrimage for the faithful. There will be opportunities for group prayer and reflection at this important site.
Afterward, there will be free time for lunch at leisure.
The guided walking tour will continue on the beautiful island of Ortigia and will conclude with a very memorable one-hour boat trip around the island to admire the beauty and majesty of this spectacular island from the sea.
Later in the afternoon, you will travel by private coach to Acitrezza to check in to your hotel. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at leisure.
Overnight at the Hotel Malavoglia (Riviera dei Ciclopi) or similar.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Today the group will be met in the morning at the hotel and head out to visit one of the most iconic locations in Sicily, the beautiful town of Taormina. On route, you will make a stop at the charming hilltop village of Castelmola. The views of the sea from the town are spectacular.
After your visit to Castelmola, you will make your way to Taormina. There will be some free time to enjoy lunch at leisure.
The guided walking tour will of Taormina will continue. The town occupies a fabulous position, overlooking the sea and right opposite Etna volcano. A mild climate, a splendid landscape and serene outlook have made Taormina famous worldwide. The town centre, now reserved for pedestrians, radiates from the main thoroughfare Corso Umberto I, from which it is possible to reach all, or almost all, the main sights: Greek Theatre, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, Palazzo Corvaja, Naumachie, Piazza Duomo, Piazza IX Aprile.
Today a special group dinner will be included. The group will enjoy a fun-filled hands-on pizza and pasta cooking class. First, you will learn how to make Sicilian-style pizza, then enjoy it as the pizzaioli (pizza makers) prepare your creations with your own choices of toppings in the wood burning pizza oven.
After dinner transfer to the hotel in Acitrezza to enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
Overnight Hotel Malavoglia (or similar).
Breakfast at the hotel.
Today will be a day of adventure! You will be met at the hotel by your private driver/guides and head out on a half-day off-road excursion in 4 x 4 vehicles to visit the UNESCO-listed volcano of Mount Etna. On your journey, you will discover some of the most surreal and spectacular volcanic landscapes, craters, and lava fields in the world.
Afterward, return to Acitrezza for some free time in the afternoon to enjoy the facilities at the hotel.
This evening, the group will gather for a special dinner in a nice restaurant by the sea in Acitrezza and enjoy some traditional Sicilian cuisine.
Overnight Hotel Malavoglia (or similar).
Breakfast at the hotel followed by check-out.
This morning the group will start their day with Mass at 08:00 in the morning in Acitrezza (location to be confirmed).
After Mass, the group will travel to the spectacular city of Palermo. On the way, there will be free time to stop to the Sicily Outlet Village and enjoy some shopping and to have lunch.
The journey across the spectacular Sicilian countryside will continue across the island to Palermo. You will enjoy an introductory guided walking tour of the centre of Palermo before checking into your centrally located hotel.
Overnight Hotel Federico II (or similar).
Breakfast at the hotel.
Today is one of the most important celebrations for Catholics in Palermo and across Sicily - the SANTA ROSALINA FESTIVAL. Today you will head out with your private guides to enjoy a curated religious-themed tour of Palermo’s historic churches and sacred sites. There will be an opportunity to experience this incredible celebration of Catholic community with special events throughout the day (timing of celebrations and events tbd),
There will be free time in the heart of Palermo to enjoy lunch at leisure and to do some last minute souvenir shopping.
The group will gather together in community on this very special day for a closing liturgy followed by a beautiful farewell dinner in the heart of the city.
Overnight Hotel Frederico II (or similar).
Breakfast at the hotel followed by check-out.
Transfer by private coach from your hotel to the Palermo airport for your return flight to Toronto.
