London to Sicily and Extension to Malta Rail and Sea Adventure

Meet your tour leader, at London’s impressive Gothic revival St. Pancras station. Take a morning Eurostar, with a breakfast served at our seats. Upon arrival at the city’s Gare du Nord station road transport will be provided to take us to the Gare de Bercy, the Paris terminus for trains to the central regions of France, which operate over mostly non high-speed lines. We will take the afternoon Intercités service to the city of Clermont-Ferrand, a scenic journey of around three and half hours, to the heart of the Auvergne region. Upon arrival we will make our way to our hotel, about a 5 to 10 minute stroll from the station. Overnight Aiden by Best Western Clermont-Ferrand or similar. (B)

After breakfast at the hotel enjoy a leisurely morning on your own in Clermont-Ferrand. Two of the city’s main attractions are within a short walk of the hotel, the city’s Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption: A striking Gothic cathedral built from black volcanic stone, dominating the city skyline with its impressive spires and Basilica of Notre-Dame du Port: A Romanesque church and UNESCO World Heritage site known for its intricate sculptures and serene interior. Later we will take the afternoon TER regional train south to the city of Nîmes. Although the journey is rather long, at around five hours, and the train lacks any catering, the journey offers a scenic and leisurely journey through the stunning Cévennes region of France, known for its dramatic landscapes. This route, known as the Cévennes line, seldom features on organised rail holidays, but is one of the most picturesque rail journeys in France, reaching heights of over 1,000 meters, with deep gorges, rugged mountains, viaducts, and quaint villages that seem frozen in time. We will arrive at our destination at around 6pm and walk the 5 minutes or so to our centrally located hotel where we will stay for two nights. Overnight Novotel Atria Nîmes Centre or similar. (B)

After a leisurely breakfast we will meet our local guide for a three to four hour walking tour of Nîmes. We begin with a visit to the Arènes de Nîmes, a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre where we can explore ancient architecture and enjoy views from the top tiers. Next, visit the Jardins de la Fontaine, a beautiful 18th-century garden built around Roman ruins, offering serene walks through terraces, fountains, and lush greenery. Finish at La Maison Carrée, an impeccably preserved Roman temple with its elegant columns and grand portico, providing a glimpse into the city’s rich ancient past. After the tour the remainder of the afternoon will be free to explore more of the city on your own. Overnight Novotel Atria Nîmes Centre or similar. (B)

After breakfast we will make our way back to the railway station and take a late morning train to Marseille – a journey of just over an hour. Upon arrival at the city’s Saint-Charles station we will leave our luggage at the left-luggage facility, allowing us time to explore the city on our own. Later we will meet back at the station for a road transfer to the ferry terminal. At around 5pm we will check-in for our overnight Corsica Linea ferry crossing to Bastia, located on the northeastern coast of Corsica. Our accommodation onboard will be in private outside (window), en-suite cabins. Dinner will be served in the ship’s a la carte restaurant, followed the next morning by a self-service breakfast. Overnight ferry including dinner and breakfast. (BD)

Corsica Linea Ferry

Corsica Linea ferries offer a comfortable and reliable way to travel between mainland France and the island of Corsica. The ferries are well-equipped with a range of amenities to make the journey pleasant, including en-suite cabins and dining options that feature both self-service and à la carte restaurants with Mediterranean cuisine.

Although you can look forward to a relaxing voyage, it is important to understand that these are very much working ferries, often with a focus on freight traffic rather than passenger business. Therefore, those who have travelled on ferries serving Scandinavian destinations or on longer routes from the UK, might be a little disappointed, as these particular services offer a wider range of facilities including more dining options and live entertainment. Very importantly our crossing to Corsica should not be compared to a cruise.

Our ferry is scheduled to dock at around 7am and after disembarkation we will walk the 15 to 20 minutes to our hotel, or if you prefer your tour leader will organise a taxi. Our rooms are guaranteed for an early check-in, so we suggest you freshen up and get some rest before we set off to explore the city. At around 10:30 we will meet a local guide for a two-hour walking tour. We visit the vibrant Old Port with its colourful fishing boats and stunning coastal views. Ascend to the historic Citadel for panoramic vistas, then descend to Place Saint-Nicolas, a bustling square filled with cafes and pastel facades. Visit the Baroque Church of St. John the Baptist and wind through the charming cobblestone streets of the Old Town, where the city’s rich history comes to life. After the tour continue to explore on your own or return to the hotel to relax. Overnight Best Western Montecristo Bastia or similar. (B)

After a leisurely breakfast we will check-out of the hotel and make our way on foot, about a 10-minute walk, to the railway station and board a late morning train which will take us across the island to the Corsican capital, Ajaccio located on the western coast. Known as the ‘Trinighellu’ the journey which takes just under three hours, offers a stunning and scenic ride through Corsica’s mountainous heartland. The route winds through lush valleys, dramatic gorges, and dense forests, crossing over high bridges and passing through tunnels that showcase the island’s rugged and picturesque landscape. Upon arrival in Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, we will make our way on foot, a five-minute walk to our hotel where we will check-in for a two-night stay. Get some rest and perhaps enjoy the hotel’s pool, before we explore the city the next morning. Overnight Mercure Ajaccio Hotel or similar. (B)

At around 10:00 we will meet our local guide and set off on a morning walking tour to discover the Corsican capital. Stroll along atmospheric streets lined with pastel-coloured buildings. Discover key landmarks, including the exterior of Maison Bonaparte, Napoleon’s ancestral home, and marvel at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, a stunning example of Genoese baroque architecture. Visit Ajaccio’s cultural and historical treasures, with stops at picturesque squares, artisan shops, and bustling cafes before we return to our hotel or explore more of the city on your own. Overnight Mercure Ajaccio Hotel or similar. (B)

After breakfast, we drive about two and a half hours to the southern port town of Bonifacio for our ferry across to Sardinia. Bonifacio is a spectacular town perched high on cliffs on a narrow spit of land. The attractive lower town stands beside a serene harbour of working boats and small cruisers, from where we will catch a mid-afternoon ferry for the one-hour crossing to Santa Teresa Gallura. Once we have reached the Sardinian side we will be met at the port and transferred by road, a journey of about two hours, to Alghero, located on the island’s northwestern coast. Check-in at our centrally located hotel for a two-night stay. Overnight Alma di Alghero Hotel. (B)

After breakfast we will meet our local guide and explore Alghero on a morning walking tour starting at the picturesque Porto Di Alghero, followed by a visit to the historic Piazza Civica, once the hub of aristocratic life. Discover the old Jewish Quarter, admire the mixed architectural styles of the 16th-century Cattedrale di Santa Maria, stroll along the scenic sea walls of Affacci a mare, and end at the Torre di Porta Terra, a 14th-century tower with ties to the city’s Jewish community. After the tour we will visit an historic wine cellar to learn about the island’s wine production and sample some of the local wines. After a break of a couple of hours or so, and the chance to have lunch (at own expense), we will meet up with another local guide and set off from Alghero by 4×4 vehicle to explore the island’s interior. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes, spot wild animals, and visit an archaeological park to uncover the ancient Nuragic civilization. Try to spot griffon vultures, and relax by a beach while tasting local wines, Sardinian salami, pecorino cheese, and Carasau bread before we head back to our hotel to arrive around 7 or 8pm. Overnight Alma di Alghero Hotel. (B)

After breakfast we will make our way on foot, less than a 5-minute walk, to the railway station where we will board a train to the town of Sassari, for an onward connection south to Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital and largest city. The scenic journey of around four hours offers a leisurely ride through Sardinia’s diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, rugged coastlines, and quaint rural towns. Upon arrival in Cagliari, we will make our way on foot, about a 15 to 20-minute walk to our centrally located hotel, or if you prefer your tour leader will organise a taxi. After checking in for our two-night stay the remainder of the afternoon and evening will be free for you to explore the city on your own or to relax at our comfortable 5-star hotel. Overnight Hotel Palazzo Doglio or similar. (B)

After breakfast meet our local guide for a three to four-hour walking tour of the Sardinian capital. Visits include several historic landmarks, starting with the Royal Palace, a fourteenth-century building that served as the Viceroy’s seat and underwent various restorations, including its staircase and façade. Next, explore the Torre dell’Elefante, a fortified tower built in 1307 by Pisa to defend against Aragon threats, notable for its limestone construction and historical military significance. The tour continues to the Bastion Saint Remy, an imposing structure with a panoramic terrace, built on medieval walls and restored after WWII bomb damage. Lastly, visit Porta Cristina, a neoclassical gate that connects Buoncammino Avenue to Arsenale Square, inspired by Rome’s Porta Angelica and dedicated to Maria Cristina of Bourbon. After the tour explore more of Cagliari on your own or return to the hotel to relax with the remainder of the afternoon. For the evening, we will meet at the hotel at 7pm and set off by taxi to the home of a local family. There we will be given a demonstration of fresh pasta making in which we can participate, followed by dinner including local wines. Return to our hotel by taxi. Overnight Hotel Palazzo Doglio or similar. (BD)

After breakfast, we meet our local guide for a four-hour morning excursion to explore the Campidano plain and Marmilla region, passing wheat fields, olive crops, and round hills adorned with springtime wildflowers. We visit Su Nuraxi, a UNESCO World Heritage site from the Nuraghi culture, where we explore ancient towers, walls, and the village, including a climb through narrow corridors of the main structure. Passing by Poetto Beach, we pause to enjoy the view of the Devil’s Saddle and have a coffee like the locals. At Parco Naturale Molentargius-Saline, we observe pink flamingos and other wildlife, before taking a panoramic photo stop at Monte Urpinu, with views over the medieval districts of Cagliari and the Gulf of the Angels. Return to Cagliari with time for lunch (at own expense), before meeting at the hotel at 3pm, for a transfer to the city’s port. Check-in for Grimaldi Line’s weekly sailing to Palermo, Sicily which departs at 5pm. Onboard we will enjoy dinner served in the ship’s a la carte restaurant, followed the next morning by a self-service breakfast. Our accommodation will be in private outside (window), en-suite cabins. Overnight ferry including dinner and breakfast. (BD)

Early morning arrival in Palermo. After breakfast we will disembark from the ship and by taxis arranged by the tour leader, make our way to our centrally located hotel for a two-night stay, and where rooms will be guaranteed for our early arrival. After getting some rest, at around 11am, we will meet our local guide and set off for a Sicilian street food tour. Explore backstreet markets and food stalls specialising in local delicacies like stuffed rice balls and chickpea fritters as our guide tells us about the history and culture of Palermo. As part of our tour, we will be invited to taste several different foods (equivalent to a full lunch) and three alcoholic beverages. After a few hours in the afternoon to relax or get some rest, by taxi we will head out for dinner. As in Cagliari we will be invited to a local’s home for a traditional Italian meal. There will be the option to help prepare the meal while enjoying a glass (or two) of Sicilian wine. Enjoy a four-course meal including starter, pasta, main course with side dish, and dessert before returning to our hotel. Overnight Massimo Plaza Hotel or similar. (BLD)

After breakfast, we will meet our local guide and set off for a full-day excursion, including lunch which we will enjoy at a local winery or farm. Our first stop is Erice, a beautifully preserved medieval town perched 751 meters above sea level, offering stunning views and the historic Castello di Venere. Next, we visit Marsala, known for its famous Marsala wine and the historic docking of Giuseppe Garibaldi during the Expedition of the Thousand in 1860. Finally, we explore the Saline of the Laguna Marsala, where salt marshes and traditional mills create a magical landscape. Return to Palermo by late afternoon. Overnight Massimo Plaza Hotel or similar. (BL)

After breakfast we will meet our driver/guide and set off on the journey to Siracusa which takes us through the picturesque Sicilian countryside, with its rolling hills, olive groves, and charming rural landscapes. Along the way, we will stop at the Villa Romana del Casale near Piazza Armerina, a splendid Roman villa renowned for its stunning and well-preserved mosaics that vividly depict scenes of ancient Roman life, mythology, and nature. After exploring the villa, we continue our drive, with views of Mount Etna gracing the horizon on a clear day and enjoy the scenic coastal vistas as we approach Siracusa, aiming to arrive around 4pm. Please note that lunch is not included in today’s arrangements, but food and drinks can be purchased during the stop at the villa. After checking at our 5-star hotel the remainder of the afternoon and evening will be at leisure for you to relax. Overnight Ortea Palace Hotel, Sicily, Autograph Collection or similar. (B)

After a leisurely breakfast we meet our local guide at the ancient Greek Apollo Temple, a short stroll from our hotel, to begin a walking tour of Siracusa, uncovering its rich history, culture, and daily life. We will visit the UNESCO-listed Cathedral Square with its baroque Cathedral, Palazzo Beneventano, and St. Lucy’s Church, a Norman monument. The tour continues to Arethusa Fountain, linked to the myth of the nymph Arethusa, then through the Jewish Quarter and Via Maestranza, lined with noble homes, before reaching Archimedes Square with the Fountain of Diana. The tour ends at the lively local market, where we will be invited to sample some of the excellent local wines and enjoy a simple lunch including bruschetta, meat and cheese delicacies. Following the tour, we will return to our hotel, where we will meet a driver to take us to the small port town of Pozzallo, located about an hour’s drive south of Siracusa. From Pozzallo we will take an early evening catamaran operated by Virtu Ferries to the Maltese capital Valletta. During the two-hour crossing food and drinks can be purchased onboard. Upon arrival in Valletta, we will be met at the ferry terminal and transferred by road to our 5-star hotel where we will check in for a two-night stay. Overnight The Phoenicia Malta or similar. (B)

After a leisurely breakfast we will meet our local tour and begin a three-hour walking tour of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage site founded by the Knights of St. John in the 1500s and explores the city’s rich history and architectural heritage. Guided by an expert, will visit landmarks like Parliament House, the ruins of the Royal Opera House, Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens, Auberge d’Italie, St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Great Siege Monument, St. George Square, Grandmaster’s Palace, and more. Along the way, we will hear intriguing stories about life in the city, including what it was like to be a patient at the Holy Infirmary or a galley slave, and whether the knights always adhered to their vows. After the tour we will return to our hotel or explore more of the city on your own. Overnight The Phoenicia Malta or similar. (B)

Our tour ends today after check-out from the hotel. A transfer will be arranged to the airport to coincide with your departure. (B)