Malta & Sicily Discovery – 14-Day Self-Drive Tour
Explore Malta and Sicily on a 14-day self-drive journey, from Valletta and Gozo to Syracuse, Agrigento, Palermo and Mount Etna. Discover ancient temples, Baroque towns, coastal landscapes and authentic Mediterranean traditions at your own pace.
Highlights
- Explore Malta and Gozo at Your Own Pace
- Discover Coastal Sicily and Mount Etna
- Journey Through Sicily's Ancient and Baroque Heritage
Overview
Begin your adventure in Malta, where the fortified streets of Valletta, the medieval atmosphere of Mdina and the island's prehistoric temples reveal centuries of history. Explore picturesque fishing villages, dramatic coastal viewpoints and the quieter landscapes of Gozo, with the freedom to discover each destination at your own pace.
Continue your journey in Sicily, where a different world of cultural influences and natural beauty awaits. From Syracuse and the island of Ortigia, travel through the elegant Baroque towns of Noto, Modica and Ragusa, where elaborate architecture, historic streets and local food traditions reflect the distinctive character of southeastern Sicily.
Venture inland to admire the magnificent Roman mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale and the ancient Greek temples of Agrigento before exploring western Sicily's salt pans, coastal villages and medieval hilltop towns. Discover the historic streets and lively markets of Palermo, then follow the northern coast towards Cefalù.
The final part of your journey introduces Sicily's spectacular eastern landscapes. Explore Taormina, with its ancient theatre overlooking the Ionian Sea, and discover the volcanic scenery of Mount Etna. Along the way, enjoy opportunities to sample regional specialities, from traditional Maltese pastries to Sicilian chocolate, wines and local cuisine.
Designed for independent travellers who appreciate flexibility, cultural discovery and scenic driving routes, this journey offers the opportunity to explore two islands with distinct identities, connected by centuries of Mediterranean history.
With accommodation arranged along the route, Malta & Sicily Discovery combines the freedom of independent travel with a carefully structured itinerary, leaving you time to enjoy the places and experiences that interest you most.
Day by day
- 1
Day 1
Arrival in Malta and First Impressions of Valletta
Arrive at Malta International Airport and make your own way to the accommodation in the Valletta area according to your confirmed travel arrangements. After check-in, enjoy a relaxed introduction to Malta's capital, depending on your flight arrival time. Walk through Valletta's historic streets and, if time permits, admire the Grand Harbour from Upper Barrakka Gardens. Further visits, including St John's Co-Cathedral or the Grand Master's Palace, can be planned for another opportunity depending on opening hours. Dinner is at leisure and is not included.
VallettaValletta area - 2
Day 2
Mdina, Rabat and Dingli Cliffs
After breakfast, collect your rental car if this is the agreed collection day. Drive towards Mdina, Malta's former capital, and explore its atmospheric lanes and viewpoints. Continue to neighbouring Rabat, where you may visit St Paul's Catacombs if you wish, subject to opening hours and admission fees. In the afternoon, enjoy the scenery at Dingli Cliffs before returning to the Valletta area. Allow extra time for parking and remember that traffic in Malta drives on the left. Meals other than breakfast are at leisure.
Mdina; Rabat; Dingli CliffsBreakfastValletta area - 3
Day 3
Prehistoric Malta: Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra
After breakfast, discover the prehistoric monuments of southern Malta. Visit the Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra temple complexes, overlooking the Mediterranean coastline. Follow the marked paths and take time to appreciate the island's remarkable megalithic heritage. The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum may be visited only if tickets have been reserved well in advance for an available time slot; it is not a guaranteed inclusion and its limited admission can affect the day's order. Return to the Valletta area at your own pace. Entrance tickets and meals other than breakfast are not included.
Ħaġar Qim; MnajdraBreakfastValletta area - 4
Day 4
Gozo at Your Own Pace
Start after breakfast and drive to the ferry terminal for the crossing to Gozo. Ferry fares and vehicle carriage are subject to the confirmed rental terms and are not included unless stated otherwise. On Gozo, explore Victoria's Citadel and the countryside around the island. Depending on your interests and available time, continue to Ta' Pinu Sanctuary, Ramla Bay or the Tal-Mixta viewpoint. Enjoy lunch at leisure, then return by ferry to Malta and drive back to your Valletta-area accommodation. Check sailing conditions and allow sufficient time for the return crossing.
Gozo; Victoria; Ta' Pinu; Ramla BayBreakfastValletta area - 5
Day 5
From Malta to Syracuse
After breakfast, return your rental vehicle in Malta at the agreed location and travel to Malta International Airport. Take your separately arranged flight to Catania; the flight is not currently listed among the package inclusions. On arrival, collect the rental car arranged for the Sicilian portion of your journey and drive to your accommodation in Syracuse. Depending on arrival time, enjoy an easy evening stroll in Ortigia or relax after the transfer. Do not plan fixed archaeological visits on this travel day. Check the different rental conditions for Malta and Italy before departure.
Malta Airport; Catania Airport; SyracuseBreakfastSyracuse - 6
Day 6
Syracuse: Ancient Neapolis and Ortigia
After breakfast, discover Syracuse, one of the most significant cities of the ancient Greek world. Begin at the Neapolis Archaeological Park, where the Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre and Ear of Dionysius reveal layers of history. Continue to Ortigia, Syracuse's historic island centre. Explore Piazza Duomo, the narrow lanes, seafront and Fountain of Arethusa at a comfortable pace. Leave time for a leisurely lunch and enjoy the evening independently. Admission tickets are payable locally unless specified in the booking confirmation.
Neapolis Archaeological Park; OrtigiaBreakfastSyracuse - 7
Day 7
Noto, Modica and Ragusa Ibla
Enjoy a self-drive excursion through southeastern Sicily's UNESCO-listed Baroque landscapes. Begin in Noto, with its elegant cathedral square and golden-stone buildings. Continue to Modica, known for its hillside streets and traditional chocolate-making heritage; tasting opportunities are independent and payable locally. Spend the afternoon in Ragusa Ibla, where churches, palaces and small squares create one of Sicily's most distinctive historic settings. Return to Syracuse for your third night. This is a full sightseeing day: choose shorter visits or omit a stop if you prefer a slower pace.
Noto; Modica; Ragusa IblaBreakfastSyracuse - 8
Day 8
Roman Mosaics and the Valley of the Temples
Check out after breakfast and drive inland towards Piazza Armerina. Visit Villa Romana del Casale, celebrated for its exceptionally preserved Roman mosaics. Continue west towards Agrigento, allowing time for lunch along the way. In the afternoon, explore the Valley of the Temples according to the site's opening hours and available daylight. If the timetable is tight, arrange the archaeological visit for a suitable time rather than rushing. Check into your accommodation in the Agrigento area for the night. Caltagirone is not included in today's main route because adding it would make the drive unnecessarily demanding.
Piazza Armerina; AgrigentoBreakfastAgrigento area - 9
Day 9
Marsala, Salt Pans and Trapani
After breakfast, leave Agrigento and follow the route towards western Sicily. Continue to the Marsala area, where you can explore the historic centre and arrange an optional visit to a local winery; tastings are not included unless booked separately. Admire the landscapes of the salt pans around the Stagnone lagoon or Trapani, then continue to your accommodation in Trapani. Spend the evening exploring the old town and its waterfront at leisure.
Marsala; Stagnone Lagoon; TrapaniBreakfastTrapani - 10
Day 10
Erice or an Optional Day on Favignana
Choose how to spend your second day in the Trapani area. For a land-based day, visit hilltop Erice, with its medieval streets, sweeping views and traditional pastry shops, then return to Trapani at leisure. Alternatively, take a ferry to Favignana in the Egadi Islands and enjoy the island independently; this option depends on sea conditions, sailing times and the rental-car parking arrangements in Trapani. Do not attempt both a full Favignana visit and a complete Erice excursion on the same day. Ferry tickets and optional activities are not included.
Erice; optional FavignanaBreakfastTrapani - 11
Day 11
San Vito Lo Capo, the Zingaro Coast and Palermo
After breakfast, travel towards San Vito Lo Capo and enjoy its coastal scenery. If weather, trail access and your interests allow, take a short walk in or near the Zingaro Nature Reserve; entry is subject to the reserve's current access conditions. Choose a manageable route rather than planning a full traverse on a transfer day. Continue to Palermo, return to city sightseeing at your own pace and check into your hotel for the night. Explore a historic market or the surrounding streets if time permits.
San Vito Lo Capo; Zingaro Nature Reserve; PalermoBreakfastPalermo - 12
Day 12
Palermo to Catania via Cefalù
Depart Palermo after breakfast and follow the northern coast towards Cefalù. Explore the historic centre and admire the Norman Cathedral before enjoying some free time by the waterfront. Continue east on the motorway to Catania and check into your accommodation for the final two nights. If arrival time permits, take an evening walk around Piazza Duomo and Via Etnea. Taormina is deliberately reserved for the next day, avoiding an overpacked transfer programme.
Cefalù; CataniaBreakfastCatania - 13
Day 13
Mount Etna and Taormina
Today explore two highlights of eastern Sicily. After breakfast, drive towards Mount Etna's southern visitor area around Rifugio Sapienza, subject to weather, volcanic activity and road conditions. Admire the accessible Silvestri Craters and surrounding lava landscapes. Higher-altitude excursions require separate tickets, suitable conditions and specialist arrangements. Continue to Taormina for an afternoon stroll along Corso Umberto and, if opening times allow, a visit to the Ancient Theatre. Return to Catania for your final night. This is an active day, so leave early and allow flexibility for mountain conditions.
Mount Etna; TaorminaBreakfastCatania - 14
Day 14
Departure from Catania
Enjoy your final breakfast and check out of the hotel. Depending on your flight time, take a short walk in Catania or travel directly to Catania Fontanarossa Airport. Return your rental car at the designated station, allowing time for refuelling, vehicle checks and flight procedures. Your Malta and Sicily self-drive journey ends here.
Catania AirportBreakfast
Accommodation
A centrally located hotel in Valletta's historic centre, with a rooftop pool and views over the city. A convenient base for independent exploration of Malta.
A modern hotel near Syracuse's Neapolis Archaeological Park, with comfortable rooms and convenient access to the historic centre and Ortigia.
A four-star coastal hotel in the San Leone area near Agrigento, surrounded by Mediterranean greenery and well placed for visiting the Valley of the Temples.
Trapani (Sicily)
Hotel Vittoria · 4
Nights 9–10 · BB
A centrally located hotel in Trapani, providing a practical base for discovering the old town, nearby salt pans and the coastline of western Sicily.
A four-star hotel near Piazza Politeama in central Palermo, conveniently situated for exploring the city's theatres, historic streets and markets.
An intimate guesthouse on Piazza Stesicoro in central Catania, close to Via Etnea and within walking distance of the city's historic landmarks.
Included
- 13 nights' accommodation in the selected properties or similar, according to the itinerary.
- 13 breakfasts at the accommodation.
- Two separate Category A2 rental cars (Fiat 500 or similar): one for the Malta portion and one for the Sicily portion of the journey, with the collection and return arrangements and rental periods specified in the confirmed proposal.
- Insurance coverage and 24-hour roadside assistance for both rental vehicles, subject to the terms, excesses, exclusions and conditions of each confirmed rental agreement.
Not included
- Flights to Malta, from Catania and the flight between Malta and Sicily, unless expressly included in the confirmed travel proposal.
- Any additional rental car or rental period not expressly covered by the confirmed travel proposal.
- Fuel, parking fees, road tolls, traffic fines and any rental extras or charges not specified as included in the rental agreement.
- Ferry tickets to and from Gozo, including vehicle carriage, unless expressly included in the confirmed travel proposal.
- All lunches and dinners, beverages and food tastings unless expressly included in the confirmed travel proposal.
- Local accommodation or tourist taxes, where applicable.
- Admission tickets to museums, archaeological sites, monuments, churches and attractions.
- Optional excursions, organised activities and additional transport not explicitly included.
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities.
- Anything not expressly mentioned under Services Included.
Entrance fees & tickets
- Entrance tickets are not included in the package price and are payable locally or booked separately, as applicable.
- Malta: St John's Co-Cathedral and other paid sites in Valletta; St Paul's Catacombs in Rabat; Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples; Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum (optional, subject to advance reservation and strict availability); Victoria Citadel attractions and other paid sites on Gozo.
- Sicily: Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse; any paid monuments in Ortigia; Villa Romana del Casale near Piazza Armerina; Valley of the Temples in Agrigento; Zingaro Nature Reserve where admission is required; Ancient Theatre of Taormina; and any other paid attractions chosen during the self-drive itinerary.
- Admission fees, opening times and reservation requirements can change. No fixed entrance prices are guaranteed in this itinerary.
Good to know
- Insider tip
- Plan the major archaeological visits early in the day, especially during summer, and allow extra time for parking outside historic centres. Book the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum well in advance if you wish to visit, as admission is strictly limited. In western Sicily, choose between a relaxed day in Erice and a ferry excursion to Favignana rather than attempting both in full. For an authentic break, try pastizzi in Malta, Modica chocolate in southeastern Sicily and local pastries in Erice; these tastings are independent and not included.
- Accessibility
- This is an independent self-drive itinerary involving driving, vehicle collection and return, ferries or flights between destinations, and walking in historic towns, archaeological parks and natural areas. Some locations have steep streets, steps, cobbled surfaces, uneven paths or limited parking access. The optional Zingaro walks and Mount Etna's volcanic terrain may be unsuitable for guests with reduced mobility.
Adapted rental vehicles, accessible hotel rooms, step-free routes and assistance cannot be assumed to be available. Travellers with accessibility requirements should contact Great Sicily before confirming the booking so that the suitability of the itinerary, accommodation and rental vehicles can be checked individually. - What to bring
- - Valid passport or identity document accepted for travel to Malta and Italy, and a valid driving licence for every designated driver.
- Payment card accepted by both rental companies, in the name of the main driver, for any required deposit.
- Travel documents, rental confirmations and flight details, in digital or printed form.
- Comfortable walking shoes for historic centres, archaeological sites and uneven streets.
- Lightweight clothes, sun protection and a hat, plus a warm layer and windproof jacket for Mount Etna.
- Reusable water bottle, small day bag and personal medication.
- Suitable clothing for religious sites; swimwear and beach shoes if travelling in a warmer season.
- Phone with navigation and charging cable or power bank. - Important information
- - The package is designed for independent travellers and does not include a tour escort or guided visits.
- The itinerary includes two separate rental cars, one for Malta and one for Sicily. Confirmed vehicle categories, rental periods, insurance conditions, excesses, security deposits, driver requirements and collection/return locations will be provided in the travel proposal and rental documents.
- Driving is on the left in Malta and on the right in Sicily. Drivers must comply with local traffic rules, parking restrictions and limited-traffic zones (ZTL).
- The Malta–Catania flight is not included unless expressly stated in the confirmed proposal. Flight availability and timings determine the arrangements on Day 5.
- Gozo ferry tickets, including vehicle carriage, are excluded unless specifically stated otherwise. Check that the Maltese rental agreement permits taking the vehicle to Gozo.
- Accommodation is provided for 13 nights on a bed-and-breakfast basis. Lunches and dinners are not included.
- Entrance fees, optional visits and activities, fuel, parking, tolls and local tourist taxes are excluded unless expressly included in the travel proposal.
- The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is an optional visit requiring advance booking and subject to restricted availability. Visits to monuments, reserves and volcanic areas depend on opening hours, weather, safety restrictions and access conditions.
- The self-drive route is suggested rather than a guaranteed timetable; travellers may adapt the pace while respecting booked accommodation and travel arrangements.
- Ensure that travel insurance and any required health or driving documentation are in place before departure.