HIGHLIGHTS

Set within the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, the islands of Malta and Sicily are lush and historic. In Sicily, experience Greek ruins in rich valleys blanketed in scented oleander and juniper blossoms. In Malta, succumb to the allure of awe-inspiring megaliths, medieval towers and Baroque churches. These mythical islands feel like open-air museums. Allow your worries to slip away as you gaze out over shimmering azure waters and traverse jagged coastlines dotted with unspoiled beaches and hidden coves. Drive along rugged seascapes and stop to stroll through fresh fish markets along the way. Join PQA as we immerse ourselves in the splendor and history of these two islands!
 

June 28:  Depart the USA or your home country to  Catania, Italy (CTA)

June 29:  Sicily, Italy

Arrive in the early afternoon and transfer to your host hotel in Siracusa (1 hr drive)  Check in to yost hotel: Hotel Cavalir for 3 nights. Group dinner is included at a local restaurant.  (D) 

June 30:  Sicily—Siracusa

After breakfast, we explore and photograph the  UNESCO World Heritage site with its impressive ancient Greek Theater before heading to the nearby island of Ortygia. This tiny town is packed with 2,500 years of history and houses arguably one of the most beautiful piazzas in all of Italy, awash in white limestone. The Cathedral, built on the site of an ancient Temple of Athena, has been described as “all of Sicily in a single building.” It was built as a Greek temple, expanded by the Romans, converted by the Byzantines into a basilica, made into a mosque by the Arabs, added onto by the Normans, adorned by the Spanish—and these elements remain visible today, 25 centuries after it was built. (B,D) 

July 1:  Sicily—Ragusa

Arise to enjoy sunrise photos at leisure followed by breakfast. After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll head to one of the most picturesque hill towns in Sicily—Ragusa. We’ll explore and photograph the ancient part of town, Ragusa Ibla, a fantastical labyrinth of crooked lanes and tiny piazzas set amid a cascade of terracotta roofs.

After lunch visit and photograph Modica historical centre and its baroque churches,  We will also do a chocolate tasting. Arrive back to Siracusa for dinner and sunset. (B,L)

July 2: Sicily-Catania-Aci Trezza-Malta 

Arise to enjoy sunrise photos followed by breakfast at the hotel. Check out of our hotel and depart for Catania.

The historical town of Catania is situated on the east coast of Sicily, lying between Messina and Syracuse. It lies at the foot of Mount Etna which has led to the destruction of parts of the city in the past but also accounts for the very fertile land around Catania. Catania is an active port town and the second largest city in Sicily.

 Free time for lunch and to spend time at the famous Catania food market in the Piazza Carlo Alberto. After lunch photograph the small fishing village of Aci Trezza which has a lively seafront. Arrive at the Catania Airport to depart for Malta by 7:00pm. Arrive b10pm0 and be transferred to your host hotel Le Meridien.

July 3: Malta-Valetta

Arise to enjoy sunrise photos followed by breakfast at the hotel.
Visit the Capital City Valletta with guide for a tour to include the following sites for photo stops: Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens, Valletta Gates and steps, Republic Street, For St. Elmo, Strait Street, Theatre Street
Afternoon visto the Three Cities of Malta to capture the back streets of VittoriosTake in some of Malta's historical highlights. Visit the imposing Church of St Lawrence and the Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa before continuing to Senglea for a panoramic view of the Grand Harbour and its fortifications. This afternoon we board a delightful cruise for magnificent sea views of the island’s impressive fortifications and Grand Harbour.

(cont.)

Mdina, Malta's old capital city, includes a visit to the Cathedral and the catacombs in Rabat. We finish at Ta' Qali Crafts Village where you can admire the local artisans at work and find some souvenirs.
Dinner and sunset at Ghajn Tuffieha and night photos of Mdina (B,L,D)

July 4: Marsaxlokk

Arise to enjoy sunrise photos followed by breakfast at the hotel  Return to Mdina for morning photo.

Drive south to visit the pretty fishing village of Marsaxlokk - its waterfront lined with ‘Luzzus' painted in traditional reds, blues, and yellows. This peaceful bay was once the site of the first Turkish landing during the great siege of 1565. Take time to browse the local market stalls. Photograph the Blue Grotto - a cathedral in stone, famous for its crystal clear water with beautiful colours passing through it.

After lunch visit the Hagar Qim Temple Site and a walking tour from the Dingli Cliffs to Fawwara to take in countryside photos
This evening photos at the Village Patron Saint Festa - food, fireworks, praying, statue, bands, confetti, and more. (B,D) 
 
July 5: Wardija Village, St. Agatha Tower and Mgarr

Arise to enjoy sunrise photos with boxed breakfast as we check out of the hotel and head north Locations visited today include Wardija Village, St. Agatha Tower and Mgarr. An included lunch and food tastings in a private olive grove. Ferry to Gozo Island and visit some country side locations
Check into ourst hotel: Ta' Cenc Hotel for 2 nights

Have an early dinner at 6:30pm at Xlendi Bay followed by sunset photos at the Azure Window. (B,L,D) 

July 6: Xwejni Salt Pans

Arise to enjoy sunrise photos at the Xwejni Salt Pans followed by breakfast at the hotel.

Today's inclusion will be an eco and village tour to include craftsmen and woman in their daily life. Also included will be a back streets walking tour of Victoria and an included lunch Dinner is included near the hotel at the Sannat Cliffs. (B,L,D) 

July 7: Gozo Island 

Depart Gozo Island by ferry for Malta and be transferred directly to the airport. This day may be altered depending on the departure flight time.  (B)

ADAM JONES

Adam has been photographing for over 30 years and has worked as a full time nature and travel photographer for the past 19 years. He travels extensively around the world leading his own photography tours and workshops. As a tour leader, he is widely known for his friendly practical nuts and bolts approach to solving problems in the field and sharing his enthusiasm and expertise with others.

Adam's award-winning images are widely published in magazines, posters, calendars, books, and in national advertising campaigns around the world for clients such as Canon, Ford, Eddie Bauer, Miller Beer and Honda.

Adam is recognized world wide as an outstanding stock photographer with his images represented by Getty Images, Corbis, Visuals Unlimited, Photo Researchers, and Danita Delimont Stock Photography. His work sells for editorial and commercial uses in over 50 countries. Adam's images are also featured in seven coffee table books.

Adam teaches photography workshops around the world helping students reach their full potential in the exciting world of digital photography. Considered to be one of the elite photographers in the world, Adam is proud to be sponsored by Canon as an "Explorer of Light." Adam is noted for his enthusiastic down to earth approach and his ability to communicate effectively with all skill levels.

Adam's website

Language

Malta has two official languages:  Maltese and English. Maltese is spoken by almost the entire population of Malta. Almost 90% of the population speak English. Italian was once the official language of Malta up to 1934, when it was replaced by Maltese and English. Interestingly, more Maltese people speak Italian now than when it was the official language (66% of the population now compared to 14% in 1931).

Religious Culture

If you decide to visit one of Malta’s beautiful churches, make sure you’ve dressed appropriately as a sign of respect. Shorts and t-shirts are fine for men, but women are expected to wear at least a short-sleeved top (rather than a sleeveless singlet). Also, please be quiet inside churches.

CURRENCY

Primarily the Euro. Credit cards like VISA, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted, as well as debit bank cards carrying the Cirrus logo.

Electricity

230 Volts, 50Hz. Plug type G (3-pin plugs, UK)

Weather

Average temperatures: 23º C (daytime, annually)

Religion

Roman Catholic