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 27:  Depart for Catania, Italy (CTA)

June 28:  Arrive in Siracusa, Sicily

Arrive in the early afternoon and transfer to hotel in Siracusa. In the evening, enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

June 29:  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 Ortigia. This tiny town is packed with 2,500 years of history and arguably houses one of the most beautiful piazzas in all of Italy. Awash in white limestone, the Cathedral was built on the site of an ancient Temple of Athena, and has been described as “all of Sicily in a single building.”(B,D)

June 30:  Sicily (Ragusa)

Photograph sunrise, followed by breakfast at the hotel.

Later, visit Ragusa Ibla historical center, renowned for incredible baroque architecture. Break for group lunch, followed by visit to Modica historical center. Enjoy a chocolate tasting in Modica where we will sample traditional and natural chocolates from the area. 

Return to Siracusa for dinner followed by a sunset shoot. (B,L).

July 1:  Sicily - Catania-Aci Trezza - Malta

Photograph the sunrise, followed by breakfast at the hotel.

After hotel checkout, visit Catania historical center to enjoy the Piazza Duomo, Castello Ursino, and Piazza Stesicoro.

Free time for lunch to explore the famous Catania food market in the Piazza Carlo Alberto and photograph the famous fisherman's town called Acitrezza. In the evening depart for the airport  by 7:00pm.  Arrive in Malta by 22:00 and be transferred to your host hotel Le Meridien (5 Star) in St. Julians or similar. Dinner on own at hotel or at a nearby restaurant  (B)

July 2: Malta (Valletta)

Photograph the sunrise, followed by breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Marsaxlokk to photograph the Sunday Fish Market.  Photograph the capital of Malta, Valletta for a guided tour of numerous notable sites:  the upper and lower Barrakka Gardens, Valletta Gates, Republic Street, Fort St. Elmo, Straight Street and Theatre Street. 

(cont.)

In the afternoon, explore the Three Cities of Malta to photograph the back streets of Vittoriosa, then enjoy a Maltese Boat tour of the Grand Harbor. This evening photograph the Village Patron Saint Festa and its festival - food, fireworks, praying, statue, bands, confetti, and and traditional celebrations. (B,L)

July 3:  Malta (Valletta)

Wake early to enjoy the sunrise, followed by group breakfast at the hotel. Opportunity to return to Mdina in the morning for daylight photography. Photo tour of the Hagar Qim Temple Site. Photo opportunities include the Dingli Cliffs and the Fawwara countryside. Group dinner and sunset at Ghajn Tuffieh, followed by sunset and nighttime tour of Mdina (B,L,D)
 
July 4:  Valletta to Gozo Island

This morning, catch a ferry to Gozo Island. Photograph craftsmen and women in their daily life in an eco village. We will photograph and explore the backstreets of Victoria to capture great street scenes.  This evening, catch a ferry back . Enjoy a final farewell dinner, in a very remote location, not known by many. (B,L,D)

July 5:  Depart back home.

Transfer to the airport and depart for home.

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

ABOUT MALTA

The republic of Malta is a small country in the Mediterranean (Europe), is a member state of the European Union (EU) and consists of three larger islands, namely Malta, Gozo and Comino. Malta is home to ancient Megalithic Temples. These are some of the oldest man-made structures in the world, with some thought to have been built back in 3600 BC, over 5000 years ago. This makes them older than the pyramids in Egypt, the Great Wall of China, and Stonehenge in England.

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