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The Aeolian Islands, Sicily and Malta, pearls of the Mediterranean
3 stops
7 nights
286 miles
Sizilien und die beiden benachbarten Inselgruppen, die äolischen Inseln im Norden und Malta im Süden, sind wie ein historisches Kondensat des Mittelmeers: von ihren Küsten bis hin zu den Berghängen, hier erlebt man den Nachhall der Geschichte und begegnet den Spuren der Phönizier, der alten Griechen und Römer. Die Aussicht auf das Meer ist immer dabei...
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Departure
Recommended duration : 2 nights
Mdina - Malta
Things to do, see, and discover
During your stay
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In the footsteps of Olof Gollcher, Palazzo Falson
Some call it the ‘silent city'. Mdina, a fortified town, takes its name from Arabic. Its shady alley ways still evoke the time of the knights. A visit to Palazzo Falson, splendid and ancient medieval palace, the home of artist and philanthropist Olof Gollcher, offers an unexpected insight into local history and culture. His collections of paintings, carpets and weapons take you on an astonishing journey…
During your stay
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Sliema and Valletta ferry crossing
The best view of Europe's smallest capital is from the sea. (Re)discover Valletta from Sliema in the dusky light, when the sun begins to embrace the limestone rock of the town's oldest buildings, This unusual town was founded by the Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem between the XVIth and XVIIth centuries.
On the road
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The Remains of Syracuse
More than the place itself, the name of Syracuse is all that is needed to transport travelers to another time. In its heyday, the city founded by the Corinthians was even richer than Athens. Today, the Greek remains rise above fields of citrus fruits and the columns of ancient temples still stand against the baroque style of the cathedral. To meander around Syracuse is to turn back in time and visit the past civilizations…
On the road
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La Chiesa del Purgatorio, Ragusa Ibla
You must visit la Chiesa del Purgatorio to understand the history of Ragusa Ibla. This little church is one of the only buildings to have survived the terrible earthquake which took the town off the map in 1693. The town is today dominated by the splendid San Giorgio cathedral from the top of the land hills. The old town and its network of medieval alleyways lead visitors towards the heart of Sicily…
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175 milesBoat
Recommended duration : 2 nights
Zafferana Etnea - Sicily
Things to do, see, and discover
During your stay
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Attend a concert at the Teatro Greco (Taormina)
Overlooking the city, the remarkable Teatro Greco built in the 3rd century BC. has successfully withstood the test of time. Its tiered seating, partially carved into the rock itself, can accommodate up to 10,000 spectators, which is nearly the entire local population. During the summer, the locals “climb up” to the amphitheater to enjoy rock concerts, opera singing, and movie screenings. A unique location with a view of the sea and Mt. Etna...
During your stay
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Climb the slopes of Mt. Etna
The highest active volcano in Europe, Mt. Etna's peak rises nearly 11,000 feet above the sea. Climbing the south face from the Sapienza refuge leads to a stunning series of craters. Here, you'll proceed through a lunar landscape between piles of volcanic rock. The difficulty of the climb makes it all the more beautiful. Before attempting the ascent, be sure to check the current volcanic activity and the weather forecast. It's better (and much more interesting) to be accompanied by a guide.
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111 milesBoat
Recommended duration : 3 nights
Malfa - Salina
Things to do, see, and discover
During your stay
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A unique wine, Malvasia, Salina
The island of Salina is the greenest of the Aeolian Islands and it used to be known as the garden of the archipelago famous for its wild capers and liquor-like wine, Malvasia. The sweet, amber coloured wine, made from malvasia grapes and red grapes from Corinth, is appreciated particularly as an aperitif, with cheese or desert. It can be tasted in the cellars of the vineyards of Malfa.
During your stay
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In the footsteps of Ingrid Bergman, Stromboli
Masterpiece of neo-realist Italian cinema, the film ‘Stromboli' allowed the entire world to discover the eponymous island. Volcanic, arid and majestic, Stromboli was also the site of the forbidden love between the sublime actress and Roberto Rossellini, the film's director. Climb the slopes of the volcano to lose yourself in the alleyways of Ginostra, a must-see for film lovers…
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