MALTA, SARDINIA & CORSICA

The tour starts at 4.00pm on Wednesday 4 September, at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, Valletta.

The tour ends after breakfast on Sunday 22 September, at Hôtel Des Gouverneurs, Bastia.

We meet tour leader Dr Estelle Lazer at 4.00pm in the hotel to embark on an orientation stroll of the local area, followed by an evening at leisure. Overnight Valletta

Built by the Knights of the Order of Saint John after their victory over the Turks in 1565, the UNESCO listed city of Valletta features massive bastion walls, designed to discourage any further invasion. Our half-day guided walking tour will take you to the Upper Barracca Gardens and St John’s Co-Cathedral, which holds, amongst its treasures, two paintings by Caravaggio – St Jerome and the vast Beheading of St John. Later, we visit the Neolithic temple complex at Tarxien, a site of extraordinary archaeological significance before journeying, in small groups, through an underground burial chamber at the Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni. This evening we enjoy a welcome dinner together in a local restaurant. Overnight Valletta (B, D)

Today we travel to the small island of Gozo to marvel at the ancient and awe-inspiring Ggantija Temples. The UNESCO world heritage listed site is home to a complete megalithic temple complex, part of which predates Stonehenge and the Pyramids. We also visit the fortified Citadella at Victoria, the pilgrimage site of Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary, and admire Gozo’s natural beauty at Xlendi Bay and Dwejra. Returning to Valletta, the evening is at leisure. Overnight Valletta (B, L)

This morning we head south to visit Malta’s oldest prehistoric site, Ghar Dalam. The cave and museum contain the skeletal remains of animals that were stranded and subsequently became extinct in Malta at the end of the Last Glacial Maximum. After a light lunch in the traditional fishing village of Marsaxlokk, we make our way to the beautiful ‘Three Cities’ – Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua. We will have time to explore the important historic sites, such as the Inquisitor’s Palace and St Lawrence Church, before returning to our hotel. Overnight Valletta (B, L, D)

Our full day tour begins with a visit to the impressive Mosta Dome, featuring a spectacular unsupported dome which dominates the skyline of Malta. Our next stop is the medieval walled town of Mdina, centre of the Maltese nobility, whose unique architecture was featured in Game of Thrones. We make our way around the narrow, labyrinthine streets of the city before stopping for lunch in a local trattoria. Heading back to Valletta we will stop at the picturesque Dingli cliffs before having an evening at leisure. Overnight Valletta (B, L)

This morning we depart Malta and take a flight to Sardinia. Upon arrival in colourful Cagliari, we will enjoy an afternoon walk together before having a relaxed dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight Cagliari (B, D)

Home to wealthy noble families, the Castello district is the oldest part of Cagliari, built by the Pisans in the early 13th century. After entering through its ancient doors, we make our way to the Bastione San Remy, which has spectacular views over the seafront, then wander past the art and antique shops of the Via Marmora to the cathedral. After a break for lunch, we spend the afternoon exploring the vast collection of artefacts housed in the National Archaeological Museum, such as the important Stele di Nora, the most ancient written document of western civilisation. The evening is at leisure. Overnight Cagliari (B)

Today we travel south to the ancient city of Nora, located in the Pula Archaeological Park. Founded by the Phoenicians in the 9th century BCE, the settlement was a crucial exchange point for merchants who wanted to sell their goods to Sardinia. After the Punic Wars, Romans colonised the Phoenician cities and Nora grew in prominence under their rule. Thanks to its strategic position and sheltered harbour, it grew to become the island’s most important city before being abandoned due to frequent pirate invasions. After exploring Nora and lunch at a beachfront restaurant, we will visit the idyllic village of Pula before returning to Cagliari. The evening will be at leisure. Overnight Cagliari (B, L)

This morning we join our coach and head north. Our first stop is the well-preserved Romanesque sanctuary church of Santa Maria. The church is built in the Pisan style and reflects the presence of the maritime empire of Pisa in Sardinia. Nearby is the unique town of San Sperate, which is attractively decorated with elaborate murals and sculptures. After a light lunch, we continue to the defensive towers of Su Nuraxi, Sardinia’s largest Bronze Age fortified village and a UNESCO World-Heritage site. In the afternoon we will visit the small coastal town of Santa Caterina di Pittinuri, famous for its crystal-clear water, before checking into our hotel and enjoying a relaxed dinner together. Overnight Santa Caterina (B, L, D)

Tharros, Sardinia’s most impressive Punic-Roman site, dating from the 8th century BCE, is dramatically located on a headland jutting into the sea. Amongst the Phoenician ruins are two necropoles and evidence of a mysterious Tophet – a sacred precinct in which over 5000 urns and 300 stone tablets have been found. After visiting Tharros we enjoy a lunch break at San Giovanni di Sinis before heading to the nearby town of Cabras. Here we visit the excellent archaeological museum before returning to Santa Caterina, with the evening at leisure. Overnight Santa Caterina (B, D)

On departure from Santa Caterina, we head to the superbly preserved sacred well at Santa Cristina. Dating to the Nuragic period, the impressive ritual site is evidence of the advanced nature of this prehistoric period. Afterwards we visit the Roman bath complex of Fordongianus, built around a hot spring in the first century CE, then drive along a charming country road to Bosa, perhaps Sardinia’s prettiest riverside town, where we will have free time to wander the ancient streets and enjoy the colourful architecture. This afternoon there is a stunning drive up the isolated western coast to Alghero, with views rivalling Italy’s famed Amalfi Coast. Tonight, we will have a relaxed dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight Alghero (B, D)

The historic city of Alghero displays a clear Spanish influence, and a form of Catalan dialect is still spoken. Our walking tour this morning takes us along the winding cobbled streets of the fortified old city, followed by a visit to the ancient burial chambers of Anghelu Ruju. There will be some free time this afternoon and depending on the weather, it may be possible to take an optional boat trip to the ‘Grotte di Nettuno’ – a fine network of limestone caves just to the north of Alghero (own expense). The evening is at leisure. Overnight Alghero (B)

This morning we depart Alghero and head north, passing by the emerald waters of Costa Smeralda, an exclusive holiday destination on Sardinia’s east coast, developed by the Aga Khan and now home to some of Europe’s most expensive residences. We then visit the ancient Nuragic sites near Arzhachena, including the ‘giant’s tomb’ of Coddu Veccju, a monumental grave with a circle of impressive monoliths. Upon arrival at Santa Teresa we will check in for our 5.00pm ferry to Bonifacio, Corsica. The approach to Bonifacio by water is spectacular and once settled, we will have a relaxed dinner in our hotel. Overnight Bonifacio (B, D)

Following a lecture in our hotel, a local guide shows us the highlights of Corsica’s picturesque capital, Bonifacio, named after Boniface II of Tuscany, who came here in 828 CE. Due to its strategic position, the settlement faced attack from Saracens, Pirates and fighting Pisan, Genoese and Spanish forces, all wanting to control the port and town perched atop the limestone cliffs. After our morning tour, the afternoon and evening are free. There are several walks near the town, or you might like to take a short cruise of the harbour and nearby islands (own expense). Overnight Bonifacio (B)

Today is spent traversing the rugged south-west corner of Corsica. We travel by coach to the medieval stronghold of Sartène, famous for its turbulent past saturated with stories of bloody vendettas, fierce banditry and recurrent conflict. After lunch we visit the mysterious megalithic warriors of Filitosa, Corsica’s most important prehistoric site. We arrive in Ajaccio in the late afternoon and will enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight Ajaccio (B, D)

Napoleon Bonaparte is Ajaccio’s most famous son, and the city makes the most of the connection. Following a lecture in our hotel, this morning’s tour takes us to Maison Bonaparte, Napoleon’s childhood home, now a museum dedicated to the Emperor and his family. We also visit the fine arts museum at nearby Palais Fesch, which was once home to Napoleon’s uncle, Cardinal Joseph Fesch. The cardinal was a major art collector, and many of his paintings are now to be found in the National Gallery, London, and The Louvre. The remaining collection includes many Italian masterpieces, such as works by Titian and Botticelli, as well as lesser-known Italian artists. After viewing the artworks we will venture into the Palace’s Chapelle Imperiale, containing the tombs of several members of the Bonaparte family. The evening is at leisure. Overnight Ajaccio (B)

This morning we embark on a spectacular drive, past massive granite cliffs, oak forests, and river valleys to Corsica’s central mountain range. Amidst the peaks perches the historic town of Corte, sitting at the geographic centre of Corsica. It is intimately connected to the island’s struggle for independence in the 18th century and, more recently, with Corsica’s cultural identity. Here we visit the Musèe de la Corse which explores Corsica’s complex history and colourful traditions. We then proceed to a lunch of traditional Corsican specialities before continuing to Bastia for an evening at leisure. Overnight Bastia (B, L)

On our final morning we explore the faded charm of Bastia. Named after its Genoese bastion, the traditional town features a lovely old port and elegant city squares. This afternoon we visit the small Roman archaeological site and Pisan church at Mariana, named after its founder, the Roman consul Marius. We then head to the hills to visit the Pisan Romanesque church of San Michele de Murato. The two-toned layering of stones (in this case limestone and serpentine) create a striking checkered effect. The late afternoon is at leisure before we enjoy a farewell meal in a local restaurant. Overnight Bastia (B, D)

Our tour concludes this morning after breakfast in our hotel. (B)

Hotels have been selected principally for their central location. All hotels are a comfortable 4- and 5-star standard.

Please note, our hotel in Bonifacio does not have an elevator (three-story hotel), so while porters will be on hand to assist with luggage, guests need to be comfortable with using the stairs throughout their stay.

• Valletta, Grand Hotel Excelsior (5 nights)

• Cagliari, Hotel Regina Margherita (3 nights)

• Santa Caterina, Hotel La Baja (2 nights)

• Alghero, Smy Carlos V Alghero (2 nights)

• Bonifacio, Hôtel Spa Le Genovese (2 nights)

• Ajaccio, Palazzu U Domu (2 nights)

• Bastia, Hotel Des Gouverneurs (2 nights)