MALTA, SARDINIA & CORSICA

Day 1 | Wednesday 30 September
Arrive Valletta
In the afternoon we meet our tour leader in the hotel to embark on an orientation stroll of the local area, followed by an evening at leisure. Overnight Valletta

Day 2 | Thursday 1 October
Valletta
Built by the Knights of the Order of St 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)

Day 3 | Friday 2 October
Gozo
Today we travel by ferry 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. Lunch is enjoyed right on the edge of the Marsalforn seafront before returning to Valletta by ferry, with the evening at leisure on arrival. Overnight Valletta (B, L)

Day 4 | Saturday 3 October
Ghar Dalam
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. We continue to the tradtional fishing village of Marsaxlokk, where we enjoy lunch before making our way to the beautiful ‘Three Cities’ – Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua – where we take in the Inquisitor’s Palace and St Lawrence Church. We conclude our day with a short cruise around the Grand Harbour, offering stunning views of the fortified cities from the water. Overnight Valletta (B, L)

Day 5 | Sunday 4 October
Mdina & Mosta
Today we visit two of Malta’s most iconic towns, Mdina and Mosta. En route we stop at the picturesque Dingli Cliffs, providing stunning vistas of the Mediterranean Sea and the uninhabited islet of Filfla, before arriving in Mdina in the mid-morning. Founded over 4,000 years ago, it is the oldest fortified medieval town in Malta, perched high on a hill in the heart of the island. As we make our way around the narrow, labyrinthine streets of the city, we’ll pause to enjoy lunch in a local trattoria. In the afternoon we continue to Mosta, famous for a spectacular dome which dominates the skyline. Inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, it is one of the largest unsupported domes in the world. On return to our hotel in Valletta, we stop by the Grand Master’s Palace. Newly restored and proudly dominating St George’s Square, its stern exterior conceals a sumptuous interior that we’ll explore. The evening is then at leisure. Overnight Valletta (B, L)

Day 6 | Monday 5 October
To Sardinia
This morning we depart Malta and take a flight to Sardinia’s southernmost tip. Upon arrival in the colourful captial, Cagliari, there is time to relax before a light evening dinner in our hotel. Overnight Cagliari (B, D)

Day 7 | Tuesday 6 October
The Castello District
The ancient port city of Cagliari straddles a long bay between turquoise-blue waters and rolling ocher fields, rising in a picturesque jumble of golden-hued palazzi, domes and facades up to its rocky centrepiece, Il Castello. We begin our day in this historic hilltop, entering through the ancient doors of the defensive walls that have protected it for centuries. Castello is filled with fascinating landmarks that provide a vivid journey through Cagliari’s layered past. These include the Bastione di Saint Remy, a monumental staircase and terrace that offers panoramic views over the city and sea, the Torre dell’Elefante, built by the Pisans in 1307 as a defence against the threatening Aragonese, and the 13th-century Cattedrale di Santa Maria. 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)

Day 8 | Wednesday 7 October
Nora
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 enjoying lunch at a beachfront restaurant, we will visit the idyllic village of Pula before returning to Cagliari. The evening is at leisure. Overnight Cagliari (B, L)

Day 9 | Thursday 8 October
Su Naraxi
This morning we join our coach and head north. Our first stop is the well-preserved Romanesque sanctuary church of Santa Maria, which 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. Here we join a guided tour before continuing to Santa Caterina, our base for the next two nights. Dinner this evening is in our hotel. Overnight Santa Caterina (B, L, D)

Day 10 | Friday 9 October
Tharros & Cabras
Dramatically located on the Sinis Peninsula, near the modern town of Cabras, Tharros was originally founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BCE and later flourished under Carthaginian and then Roman rule. Today it is one of Sardinia’s most remarkable archaeological sites, home to two necropoles and a mysterious Tophet – a sacred precinct in which over 5000 urns and 300 stone tablets have been found. After exploring the ancient city of Tharros, we enjoy lunch in a restaurant at Cabras, before visiting its excellent archaeological museum. The museum’s impressive collection focuses on finds from the Sinis Peninsula, incuding the extraordinary ‘Giants of Mont’e Prama’ – monumental stone statues which have transformed our understanding of the Nuragic civilization. We return to our hotel with the evening at leisure. Overnight Santa Caterina (B, L)

Day 11 | Saturday 10 October
To Alghero
Departing Santa Caterina today, our destination is Alghero on Sardinia’s northwest coast. En route, we stop at the 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, before driving 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 which brings us to Alghero, enjoying views that rival Italy’s famed Amalfi Coast. After checking into our hotel on arrival, we enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Alghero (B, D)

Day 12 | Sunday 11 October
Alghero
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, lined with Gothic architecture, vibrant piazzas and historic churches, followed by a visit to the ancient burial chambers of Anghelu Ruju. Discovered by accident in 1903 during vineyard works, the necropolis contains over 35 rock-cut tombs carved directly into the soft sandstone. Weather depending, this afternoon we take a boat trip to the ‘Grotte di Nettuno’ – a fine network of limestone caves just to the north of Alghero. The evening is at leisure. Overnight Alghero (B)

Day 13 | Monday 12 October
The Costa Smeralda & Corsica
Leaving Alghero behind, we head to the southernmost tip of Corsica today, with our final destination being the dramatically situated town of Bonifacio. Our first stop en route is the visually striking Trinitá di Saccargia, famous for its stripy black basalt and white limestone facade, and nearby Church of Santa Maria del Regno, known for its impressive frescoes. We then continue to Baia Sardinia, where there’s time to relax over a leisurely lunch and enjoy a stroll through this coastal gem, before we continue the drive to the ancient Nuragic sites near Arzhachena, including the ‘giant’s tomb’ of Coddu Veccju – a monumental grave with a circle of impressive monoliths. Our final stop brings us to the seaside town of Santa Teresa on the tip of northern Sardinia, where we take the ferry to Bonifacio. The approach to Bonifacio by water is spectacular and once settled, we enjoy a relaxed dinner in our hotel. Overnight Bonifacio (B, D)

Day 14 | Tuesday 13 October
Bonifacio
This morning we discover the highlights of Corsica’s picturesque capital, Bonifacio, named after Boniface II of Tuscany who arrived in 828 CE. Due to its strategic position, the settlement faced attack from Saracens and pirates, as well as fighting Pisan, Genoese and Spanish forces, all wanting to control the port and town perched atop the limestone cliffs. Our walking tour takes in the 15th-century bastion, offering panoramic views of both the marina and sea, and the fortified ramparts, built by the Genoese and later strengthened by the French. After our tour, the afternoon and evening are at leisure. There are several walks near the town, or you might like to take a short cruise of the harbour and nearby islands. Overnight Bonifacio (B)

Day 15 | Wednesday 14 October
Sartene & Filitosa
Departing Bonifacio, today we traverse the rugged south-west corner of Corsica as we make our way to its vibrant captial, Ajaccio. Our first stop en route is the medieval stronghold of Sartène, famous for its turbulent past saturated with stories of bloody vendettas, fierce banditry and recurrent conflict. After wandering the labyrinthine alleyways of its oldest quarter, we enjoy a guided tour through the Prehistory Museum and its fabulous collection of statues-menhirs – carved standing stones from the Bronze Age, adorned with stylised human features and weaponry. We then see examples of these menhirs insitu at the captivating prehistoric site of Filitosa, situated in the picturesque Taravo Valley. One of the most significant megalithic sites in the Mediterranean, dating back 8,000 years, it boasts over 20 menhirs with some reaching up to three metres in height. In the late afternoon we arrive in Ajaccio, with time to freshen up before dinner together in a local restaurant. Overnight Ajaccio (B, D)

Day 16 | Thursday 15 October
Napoleon & Ajaccio
Napoleon Bonaparte is Ajaccio’s most famous son, and the city makes the most of the connection. Our morning walking tour brings us to the 16th-century cathedral where Napoleon was baptised and Maison Bonaparte, Napoleon’s childhood home which is 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)

Day 17 | Friday 16 October
Corte & The Central Mountains
Today we continue north, as our spectacular drive cuts through the lush Vizzavona Forest on the way to Bastia – our final base on tour. En route we stop in the historic town of Corte – deeply connected to Corsica’s 18th-century struggle for independence and its enduring cultural identity. Here we board a small train to the Musée de la Corse, housed in the converted and expanded former barracks of the citadel. This intriguing museum is devoted to Corsican anthropology rather than history, showcasing Corsican rural life from the mid-20th century. Lunch is then enjoyed nearby before we continue the drive to the bridge of Ponte Novu, which marked the decisive defeat of the Corsican Republic by French royal forces, and San Michele de Murato, one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in Corsica with its origins dating back to 1280. We arrive at our hotel in Bastia in the late afternoon, with the remainder of the evening at leisure. Overnight Bastia (B, L)

Day 18 | Saturday 17 October
Town of Art & History
Named after its Genoese bastion, the traditional town of Bastia features a lovely old port and elegant city squares. Here, on our morning walking tour, we see the small Roman archaeological site and Pisan church at Mariana, named after its founder, the Roman consul Marius. We then visit the nearby Church of La Canonica before traveling onward to the charming coastal town of Saint-Florent, where there’s time for a stroll and gelato. Our journey continues with a scenic drive through the rolling vineyards of Patrimonio, known for producing some of Corsica’s finest wines. Returning to our hotel, we stop en route at the Col de Teghime, a panoramic mountain pass and significant World War II memorial site, followed by an afternoon at leisure. This evening we reconvene for our farewell meal in a fine restaurant  overlooking the old port of Bastia. Overnight Bastia (B, D)

Day 19 | Sunday 18 October
Depart Bastia
Our tour concludes this morning after breakfast in our hotel. There will be a group transfer to Bastia Airport to meet onward flights. (B)