Easy walking in South-eastern Sicily, Malta and Gozo

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1 TOURCODE: GRADE: E/SS/L SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER Sep - 09 Oct 07 Oct - 21 Oct 01 Nov - 15 Nov 2 Weeks ISLANDS IN THE SOUTHERN MEDITERRANEAN Easy walking in South-eastern Sicily, Malta and Gozo

2 HOLIDAY INFORMATION TOUR DESCRIPTION: Situated on the same latitude as part of the North African coast and tempered by sea breezes, Sicily is the largest of the Mediterranean islands and a richly diverse country. It is steeped in history having been home to Greek, Roman, Arab and Norman civilisations. Throughout the centuries visitors, whether gentle poets or ruthless conquerors, have marvelled at its exceptional beauty. The city of Ragusa, situated on the high plains of the Iblei mountains, and largely unknown outside Italy until the success of the Inspector Montalbano television series, has together with other cities of south-eastern Sicily, been granted UNESCO World Heritage Status because of its wealth of Baroque architecture. During our stay in Sicily we shall be based in Ragusa with time to explore and photograph the visually stunning historic centre of Ragusa Ibla. We also have visits planned to the picturesque town of Scicli, where we shall have lunch al fresco at a nursery specializing in the production of herbs used in Sicilian cookery and other plants prized for their essential oils as well as a visit to the city of Modica, known for its chocolate. This entire region is known for its pretty dry stone wall landscapes and its excellent traditional cuisine. We will also visit Noto, known as the Pearl of the Baroque. Generally listed as one of the 'must-see' tourist attractions of this part of Sicily, Noto is an attractive little town, with a historic centre that is composed almost entirely of Baroque palaces, churches and houses. The town's striking architectural coherence is due to the major earthquake that struck Sicily in The old town of Noto was completely destroyed, and it was decided to reconstruct a splendid new town several miles away. We take a ferry across the Mediterranean waters to Malta, then a transfer by road and ferry to Gozo. Gozo is the second largest island of the Maltese Archipelago, and the name aptly means joy. A rural and much greener island than its neighbour Malta, the pace of life here is noticeably more relaxed. During our time on Gozo we can cover most of the island. Agriculture is a huge part of the island s life and they grow and produce the most wonderful fresh produce, melons, grapes, figs, tangerines, wines and olive oil just to name a few. We will have the opportunity to taste some local Gozo produce during this holiday. We then sail to Malta to discover the beauty and history of an island that for millennia had been at the centre of the world. From the Ancient Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans and later Genoans, Venetians, the Knights of St John and English to name a few, civilisations have left their mark on the island. The British were the last colonial masters only handing over sovereignty in 1964 and the influence is still strong. English is spoken everywhere and even the post boxes look familiar. There are many aspects of the island to explore. As might be expected for a small island we can enjoy some great gentle coastal walking. The world s oldest building is to be found on Malta and the different styles of architecture add to a huge dimension to island sightseeing. The way of life will be immediately familiar to Brits and there is a pleasant feeling of being at home in an obviously foreign country. And within the lifestyle theme of this holiday, we will also have the opportunity to visit a local winery to sample some of the wonderful wines that Malta produce.

3 ITINERARY: Day: Overnight accommodation: Daily itinerary: Meals: 1: Rugusa Fly to Catania. Transfer by road to the Hotel Mediterraneo Palace, Ragusa for 5 nights accommodation. D 2-5: Walking programme on Sicily. B/D 6: Gozo We take the ferry to Malta, then transfer by road and ferry to the island of Gozo for 4 nights accommodation at the Hotel Calypso. B/D 7-9: Walking programme on Gozo. B/D 10: Depart Gozo and travel by road and ferry to the Antonine Hotel & Spa for 5 nights accommodation. Malta 11-14: Walking programme on Malta. B/D B/D 15: Transfer by road to Malta airport for check-in and return flight. B D (Dinner) L (Lunch) B (Breakfast) HOLIDAY GRADE & WALKING PROGRAMME: This holiday has been graded E/SS/L. The holiday has a 'Lifestyle' element which in addition to great walking we ll visit the local sites of interest and absorb the natural beauty of our surroundings. We ll also immerse ourselves in the local culture and wherever possible sample the local cuisine and wines. The SS grade signifies the sightseeing element of the tour, which is one of the main features of this holiday, along with some gentle walking. The E grading means we will be walking between 2 and 4 hours daily, with ascents of up to 200 metres, mainly on paths and tracks. Sicily: Our programme in Sicily will predominantly be made up of sightseeing on foot. Several of the towns we visit have steps and steep cobbled streets, so you need to have a reasonable level of fitness to explore them. There will be some countryside walking during our stay in Sicily. On some days local guides will be provided in addition to your tour Ramblers leader.

4 An example of some of the walks that we are likely to include in our programme are as follows: Ragusa We spend the morning discovering the town of Ragusa with a local guide, including such highlights as the San Giovanni Battista, Santa Maria delle Scale, Chiesa dell Idra, Duomo San Giorgio and stop for lunch at Giardino Iblea. In the afternoon we then take a walk in the gorge below Ibla to get a different perspective on the town. 3½ miles, 5½km, 2 hours, 200m ascent / 100m descent. Ispica & Parco Forza gorge walk We travel to Ispica for a walk in the Parco Forza gorge which takes us around 1½ hours. A stony track winds down to the enchanting valley floor where light-coloured cliffs are pockmarked with natural caves and man-made caverns. The church of Santa Maria della Cava, built into the rock is believed to date back to the 6th-7th centuries. We then explore the town of Ispica before continuing to Modica for further sightseeing, including the Duomo of San Giorgio featured in the Montalbano series. Modica is also famous for its chocolate and we take a tour and tasting with a local chocolate maker. Malta & Gozo: The fantastic coast of Malta and the scenic quiet valleys inland, allows us to enjoy some gentle costal walks, such as a walk from the village of Mgarr to Golden Bay. Our routes should take us to caves, churches, Bronze Age sites, palaces and forts. Gozo is more unspoilt than its larger neighbour Malta, with a wonderful coastline of rocky bays and clear blue inlets. An example of some of the walks that we are likely to include in our programme are as follows: Victoria & Gantija Temples We visit the capital, Victoria; explore the Citadel, Cathedral and St Michael s Bastion. (Please note that at the time of writing the Citadel is undergoing extensive restoration.) From here we walk to Ta Mena 1½miles (2½km) (an organic farm) where we take a tour of the estate and sample their local produce including wine and olive oil. We walk to the Ggantija Temples, 2 miles (3km) which are the oldest free-standing monuments in the world, dating back to roughly to 3500BC - older than the pyramids in Egypt. Santa Lucija coastal walk to Malsalforn We take a bus to St Lucija church and walk to Fungus rock, Dwejra Tower and the picturesque Azure Window. We have the opportunity to take a short boat trip from The Inland Sea or relax and enjoy the views. We then walk to Gharb church and museum. After lunch we walk to Ta Pinu National Shrine for a visit. From here we can either walk or take a bus back to the hotel. 8½ miles (13km), 3½ hours, 130m ascent / 220m descent. Mdina We take a bus to Falka Gap and walk along the Victoria lines to Bingemma Chapel, descend to Chadwick lakes and continue to the wonderful medieval walled city of Mdina, the old capital of Malta. It is also known as The Silent City and famous for its glassware. After lunch and once we have discovered the city highlights we travel by bus to Merdiana Wine Estate at Ta Qali for cheese and wine tasting. We return to the hotel after visiting Mosta Dome, the third largest unsupported dome in the world. 5½ miles (8½km), 2½ hours, 150m ascent / 100m descent.

5 Valletta & Marsaxlokk We travel to Valletta and with the help of a local guide discover the beautiful capital city, including St John s Cathedral, and the Church of St Paul s. In the afternoon we can walk to the delightful fishing village of Marsaxlokk from St Thomas Bay before returning to the hotel by bus. 4 miles (6km), 2 hours, 100m ascent / 100m descent. Travel costs in conjunction with the programme of walks on all islands may vary depending on the size of our party. We intentionally do not include local transport costs or entrance fees in conjunction with the programme of walks on this holiday. Walks can be weather dependent or you may choose to take a day off from the group arrangements and this way you only pay for the activities you take part in. Local transport costs for this holiday should not exceed per week per person. You may also wish to allow 15-20pp for entrance fees which will be at an additional cost. Please note that the estimation of local costs relating to this holiday are based on currency exchange rates valid in April Fluctuations in exchange rates since the publication of our brochure and this Holiday Information sheet may impact on this estimation of local costs; please check with your bank or currency provider prior to your holiday to enable you to plan your spending. Each evening, the leader will discuss with you the programme for the following day. Should you not wish to join the party, please let the leader know. TRAVEL INFORMATION: Flights are from London Gatwick to Catania and return from Malta with British Airways. The transfer time from Catania airport to the Hotel Mediterraneo Place is approximately 1.45 hours by road. Travel between the airport and hotel will be by road and between centres by road and ferry. Transfer times as follows: The ferry from Pozzallo Harbour (Sicily) to Malta s Valletta Harbour will take around 1 hour and 45 Minutes. We travel 45 minutes by road from Malta s Valletta Harbour to Malta s Cirkewwa Harbour, then take a ferry, around 30 minutes, to Mgarr Harbour in Gozo. From Mgarr Harbour we travel by road to the Calypso Hotel in Gozo, transfer time around 15 minutes. Transfer time between our hotel in Malta and Malta Airport will be around 50 minutes. If you intend joining the group in Sicily and leaving us in Malta, it is assumed unless you have advised us otherwise, that you will join and leave at the hotels. If this is not your intention, please let us know in writing at least 5 weeks prior to departure.

6 PASSPORTS & VISAS: Please refer to section 2 of the enclosed General Information Booklet. It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport. Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents. Passport, visa and health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source and comply with such requirements. Advice on vaccinations is available from your GP, or can be obtained from the Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA). LOCAL CURRENCY: The official currency in Malta and Sicily is the euro. In Ragusa there are banks with ATM machines. The nearest bank with ATM machine to our accommodation in Malta can be found in the centre of Mellieha a short walk from the hotel. And in Gozo there is an ATM machine on the seafront adjacent to our hotel, however the nearest bank is located in Victoria, a 10 minute bus ride away. Generally banks and ATM machines can be found in most towns and village ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS: Accommodation in Sicily is at the centrally located in the middle of Upper area of Ragusa in the 4 star Hotel Mediterraneo Palace in twin bedded and single rooms with shower and wc. The hotel has a foyer/lounge, bar and restaurant. The electricity supply is 220V AC. Mediterraneo Palace Tel: Via Roma Fax: info@mediterraneoplace.it Ragusa Web: Sicily Italy Rooms are equipped with a safe, air conditioning, telephone, TV, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities and a hairdryer. Accommodation in Gozo is at the four-star Hotel Calypso with twin bedded and single rooms with bath, shower and wc. The hotel is located on the sea front and rooms have balconies, fridges, phones and a TV. There is a ground floor bar, coffee bar, a rooftop bar and sun terrace with loungers and a small pool. Pool towels are available for a 5 deposit. The rooms have safes and keys can be obtained from reception at 7 for 5 days with an additional 7 deposit.

7 Hotel Calypso Marsalforn Bay Island of Gozo Malta Tel: Fax: Website: It may be possible to upgrade to a room with a sea view at the Hotel Calypso for an additional supplement (subject to availability) - please ask our reservations team at the time of booking. Accommodation in Malta is in twin bedded and single rooms with shower and wc at the fourstar Antonine Hotel and Spa. There are two room options with either a view of the gardens or the sea, most rooms have a combination of the both, (please note that the view of the sea is restricted from some rooms) and we are not able to specify a preference to a garden or sea view. And a room with a village view. The hotel is located in the village of Mellieha, perched on one of the many terrace levels carved out of the town s rocky slopes, and overlooks the sea, Gozo and Comino. A beach is located 1 km away and is easily reached on foot. Rooms have balconies, minibar, cable TV, air conditioning, hairdryer, safe, a phone and a kettle (tea and coffee items not provided). Other facilities include a bar and terrace, sun beds, indoor and outdoor pools including one on the rooftop terrace and a spa area. Please note that opting for a garden / sea view room in Malta, is an arrangement with our hotel in Malta only and does not guarantee a sea view room in Gozo. The electricity supply is 240 volts AC using square-fitting standard three-pin British type plugs and sockets. Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa Borg Oliver Street Mellieha 1021 Malta Tel: Fax: info.mal@maritim.com.mt Website: Breakfasts and dinners are included in the holiday charge and are taken at the hotels. Lunches are not included, but can be purchased at local supermarkets or purchased en route in cafes and restaurants. Tap water is quite safe although not very palatable in most parts of the islands. Water from fountains is absolutely not fit for drinking. Bottled water; manufactured locally or imported is available in every corner of Malta and Sicily. RESORT INFORMATION: Ragusa (Sicily) has local shops, banks, supermarkets, restaurants, a post office and medical centre. In our centre on Gozo, there are two supermarkets within a 5 minute walk from the hotel. There are some bars and restaurants located on the seafront (some of which may be closed

8 out of the main holiday season). The closest town is Victoria where there is a post office, supermarkets, shops, bars and restaurants. Mellieha (Malta) has banks, post office, chemists, supermarkets and a few bars and restaurants (some of which may be closed out of the main holiday season). CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT: Sicily enjoys a temperate climate and the weather should be mild, although it may be cooler in the evenings. There is a small chance of rain. Malta and Gozo enjoy a mild climate but there is always the possibility of rain and cool days, so you may wish to take a lightweight waterproof jacket and a sweater as well as light summer clothes, swimwear and a towel. There are many websites that you can look at to get an idea of the climate of the area you are visiting including: As a guideline for a walking kit checklist: Walking boots with good ankle support - essential Waterproofs jacket and trousers Windproof jacket Lightweight trousers and shorts Shirts or t-shirts for walking in Walking socks several pairs! Lightweight fleece or jumpers Hat & gloves early season Daysack for walking Umbrella it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking Small first aid kit plasters, insect repellent, etc Toilet Soap & some polythene bags A walking pole may also be useful for descents. Sunglasses Sun cream Hat Swim suit Ladies are advised to bring something to cover their heads and both men and women should have knees and upper arms covered when visiting churches.

9 MAPS & SUGGESTED READING: Maps and books about Sicily, Malta and Gozo may be obtained before departure from specialist map sellers such as: The Map Shop 15 High Street Upton upon Severn, Worcs WR8 0HJ England Tel: Fax: Website: The Bradt guide to Malta & Gozo provides very well-researched and interesting background reading for this holiday. Ramblers Worldwide Holidays have especially negotiated a 25% discount on all Bradt guides for you as a thank you for your custom so please go to the Bradt Guide website and enter the code RWH25 when ordering to claim your discount. Further information can be found on the last page of our General Information Booklet. Many bookshops and libraries stock a selection of travel guides/books, which may offer you more information regarding the islands of Sicily, Malta and Gozo. You may want to consider reading the fantastic Inspector Montalbano novels, or watch the BBC4 series, to set the scene for some of the places we will visit during our time in Sicily. These are sold in all major book stores and the TV series is available to purchase online from such websites as Amazon.co.uk. If you are in London you may find a visit to the Italian Tourist Office useful at: 1 Princes Street, London W1R 8AY Tel: You may like to visit the Malta National Tourist Office online at: Please note that this Holiday Information sheet may be periodically updated and reissued. In most cases any revisions will be minor and the overall nature of the holiday will be unchanged. Should we need to make a major change to the holiday arrangements between you booking your holiday and your date of travel we will notify you to specifically draw your attention to any significant change. You may wish to review the latest version of the Holiday Information sheet online prior to travel PLEASE QUOTE YOUR HOLIDAY CODE AND BOOKING REFERENCE NUMBER IN ALL CORRESPONDENCE. WE WISH YOU AN INTERESTING AND ENJOYABLE HOLIDAY AND WE WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS UPON YOUR RETURN.