Mediterranean Crossroads : Malta & Tunisia

Arrive at Malta International Airport where our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Valletta or the nearby St. Julian's area. After check-in and refreshments, enjoy an orientation walking tour of UNESCO-listed Valletta, Europe's smallest capital city yet one of its richest in terms of historic monuments. Visit the magnificent St. John's Co-Cathedral, home to Caravaggio's masterpiece "The Beheading of St. John," and the Grand Master's Palace. Enjoy the spectacular views from the Upper Barrakka Gardens overlooking the Grand Harbour. Evening welcome dinner featuring traditional Maltese cuisine at a local restaurant. Overnight in Malta.

After breakfast, journey to the center of the island to visit Mdina, Malta's ancient capital. Explore this extraordinary walled city with its narrow, winding streets and spectacular views from the bastions. Visit the imposing Mdina Cathedral and enjoy the silent atmosphere of this "Noble City" still home to Malta's aristocratic families. Continue to neighboring Rabat to visit St. Paul's Catacombs, an extensive system of underground Roman cemeteries. After lunch, visit the impressive Mosta Dome, featuring one of the world's largest unsupported domes. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. Evening at leisure to explore the vibrant nightlife of St. Julian's or the atmospheric streets of Valletta. Overnight in Malta.

Full day exploring Malta's southern highlights. Begin with a visit to the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk with its colorful traditional fishing boats (luzzu). Continue to the Blue Grotto, a series of sea caverns showcasing spectacular blue waters (boat trip weather permitting, extra charge). After lunch, visit Malta's incredible prehistoric temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, megalithic complexes older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. End the day with a visit to the charming Dingli Cliffs, the highest point in Malta offering magnificent views over the sea and countryside. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Malta.

 After breakfast, transfer to Malta International Airport for your short flight to Tunis, the capital of Tunisia (flight not included, approximately 1 hour). Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel in Tunis. After check-in and refreshments, enjoy an orientation tour of Tunis, including the Avenue Habib Bourguiba, the city's main boulevard often called the "Tunisian Champs-Élysées," and the impressive Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul. Evening visit to the atmospheric medina (old town) of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its labyrinth of narrow streets, covered souks, and historic monuments. Dinner at a traditional Tunisian restaurant featuring local specialties. Overnight in Tunis.

Full day exploring the highlights around Tunis. Begin with a visit to the ancient city of Carthage, once the center of the powerful Carthaginian Empire that rivaled Rome. Explore the archaeological site including the Antonine Baths, Punic Ports, and Tophet sanctuary. Continue to the picturesque village of Sidi Bou Said, famous for its striking blue and white architecture, reminiscent of Greek islands yet distinctly Tunisian. Enjoy wandering through its charming streets and take in the spectacular views over the Gulf of Tunis. After lunch, visit the Bardo Museum, housing one of the world's best collections of Roman mosaics in a former Ottoman palace. Return to Tunis in the late afternoon. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Tunis.

After breakfast, check out and journey southwest to visit the impressive Roman ruins of Dougga, considered the best-preserved Roman city in North Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the well-preserved theatre, Capitol, public baths, and temples showcasing the grandeur of the Roman Empire in Africa. After lunch, continue to the coastal resort town of Hammamet on the Cap Bon peninsula. Check in to your beachfront hotel and enjoy time at leisure to relax by the Mediterranean. Evening dinner at your hotel. Overnight in Hammamet.

Full day exploring the beautiful Cap Bon Peninsula. Visit the Phoenician and Roman ruins of Kerkouane, another UNESCO World Heritage site offering stunning coastal views. Continue to the picturesque town of Nabeul, famous for its pottery and ceramics, with time for shopping and observing artisans at work. Visit a traditional perfume distillery to learn about Tunisia's production of orange blossom and rose waters. After lunch, continue to the fishing port of Kelibia with its impressive Byzantine fortress. Return to Hammamet in the late afternoon for some leisure time at your beach resort. Farewell dinner featuring Tunisian cuisine with regional specialties. Overnight in Hammamet.

After breakfast, depending on your departure time, enjoy the beach facilities of your hotel or explore the medina of Hammamet with its 15th-century fortress and charming streets. Transfer to Tunis-Carthage International Airport (approximately 1 hour) for your departure flight, taking home wonderful memories of your Mediterranean crossroads adventure.