Self-Launched Sicily & Malta: Catania to Valletta in 11 Days
11 days · Sicily & Malta
Soleto Travel charges £2,050
No-markup version: ~£1,490 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
A self-launched version of Soleto Travel's 11-day Catania-to-Valletta Sicily & Malta loop, rebuilt for independent travellers. You'll cover the same ground — Syracuse and Ortigia, Baroque Noto and Ragusa, Villa Romana del Casale and the Valley of the Temples, Marsala wine and the Stagnone salt pans, Palermo's Arab-Norman masterpieces, Cefalù, Etna's craters and Taormina — then fly to Malta for the Three Cities, Marsaxlokk, the Blue Grotto, Dingli Cliffs, Valletta and Mdina. Instead of a 30-strong coach group you travel by intercity bus and train between bases, join GetYourGuide-style small-group or shared tours for the sites that need a guide or vehicle (Etna, Villa Romana, Valley of the Temples), and book your own hostel or budget guesthouse beds. Roughly £1,350-1,600 per person instead of the ~£2,050 sale price (US$2,722) — and around £1,000 under the full US$3,320 rack rate. Costs are approximate and assume dorm/shared or simple double rooms, self-catered breakfasts and one paid activity most days.
Day-by-day
Arrive Catania — lava-stone lanes and the fish market
Catania, Sicily
Land at Catania-Fontanarossa (CTA) and take the Alibus shuttle into the centre (~€4, 25 min) or the metro from the airport station. Check into a hostel or budget guesthouse in the historic centre. Spend the afternoon on foot: Piazza del Duomo with the lava-stone Elephant fountain (the city's symbol), the Cathedral of Sant'Agata, then Piazza Università and the baroque sweep of Via dei Crociferi. Duck into the Monastero di San Benedetto if it's open. Late afternoon, wander the Pescheria fish market as stalls pack up, and finish with a Sicilian granita and brioche (~€4) at a historic bar. Book tomorrow's intercity bus online tonight.
🚌Alibus airport shuttle to Catania centre ~€4; everything else on foot
🛏Hostel or budget guesthouse in Catania historic centre (dorm ~£18-25, simple double ~£45-60)
- →Piazza del Duomo and the Lava Stone Elephant fountain
- →Catania Cathedral
- →Piazza Università and Via dei Crociferi baroque walk
- →Pescheria fish market
- →Granita con brioche tasting
Syracuse, Ortigia and Baroque Noto
Syracuse & Noto → Ragusa
Take the early Interbus or SAIS bus from Catania to Syracuse (~1h30, €6-8). Head straight to the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis — buy the combined ticket (~€17) covering the Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, the Latomie del Paradiso and the Ear of Dionysus. Cross to Ortigia island: the Cathedral of Syracuse (built into a Greek temple), the Arethusa spring and Piazza Duomo. After lunch take the regional bus or a short train to Noto (~40 min, €3-4) for the Baroque centre and Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata's famous balconies. Continue by bus to Ragusa (~1h, €5) and stay in Ragusa Ibla for the night.
🚌Interbus/SAIS Catania–Syracuse ~€6-8; Syracuse–Noto bus/train ~€3-4; Noto–Ragusa bus ~€5
🛏Guesthouse or hostel in Ragusa Ibla (dorm ~£18-25, simple double ~£45-65)
- →Parco Archeologico della Neapolis (Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, Ear of Dionysus)
- →Ortigia old town, Cathedral and Arethusa Spring
- →Noto Baroque centre and Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata
Ragusa Ibla, Modica chocolate and Villa Romana del Casale
Ragusa → Modica → Piazza Armerina → Agrigento
Morning in Ragusa Ibla: the steep lanes, Palazzo Castro Polara Grimaldi and the Orti di San Giorgio gardens with their view over the valley. Take the short bus or train to Modica (~30 min, €3) for the Antica Dolceria Bonajuto chocolate shop and a tasting of the gritty, Aztec-style chocolate (~€5). Then take a bus toward Piazza Armerina (via Gela or Ragusa, ~2-2.5h, €7-9) to see the Villa Romana del Casale mosaics (€12, ~2h). A bus-tour day-trip alternative from Catania or Agrigento can be booked on GetYourGuide for ~£40-50 if you'd rather not juggle connections. Evening bus to Agrigento (~1h45, €6-8).
🚌Ragusa–Modica bus/train ~€3; Modica–Piazza Armerina bus ~€7-9; Piazza Armerina–Agrigento bus ~€6-8
🛏Hostel or B&B in Agrigento (dorm ~£18-25, simple double ~£45-60)
- →Ragusa Ibla lanes, Palazzo Castro Polara Grimaldi and Orti di San Giorgio
- →Modica chocolate tasting at a historic dolceria
- →Villa Romana del Casale mosaics (UNESCO)
Valley of the Temples, Marsala and the Stagnone salt pans
Agrigento → Marsala → Trapani
Get to the Valley of the Temples early (bus line 1/2/3 from the centre, €2, or a 25-min walk) and buy the combined ticket (~€13) for the Temple of Juno, Concordia, Hercules and the garden of Kolymbethra. Three hours is enough. Then take the regional bus or train west to Marsala (~2h, €7-9). Walk the Marsala historic centre, then choose a cellar visit: a shared winery tour and tasting (Florio, Pellegrino or Donnafugata, ~€25-35 booked direct, 1.5h) — the group tour's included lunch-and-wine becomes a paid-but-cheap add-on. Late afternoon head to the Stagnone salt pans and islands near Mozia (bus or taxi ~€10; salt-pan entry/boat to Mozia ~€9-12). Overnight in Trapani or Marsala for an easy morning onward.
🚌Local bus to temples ~€2; Agrigento–Marsala bus/train ~€7-9; local buses to salt pans ~€10
🛏Guesthouse or hostel in Trapani/Marsala (dorm ~£18-25, simple double ~£45-65)
- →Valley of the Temples (Juno, Concordia, Hercules)
- →Marsala historic centre walk
- →Winery tour and tasting (direct booking)
- →Stagnone salt pans and islands
Monreale mosaics and Palermo's Arab-Norman heart
Monreale & Palermo
Bus from Trapani to Palermo (~2h, €9-11). Drop bags, then take city bus 389 or the AMAT link up to Monreale for the Cathedral's 6,000 sq m of gold mosaics and the cloister (combined ~€12). Back in Palermo, walk the Arab-Norman UNESCO route: the Cathedral, the Martorana (Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio) and the Palatine Chapel in the Norman Palace — a combined Norman Palace/chapel ticket is ~€19, churches are mostly free or a few euros each. Grab a gastronomic surprise at a historic focacceria (sfincione and panelle, ~€6), then see Teatro Massimo from outside, Piazza Pretoria's fountain, and wander the Kalsa district for street food and aperitivo (~€15).
🚌Trapani–Palermo regional bus ~€9-11; city bus to Monreale ~€2 each way
🛏Hostel or budget hotel in Palermo centre (dorm ~£18-25, simple double ~£45-65)
- →Monreale Cathedral mosaics and cloister
- →Palermo Cathedral, Martorana and Palatine Chapel
- →Focacceria street-food stop
- →Teatro Massimo, Piazza Pretoria and Kalsa district
Cefalù old town, then back to Catania
Cefalù → Catania
Take the train from Palermo to Cefalù (~1h, €6-7) — the coastal stretch is beautiful. Walk the old town and Cefalù Cathedral's Norman mosaics (free), swim off the town beach or the rocks below La Rocca, and optionally visit the Mandralisca Museum (~€6). Have lunch on a lane off Corso Ruggero (~€12). In the afternoon take the train back to Palermo and connect onward, or take the direct Cefalù–Catania bus/train combination (~3-3.5h, €15-18) to reposition for Etna day. Evening back in Catania: repeat the granita, add a pasta alla Norma dinner (~€14).
🚌Palermo–Cefalù train ~€6-7 each way; Cefalù–Catania bus/train ~€15-18
🛏Hostel or budget guesthouse in Catania (dorm ~£18-25, simple double ~£45-60)
- →Cefalù old town and Norman Cathedral
- →Cefalù beach / La Rocca views
- →Optional Mandralisca Museum
Mount Etna craters and Taormina's Greek theatre
Etna & Taormina
Book a shared small-group Etna day tour on GetYourGuide/Klook from Catania (~£50-75 pp, 6-8h) covering Etna Park, the Sapienza Refuge (1,900 m), a guided walk to the Silvestri Craters and honey/artisan producer stops — this is the one day where a vehicle and guide really pay for themselves. Options to go higher by cable car + 4x4 (extra ~€70) are weather dependent. Alternatively take the AST bus Catania–Rifugio Sapienza (~€6-8 return) and walk the craters yourself for free, then bus to Taormina. Late afternoon in Taormina: the Greek-Roman Theatre (€10), the Corso and the Gulf of Naxos viewpoint. Back to Catania by train/bus (~45-60 min, €5).
🚌Shared Etna small-group tour incl. transport, or AST bus ~€8 each way; Taormina–Catania train/bus ~€5
🛏Hostel or budget guesthouse in Catania (dorm ~£18-25, simple double ~£45-60)
- →Etna Park and Sapienza Refuge
- →Guided Silvestri Craters walk and honey tasting
- →Taormina Greek-Roman Theatre
- →Gulf of Naxos viewpoint
Fly Catania to Malta — evening in Valletta
Catania → Valletta, Malta
Quick repeat of the Catania fish market in the morning if you're in the mood, then Alibus to the airport. Ryanair/Air Malta fly Catania–Malta in about 45 minutes; book early for fares around £25-45 one-way with a cabin bag. From Malta International Airport take the X4 or X5 express bus to Valletta (~€2, 30 min) or the airport shuttle (~€6-8). Check into a hostel or guesthouse in or near Valletta (or Sliema for cheaper beds and a short ferry hop). Spend the evening walking the Triton Fountain and City Gate end of Valletta, with a pastizzi and Kinnie dinner for under €5.
🚌Alibus to CTA ~€4; CAT-MLA flight ~£25-45; Malta airport bus X4/X5 ~€2
🛏Hostel or guesthouse in Valletta/Sliema (dorm ~£20-28, simple double ~£50-70)
- →Catania fish market (morning)
- →Evening Valletta orientation walk
- →Pastizzi tasting
Three Cities, Marsaxlokk, Blue Grotto and Dingli Cliffs
Cottonera, Marsaxlokk & Dingli, Malta
A long but easy day using Malta's cheap public buses (€2.50 day ticket or €21 for a 7-day Explore card) — or join a full-day small-group Malta south tour on GetYourGuide (~£45-60) that replicates the operator's exact route. Route: bus to Cottonera for Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua's waterfronts and gardjola watchtowers; bus to Marsaxlokk fishing village for the Sunday-style market and a seafood lunch (~€15); then bus to Wied iz-Zurrieq for the Blue Grotto boat trip (€10, ~25 min — the operator's reviewer regretted skipping it, so don't); finish at Dingli Cliffs for sunset. Back to Valletta by bus.
🚌Malta day bus ticket €2.50 or 7-day card €21; Blue Grotto boat €10
🛏Hostel or guesthouse in Valletta/Sliema (dorm ~£20-28, simple double ~£50-70)
- →Three Cities: Senglea, Vittoriosa, Cospicua
- →Marsaxlokk market and seafood lunch
- →Blue Grotto boat trip
- →Wied iz-Zurrieq and Dingli Cliffs
Valletta and Mdina
Valletta & Mdina
Join a Valletta walking tour (free tip-based tours run daily, or ~£20 booked via GetYourGuide for a proper guided 2-3h) covering Barraca Gardens and the harbour views, the Grandmaster's Palace exterior (Parliament), and St John's Co-Cathedral (€15, worth it for Caravaggio's Beheading of St John). Optionally Casa Rocca Piccola (~€10). After lunch (€12), bus 51/52/53 to Mdina (~30 min, €2) — walk the silent old capital, the belvederes over the island, and St Paul's Cathedral (€5). Return to Valletta for the evening.
🚌Valletta walking tour on foot; bus to Mdina ~€2 each way
🛏Hostel or guesthouse in Valletta/Sliema (dorm ~£20-28, simple double ~£50-70)
- →Valletta guided walking tour, Barraca Gardens, Grandmaster's Palace
- →St John's Co-Cathedral (Caravaggio)
- →Mdina old capital and belvederes
Malta departure
Valletta
Final morning: coffee and pastizzi in Valletta, a last wander of the bastions, or a swim at Sliema/St Julian's if your flight is late. Take the X4/X5 bus or shuttle to Malta International Airport (~€2-8) — allow 45 minutes plus check-in. Trip ends in Valletta. If you have time, a cheap add-on is the ferry to Gozo (~€4.65 return foot passenger) for a day of Ġgantija temples and the Citadel in Victoria.
🚌Airport bus X4/X5 ~€2 or shuttle ~€6-8; optional Gozo ferry €4.65 return
🛏None (departure day)
- →Valletta morning walk
- →Optional Gozo day trip by ferry
Self-launched vs. Soleto Travel
| This itinerary (self-launched) | Soleto Travel | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£1,490 | £2,050 |
| Duration | 11 days | 11 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £560 per person (27%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more Soleto Travel-style trips? Check them out here.~£1,490
estimated per person
You never pay Travel Crew for this — you pay hostels, transport, and activity providers directly, the same as if you'd booked it all yourself.
This publishes your dates so other travellers can find and join you — no tour operator needed.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does Self-Launched Sicily & Malta: Catania to Valletta in 11 Days cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £1,490 per person for 11 days in Sicily & Malta. This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.
Is this cheaper than booking with Soleto Travel?+
Yes — Soleto Travel charges around £2,050 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £1,490 — a saving of roughly £560 (27%) per person.
How long is the Sicily & Malta trip?+
This itinerary runs 11 days, covering 11 day-by-day stops through Sicily & Malta.
How do I join this trip?+
You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.
Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+
Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.
Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+
Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.
What kind of trip is this?+
This is a culture, foodie, budget trip through Sicily & Malta, self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.
Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?
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