2008 Feb
Tue 26 Leave Canada
Evening departure from Toronto International Airport for the Alitalia flight via Milan.
Wed 27 Arrive Malta
Arriving in Malta you'll be met and transferred to the Preluna Hotel to stay 8 nights in Seaview Rooms (Tower Wing) http://www.preluna-hotel.com
Dinner at hotel. [D]
Thu 28 Malta
Breakfast at the hotel this morning and every morning pf the stay.
Morning free. This afternoon time for the MALTA EXPERIENCE & HARBOUR CRUISE
The tour starts with a short walk on the outskirts of the capital city - Valletta. You will be introduced to the Maltese archipelago through an excellent multi-media show of the history and pre-history of these islands. After the Malta Experience show, embark on a pleasure boat to visit the natural ports of Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour whose natural creeks make this port one of the most beautiful in Europe. The views of the fortifications from the seaward side are unique and a treasure for photographers. End at 4.30pm. Dinner at the hotel.[BD]
Fri 29 Malta
To-day a FULL DAY VALLETTA TOUR: Leave by coach with your guide to explore the Capital City of Malta, the City built by the Knights of St John. During the walking tour of the city, first visit the Upper Barracca Gardens which afford a fantastic view of the Grand Harbour and the Three Historical Cities . Then visit St John's Co Cathedral which is historically and artistically one of the most important monuments on the island. The beginning of the building of this Conventual church started in 1573. Four hundred memorial slabs cover the floor. Finally, visit the Grandmaster's Palace. See the Tapestry Chambers , where one can see the priceless Gobelein Tapestries. One will be able to see the Neolithic Venus of Malta, the famous Sleeping Lady found at the Hypogeum in Paola. Evening at leisure. [BL]
March 01 Sat Malta
The day at leisure.
Dinner at the hotel [BD]
Optional tour EXTENDED HALF DAY TEMPLES TOUR
9.00am Leave by coach with your guide to the south to visit Hagar Qim temple which is unique among the Maltese temples because globigerina limestone was used throughout its construction. There are complicated decorations carved on some of the stones. Just a short distance away, you will be able to see the Mnajdra temple. Visit the Hypogeum and the winding streets of Tarxien and the market. Drive to Birzebbuga to visit Ghar Dalam which is a 144 metre long natural cave. The cave is renowned for the remains of animals that lived on the island thousand of years ago. The massive stalactites and stalagmites which it contains reveal its very great antiquity. Return to the hotel at 2.00pm
Sun 02 Malta
Leave from the hotel at 9.00am FULL DAY MOSTA, MDINA, RABAT & TA QALI CRAFTS VILLAGE TOUR WITH LUNCH by coach with guide to Mosta to visit the parish church dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. This church was built in the classical style and based on that of the Pantheon, in Rome. It is said that the dome of this church is the third largest in Europe. Proceed to Ta' Qali handicrafts village to watch local artisans at their work such as filigree and ceramic making and glass blowing etc., etc. Later drive to Rabat to visit the catacombs of St Catald, which are typical underground Christian cemeteries, which were common in the 4th century AD. Finally, walk to Mdina - the Old Capital City of Malta to visit the Roman Villa (Domus Romana), the Mdina cathedral from the outside. This Cathedral was built on plans by Lorenzo Gafa`. Stroll around the narrow and winding streets and enjoy the panoramic view of Malta from the historic bastions.
The evening at leisure [BL]
Mon 03 Malta
The day at leisure. Dinner at the hotel [BD]
Optional tour EXTENDED HALF DAY TOUR BLUE GROTTO, LIMESTONE HERITAGE & MARSAXLOKK FISHING VILLAGE leaving by coach with guide to Wied Iz-Zurrieq which is also a small fishing village. Subject to weather permitting take a small fishing boat to visit the Blue Grotto Cave which can be reached only by sea. The cave is 40 metres in circumference and reaches a depth of 26 metres. The Blue Grotto faces east and it at its best in the morning because the sunrays floodlight the entire grotto revealing its beauty. Explore a modernized quarry that explains one of Malta's foremost trades of quarrying which together with farmhouse building and stone decoration using the limestone. Lastly visit the main fishing village off marsaxlokk whose waterfront is lined with 'Luzzus' painted in traditional reds, blues, and yellows that add colour to this peaceful bay once the site of the first Turkish landing during the great siege of 1565 where you can browse around the local market stalls. Return to the hotel at about 2.00pm.
Tue 04 Malta
Leave the hotel at 8.30am by coach with guide for a FULL DAY TOUR TO SISTER ISLAND OF GOZO WITH LUNCH
Drive to Cirkewwa for ferry boat crossing to Mgarr - Gozo. The short trip from Malta to Gozo is in itself a pleasant experience especially on a fine day. Mgarr Harbour is picturesque with all kinds of seacraft. During this tour we will visit Ggantija temples in Xaghra which were built and developed between 3600 and 2400 BC, making them among the earliest architectural planned facades in the world. Proceed to Victoria which is in the centre of the island as well as being the centre of commerce. The Citadel is a medieval fortified town with massive bastions that date back to the 17th century. Finally, visit ta Pinu church, Calypso's cave and Dwejra Bay which is famous for its hanging window. Return to the hotel at 6.00pm
Evening at leisure [BL]
Wed 05 Malta
The day at leisure.
In the evening transfer to L'Ordine Restaurant for a farewell dinner party with wine, mineral water and coffee.[BD]
Thu 06 Malta Tunis
Transfer to the Malta airport for the flight to Tunis. On arrival transfer to your hotel where you'll enjoy sea-view rooms with a balcony for three nights. Welcome Dinner at the Hotel.Renaissance
Tunis to stay 3 nts (sea view rooms) (BD) www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tunbr-renaissance-tunis-hotel. Meet your escort and guide at the hotel.
Fri 07 Tunis & Carthage
Today, an morning excursion features the historical and cultural center of Tunis, its medina or old town. At this UNESCO World Heritage Site see mosques and numerous souks - markets selling leather, silk, and jewelry. Visit the famed Bardo Museum, the best collection of Roman mosaics in the world.
This afternoon visit the ruins of Carthage, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see the Roman Amphitheatre and public baths. Explore the Hellenic village of Sidi Bousaid, painted in white and blue like houses on the Greek Island of Santorini, and perched on a cliff above the Gulf of Tunis. (BL)
Sat 08 Tunis
Visit the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dougga, the best preserved Roman city in north Africa. Explore the beautiful open air theater and the capitol. Next it's on to the important Roman archaeological site of Tuborbou Majus, with its forum, capitol, and public baths. (BL)
Sun 09 Tunis Gafsa Tozeur
Depart on a scenic drive to Tozeur, stopping en routefor lunch in the Saharan oasis town of Gafsa. Arrive in Tozeur at the Hotel Ras el Ain to stay 3 nts. (BLD) www.goldenyasmin.com/ras-el-ain/en/index.htm
Mon 10 Tozeur
Take in the architecture, markets, and souks of the city as you visit the Saharian Zoo and Botanical Gardens and the the Dar Chraiet Museum, a folk museum with exhibits that include period clothing, wedding dresses, pottery, and ancient weapons. (BD)
Tue 11 Sahara Safari
A real highlight - a fascinating safari expedition by four-wheel-drive vehicle into the Sahara Desert. Take in the romance and mystery of the desert, and revel in the striking contrast with the fertile oasis you'll explore. If you've seen the movie The English Patient, you'll recognize this enchanting locale. Tonight enjoy dinner and wine under a silken tent, with entertainment. (BLD)
Wed 12 Tozeur Douz
Depart Tozeur for Degueche; ride by horse-drawn carriage under the lush palms of the oasis. Explore the impressive array of flora cultivated in this fertile spot surrounded by dryness.
Then by motorcoach cross the Great Dry Salt Lake, Chott el Jerid, where mirages appear in the stark landscape. Arrive at Douz, the doorway to the Sahara, to stay the night at the el Mouradi Hotel in a room
with a view of the Sahara Desert. www.elmouradi.com This afternoon saddle up like a local for a short camel ride led by Bedouins. You'll stop for a refreshing party in the desert. (BLD)
Thu 13 Douz Djerba
LV Douz: Today explore the astonishing cave dwellings at the Berber village of Matmata, where scenes from two Star Wars movies were filmed. You may see a local celebrity,
83-year-old Fatima, who has been featured in many postcards and publications. Then tour the seaport oasis of Gabes and the spice markets of Jara before a ferry ride to the island of
Djerba where you will stay two nights at the Djerba Beach Hotel in a sea-view room with a balcony. (BLD) www.iberostar.com/EN/Djerba-hotels/Iberostar-Djerba-Beach_3_84.html#
Fri 14 Djerba
Tour of island and visit a local pottery. See the ornate El Djerba synagogue, one of the oldest in the world. Jews and Muslims have lived in harmony here for hundreds of years. Visit Houmt Essouk, the island's capital. (BD)
Sat 15 Djerba Sousse
LV Djerba by Ferry to Gabes, stopping in Sfax, the second largest city in Tunisia, for lunch. Then visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of El Jem, famed for its massive, imposing Roman amphitheatre before arriving in Sousse.
AR Sousse at the Hasdrubal Hotel to stay three nights in a sea-view room. (BLD) www.hasdrubal-hotel.com
Sun 16 Sousse
This morning visit the beautiful seaside resort of Monastir, the fortified monastery at Ribat, the Bourguiba Mausoleum, and the Sousse Museum. Walk through the Sousse medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (BLD)
Mon 17 Sousse
Today tour the holy city of Kairouan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring the medina and a visit to a carpet factory and local workshop. Tonight a Farewell Dinner, with wine. (BD)
Tue 18 Homeward bound.
Early morning departure by Alitalia via Milan arriving in Toronto in the early afternoon where arrangements end.
Cost Includes:
- Alitalia flights Toronto Milan Malta and Tunis Milan Toronto plus air Malta flight Malta Tunis.
- All transfers, sightseeing and inter-city drives by air-conditioned private vehicle except on March 11 when 4-wheel drive vehicles will be used for the desert safari.
- Accommodation for 20 nights in rooms with private bath at the named 4- and 5-star hotels
- 20 breakfasts 11 table d'hote lunches plus 15 table d'hote dinners. Wine with 5 dinners in Malta and 2 in Tunisia. Mineral water with lunches and dinners.
- Services of a local English-speaking guide for transfers and sightseeing in Malta and throughout the stay in Tunis
- Entrance fees to places of interest. Ferry tickets in Malta.
- Local taxes on ground transportation, accommodation and included meals.
- Tips to drivers, guides, waiters for included meals and hotel porters for the handling of one bag per person.
- Canadian Escort to accompany the group.
- Group size - 12 to 25 passengers.
| Pricing per person from Toronto |
In a twin |
In a single |
| |
CA$4695.00 |
CA$5390.00 |
| Early Booking Bonus: book and pay your deposit by October 31 2007 and save $150 per person |
| Air taxes (approximately CA$290.00 per person) are additional and will be shown separately on your final invoice. |
Deposit at time of booking CA$750 per person
Final payment due January 9, 2007
Cancellation Fees.
From payment of deposit until January 9 Deposit paid
January 10 to 31 50% of final invoice
February 1 to 18 75% of final invoice
February 19 or later 100% of final invoice.
For Reservations Contact Compass Custom Holidays
Tel: 800 465 3724 or 613 549 8550
e-mail: info@customholidays.com
