We will be met at the Malta International Airport by our guide. If time permits, we will have a panoramic tour on the way to the hotel. Time to check in and rest before dinner and overnight. (B,D)

After breakfast, we depart for a tour of Valletta, Malta’s Sixteenth Century capital city. Visit to The Malta Experience provides a multi-vision presentation depicting 7,000 years of Maltese history. We continue to the Barraca Gardens, with their panoramic views of the Grand Harbor and the Three Cities. A highlight is our visit to the magnifi cent baroque St. John´s Cathedral whose precious works of art include Caravaggio’s Beheading of Saint John the Baptist. We continue to Grand Masters Palace, today the residence of the President of Malta and the seat of Parliament. (Note: The state rooms can be visited if Parliament is not in session). After lunch on our own, we will drive to the Three Cities: Vittoriosa, Cospicua & Senglea. A walk through the narrow streets of Vittoriosa with its many historic buildings and churches, leads us to the church of St Lawrence. Next, we tour the famous harbor (weather permitting) in a typical small Maltese boat called fregatina. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

After breakfast, we depart for Rabat, home for centuries of religious orders including Franciscans, Dominicans and Augustinians. We will attend Mass at the Church of St. Paul (1572) and visit St. Paul’s Grotto beneath the church. According to tradition, St. Paul lived here during his stay in Malta, following his shipwreck in 60 AD (Acts 28). Rich in ancient and modern history, the nearby St. Paul’s Catacombs will also be visited. Our next stop is the silent city of Mdina, whose quiet, narrow cobblestone streets are mostly free from vehicular traffi c. After Rosary prayers at the Cathedral of Mdina, we will have free time for lunch and individual sightseeing. On our way back to the hotel, we admire the impressive views from the Dingli Cliffs. (B,D)

After breakfast, we visit the typical fishing village of Marsaxlokk, and continue on to the Neolithic temples of Hagar Qim and Mnjadra, UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After lunch on our own, we will drive to the Shrine of the Redeemer in Senglea for Mass. We continue with a guided tour through the cave of Ghar Dalam before returning to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

After breakfast, we will visit the Sanctuary of the Nativity of Our Lady of Mellieha for Mass. According to tradition, St. Paul blessed this highly venerated sanctuary. The icon of our Lady, painted on the rock face, is said to be the work of St. Luke the Evangelist. We drive around the coast of Mellieha and admire the sandy beaches and typical Maltese scenery, stopping at the beautiful Mosta Dome, the third largest church dome in Europe. We continue to the airport for our flight to Rome. We arrive in Rome and are transferred to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

After breakfast and morning Mass, we attend a Papal Audience (if available). The afternoon is spent touring St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museum and Library, as well as the Sistine Chapel. Dinner and overnight in Rome. (B,D)

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a tour of “Catholic” Rome. We visit the Catacombs, the Appian Way, and St. Peter in Chains. We also visit three major basilicas, including St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran, and St. Paul Outside the Walls. After lunch on your own, we enjoy sightseeing of “Ancient” Rome” as we visit the Colosseum, Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus, Palazzo Venezia, Forum, and Capitoline Hill. The balance of the day is at leisure for personal shopping, additional sightseeing, or relaxing. Dinner and overnight in Rome. (B,D)

After breakfast, we drive to airport for our return flight to NYC area international airport. Arrive the same day. (B)
* (B,L,D) = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• 7-9 x underwear, socks,
• 2-3 x loose, lightweight trousers or skirts– one full length and one cropped pair would be ideal!
• 2-3 x shorts
• 2 x long, loose shirts
• 4-5 x t-shirts or tops
• 2-3 evening tops

• 1-2 x sandals or flip flops for warmer-weather walking
• 1-2 pairs of comfortable walking/running shoes
• 1 x pair of more formal shoes
• 1 rain/wind-proof jacket
• 2-3 sweaters or other colder-weather gear
• sunglasses
• sun hat
• toiletries
• 1 x day bag
• 1 x evening bag
• European adapter
• Phone, camera and any other electronics needed
• passport and travel docs
• insurance

Specific packing notes for the Vatican:
• Cover shoulders: avoid strapless tops, spaghetti straps tops and vests (both men and women)
• Avoid above the knee skirts and shorts (men and women)
• Avoid exposing excessive cleavage, a waist/belly or back
• Do not wear slogans or prints that may be perceived as offensive

Though most merchants prefer cash, credit and debit cards are accepted at most larger businesses — especially aimed at tourists. For purchases under 20 euros, you’ll likely need to use cash. Before traveling, try to ascertain what fees your credit card company or bank of choice might take for transactions, to avoid any unhappy surprises.

Tipping is not obligatory, but is appreciated. There is no standard for you to follow, but consider rounding up on restaurant bills, and adding a euro while paying for a taxi-ride. Please note that tips should be in cash.

A few notes on body language:
• Maintain eye contact while talking. Otherwise Italians might think you are hiding something.
• To beckon a waiter or waitress raise your index finger and make eye contact.
• Italians are known for using the most body language of all European nations.

While out and about, cheap alternative to bottled water runs from public water fountains that can be found in all towns and villages. This water is free, safe and readily available from marked water posts everywhere. And it is safe for tourists to stop and take a drink or fill up their drinking bottles from these fountains instead of carrying bottled water around.