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Sicily & Malta: A Mediterranean Journey Through History and Culture

พ.ย. 20, 2025

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Sicily & Malta: A Mediterranean Journey Through History and Culture

Discover the enduring allure of two remarkable islands at the heart of the Mediterranean. From Sicily’s ancient Greek temples at Siracusa, Agrigento, the Roman mosaics of Piazza Armerina, and the grandeur of Palermo’s Norman cathedrals to Malta’s prehistoric temples of Ħaġar Qim, the fortified city of Valletta, and the medieval streets of Mdina, this educational journey explores the intricate layers of history, art, and tradition shaped by millennia of human civilisation.

Sicily and Malta have long been crossroads of the Mediterranean, influenced by Phoenician traders, Greek settlers, Roman conquerors, Arab craftsmen, Norman kings, and the Knights of St. John. These islands bear witness to pivotal historical events, from ancient maritime trade and cultural exchange to strategic military campaigns that shaped European and Mediterranean history.

The Siam Society, under the leadership of Mrs Pikulkaew Krairiksh, Former President of The Siam Society, are pleased to invite you to engage with the rich cultural heritage of Sicily and Malta, savour authentic Mediterranean flavours, and experience the timeless beauty of these two islands, where the past and present meet in perfect harmony. This trip is in collaboration with Din l-Art Ħelwa, the National Trust of Malta, a non-governmental, non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting and preserving Malta’s cultural and natural heritage.

When

Tuesday, 10 to Sunday, 22 March 2026

Leader

with Mrs Pikulkeaw Krairiksh

Former President of The Siam Society

Booking

See information below

Or contact Khun Thun

studytrips@thesiamsociety.org

 

The tentative programme will be as follows:

Day 1: Tuesday, 10 March:  Bangkok – Rome – Palermo (Sicily)
09:30 Meet at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, check in at the ITA Airways (Alitalia) check-in counter.
12:25 Depart Bangkok for Rome by ITA Airways flight AZ759.
18:55 Arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport, then transfer for the flight to Palermo.
21:55 Depart Rome for Palermo by ITA Airways (Altitalia) flight AZ1783.
23:00 Arrive at Palermo Punta Raisi, then transfer to the hotel.
Evening: Overnight at NH Palermo Hotel, Palermo.
   
Day 2: Wednesday, 11 March: Palermo
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Walking tour in Palermo, tracing the historic steps of the Norman Empire through the city’s rich art and architecture. Start with the Royal Palace (Palazzo dei Normanni), the heart of the Norman kings’ rule and home to the dazzling Cappella Palatina. This chapel’s perfect blend of cultures: Norman architecture, brilliant Byzantine mosaics, and an intricate Arab Muqarnas ceiling.
– Stroll through the green oasis of Villa Bonanno to visit the Church of Saint John of the Hermits (San Giovanni degli Eremiti) with its iconic red domes.
– Following the ancient street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, we will reach the immense, eclectic Palermo Cathedral, a historical timeline of Norman, Gothic, and Baroque influences. Continue to the Baroque centre point, Quattro Canti (Four Corners), view the symmetrical facades and the  Fontana Pretoria nearby and visit the Martorana Church (Church of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio), famous for its rich, golden Byzantine mosaics.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit the Regional Archaeological Museum Antonio Salinas, one of the oldest and most important cultural institutions in Sicily, located in the former Olivella monastery complex. This museum is essential for understanding the pre-Norman, multicultural history of the island, housing one of Italy’s richest collections of Punic (Phoenician-Carthaginian) and Ancient Greek art.
Evening:

Dinner at a local restaurant.
 

Overnight at NH Palermo Hotel, Palermo.
 

Day 3: Thursday, 12 March: Palermo – Cefalù – Monreale – Palermo
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: A short drive from Palermo up to the town of Monreale. Visit the magnificent Duomo di Monreale, experience the breathtaking scale of its 6,500 square meters of glittering gold mosaics and the imposing Christ Pantocrator and visit the serene Benedictine Cloister, admiring its intricately carved twin columns. The Duomo, along with its beautiful Benedictine Cloister, is a highlight of Sicily’s UNESCO World Heritage sites.
– Depart Monreale for a beautiful one-hour drive east along the coast to Cefalù.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon:

–

 Visit Duomo di Cefalù, a powerful and imposing structure that is a cornerstone of the Arab-Norman UNESCO World Heritage site. Witness its crowning glory: the magnificent Byzantine mosaics of the Christ Pantocrator, set high in the apse and explore Cefalù’s charming medieval streets, the ancient wash house, and enjoy the spectacular coastal views before returning to Palermo.
Evening: Dinner at your own arrangement.
  Overnight at NH Palermo Hotel, Palermo.
   
Day 4: Friday, 13 March: Erice – Mozia – Marsala
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Check out of the hotel and proceed to visit the charming medieval hilltop town of Erice, known for its winding cobblestone streets, Norman castle, and panoramic views.
– After that, continue to Trapani. Historically, it was an important port, especially for the salt trade and fishing. and offers stunning views of the historic, white-capped salt pans (saline).
– Take a short boat trip (about 15 minutes) to the small island of Mozia (Motya), an important archaeological site that was once a powerful Phoenician colony dating back to the 8th century BC. On Mozia, visit the Whitaker Museum, which displays unique artefacts, including the evocative terracotta masks, funerary stelae, and the exquisitely sculpted Greek-style marble statue, the Youth of Mozia (Giovanetto di Mozia), a masterpiece from the 5th century BC.
– Travel back to Trapani by boat.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Continue to Marsala, a port city renowned worldwide for its production of the fortified Marsala wine.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Seawater Hotels Bio & Beauty SPA, Marsala.
   
Day 5: Saturday, 14 March: Marsala – Agrigento – Piazza Armerina
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Check out of the hotel and proceed to visit Marsala Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Baglio Anselmi), located at Capo Boeo, which houses one of Sicily’s most significant finds: the remarkably preserved wreck of a Phoenician warship dating back to the First Punic War.
– Continue to Agrigento.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Evening: Visit Valley of the Temples in Agrigento (ancient Akragas), a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site and home to some of the most remarkable ancient Greek architecture outside of Greece. The magnificent ruins, including the remains of the Temple of Hera (Juno Lacinia), the imposing columns of the Temple of Heracles (Hercules), and the exceptionally well-preserved Temple of Concordia, are considered one of the finest surviving Doric temples globally.
– Drive to Piazza Armerina.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Tenute Leano Hotel, Piazza Armerina.
Day 6: Sunday, 15 March: Piazza Armerina – Ragusa
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Check out of the hotel and proceed to visit Villa Romana del Casale (Piazza Armerina): A UNESCO World Heritage site and a supreme example of a late-imperial Roman luxury villa from the 4th century AD. It is world-renowned for its extensive and exceptionally well-preserved mosaics, covering about 3,500 square meters, including the popular “bikini girls” mosaic (officially the “Sala delle Dieci Ragazze” or Room of the Ten Maidens), which depicts women performing athletic exercises.
– Afterwards, visit the Morgantina Archaeological Area. An ancient city that was an important indigenous Sicilian centre, later Hellenised. The ruins offer a look at its development from the Early Bronze Age through the Hellenistic period, and visit the Aidone Regional Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Regionale di Aidone): This museum holds artefacts recovered from Morgantina, including the famous Goddess of Morgantina statue (also known as the “Venus of Morgantina” in some older references). The story of the Goddess of Morgantina statue is one of drama and return. Likely looted by tomb robbers in 1977-1978 from the Morgantina site in Sicily, it was later purchased by the Getty Museum in California. Following years of negotiation and mounting evidence of its illicit provenance, the Getty Museum agreed to return the statue in 2007. It was finally repatriated to Italy and placed on permanent display in May 2011 at the Regional Archaeological Museum of Aidone, close to its ancient origin.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Continue our journey into the Val di Noto region, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its eight towns rebuilt in magnificent Late Baroque style after the 1693 earthquake. These towns, including Ragusa, Noto, and Modica, exemplify a masterwork of 18th-century urban planning.
– Our focus today is Ragusa Ibla, the beautifully preserved ancient village rebuilt on a separate hill, distinct from the modern Ragusa Superiore. This historic Baroque town, renowned for its dramatic architecture, was famously featured in the TV series “Inspector Montalbano”. We will explore Ibla’s winding, intricate lanes, culminating at the dome square to admire the magnificent Duomo di San Giorgio.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Poggio del Sole Hotel, Ragusa.
   
Day 7: Monday, 16 March: Ragusa – Noto – Siracusa
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Check out of the hotel and proceed to visit Noto, the magnificent capital of Sicilian Baroque. This UNESCO site is famous for its grand “Open City” urban design, a perfect, uniform plan implemented entirely after the 1693 earthquake. Then continue to Siracusa.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit Ortigia, the small, magnificent island that serves as Siracusa’s historical centre. Stroll the narrow, ancient streets to discover key sights, including the magnificent Piazza Duomo, where the stunning Cathedral stands as a remarkable monument with its Baroque façade literally wrapped around the ancient columns of a former Greek temple. We will also see the beautiful Piazza Archimede and the famous Arethusa Fountain, a legendary freshwater spring offering beautiful coastal views.
Evening: Dinner at your own arrangement.
  Overnight at Mercure Siracusa Prometeo Hotel, Siracusa.
   
Day 8: Tuesday, 17 March: Siracusa – Giardini Naxos
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Exploring Siracusa’s history at the Neapolis Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where we will visit the spectacular Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the ancient stone quarries of the Latomie of Paradise, and the acoustically unique Ear of Dionysius cave.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Proceed to Giardini Naxos, located on the stunning Ionian coast of Sicily, which is famous for being the site of the first Greek colony in Sicily (ancient Naxos, founded in 734 BC). Today, it offers a great blend of beach life, history, and a convenient base for exploring the region.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Hellenia Yachting Hotel, Giardini Naxos
   
Day 9: Wednesday, 18 March: Giardini Naxos – Taormina – Catania – Malta
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Check out of the hotel and drive to Taormina.
– Visit two major highlights of Taormina. First, the spectacular Ancient Greek Theatre, which offers not only remarkable Roman-era architecture but also one of Sicily’s most famous panoramic views, perfectly framing the sea and Mount Etna. Following this, we will stroll the length of the charming main pedestrian street, Corso Umberto. This elegant thoroughfare is the heart of Taormina, lined with boutique shops, cafes, and historic viewpoints like the stunning terrace of Piazza IX Aprile.
Noon: Lunch at your own arrangement.
Afternoon: Proceed to Vincenzo Bellini Catania Airport.
17:05 Depart Catania for Malta by Ryan Air flight FR368.
17:55 Arrive at Malta International Airport, then transfer to the hotel.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Grand Hotel Excelsior, Malta.
   
Day 10: Thursday, 19 March: Malta
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Walking tour in Valletta. The capital of Malta, a UNESCO World Heritage City and an architectural masterpiece. Founded in the 16th century by the Knights of St. John after the Great Siege of 1565, it was conceived as an unbreachable fortress and a showcase of Baroque grandeur. Strategically located on a narrow peninsula between the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour, the city is defined by its iconic grid of straight, intersecting streets and massive defensive bastions. Valletta is one of Europe’s smallest capitals, yet it boasts an extraordinary density of over 320 historical monuments within just 55 hectares, earning it the nickname “open-air museum.”
– Begins with an immersion into the city’s rich history with visit the majestic St. John’s Co-Cathedral, allowing a full 1.5 hours to fully appreciate its dazzling High Baroque interior, the intricate marble tombstones that cover the entire nave floor, and the unmissable Oratory which houses Caravaggio’s The Beheading of St John the Baptist, considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Baroque art.
– Visit the National Museum of Archaeology, housed in the magnificent Auberge de Provence, which provides crucial context by showcasing artefacts from Malta’s prehistoric treasures, most famously the “Sleeping Lady” figurine and objects from the megalithic temples. The final historical stop before lunch is the Grandmaster’s Palace, the historic seat of the Knights of St. John, where you can explore the richly decorated State Rooms and the impressive Palace Armoury (note: access is subject to cancellation if official closures occur).
Noon: Lunch at the elegant Casino Maltes.
Afternoon: Visit to the Church of Our Lady of Victories, Valletta’s first completed building, constructed in 1566 by Grand Master Jean Parisot de Valette as a symbol of thanksgiving for the victory over the Ottoman forces in the Great Siege of 1565; despite its humble exterior, its interior features a beautiful barrel-vaulted ceiling adorned with 18th-century frescoes by Maltese artist Alessio Erardi.
Evening: Scenic Grand Harbour Boat Cruise, offering a unique and memorable perspective of Valletta’s formidable 16th-century fortifications and the historic Three Cities from the sea.
– Dinner at your own arrangement.
  Overnight at Grand Hotel Excelsior, Malta.
   
Day 11: Friday, 20 March: Malta – Gozo Island
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Transfer to the ferry terminal for the scenic crossing to Malta’s sister island, Gozo, known as the mythical island of Calypso. It is greener, more tranquil, and distinctively rural compared to Malta, offering a more laid-back atmosphere and a blend of dramatic coastal scenery with deep historical significance.
– Upon arrival, travel by mini bus to explore Gozo, starting with a visit to the Ġgantija Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which are among the oldest free-standing structures in the world, predating the Egyptian pyramids. Next, travel to the heart of Gozo’s capital, Victoria, to explore the majestic Citadel. This ancient, fortified city sits atop a hill, offering incredible historical insight and panoramic views across the island.
– Afterwards, we will head to the western side of the island to the dramatic coastal area of Dwejra. Here, we can appreciate the geological wonders, including the Fungus Rock and the Inland Sea, and learn about the iconic, though now collapsed, Azure Window. We then turn to the spiritual heart of the island with a visit to the magnificent Ta’ Pinu Basilica, a major national shrine set in a beautiful, serene location.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Heading back to the ferry terminal.
– Transfer back to the hotel.
Evening: Dinner at your own arrangement.
  Overnight at Grand Hotel Excelsior, Malta.
   
Day 12: Saturday, 21 March: Malta
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Check out of the hotel and proceed to visit the magnificent, Fortification City of Mdina (The

Silent City). Once Malta’s medieval capital, Mdina is an exquisite mix of Norman and Baroque architecture, visible in the stunning palazzi and narrow, winding streets that famously doubled as King’s Landing in Game of Thrones and on to visit Rabat (meaning ‘suburb’ in Arabic). Rabat is considered the birthplace of Maltese Christianity, stemming from the tradition that St. Paul the Apostle lived here after being shipwrecked on the island in 60 AD. Visit the St. Paul’s Catacombs, an extensive system of interconnected underground Roman cemeteries that showcase the earliest and largest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: After that, take a short drive to the southern coast and visit the phenomenal Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Park. These UNESCO World Heritage sites are utterly breathtaking, comprising two temple complexes dating back to 3600–3200 BC, making them older than both Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza. Spend an hour and a half exploring these monumental structures, built with massive stone blocks—one of which weighs an astonishing 57 tons. The temples are renowned for their astronomical alignments, particularly the Mnajdra temple, where the main doorway is perfectly aligned with the rising sun during the spring and autumn equinoxes.
– Photo stop at Blue Grotto Panoramic Viewpoint.
– Proceed to Malta International Airport.
19:45 Depart Malta for Istanbul by Turkish Airlines flight TK1372.
   
Day 13: Sunday, 22 March: Istanbul – Bangkok
00:15 Arrive at Istanbul Airport. then transfer for the flight to Bangkok.
01:40 Depart Istanbul for Bangkok by Turkish Airlines flight TK68.
15:05 Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
   

The Siam Society reserves the right to change the programme as necessary.

Important notes:

– The Siam Society may utilise photos taken from study trips, lectures, performances, and other activities as part of its public relations and marketing campaign. These photos, which may sometimes contain image(s) of activity participants, can also be featured on The Society’s website and other online social media channels.

– As part of our effort to address the issue of global warming, The Siam Society strongly supports the reduction of plastic waste. We kindly recommend bringing your own water flask during the trip, if possible.

Booking:

Contribution of THB 209,000 (THB 214,000 for non-members). Single room surcharge of THB 32,000. A deposit of THB 50,000 and a photocopy of the identification page on your passport must accompany the booking. Your reservation will be confirmed as soon as the deposit has been made. Payment in full will be required 75 days before the start of the trip (i.e. by Thursday, 25 December 2025). There is a 4% surcharge for credit/debit card payment to cover bank charges. Please pay by cash or cheque payable to “The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage”. Transfer can also be made to The Siam Society travel account at TMBThanachart Bank (ttb), saving account no. 053-2-18000-7, swift code: TMBKTHBK or by scanning the QR code on your right. Once the payment has been made, please e-mail the deposit or transfer docket to us.

Inclusions:

  • The contribution includes accommodation (sharing basis), meals as mentioned in the programme, transfer and sightseeing cars, entrance fees, gratuities and other costs incurred to make this trip possible.
  • Meal as mentioned in the programme
  • Basic travel insurance, which will only cover participants travelling from and back to Thailand.

Exclusions:                                                                                                                                          

  • All air tickets are not included in the price (Bangkok – Rome – Palermo, Catania – Malta, and Malta – Istanbul – Bangkok). The approximate airfare for economy class is THB 55,000, and the business class is THB 140,000 (as of November 2025).
  • 4 meals that are excluded from the programme (dinner on day 3, 7, 10, and 11)
  • Visa fees (if any), personal expenses, personal food and beverage consumption, etc.

Tourist Visa Policy

Citizens of EU and Schengen Area countries, along with nationals from over 60 other countries, like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan, are eligible for visa-free entry to Sicily and Malta for stays up to 90 days.

Thailand passport holders must apply for a Schengen Visa (Italy). However, a valid Schengen visa (multiple entry) allows its holder to enter both Sicily (Italy) and Malta for a short stay of up to 90 days.

Cancellation charges:

91 days before the start of the trip (before Tue, 9 Dec 2025): Deposit forfeited
90 – 76 days before the start of the trip (Wed, 10 Nov to Wed, 24 Dec 2025): 50% of the tour cost
Less than 75 days or cancellation without notice (Thu, 25 Dec 2025 onwards): No refund

 

*The cancellation charges will also depend on the date we pay the deposit to our travel agent. If we have to pay the deposit to the travel agent before the 75-day period prior to the start of the trip, our officer will send an email to inform every participant before we make the payment, as only a partial amount of the deposit can be refunded after that point.

For further information and bookings, please contact Khun Thun at 02-661-6470-3 ext 205, or studytrips@thesiamsociety.org.The Society’s office is open from 09:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Saturday.

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