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Sydney to Sicily, Malta, Italy, Spain, Portugal & Paris — Efficient 16‑Day Summer Rail, Ferry & Flight Loop (13–28 July 2026)

Viewed by 159 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Stroll

Catania, Italy on July 13, 2026

2:00pm

Hotel check-in and settle

Arrive, check into your central Catania hotel and rest after the long flight; aim for a hotel near Piazza Duomo for walkable sightseeing.
EUR0, 1h0m

3:30pm

Piazza Duomo & Catania Cathedral

Walk the lively Piazza Duomo and see the Cathedral (generally open 9:00am–7:00pm); it’s a great intro to Sicilian baroque architecture.
EUR6, 1h0m

4:30pm

La Pescheria (Fish Market)

Explore the bustling market beside the cathedral—open from early morning into late afternoon—and soak up local food culture.
EUR0, 45m

6:30pm

Dinner — Trattoria al Cavaliere

Classic Sicilian plates (pasta alla Norma, fresh fish); good for your first authentic Sicilian meal. Restaurants typically open evening from 7:00pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Catania

Day 2: Etna & Taormina

Catania → Mount Etna → Taormina, Italy on July 14, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast — Local café

Coffee and a brioche or arancini to fuel a full day; many cafés open from 7:00am.
EUR6, 30m

8:30am

Mount Etna guided half‑day tour

Join a guided minibus or 4x4 tour to Etna for lava flows, craters and panoramic views—tours typically operate 8:00am–4:00pm in summer and must be booked in advance.
EUR70, 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch — Taormina trattoria

Lunch in Taormina with views (where available); fresh seafood and local wines. Many restaurants open midday from 12:00pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Teatro Greco, Taormina

Stroll the ancient Greek theatre (open ~9:00am–8:00pm in summer) for sweeping sea and mountain panoramas—great photo spot.
EUR12, 1h0m

6:30pm

Return to Catania & dinner

Return to Catania for a relaxed dinner; choose a restaurant specialising in Sicilian desserts (cannoli) for something sweet.
EUR30, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Catania → Mount Etna → Taormina

Day 3: Transfer to Malta

Catania → Valletta, Malta on July 15, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast & check-out

Early breakfast and luggage ready; ferries to Malta typically depart in the morning—confirm your booked sailing time.
EUR6, 45m

9:30am

Transfer to ferry port (Pozzallo / Catania)

Transfer by coach/taxi to the departure port (Pozzallo or Catania depending on operator). Leave extra time for check‑in.
EUR20, 1h0m

11:00am

Ferry to Valletta

Ferry crossing to Valletta takes roughly 1.5–3 hours depending on the route; ferries are frequent in summer but book in advance.
EUR35, 2h30m

2:00pm

Arrive Valletta & lunch

Check in and have lunch in Valletta’s old town; many eateries open from midday offering Maltese specialities.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:30pm

Upper Barrakka Gardens & Grand Harbour view

Relax in the gardens (open daily) for sweeping views of the harbour—perfect orientation to Malta.
EUR0, 30m

4:00pm

St John’s Co‑Cathedral

Visit the ornate Co‑Cathedral (typical opening 9:00am–5:00pm); book tickets ahead to avoid lines.
EUR15, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — Valletta bistro

Try rabbit stew (fenek) or seafood; Valletta restaurants are lively in the evening and recommended from 7:00pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Catania → Valletta

Day 4: Valletta & Three Cities

Valletta, Malta on July 16, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast — café near Republic Street

Light breakfast before a walking morning—cafés open early in Valletta.
EUR8, 30m

9:00am

National Museum of Archaeology

See Malta’s prehistoric treasures (usually open 9:00am–5:00pm); great context before visiting older sites.
EUR10, 1h0m

11:00am

Ferry across to The Three Cities

Short ferry to Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua for narrow streets and fortifications—ferries run frequently during the day.
EUR2, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch — waterside restaurant in Vittoriosa

Fresh fish and Maltese tapas with harbour views; many places open for lunch from noon.
EUR28, 1h0m

3:30pm

Fort St Angelo or maritime museum

Explore the fortifications and maritime history (opening hours typically 9:00am–5:00pm).
EUR12, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner — Valletta rooftop bar

Enjoy an evening cocktail with views across the harbour; rooftop bars open from late afternoon/evening.
EUR35, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Valletta

Day 5: Gozo or Blue Lagoon

Malta (Day trip to Gozo/Comino) on July 17, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast & depart for boat trip

Early breakfast then head to Cirkewwa for day boats to Comino (Blue Lagoon) or Gozo; boats run frequently in summer from ~8:00am.
EUR10, 45m

9:00am

Blue Lagoon / Gozo coastal exploration

Spend the morning swimming/snorkelling in the Blue Lagoon (Comino) or visit Ġgantija temples in Gozo (open ~9:00am–5:00pm).
EUR25, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch — seaside café

Casual seafood picnic or café lunch on Gozo/Comino or back in Mellieha; many summer options open until late afternoon.
EUR20, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Valletta and relax

Afternoon at leisure—a siesta or café time before dinner.
EUR0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — seafood restaurant

Try lampuki pie (seasonal) or grilled fish; book ahead in July for popular spots.
EUR35, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Malta (Day trip to Gozo/Comino)

Day 6: Mdina & Southern Coast

Malta on July 18, 2026

8:30am

Breakfast & depart to Mdina

Take the short bus or taxi to Mdina (the ‘Silent City’)—cafés open from around 8:00am for a leisurely start.
EUR8, 1h30m

10:30am

Explore Mdina

Wander narrow lanes and visit St Paul’s Cathedral (opening commonly 9:00am–5:00pm) for historic charm.
EUR6, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Rabat / Mdina café

Local casual fare; enjoy Maltese ftira or pasta.
EUR20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Marsaxlokk fishing village (optional)

Visit the Sunday fish market (if a Sunday) or enjoy the harbour; most restaurants open until late afternoon/evening.
EUR0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner — harbourfront restaurant

Savour fresh fish at a seaside restaurant before an early night ahead of tomorrow’s travel.
EUR35, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Malta

Day 7: Last Malta Day

Valletta, Malta on July 19, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast & pack

Final breakfast and organise luggage for tomorrow’s ferry and onward rail to Rome—confirm all tickets.
EUR8, 45m

9:30am

Optional: Hypogeum pre‑book or Fort Rinella

If pre‑booked, visit the Hypogeum (requires advance booking and limited slots) or visit Fort Rinella (open ~9:30am–5:00pm).
EUR35, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — Valletta

Final Maltese lunch; buy any snacks for your long travel tomorrow.
EUR20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax & early night

Leisure time in Valletta—pack and rest for the cross‑Mediterranean transfer to Italy tomorrow.
EUR0, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — casual Valletta dining

An easy dinner and early bed in preparation for a long travel day.
EUR30, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Valletta

Day 8: Ferry & Train to Rome

Valletta → Pozzallo → Rome, Italy on July 20, 2026

7:00am

Early check-out & transfer to ferry

Depart early for the ferry crossing to Sicily (Pozzallo/Catania route); timings vary so allow generous transfer time.
EUR0, 1h0m

8:30am

Ferry to Sicily (Pozzallo)

Morning ferry crossing — journey times vary ~1.5–3 hours; book a ferry that reaches Pozzallo mid‑morning.
EUR35, 2h30m

12:00pm

Transfer to Pozzallo/Modica station & board train

From the ferry port take local transfer to the nearest rail junction (Pozzallo/Modica) and connect to the intercity train to Rome; expect several connections.
EUR45, 8h0m

8:00pm

Arrive Rome & check-in

Arrive into Rome in the evening and check into your hotel near the historic centre for easy access to sights.
EUR0, 1h0m

9:00pm

Dinner — Roman trattoria

Enjoy classic Roman dishes (cacio e pepe, carbonara); many restaurants open late in Rome, especially in summer.
EUR35, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Valletta → Pozzallo → Rome

Day 9: Rome & Fly to Barcelona

Rome, Italy → Barcelona, Spain on July 21, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast & quick sightsee

Early breakfast then quick walk to the Spanish Steps or Trevi Fountain (best early to avoid crowds); many cafés open from 7:00am.
EUR8, 1h0m

9:30am

Colosseum or Roman Forum (optional)

If time permits and you have tickets, visit the Colosseum/Forum (opening ~8:30am–7:00pm); otherwise save for your next Rome visit.
EUR18, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch near Termini

Quick lunch near the station prior to your flight to Barcelona; plan at least 2 hours before flight check‑in for transfer to airport.
EUR20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Flight to Barcelona

Short flight Rome→Barcelona (~1h45). Book morning/early‑afternoon flights to maximise Barcelona time; airports require early check‑in.
EUR80, 2h30m

6:30pm

Arrive Barcelona & evening walk

Check into hotel in the Gothic/Eixample area then stroll the Gothic Quarter or Passeig de Gràcia.
EUR0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — tapas bar

Sample tapas and local Catalan dishes; many good bars open late into the night.
EUR30, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Rome

Day 10: Barcelona → Madrid

Barcelona → Madrid, Spain on July 22, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast — local café

Catalan breakfast (pa amb tomàquet and coffee) before you depart; cafés open from around 7:30–8:00am.
EUR8, 30m

9:30am

Sagrada Família or Park Güell (quick visit)

If you didn’t visit yesterday, do a focused visit to Sagrada Família (book tickets; open ~9:00am–7:00pm) or Park Güell (tickets required for the monumental zone).
EUR26, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — Catalan restaurant

Enjoy a leisurely lunch before boarding the AVE high‑speed train to Madrid (trains depart regularly from Barcelona Sants).
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Train Barcelona → Madrid (AVE)

High‑speed AVE train takes ~2h30–3h to Madrid; book in advance for best fares and seats.
EUR60, 3h0m

7:00pm

Arrive Madrid & evening tapas

Check in to your Madrid hotel and head to La Latina or Huertas for tapas and a lively evening atmosphere.
EUR30, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Barcelona → Madrid

Day 11: Madrid → Portugal (overnight)

Madrid, Spain → Lisbon, Portugal (train) on July 23, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast — Plaza Mayor area

Relaxed breakfast in central Madrid; plan some light sightseeing before your longer rail transfer.
EUR8, 45m

10:00am

Prado Museum or Retiro Park

Quick visit to the Prado (open ~10:00am–8:00pm) or stroll Retiro Gardens if you prefer outdoors before travel.
EUR15, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch & prepare for overnight train

Early dinner/lunch and pick up snacks for the overnight train; trains to Portugal have varying schedules — book a comfortable seat or sleeper.
EUR20, 1h0m

6:30pm

Board overnight/long‑distance train to Lisbon

Take the recommended overnight or late‑evening train to Lisbon (the route and timing vary—book a couchette or premium seat for comfort).
EUR60, 12h0m
Find Hotels in Madrid

Day 12: Lisbon Arrival

Lisbon, Portugal on July 24, 2026

9:00am

Arrive Lisbon & check-in

Arrive in Lisbon in the morning; check into your hotel and freshen up after the train.
EUR0, 1h0m

10:30am

Belém district: Jerónimos & Tower

Visit Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower (monuments typically open ~10:00am–5:00pm); purchase timed tickets for busy July days.
EUR12, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — Pastéis de Belém & riverside café

Try the famous custard tarts and a light lunch on the waterfront.
EUR15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Tram 28 & Alfama walk

Take the iconic Tram 28 route then wander Alfama’s lanes and viewpoints—tram runs all day with queues in summer.
EUR3, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — Fado evening in Alfama

Enjoy traditional Portuguese food with live Fado music; many venues require reservations and run evenings from 8:00pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Lisbon

Day 13: Lisbon → Paris (Train)

Lisbon → Paris, France (via train) on July 25, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast & check-out

Early breakfast and check‑out; long train travel ahead so ensure transfers to the station are planned.
EUR8, 30m

9:00am

Depart Lisbon by train

Begin the multi‑leg rail journey to Paris — typical route involves Lisbon→Madrid then Madrid→Paris high‑speed; book connections in advance for July travel.
EUR140, 11h0m

8:00pm

Arrive Paris & light dinner

Arrive in Paris in the evening, check into your hotel and have a light dinner near your accommodation; many bistros open late.
EUR30, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Lisbon → Paris

Day 14: Classic Paris

Paris, France on July 26, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast — patisserie

Start with croissant and coffee at a local patisserie — bakeries open early in Paris.
EUR8, 30m

9:30am

Louvre Museum (booked entry)

Visit the Louvre (open 9:00am–6:00pm; closed Tuesdays) to see masterworks—book a timed ticket to avoid long queues.
EUR17, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — bistro near the Seine

Enjoy a classic French lunch by the river; many bistros open from noon.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Eiffel Tower & Trocadéro

Visit the Eiffel Tower (opening ~9:00am–midnight) and photograph from Trocadéro—prebook summit tickets if you want to go up.
EUR28, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — classic French brasserie

Dine in a brasserie in Saint‑Germain or the Marais; reserve a table for a smoother evening.
EUR45, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Paris

Day 15: Versailles or Montmartre

Paris, France on July 27, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast & depart for Versailles (optional)

If you choose Versailles, depart early—Palace typically open 9:00am–6:30pm in summer; otherwise enjoy a relaxed Montmartre morning.
EUR8, 30m

9:30am

Versailles Palace & Gardens

Explore the Palace and gardens (book timed entry for July); gardens are extensive so allow a few hours.
EUR25, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch — back in Paris

Return to central Paris for lunch in the Marais or near Gare du Nord depending on your afternoon plan.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:30pm

Seine river cruise & evening stroll

Take a 1‑hour Bateaux cruise (operates into the evening in summer) for sunset views, then wander nearby bookshops and cafés.
EUR15, 1h0m

8:00pm

Farewell dinner — special Parisian restaurant

Enjoy a memorable final dinner in Paris; book a table for a popular spot well in advance for July evenings.
EUR60, 2h0m
Find Hotels in Paris

Day 16: Depart to Sydney

Paris → Sydney (via flight) on July 28, 2026

6:30am

Early breakfast & final pack

Quick breakfast and last minute packing; confirm airport transfer and boarding passes for your long‑haul flight.
EUR8, 30m

8:00am

Transfer to Paris CDG Airport

Allow at least 3 hours for international check‑in and security for long‑haul flights; pre‑book an airport taxi or use the RER/airport shuttle.
EUR50, 1h30m

11:00am

Board flight Paris → Sydney

Long‑haul flight back to Sydney; flight times and carriers vary—book an overnight or daytime flight that suits your preferred arrival time in Australia.
AUD1500, 23h0m

11:30am

Airport lounge or light meal

Relax in an airport lounge if available or grab a final European meal before boarding; shops and restaurants open early at CDG.
EUR25, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Paris → Sydney (via flight)
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