21 days in Island of Malta, Sicily & Sardinia Itinerary

As the largest island in the country, Island of Malta is a center for Mediterranean discovery, luxurious relaxation, historical exploration, and buzzing European nightlife. Surrounded by ancient temples and old cities, the island almost feels like an archaeological site that's been converted into a prime vacation spot. Tourists flock here for the aquamarine waters of the Mediterranean Sea, but you don't have to spend all your time on the beach. With a plethora of activities for any type of traveler, you may find yourself exploring a national museum, admiring the collections of boats and yachts in the bays, or people-watching in one of the many bustling squares.

The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily is a ruggedly attractive land. The island has a long history of foreign domination and has been controlled by the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Normans. The result is a distinct culture blending elements from all of those areas and featuring an intriguing dialect. This is a huge island with plenty of small villages to tour, each with its own treasures. Beyond the popular coastal areas, Sicily's inland attractions include an unspoiled landscape of mountains, hills, and villages that sometimes seem frozen in time. While the natural environment is its biggest draw, Sicily's greatest asset may be its people. They are proud of their traditions and incredibly hospitable to visitors.

Sardinia, with its Mediterranean atmosphere and charm, is loved by visitors looking for things to do outdoors on their holiday, like swimming, boating, windsurfing, hiking, climbing, and camping. Taking advantage of the island's near-perfect summer weather, visitors tend to overcrowd Sardinia's coastal areas. The inner life of the island, away from the most popular vacation spots, remains largely unblemished by mass tourism and commercialization. Sardinia is steeped in history and has a colorful character quite different from the rest of Italy. This is where the ancient Nuragic society, whose stone monuments still litter the land, flourished more than three millennia ago--predating the Etruscan civilization in mainland Italy by several hundred years. Sardinia's seaside resorts may be among the best in the world, but its quieter and more interesting countryside offers a greater array of attractions, including a patchwork of forests, citrus groves, and medieval villages.