Exclusively

12 Days Itinerary #64A - 11 Night Malta and with Jewish Highlights

Important Contact Numbers Jews in the Middle Ages - Malta & Sicily

Day 1 Arrival in Malta The Maltese Islands

Day 2 - The Capital Valletta Experiences Upper Barrakka Gardens Museum of Archaeology - Private tour with Curator Gilder Artisan Visit of Malta - Private Experience Kings Own Band Club Restaurant Jews' Sally Port St. John's Co-Cathedral - Private Afterhours Visit

Day 3 The with Jewish Highlights The Three Cities Private Visit to Upper Fort St. Angelo - home to Resident Fra. John Critien The Inquisitor's The Kalkara Jewish "Slave" Cemetery

Day 4 Prehistoric Malta Hagar Qim & Mnajdra Temples Private Falconry Experience Private vist to San Niklaw Winery Village Created by at Exclusively Malta 1 Marsaxlokk Village Ghar Dalam Cave Site Hypogeum Visit

Day 5 Maltese Food Culture and the Western Coast The Dingli Cliffs and Cart Ruts Bakery Visit Sheep Farmers with Cheese Tastings Rustic Farmer's Lunch on a Private Olive Grove Ghajn Tuffieha

Day 6 The Old Capital and Western Malta Village of - the Silent and Medieval City Mdina Private Palace Visit Traditional Instrument Artisan - Francesco Sultana The Marsa Jewish Cemetery Maltese Synagogue visit

Day 7 Departure Day La Valette VIP Service - Meet and Greet and Chauffeur Service Upon Departure OR Virtu Ferries - Morning Departure Arrival in Sicily Sicily Early Evening Introductory Lecture on the Jews of Sicily

Day 8 Ortigia Culinary Adventure and Ancient Siracusa Tour Ortigia Food Market + Sicilian Cooking Class Siracusa Archeological Park / Greek Theater Ortigia Historical Center

Day 9 Noto Antico with Almond Farm Lunch and Baroque Noto Noto Antica Historical Area Almond Farm + Rustic Lunch Noto Historic Centre

Day 10 Scicli with Herb Farm and Modica Scicli Experience with Traces of Ancient Jews Herb Farm Visit + Lunch Modica Historical Center + Chocolate!

Day 11 Mount Etna, Wine and Catania Mount Etna Experience + Winery Visit City of Catania - Jewish Highlights

Day 12 Depart Sicily for Home

Itinerary Inclusions Itinerary Exclusions

Created by at Exclusively Malta 2 Important Contact Numbers In Malta Guide: Local Representative (9am - 5pm): Emergency Contact:

In Sicily Guide: Local Representative (9am - 5pm): Emergency Contact:

Jews in the Middle Ages - Malta & Sicily On 31st March 1492, the King and Queen of , Ferdinand and Isabella, issued their infamous Decree of Alhambra, by which all Jews living in Spanish territories, including Malta and Sicily, were obliged either to leave or to convert to Catholicism.

At the time of the decree, it is estimated that some 30,000 Jews (around 10% of the total population) lived in Sicily, from Palermo to Syracuse and from Marsala to Messina. Their ancestors had first settled on the island as early as the 1st century CE, meaning that Sicily was home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe.

In Malta it is thought that the first Jews arrived as seafarers with the Phoenicians. Compared to neighboring Sicily, Malta has an estimated population of just over 500 with most living within the capital city Mdina as well as in and Rabat in . Today the population of Jews in Malta is between 100 and 200 persons.

Through your experience with local experts, you will learn more about the rich Jewish culture that existed on Sicily and Malta and the present day activities of the communities that live here today.

Day 1

Arrival in Malta

Welcome to Malta. After collecting your baggage, a representative will greet you and then privately transfer you to your host Created by at Exclusively Malta 3 Welcome to Malta. After collecting your baggage, a representative will greet you and then privately transfer you to your host accommodations.

The Maltese Islands

Malta has been fought over for thousands of years, has temples that pre-date the pyramids at Giza and Stonehenge, has some of the clearest waters in the world, and boasts a capital city that is a baroque masterpiece. Like Croatia of 20 years ago, Malta has just now become a newly discovered travel destination for the cultural enthusiast and not as a second thought. The Maltese Islands, although small in size, offers travelers a rare opportunity to see a well preserved history and exciting present day culture.

Day 2 Valletta - The Capital

Valletta Experiences

Valletta was built by the of St. John after the Great of Malta by the Ottomans in 1565. It is the fortified city that was said to be "Built by gentlemen for gentlemen". It boasts over 320 monuments in a .2 square mile radius, is a Baroque capital and has been recognized as the European Capital of Culture in 2018. You'll love what's in store within its main gates - a great mix of history and present day lively culture. Below are some of the included experiences in addition to meandering the main and back streets to discover Valletta`s very interesting history.

Created by at Exclusively Malta 4 Upper Barrakka Gardens Image credits: Pixabay

The Upper Barrakka Gardens overlook the . From their terrace they afford one of the most beautiful panoramic views in Malta as they command a unique view of the only natural harbour in the Mediterranean with the Three Cities as its backdrop.

Museum of Archaeology - Private tour with Curator

Not just another museum, the Museum of Archaeology will guide who through our living history dating back to the temple period. Spend a short time here gaining an overview and especially seeing the unbelievable finds from the temple(s) that you will be visiting on your tour. Of special note is the sleeping lady!

Created by at Exclusively Malta 5 Gilder Artisan Visit

You’ll be paying a private visit to one of Malta’s finest artisans to learn about his trade in clock building and gilding. Witness a master artisan whose gilder lineage dates back to the 18th Century - and he has the tools to prove it.

Notarial Archives of Malta - Private Experience

Go behind the scenes and deep into the with a private visit to the notarial archives. Discover the happenings of daily life and even of great battles through its treasures.

Created by at Exclusively Malta 6 Kings Own Band Club Restaurant

Casual dining in a historic place. This restaurant resides within the Kings Own Band Club residence. The oldest band club in Valletta had earned its name when the Prince of Wales became king, changing the name of the club to Kings Own from The Prince of Wales band club. Enjoy a fantastic Maltese delicacy lunch and superior wine.

Jews' Sally Port

Not too much evidence of Jewish culture exists in Valletta from the period of the Knights of St. John except for the Jews' Sally Port. Unfortunately under the Knights, many Jews were enslaved and ransomed. Free Jews visiting Valletta were directed to enter through this port.

Created by at Exclusively Malta 7 St. John's Co-Cathedral - Private Afterhours Visit

Built shortly after the Great (1565), St. John's Co-Cathedral's austere exterior is in drastic contrast to its sumptuous high baroque interior. You'll be in awe at the artistic masterpiece - from it's tombstone laid floors to the vaulted ceiling painted in the life of John the Baptist. Around the corner and into the oratory, stand before two wonderful masterpieces by the artist Caravaggio - St. Jerome and his only signed piece - The Beheading of St. John the Baptist. The best part of this experience is that you'll be experiencing the Cathedral when it is closed to the public. What a treat!

Day 3 The Three Cities with Jewish Highlights

The Three Cities

The Three Cities lie across the Grand Harbour. It was here where the Knights of St. John settled when they arrived in 1530 and made Birgu Malta's capital city. The formal or original names of the cities are Birgu, Bormla and Isla and their modern names Vittoriosa, Cospicua and . There is a treasure trove of history found in each of them which you can explore today.

Created by at Exclusively Malta 8 Private Visit to Upper Fort St. Angelo - home to Knight Resident Fra. John Critien

An exclusive opportunity awaits you in Vittoriosa. Fort St. Angelo is steeped in history - it having been known as the Castle by the Sea when the Knights of St. John arrived. The fort had been built up during the knights period and played a crucial part during the Great Siege of 1565 against the . Atop the Fort is the private land of the Knights of St. John where Resident Knight Fra. John Critien resides. This area of the fort is where the first Grand Master of the Order in Malta resided up until Jean Parisot de la Vallette. Enjoy a private tour led to include the grounds, private chapel as well as a few other surprises.

Note: Availability is confirmed, however the private visit is always at the discretion of the Order of Malta (Knights of St. John).

The Inquisitor's Palace

The Inquisitor’s Palace, situated in the heart of Vittoriosa, is one of the very few surviving of its kind which, in the early modern period could be found all over Europe and South America. Many of these palaces simply succumbed to the ravages of time or were victims of the anti-reactionary power unleashed by the French Revolution. Fortunately, the Maltese Inquisitor’s Palace, throughout its five centuries of history, always hosted high-ranking officials representing the main powers on the island, who therefore ensured its survival.

Created by at Exclusively Malta 9 The Kalkara Jewish "Slave" Cemetery

The Kalkara cemetery is the earliest surviving Jewish burial ground in Malta. The cemetery is about 30 feet by 40 feet, bounded by houses, and at the front by a retaining wall. The origins are recorded in a inscription on a tablet over the door:

"This cemetery was established in 1784 by the Leghorn fund for ransoming Hebrew slaves, at its own expenses, for the burial of the dead of its race,"

Day 4 Prehistoric Malta

Hagar Qim & Mnajdra Temples

Step back some 5500 years with a visit to the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temple sites. The temples were excavated in 1839 and are thought to have been built to worship a type of fertility goddess. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Created by at Exclusively Malta 10 Private Falconry Experience

Lawrence is 44 years old and his life has revolved around birds since a very young age, until today most of the work he does also involves his birds, including his cultural and educational display at Wied i-urrieq. He became excited as he recalled the first moment he held a bird in his hand, a sparrow given to him by a neighbour while he was sitting on the doorstep aged 4, "I felt as if he had given me the world!"

Lawrence now has 11 birds of prey in his care, including various falcons, owls and hawks, among which are a Maltese Falcon (Peregrine Falcon) and Barn Owls (Barbaann). Five of them are trained to fly and return to him: a Harris Hawk, a Peregrine X Sayker Falcon, a Barn Owl, a Pharaoh Eagle Owl and a Sparrow Hawk.

Experience a private display of this ancient craft.

Private vist to San Niklaw Winery

San Niklaw Estate is located in the South-East corner of Malta where roads from Zejtun, Marsaxlokk and Marsascala converge. At the centre of the estate lies a country residence and an adjoining 17th century chapel dedicated to St Nicholas. This small family owned Estate is made up of vineyards, an olive grove and a boutique winery with an underground cellar dating back to the late 19th century. The Estate’s principal products include cultured and distinguished wines and a premium olive oil.

Join the owner and wine-maker as he takes you from the fields to the underground cellar to enjoy tastings of their wines and olive oil.

Created by at Exclusively Malta 11 Marsaxlokk Village

This village is known for being the main fishing village of Malta as well as the best place to see the brightly painted fishing boats. Enjoy lunch on own at one of the fine restaurants here.

Ghar Dalam Cave Site

Gar Dalam means ‘Cave of darkness’ in Maltese. The cave is 145-metre cavity of which the first 50 metres publicly accessible. The animal bones found within are evident proof that Malta was once linked to Sicily and to mainland Europe by a land bridge. Here you`ll find evidence of dwarf elephants, bears and wolves as well as the first human inhabitants.

Created by at Exclusively Malta 12 Hypogeum Visit

In addition to a multitude of temples above ground, Malta has the only subterranean temple in the world. Discovered in 1902 when the village of Paola was building homes, this remarkable temple 5000+ year old site only allows 10 visitors per hour! Another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 5 Maltese Food Culture and the Western Coast

The Dingli Cliffs and Cart Ruts

You will be treated to the spectacular views of Dingli Cliffs which are the highest point of the Maltese Islands at 253 metres above sea level. The Cliffs propose a majestic, overlooking the small terraced fields below, the open sea and Filfla & the small uninhabited island (used as target practice during the WWII). Nearby arrive at Clapham Junction to discover the mysterious cart ruts. These deep ruts, rilles, tracks, grooves, channels left in Malta’s limestone but in such numbers, variety and confusion that they leave more questions than answers.

Created by at Exclusively Malta 13 Bakery Visit

Visit a local bakery in the village of Rabat. Lean about the traditional techniques of making the Maltese bread and taste it right from the oven. Malta is known for its local flare and village bakeries play an integral part of the community.

Sheep Farmers with Cheese Tastings

Enjoy the opportunity to visit a small rustic farm to see how the prized Maltese cheese called gbejna is made. Gbejna is typically prepared and served in two forms, fresh and dried, though it can also be cured in salt or covered in pepper. Fresh gbejna tastes like fresh milk and is is normally sold in its own whey. To make it, the cheeselets are dried outdoors in special boxes made with screens that allow the wind in while simultaneously shielding the cheese from bugs. Gbejna can be eaten plain, used to fill ravioli and homemade pasta, or added to dishes such as soppa tal armla, a traditional Maltese vegetable soup.

Created by at Exclusively Malta 14 Rustic Farmer's Lunch on a Private Olive Grove

Enjoy a relaxing stay on a private olive grove to enjoy a rustic uncooked farmer's lunch coupled with local wine and amazing views.

Ghajn Tuffieha

Literally meaning "Apple's Eye", Ghajn Tuffieha offers a glimpse into Northern Malta's beautiful scenery. On top of the cliffs west of Gajn Tuffiea bay there is an old defense tower built in 1637. It is one of the seven towers built by Grand Master Giovanni Paolo Lascaris, of the .

Day 6 The Old Capital and Western Malta

Created by at Exclusively Malta 15 Village of Rabat

The Arabs, during their 200 years of rule, divided the old Roman City of Melita into two: the citadel became known as Mdina and the rest of the area as Rabat. In Rabat we find St. Paul’s and Grotto as well as the St. Paul’s Catacombs. It is here where we learn the story of a shipwrecked St. Paul (Saul of Tarsus) in Malta.

The Christian, Jewish and Pagan Catacombs of St. Paul are not themselves associated with Paul but derive their name from their proximity to St. Paul's Church and Grotto. They are a fascinating labyrinth of 3rd-century AD subterranean tombs and the earliest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta.

Mdina - the Silent and Medieval City

You will feel the power as you enter the Old Capital City of Mdina and fall in love with it inasmuch as the families who continue to live here. It's Malta's only medieval city with a range of architecture that includes Norman and Arabic features. If you're a Game of Thrones fan, you will recognize the main gates immediately. While inside, learn about the bustling Jewish culture of the Middle Ages where their population represented a third before the Edict of Expulsion.

Created by at Exclusively Malta 16 Mdina Private Palace Visit

One of Mdina's nicknames it Citta Nobile and it's no wonder. Noble families have occupied Mdina well before the Knights of St. John arrived in Malta. With just a couple of knocks on the door, you'll enter to find more than just a home. This rare and exclusive opportunity will have you meet a family member who will share their most prized possessions and the stories linked to them.

Note: Availability is confirmed, however the private visit is always at the discretion of the owner.

Traditional Instrument Artisan - Francesco Sultana

Meet one of Malta's most gifted artisans and musician. By day, Francesco works at Heritage Malta on restoration works. His hobby is in creating traditional Maltese instruments such as the bagpipe which is made from a whole goat. You'll love hearing his story and the fascinating history behind these instruments.

Created by at Exclusively Malta 17 The Marsa Jewish Cemetery

The Marsa Jewish cemetery was established in 1879. The first readable gravestones are from 1887 with the inscriptions in Italian being the oldest - perhaps because there was nobody to write in Hebrew. In these holy grounds lie side by side Jews who escaped from concentration camps, from Budapest or from , or a German village. Learn about the prominent families of the last 100 years with a focus on the Tayar and Ohayon families.

Maltese Synagogue visit

Malta's only Synagogue is located in the village of Ta' Xbiex. It was consecrated in January of 2000 and is discreetly located in an apartment complex. The gold-embroidered blue velvet Ark cover was donated in 1946 in memory of two brothers, Alfonso and Menashe Reginiano (one of who was killed by a bomb in WWII). We will meet at the Synagogue with the Acting Rabbi of the Jewish community to hear stories about the community, his family and to learn about their local practices.

Created by at Exclusively Malta 18 Day 7

Departure Day Depart from your hotel for the airport via private transport. Enjoy your very short flight or ferry to Sicily.

La Valette VIP Service - Meet and Greet and Chauffeur Service Upon Departure

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by La Valette airport VIP staff. They will be escort you to the lounge and then to the gate to access the private car to the plane.

OR

Created by at Exclusively Malta 19 Virtu Ferries - Morning Departure

Depart Malta by Virtu Ferries catamaran to Sicily. Your short 90 minute journey will have you arriving to enjoy your first full day in Sicily.

Arrival in Sicily

Arrive in Sicily by plane or ferry and meet your driver for a private transfer to your host hotel in the Siracusa-Ortigia area of South Eastern Sicily.

Created by at Exclusively Malta 20 Sicily Sicily is the largest of the Italian islands, separated from the Continent by the Strait of Messina and surrounded by the Ionian, the Tyrrhenian and the Mediterranean Seas. In fact it's 81 times larger than Malta so you can imagine how different it can be from the Western coast to the center and then to the Eastern parts. Needless to say, you'll find a very rich culture here. Your experience will focus on the Eastern and Southern areas, encompassing Catania, Mount Etna, Noto, Scicli, Modica and Siracusa with Ortigia.

Early Evening Introductory Lecture on the Jews of Sicily

Enjoy a private discourse on the Jewish historical presence and legacy in Sicily. This will provide for a perfect introduction to your experiences in the coming days. Arrival in the Ortigia Historical Center of Siracusa. Enjoy a welcome dinner to follow at local restaurant.

Day 8 Ortigia Culinary Adventure and Ancient Siracusa Tour

Created by at Exclusively Malta 21 Ortigia Food Market + Sicilian Cooking Class

Meet up with your Culinary Guide at your Siracusa Hotel and depart for a Walking Sensorial Tour of the Ortigia Outdoor Food Market. Followed by Sicilian Cooking Class + Traditional luncheon using fresh ingredients gathered on the Market Tour exploring the Ancient Jewish influences on the Contemporary Sicilian Cuisine. Themes of Sweet and Sour such as the Caponata, use of Dried fruits, Eggplant, Artichokes, Ancient Bread Recipes (such as the Scacce Ragusane), and various Almond based-sweets etc.

Siracusa Archeological Park / Greek Theater

As faith, luck, and history would have it, two of the most significant ancient archaeological sites from both Greek and Roman history are situated adjacent to one another in the northwest corner of Siracusa. The Neapolis Archaeological Park of Siracusa contains the stunning Greek Theatre as well as the Roman Amphitheater that combine to make this one of the greatest archaeological sites in all of Italy. Enjoy a visit with your local guide.

Created by at Exclusively Malta 22 Ortigia Historical Center

Enjoy the Ortigia Historical Center while exploring the multi-cultural and religious mosaic of the area featuring the ancient temples of Apollo + Athena, baroque masterpieces, and the Jewish Quarter of Ortigia including the Jewish ritual baths / Mikveh, Tombstones at the Museo Bellomo, Chiesa San Giovanni Battista (site of the Ancient Jewish Temple), and the San Giovanello Church (constructed from the remains of the local Synagogue).

Day 9 Noto Antico with Almond Farm Lunch and Baroque Noto

Noto Antica Historical Area

Arrival and Outdoor Walking Tour of the Noto Antica Town (destroyed by the infamous Earthquake of 1693) with Cultural Guide visiting the “Grotta del Carciofo” Catacomb (with incised Menorah in the limestone bedrock), and the system of Water-Mills and Pools of the Cava Carosello used as tanneries by Ancient Jewish Artisans.

Created by at Exclusively Malta 23 Almond Farm + Rustic Lunch

Arrival and tour an almond farm to explore the family traditions of this slow food , cultivated for centuries on the slow rolling hills in the heart of the Val di Noto and featuring a rustic Sicilian country lunch.

Noto Historic Centre

Discover the rich history of Noto as you take a leisurely guided tour through the historical center exploring the Sicilian Baroque sites featuring a Granita Tasting of local flavors at the Caffè Sicilia.

Day 10 Scicli with Herb Farm and Modica

Created by at Exclusively Malta 24 Scicli Experience with Traces of Ancient Jews

Arrival and tour of the Scicli historical center to explore the traces of the ancient Jewish religious structures such as the Chiesa Maddalena and Bartolomeo, infusing the journey with stories of Pietro di Lorenzo. Also known as “Il Busacca,” Pietro was born and raised in the town of Scicli, an important local banker of Jewish heritage involved with the silk, leather, sugar cane, local grains and dye trades.

Herb Farm Visit + Lunch

Experience an Olfactory Tour at a Local Herb Farm featuring a collection of Ancient Aromatic. Plants grown in the surrounding gardens, mentioned in the Old Testament and followed by a Cooking / Demo Lunch with our Local Chef utilizing these same Ancient Essences in the creation of uniquely inspired Sicilian Dishes.

Created by at Exclusively Malta 25 Modica Historical Center + Chocolate!

Experience the Modica Historical Center while enjoying a Traditional Chocolate Demo / Tasting in the hills of the area believed to be once the site of the Ancient Jewish Cemetery of Modica. Further exploration of the town details more painful aspects of local history such as the site of the current Chiesa di Santa Maria di Betlemme built upon the supposed site of the Ancient Synagogue and Jewish Massacre of 1474.

Day 11 Mount Etna, Wine and Catania

Mount Etna Experience + Winery Visit

Arrival on Mount Etna for a leisurely panoramic hike and drive to explore the fertile landscapes, volcanic terroir, and unique wine growing micro-climate, with breath-taking views from recent and past eruptions accompanied by our outdoor guide /Vulcanologist. Enjoy a rustic Sicilian lunch conducted by an Etna Wine Expert / Sommelier.

Created by at Exclusively Malta 26 City of Catania - Jewish Highlights

Join your guide for a walking tour Catania's historical center featuring the Norman Cathedral, Greco Roman Theater, and the Castello Ursino erected by Emperor Federick II during the 13th Century, which features evidence of the Jewish presence in Catania under Swabian rule including the appearance of two Menorah, and the Star of Solomon within the Castle’s Architectural design, as well various Jewish Burial Epigraphs among the Museum’s Collection.

Day 12

Depart Sicily for Home

We trust that you leave Sicily with many fond memories of food, beauty, history and a sense that you've left your mark here too! Join your driver for a private transfer to the airport for your flight.

Itinerary Inclusions • Airport Transfers • Expert guiding and private car service when touring • Breakfasts at the hotel (once booked) 6 lunches and 1 dinner • Entrance to attractions indicated on the itinerary

Created by at Exclusively Malta 27 Itinerary Exclusions • Attractions and meals not identified in the itinerary • Round-trip airfare, Malta-Sicily ferry and medical/travel insurance • Gratuities for guides and drivers

Created by at Exclusively Malta 28