There are several departure points in Sicily for ferries to Malta, and the one that leaves from Pozallo would be my recommendation, so you can easily visit the pretty area of the baroque towns on the way. For towns to stay in and visit, I would pick Scicli or Modica in you want the least touristy taste of local life (and Modica will also give a taste of its unique, Mexican-like chocolate).

There are flights to and from Malta via London Heathrow, so you can consider reversing your trip to take advantage of the marginally cooler weather in June.

I second the suggestion to take the ferry from Pozallo to Malta. You can click on my name to read my Trip Report -- we visited both Sicily and Malta.

Here are a few other thoughts. Not sure how you will be arriving, but the overnight ferry from Naples is a fun adventure. Ortigia was my favorite place in Sicily -- so beautiful with this wonderful, relaxed vibe. We loved our stay at Aretusa Vacanze. Also Ragusa is another pretty baroque town.

Two nights is not enough to appreciate Malta (especially when you will lose most of a day getting there). You will need at least 2 full sightseeing days. Be sure to reserve tickets for the Hypogeum -- amazing experieince. Here is the link to an article I wrote to give you an idea of what there is to do on Malta.

http://travelblog.viator.com/highlights-of-malta/

Magster - can you give some more details of the ferry from Naples to Sicily?

DH would love that, and easyjet start flights from Bristol to Naples in May.

Hi annhig -- There are two ferry companies -- we went with Tirrenia. I booked with A Ferry (which I have used before -- very good and the website is easy to use) http://www.aferry.us/

We loved the overnight on the ferry -- the view of Naples as we departed was gorgeous as was our first view of Palermo just as the sun was coming up. Accomodations on the ferry are basic (tiny cabin and tinier bath), but for us, that was part of the fun. We ate dinner on the ferry also and it was much better than I expected.

Have you ever been to Naples? You must visit the Cappella Sansevero. I have never seen a marble statue like the one there of Christ with a veil over his face -- it's beyond description (like a religious experience and I am not particularly religious). http://www.museosansevero.it/

The Underground Naples Tour is also very good: http://suite101.com/article/undergro...d-city-a316708

Magster - thanks for the links. I have been to Naples but it was a loooong time ago - nearly 40 years. We went on a day trip from Sorrento and it was a bit scary to be honest.

I think that we'd be a bit braver and more savy now. if we could fly one way and get the boat the other, that would be great. I'd like to spend a few days in Naples either at the end of the beginning of the trip - i'll have to work out which would be the best way to do it.

Our Sicily trip was our first visit to Naples, and we were a bit leery, not sure what to expect. But we had a fabulous time. It wasn't crazy at all -- maybe because we were there in March.

I just read Bianca & Ian,s Sicilian adventure which in
some small way like mine !!
My intenary Rome 3 days (train to Sorrento)
Stay Sorrento for 3 days with trips to Naples ,Pompei &
Herculenaum
Train to Catania for 4 days (base for exploring)
Then Siracusa ,Nota ,Modica ,Ragusa Agrigento
and up to Palermo
Will arrive Catania April 2nd and depart Palermo aprox
April 22/24 Can't wait

It has been one month since I've been back....sorry for the delay. The holidays got the best of me. I received an email from my relatives in Polizzi today....I'm full force back planning. I love the ideas everyone is offering up. Quite surprised at the price of plane tickets these days. Wow $1200 is the best I found. I'm hoping between now and when I need to book the prices reduce. Thanks all...I'm sure I will utilize all your ideas and review many of the links. You are all awesome! I love this forum. HAPPY NEW YEAR. Hope to get more info!