When to go
May - June and August - October
Price
From £1,495 pp
Flight time
3hrs 10mins
Introduction
Malta’s history dates to the dawn of civilization, inhabiting its rocky hills and coastlines since Neolithic times. Its strategic location in the Mediterranean has made it a favored site for some of the greatest empires, from the Phoenicians to the Romans, Greeks, and Arabs. The island has seen waves of invasions and occupations, each leaving its mark on the country’s culture and style. Today, Malta is a unique blend of all these influences, creating a fascinating story that can be explored through its architecture, culinary traditions, language, art, and festivals.
From Valletta and the Three Cities of Malta to Gozo and the ancient temple of Hagar Qim, this tour takes you on a journey through time and culture. Explore the forts, castles, palaces, churches, and monuments, and learn how Malta’s turbulent past has shaped its present.
Good For
At a Glance
Duration
7 days & 6 nights
Guide price
From £1,495pp (including flights)
Cities/Destinations (in order)
Valletta - Vittoriosa - Senglea - Cospicua - Gozo - Hagar Qim - Blue Grotto - Marsaxlokk - Valletta
Tour Type
Fully escorted tour with an English-speaking guide
Tour Theme
Spotlight
Activity Level
Age Range
N/A
Star Rating of Tour
Superior
Accommodation
Waterfront Hotel
Board Basis
Varied - please see the sample itinerary for details
Min|Max Group Size
N/A
Start/Finish
Valletta - Valletta
Extensions
The tour can be tailored to your exact requirements. Please enquire for details.
Highlights
Valletta
Valletta, Malta’s vibrant capital city, is the political and cultural heart of the country. Its stunning Baroque architecture will leave you in awe as you explore its streets, discovering beautiful churches, old fortifications, and grand monuments. Take a stroll through its colorful markets and browse the products made by local artisans.
Three Cities of Malta
The fortified cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, also known collectively as “The Three Cities,” are old towns with a rich military history. Each boasts winding alleys, picturesque harbor views, and colorful facades going back centuries.
Tuk-Tuk Tour of Gozo
Head to the nearby island of Gozo for incredible views, beaches, and outdoor activities. If you want a unique view of the island, why not take a tuk-tuk tour? These three-wheeled moped contraptions will take you around the entire island while giving you an up-close look at what makes it so unique.
Hagar Qim
Hagar Qim is an ancient temple complex located on a nearby Mediterranean island within view of Marsaxlokk Harbour. Dating back thousands of years to around 3500 BC, it is one of the oldest free-standing stone constructions in the world and therefore has immense archaeological importance.
Sample Itinerary
Explore Malta and All Its Splendors with This Sample Itinerary
With its stunning coastal views, vibrant culture and history, fascinating wildlife, and gorgeous beaches, it’s no wonder that Malta is becoming one of Europe’s top tourist destinations. So make sure you don’t miss any of this island nation’s unique attractions by following this sample itinerary for your time in Malta.
Day 1: Fly to Malta
Begin your Malta adventure with a journey to the Mediterranean paradise of the Island nation. As you soar across the sky, take in stunning views of the coastline below. Once you arrive at the Waterfront Hotel, take some time to settle in and get ready for your journey ahead.
(Flight Included | Airport Transfer | N)
Day 2: Valletta
Today, enjoy an unforgettable guided tour of Valletta, built by the Knights of Malta and has been Malta’s capital since 1571. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Valletta is a stunning example of Baroque architecture and culture, with winding streets, fantastic sights, and wonderful cafes to explore.
Make sure to visit St John’s Co-Cathedral with its Caravaggio painting and Casa Rocca Piccola, a 16th-century palatial home built by Admiral Don Pietro la Rocca. Take a break to have lunch at Rampila Restaurant, a unique eatery positioned right within the city’s fortified bastions.
(B, L)
Day 3: Free day
Today, enjoy a day of relaxation. Either partake of all the hotel’s amenities or visit Comino, the third island of Malta, famous for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. Take a dip in the Blue Lagoon or explore the island’s hidden caves. Don’t forget to check out St. Mary’s Tower, an iconic watchtower built in 1618 that was used by the Armed Forces of Malta until 2002.
(B)
Day 4: Three Cities of Malta
On your fourth day in Malta, explore the “Three Cities” of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, a trio of fortified cities near the Grand Harbor. Consider renting a Rolling Geek – a self-driving electric car – to make sure you don’t miss any of the amazing attractions.
Vittoriosa is home to many historical sites, such as Fort St Angelo, rebuilt in 1530 by the Knights of St John, and the Palace of the Inquisitors.
Senglea is known for its picturesque views over Grand Harbor and Baroque architecture. In addition, it boasts some impressive fortifications, including Fort Saint Michael, commissioned by Grand Master Claude de la Sengle in 1552.
In Cospicua, explore the impressive Fort Verdala, built by the British between 1852 and 1856. The fort is located within part of the bastions of the Santa Margherita Lines, which were built by Grand Master Giovanni Paolo Lascaris in the 17th century.
Afterward, hop aboard a traditional Maltese passenger boat for a half-hour private harbor cruise to admire the cities from a different perspective. These colorful vessels have been part of Maltese culture for centuries and are an iconic symbol of the country.
(B)
Day 5: Gozo
Today, you explore Gozo, Malta’s second-largest island. You’ll take a tuk-tuk for a full-day tour of the island and its attractions.
Your first stop is Victoria, the main town of Gozo and home to a 16th-century citadel. This fascinating citadel was built on the site of the acropolis of the Punic-Roman city of Gaulos. The acropolis was converted into a castle that provided refuge for the island’s population. However, the Ottomans sacked the citadel in 1551, and its southern walls were rebuilt between 1599 and 1622.
Next, head to the Xwejni salt pans, which have existed since Phoenician and Roman times. Today, salt is still harvested from shimmering pools using traditional methods.
For lunch, visit Ta’ Rikardu Restaurant, renowned for using only local produce from Gozo’s farms and markets. Enjoy some delicious food while taking in the stunning views of Gozo’s countryside.
In the late afternoon, take the ferry back to Malta after an unforgettable day exploring Gozo.
(B, L)
Day 6: Hagar Qim | Blue Grotto | Marsaxlokk
Start your day with a visit to the 5,000-year-old temple complex of Hagar Qim. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the oldest free-standing monuments in the world, and its limestone structures are an impressive testament to prehistoric architecture.
Next, you’ll take a boat ride to the Blue Grotto. These sea caves are naturally lit by breaks in the rock and provide breathtaking views of Malta’s rugged coastline. Here, you can take a dip in the crystal clear waters or just enjoy watching the local fishermen haul their catch from their brightly painted boats.
Finally, you’ll visit Marsaxlokk, a charming fishing village known for its colorful boats and bustling fish market. Here, you can wander through narrow streets lined with traditional Maltese houses and sample some delicious seafood dishes at one of the many restaurants along the waterfront.
(B)
Day 7: Fly to the UK
Today marks the end of your seven-day trip to Malta. You’ll catch a flight home filled with memories of Malta’s beautiful landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality.
(Flight Included | Airport Transfer | N)
