Valletta
Our Guided tour through the vibrant streets of Valletta will allow you to discover the beauty and charm of the capital city of Malta; a fortified city built by the Knights of St. John in 1566.The Order of the Knights of St. John ruled over the islands for 268 years and left a unique cultural and architectural legacy of which Valletta is the prime example.A UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety and with a history spanning almost 5 centuries, Valletta is regarded by many as an open-air museum! With its imposing fortifications and bastions, amazing baroque palaces, marvellous churches, gorgeous gardens, and beautiful architecture ranging from mid-16th century baroque to modernism, Valletta is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary and charming cities you will ever visit.During our tour we will walk through the bustling streets of Valletta admiring the stunning buildings (some dating back to the 16th century) and the distinctive architecture of the city – the city is Baroque in character, with elements of Mannerist, Neo-Classical and Modern architecture. A visit to the Upper Barrakka Gardens is a must, here we can enjoy breath-taking views of the imposing Grand Harbour.Then we will visit the marvellous Co-Cathedral dedicated to St. John the Baptist, built by the Order of the Knights of St. John soon after the Great Siege of 1565 and completed in the year 1577, it is unquestionably one of the World’s most magnificent cathedrals.Here you will be able to appreciate and admire all its riches, the adorned interiors, carved stone walls, painted vaulted ceilings, beautiful paintings, precious relics, rich baroque art, and opulent altars.One of the most remarkable features of the cathedral is the impressive marble floor which is composed of nearly 400 tombstones of Knights and officers of the Order, each tombstone is inlaid by a coloured marble slab bearing the crest, coat-of-arms, and epitaph of the noble knight or high-ranking officer.Besides other treasured paintings, the cathedral also houses ‘The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist’ by the famous painter Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, considered one of Caravaggio’s greatest masterpieces it is the only work signed by the painter.Before the end of our half day tour, we will enjoy a must-see audio-visual show, the award-winning Malta Experience Audio-Visual Show tells the dramatic story of the islands’ 7000-year history. Educational, informative, and entertaining, the show runs through the turbulent history of a small island nation that has overcome almost unimaginable odds to survive and prosper, the audio-visual show will enrich your understanding of the islands, its people and its rich history through beautiful imagery and a gripping commentary.During the whole tour our knowledgeable and experienced guides will be providing you with riveting information and enhance your experience through narration and engaging storytelling.
Mdina, Rabat, St. Cataldu's Catacombs, Dingli Cliffs, San Anton Botanical Gardens, Ta' Qali Artisan Village & Rotunda Of Mosta
This tour is ideal for those guests who want to visit and experience some of Malta’s most interesting highlights in just one day, carefully designed to make your day truly memorable, we start by visiting the ancient Medieval city of Mdina, renowned for its opulent palaces and fortifications, medieval and baroque architecture, and ancient heritage, this majestic city; also known as Città Vecchia (The Old City) or Città Notabile (The Noble City) is unquestionably one of the island's most evocative destinations.Serving as the island's capital city from antiquity till the medieval period, Mdina is truly an enchanting city! a stroll through its narrow streets, which have not changed much in the last 1000 years, is a must for anyone visiting the Maltese islands. It is undoubtedly one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled/fortified city, explore this historic city with an experienced local guide and delve into the rich past of the city as you explore its medieval streets. Take a journey back in time admiring the magnificent palazzos and churches in the city’s unique mix of medieval and baroque styles, as well as the spectacular panoramas from the high bastion walls.Leaving Mdina through the ‘Greeks Gate’ we proceed towards St. Cataldus Catacombs, located in Rabat, on the outskirts of Mdina, these catacombs hold one of the best examples of an agape table, a circular platform hewn out of the rock used for early Christian funerary rituals. Dating from the late 2nd to the 3rd centuries, these small catacombs were originally a Punic burial shaft. The graves in the catacombs are beautiful examples of canopied tombs, while many other graves are hewn in the rocks. This site represents some of the earliest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta.We then proceed to Dingli Cliffs, located off the village of Dingli on Malta’s western coast, at around 253 metres above sea-level, these cliffs represent the highest point of the Maltese islands. The cliffs propose a majestic sight; the views overlooking the terraced fields underneath and the panorama of the vast open seas with the uninhabited small island of Filfla on its backdrop, are truly breath-taking! Given their impressive height the cliffs can be considered as natural forts, since no attacker can approach the island from the west. Perched on the edge, marking the highest point on the Maltese islands is a gorgeous tiny chapel built in 1646, dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene.After lunch we will visit the San Anton Botanical Gardens, located in the village of Attard these beautiful gardens were built in the early 17th century by Grand Master Antoine de Paule to complement his summer residence; San Anton Palace, which is located at the perimeter of the gardens, and which today serves as the residence of the Maltese President.Open to the public since 1882 the gardens have several pathways surrounded by fountains and ponds which are inhabited by families of ducks, swans, peacocks, peahens, and turtles and encompass a large variety of trees and flowers from around the world, including a variety of palm trees, cypress, jacarandas, araucarias, and other exotic plants, some of them over three centuries old.Our next stop is at the town of Ta’ Qali, where we will visit the Ta’ Qali Artisan Village. Located in a former British Royal Air Forces wartime airfield and restored as a local artisan’s hub, here you can admire the local craftsmen forming elaborate glass art pieces using the ancient glassblowing technique, intricately assembling original silver and filigree jewellery and much more. With a vast selection of genuine goods made by local artisans and craftsmen such as paintings, traditional Maltese lace, gold, silver and filigree jewellery, leather goods, furniture, ceramics, and ornamental glass, this is the perfect place to pick up some truly genuine locally made mementos that will remind you of your visit to Malta (no obligation to buy).We end our tour with a visit to the Sanctuary Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady commonly known as the Rotunda of Mosta or the Mosta Dome, a Roman Catholic parish church and Minor Basilica located in the city of Mosta. It was built between 1833 and the 1860's to neoclassical designs, the design of the present church is based on the Pantheon in Rome, the church is renowned for having the third largest unsupported dome in the world and is also Malta's largest church.The church narrowly avoided destruction during World War II when on the 9th of April 1942 the German Luftwaffe dropped a bomb on the church, the bomb pierced the dome and entered the church but failed to explode, thus sparing the lives of more than 300 people who were attending the early evening mass. This event was interpreted by the locals as a miracle.Lunch is included during this tour.During the whole tour our knowledgeable and experienced guides will be providing you with riveting information and enhance your experience through narration and engaging storytelling.
Gozo
Gozo is an enchanting island, brimming with rich history at every twist and turn, during this full day tour, you will experience Gozo’s magnificent heritage, visit key landmarks, discover hidden gems, all while relishing the impressive beauty and distinctive charm this tiny island has to offer.After a short twenty-minute ferry crossing we will reach Mġarr harbour, which immediately sets the pace to Gozo’s unique atmosphere.Gozo is an idyllic Mediterranean island of quaint fishing villages and peaceful bays. The pastoral landscape features green, rolling hills with a patchwork of small farms that lead down to sandy beaches and small coves. Although the two islands are only separated by a mere eight-kilometre channel, upon setting foot on the island you will immediately notice that Gozo has its own unique character and atmosphere and is far more rural and picturesque than the island of Malta.We start our tour by visiting the megalithic temples of Ġgantija, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980, this impressive archaeological site dates to c. 3600-2500 BC, along with Ta’ Ħaġrat Temples and Skorba Temples in Malta, the temples of Ġgantija are believed to be the second oldest free-standing monuments on Earth, second only to Göbekli Tepe in Turkey and predating Stonehenge in England, and the Pyramids of Egypt by approximately 1000 years! The etymology of “Ġgantija” is derived from the Maltese word for giant (“Ġgant”) because it was believed the site was built by a race of giants. This mythological idea makes sense considering that the temples are constructed from megaliths (massive limestone blocks) measuring more than five meters in length and weighing over 50 tons.After visiting the temples of Ġgantija we will proceed to visit Victoria, the delightful capital city of Gozo. Victoria is not just the geographic heart of Gozo; it is also the centre of everyday activity. It manages to combine the bustle of its market and shops with a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. It is a great place to watch the islanders go about their day, especially when the main market square comes to life.At the heart of the city lies another majestic site; the medieval fortress known locally as “Iċ-Ċittadella” (The Citadel), with its distinctive skyline and imposing military architecture, this ancient, fortified structure stands out as Gozo’s major landmark, a beacon visible from all over the island.The area has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, and the site now occupied by The Citadel is believed to have been the acropolis of the Punic-Roman city of Gaulos or Glauconis Civitas. During the medieval period, the acropolis was converted into a castle which served as a refuge for Gozo’s population. A suburb began to develop outside its walls by the 15th century, and this area now forms the historic core of Victoria.Our next visit is the delightful sea inlet known as Xlendi Bay, located at the end of a deep, lush ravine, which was once a riverbed and surrounded by picturesque steep cliffs, the bay is now on the must-visit list of most day-trippers to the Island. Xlendi’s small but lively promenade is busy at all times of the day, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and a handful of souvenir shops. Though seemingly bursting with activity during summer, Xlendi bay remains a refreshingly quiet place even at the height of the season.Our last stop is at Dwejra, situated on the western shore of the island of Gozo this area is a geological and ecological haven. All the various surroundings are a blend of geology, landscape, fauna, habitats, shoreline, seascapes, archaeology, flora, and history, which makes a visit to this site an experience to remember.Dwejra is also known for its Inland Sea, a small bay surrounded by high cliffs and connected by an impressive 65-metre-long natural tunnel which opens out into the open sea, a truly fascinating natural formation which evokes awe and leaves a striking impression. Weather permitting you will have the opportunity to take a short boat trip through the narrow tunnel and its surrounding area, this trip is available at a small fee payable on location (the boat trip is not included in your package price).Lunch is included during this tour.During the whole tour our knowledgeable and experienced guides will be providing you with riveting information and enhance your experience through narration and engaging storytelling.
The Three Cities
The Three Cities is a collective description of the three fortified cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa and Senglea.The oldest of the Three Cities is Vittoriosa, which has existed since the Middle Ages. The other two cities, Senglea and Cospicua, were both founded by the Order of the Knights of Saint John in the 16th and 17th centuries respectively.During this half day tour, you will have the opportunity to appreciate these unique historical fortified cities and admire magnificent churches, traditional piazzas, incredible fortifications, and architectural treasures found all around the Three Cities area, pieces of living history kept alive by hundreds of years of preservation!We start our tour with a panoramic drive past the city of Cospicua, a double fortified harbour city and the largest of the Three Cities, flanked by Senglea on the West and Vittoriosa on the East; Cospicua is well known for its large dockyard and its impressive fortifications known as the Santa Margherita Lines and the Cottonera Lines.A short stretch away from Cospicua lies the city of Vittoriosa, the city occupies a promontory of land with the impressive Fort Saint Angelo at its head and the city of Cospicua at its base.The origins of this glorious city date back to the Medieval times, over the centuries Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, the Angevines, the Aragonese and the Order of the Knights of Saint John all contributed to the development of this magnificent city.Ideally situated for safe anchorage, Vittoriosa has a very long history with maritime, mercantile, and military activities. Prior to the establishment of Valletta as the capital and main city of Malta, military powers that wanted to rule the Maltese islands always endeavoured to obtain control of Vittoriosa due to its significant position in the Grand Harbour. In fact, it served as the base of the Order of the Knights of Saint John and “de facto” capital city of Malta from 1530 to 1571. Vittoriosa is well known for its vital role in the Great Siege of Malta of 1565.We will enjoy a fascinating walking tour through the distinctive narrow winding streets of the city admiring and appreciating all the historical buildings and captivating treasures found at every twist and turn, upon our arrival at the stunning Vittoriosa Waterfront, we will board a traditional Maltese “Frejgatina” (a small, carvel-built fishing boat) for a delightful tour of the colourful harbour creeks.We end our tour at Senglea, named after Claude De La Sengle, the Grand Master who founded the city, Senglea is also known as “Civitas Invicta” a name given to the city for managing to resist the Ottoman invasion during the Great Siege of Malta of 1565.The island on which Senglea lies was joined by a land bridge to Cospicua during the time of the Knights of St. John and as a result, it became peninsular in shape. From the Gardjola Gardens located at the tip of the peninsula we will enjoy a stunning 360° view of the Grand Harbour, including the impressive Fort Saint Angelo, from where the Grand Master Jean Perisot De La Valette led the defence of the island during the Great Siege of Malta of 1565.During the whole tour our knowledgeable and experienced guides will be providing you with riveting information and enhance your experience through narration and engaging storytelling.
Marsaxlokk Fishing Village, Sunday Market, Blue Grotto & Traditional Village Walk
We start our tour with a visit to the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk.This gorgeous village is the largest fishing harbour in Malta, and has been so since antiquity, today the greater part of fish sold on the islands are caught by fishermen coming from this village. Traditional “luzzu’s” (brightly coloured traditional fishing boats) and larger fishing vessels line the sheltered harbour in a
colourful display that has been the subject of countless photoshoots.Marsaxlokk is also popular for its many delightful restaurants and nice cafés huddled along its entire promenade and for it’s charming and large open-air market, selling a vast assortment of food and a wide array of durable goods, such as fish, locally produced honey and fruit jams, traditional sweets and other delicacies, local wines and liquors, souvenirs, clothes, shoes, traditional lacework and crafts, custom jewellery, accessories and many more.This is the perfect location to spend a Sunday morning, enjoying a stroll in the unique settings of this quaint village where you can rub your shoulders with the locals, experience the Maltese way of life and admire the lovely sea views while browsing the market, looking for ‘that’ perfect deal!Our next stop is Wied Iż-Żurrieq (Żurrieq Valley) where we will visit the magnificent Blue Grotto and appreciate the fantastic scenery and breath-taking views surrounding the entire site.The Blue Grotto is a complex of seven caves found along the southern coast of the island, this complex comprises of a massive and very impressive main arch, which is approximately 30 meters in height, as well as a system of 6 other caves, amongst which you will find the Honeymoon Cave, the Cat’s Cave, and the beautiful Reflection Cave.Featured in numerous movies shot in Malta, owing to its natural beauty, enchanting structure, and perfect location, such as Cutthroat Island (1995), The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) & Troy (2004), this extremely popular site attracts thousands of visitors each year, with many opting to see the amazing grotto up-close via local boat trips, weather permitting you will also have the time and opportunity to visit the grotto and caves by taking one of the boat trips organized by several local providers and available at a small fee payable on location (the boat trip is not included in the price of your package).We end our tour with a visit to Qrendi, one of Malta’s unspoilt traditional villages, our guide will help you explore this peaceful and charming typical Maltese village. While small and compact with a population of just 2,700 persons, it is at the same time bursting with interesting attractions, from the main square to the hub of the village, with its parish church and band club, you will be led through a maze of winding narrow streets that all have a story to be told.During the whole tour our knowledgeable and experienced guides will be providing you with riveting information and enhance your experience through narration and engaging storytelling.
