Highlights of Malta
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Highlights of Malta
Embark on a journey through Malta's highlights, where history and beauty converge. Explore Valletta's treasures, witness the ancient charm of Mdina, and marvel at the Dingli Cliffs. Discover Hagar Qim Temples and sail through the enchanting Blue Grotto. Immerse in Marsaxlokk's vibrant atmosphere, roam the fortified walls of Birgu, and venture to Gozo's Ggantija Temples and Azure Window. Relax at the Blue Lagoon and Comino, before unwinding on Mellieha's beaches. Visit Popeye Village and the awe-inspiring Mosta Dome. Malta's allure awaits.
SUMMARY | |
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TOUR DURATION | 8 Days, 7 Nights |
ARRIVAL POINT | Malta International Airport (MLA) |
DEPARTURE POINT | Malta International Airport (MLA) |
ITINERARY | Malta by Night, Gozo, Comino, The Blue Grotto, Marsaxlokk, Valletta, Harbour Cruise, Mdina, Dingli Cliffs, San Anton Gardens |
HOTEL CLASS | 5*,4*,3* |
MEAL PLAN | BB, HB |
Other Details
DAY 1: ARRIVAL, Malta By Night Tour On Double Decker Bus (Including One Hour Stop At Mdina)
Arrival at Malta International Airport, meet with our representative who will assist with all formalities and luggage. Transfer to the Hotel and check in. Free time at the hotel. At 19:40 you will be picked-up from the hotel to the starting point where you will be boarded on the Double Decker Bus. See Malta's main attractions by night. When darkness falls, Malta's famous landmarks are illuminated, and you will surely see some of the Island's impressive views. The bus tour will drive by various locations, including Paceville, St. Julian’s, Sliema, Ta' Xbiex, Msida, Valletta, Mediterranean Conference Centre, Fort St. Elmo, Auberge de Castille, The Aqueducts, Rabat, Mdina, Mosta, Naxxar & Lija. All buses are equipped with an audio system and commentary is available in 16 different languages. During the tour, we will also stop for 60 minutes in Mdina (Malta's old capital city) where you can visit this historical and attractive city, also known as the silent city. Then head back to the hotel for overnight.
DAY 2: The Best Of Gozo & Comino (Full Day)
Departing from the Hotel at around 09:00. Aboard our modern Catamaran, we depart from Sliema Ferries and/or Bugibba Jetty in the morning, we start by cruising up the north-east coast, via the north Comino channel, towards the island of Gozo, an idyllic Mediterranean island of quaint fishing villages and peaceful bays. We arrive in Gozo at approximately 11:30 hrs., upon our arrival at Mgarr harbour, you will be greeted by our representative, who will drive you around the charming island for approximately 2½ hours. You will first visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu which is known locally as the miracle church, en-route you will pass by the aqueducts which were built by the British between 1839 and 1843 and are located on the outskirts of Victoria. Whilst driving, you will also be able to admire the statue of Christ the Redeemer from a distance, as it is situated on a hill that cannot be reached by car. After viewing the magnificent Basilica, you will proceed to visit Victoria - the capital city of Gozo, here you will be able to explore the city and the stunning medieval fortress known as “Cittadella” (The Citadel), which is located within the city of Victoria. With its distinctive skyline and imposing military architecture, this ancient fortress stands out as Gozo’s major landmark, a beacon visible from all over the island. After visiting this mythical island of Gozo, you will once again board the vessel and cruise to the Blue Lagoon in Comino where you will disembark, get ready to be amazed by the crystal-clear waters of the famous Blue Lagoon! this picturesque bay with transparent turquoise waters, a white sandy base, and rich marine life, is the perfect spot for a relaxing and unforgettable afternoon break. With no cars or urban areas, the island of Comino is also worth visiting during Winter, making it an excellent destination for hikers and photo enthusiasts, providing many hiking trails leading to St. Mary's Chapel, St. Mary's Watch Tower, and St. Mary's Battery. Departure from Comino will be at approximately 16:45 hrs. to return to your hotel. Overnight stay at the Hotel.
DAY 3: The Blue Grotto & Sunday Market At Marsaxlokk Fishing Village (Half Day)
We start our tour by driving to Wied Iż-Żurrieq (Żurrieq Valley) where we will visit the magnificent Blue Grotto and appreciate the fantastic scenery and breathtaking 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 a massive and very impressive central arch, 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, 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). After visiting The Blue Grotto, we will drive 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 colored traditional fishing boats) and larger fishing vessels line the sheltered harbor in a colorful 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 its 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 jewelry, 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 and experience the Maltese way of life, having a coffee or a snack in a relaxing and alluring environment and admiring the lovely sea views while browsing the market, looking for ‘that’ perfect deal! During our visit to Marsaxlokk Fishing Village, you will have some free time to visit the open-air market and/or take a leisurely walk around this charming village. During the tour, our knowledgeable and experienced guides will provide you with riveting information and enhance your experience through narration and engaging storytelling return to your hotel. Overnight stay at the Hotel.
DAY 4: Valletta & The Malta Experience & Harbour Cruise
Departing the Hotel at 9:30. 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. 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. 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 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. This tour will end around 14:00 where you will be dropped-off in Sliema Ferries to be boarded on a boat. Enjoy our cruise around the two natural harbours and their ten creeks. A detailed commentary will help to unfold the history of Valletta and the Three Cities dating back to 1565. Visiting historical forts, battlements and the ten creeks from the sea, will give a different perspective of days gone by as you witness Malta's living past and busy present dockyards & marinas. This cruise will last for 2 hours. A fully stocked bar & toilet facilities are available on board. Then we will sail back to the marina to be transferred to your hotel. Overnight stay at the Hotel.
DAY 5: Mdina, Dingli Cliffs & San Anton Botanical Gardens
Departing the Hotel at 9:45, 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 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. We end our tour with a visit to 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. 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.. Overnight stay at the Hotel.
DAY 6: FREE DAY AT THE HOTEL
Today the guests will have breakfast at the hotel on their own leisure and they will have the chance to relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities, time for resting around the pools or beaches enjoying the sun and the recreational atmosphere. Guest can have their own individual activities. Overnight stay at the Hotel.
DAY 7: FREE DAY AT THE HOTEL
Today the guests will have breakfast at the hotel on their own leisure and they will have the chance to relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities, time for resting around the pools or beaches enjoying the sun and the recreational atmosphere. Guest can have their own individual activities. Overnight stay at the Hotel.
DAY 8: DEPARTURE
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Malta International Airport for your departure flight.
The package includes the following:
- Private Airport pick-up / Drop-off in an air-conditioned comfortable modern vehicle.
- 7 Nights accommodation in the above mentioned Hotels.
- Breakfast served at the hotel.
- Transportations throughout the above-mentioned itinerary.
- Audio system and commentary on Day 1 Tour.
- English-speaking licensed Tour Guide on Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, and Day 5.
- Gozo Ferry Tickets on Day 2 and Harbour Cruise Tickets on Day 4.
- Entrance tickets to St. John’c Co-Cathedral and Malta Experience Audio-visual Show on Day 4.
- Entrance tickets to all sights on Day 5.
- VAT, Parking Fees, and service charges.
The package excludes the following:
- Lunches meals which can be pre-booked at a supplement (not indicated herein).
- Entrance Fees to any optional Sights, Museums or other attractions.
- Blue Grotto Boat ride tickets are to be bought from the kiosk on the day – subject to weather and sea conditions.
- Any additional expenses or trips / excursions not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Travel insurance.
- Gratuities to the guide, driver nor any staff.
- Visa fees and departure tax (where applicable).