Discover Malta

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1 – Friday   VALLETTA

After your arrival into Malta International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel situated adjacent to the magnificent 16th century bastions of Valletta, the Maltese capital and a UNESCo World Heritage Site. At the center of the Mediterranean, Malta has been conquered and reconquered by every expansionist power that ever-shaped history in this cradle of civilization, from the Phoenicians to the British, with Romans, Arabs, Swabians, Normans, various Italians and Sicilians and the French in between. But Malta has emerged triumphantly intact, and its splendid buildings, tales of the Knights of St. John, crystal-clear intensely blue waters, peaceful beaches and rocky coves continue to attract visitors from all over the world.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (D)

Day 2 – Saturday   VALLETTA

Today you will tour Valletta, Malta’s capital city and a World Heritage site. Throughout the years, Valletta has welcomed emperors, heads of state, artists and poets. The first stop will be at the Upper Barrakka Gardens, a beautiful public park whose terrace offers panoramic views of the Grand Harbor and the old towns of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, also known as the “Three Cities”. Next, you will walk past Auberge de Castille, which houses the office of the Prime Minister, on your way to St John’s Co-Cathedral, the 16th century church built by the Knights of Malta housing Malta’s finest piece of art: The Beheading of St John by Caravaggio. Leaving St John’s Co-Cathedral, you’ll pass through Valletta’s main thoroughfare, which will bring you to the Grandmaster’s Palace, one of the first buildings in Valletta. Built by the knights in 1571, it houses the Maltese government. Time for lunch on own. This afternoon you will visit Mdina, once the capital city of Malta. Built on a plateau in the center of the island, Mdina has had many names including Melita (Roman occupation), Medina (Arabic occupation), Citta’ Nobile (Knights of St. John) and Citta’ Vecchia (after Valletta was built). Today it is also referred to as the “Silent City” since it inspires tranquility at any time of the day or night. You’ll have great fun exploring with your tour guide the cobbled narrow streets, and walking around the defensive walls before heading back to your hotel. (B)

Day 3 – Sunday   VALLETTA – VITTORIOSA – VALLETTA

This morning, start the day with a tour of the town of Vittoriosa. Here, stroll with your guide through the quaint narrow streets, passing by the Church of St Lawrence, the Inquisitor’s Palace, and several palaces built during the time of the Knights. From Vittoriosa, you will venture further back in history with a visit to Hagar Qim Temples, a magnificent temple site built over 7000 years ago. Many artifacts of interest have been unearthed at Hagar Qim, notably a decorated pillar altar, two tablealtars and the ‘fat lady’ statues, now on display in the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Day 4 – Monday   VALLETTA – GOZO – VALLETTA

This morning you will travel by ferry to the second largest island of the Maltese archipelago, the island of Gozo. See the UNESCo-listed Ggantija Temples. Dating back to between 3600 BC and 3200 BC, these two megalithic monuments are the oldest free-standing stone structures in the world, even older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian Pyramids. Next, continue on to Victoria, Gozo’s laid-back capital. In between sightseeing, you will stop at a local restaurant for lunch.

Return to Malta in the late afternoon.

Overnight at the hotel. (B,L)

Day 5 – Tuesday   VALLETTA

Full day at leisure for independent activities. (B)

Day 6 – Wednesday   VALLETTA TO USA (OR EXTEND YOUR STAY)

Morning transfer to Malta International airport for your return flight home. (B)