DAY 1. ARRIVAL IN MALTA
Arrival in Malta and welcome by our local guide. Transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 2. MDINA – RABAT – VALLETTA HARBOUR CRUISE
A visit at the old Capital city of Malta – Mdina also known as the silent city (visit at the Cathedral NOT included). The participants stroll along the winding roads of the silent city arriving at the majestic bastions which offer a breathtaking view of the north/east of the island. We proceed towards Rabat where we visit the catacombs of St Catald and later towards Dingli Cliffs for a picturesque photo stop. In the afternoon we embark on a 90 minute harbour cruise around Marsamxett and Grand Harbour, two natural ports surrounding Valletta whose natural creeks and inlets make these harbours a unique spectacle. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3. ISLAND OF GOZO
After a 20 minute crossing by ferry towards Malta’s sister island, we begin our tour of Gozo with a visit at the megalithic temples of Ggantija and Calypso’s Cave. Our next stop is at the old fortified citadel in Victoria and finally Dwejra where we visit the Inland Sea and experience the views where there once stood the famous Azure Window. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 4. VALLETTA
A tour through the bustling streets of Valletta. We visit the Upper Barracca Gardens which offer a stunning view over the Grand Harbour, after which we proceed towards St John’s Co-Cathedral which is home to unique treasures dating back to the times of the Order of St John. In the afternoon, we proceed towards the Mediterranean Conference Centre to follow the Malta Experience audiovisual show – depicting 5000 years of Maltese history. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 5. SOUTH OF MALTA
This excursion focuses on the South of Malta and begins with a visit at the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk where one can admire the traditional ‘luzzu’ boats lining the shore in their red, blue and yellow colours. We proceed towards the Blue Grotto in Wied iz-Zurrieq where a short boat ride (not included in the price – can be paid on spot) allows the participants to admire the crystal blue sea and the underwater life in the grottoes. In the afternoon we stop at Hagar Qim temples which, due to their excellent state, gives us proof of the competence and artistic abilities of our ancestors. Our last visit is at Ghar Dalam caves – one of the first habitats on the Maltese islands. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 6. THE TRADITIONAL CENTRE OF MALTA
We start with Mosta and its impressive church, the third largest dome in Europe. We then proceed towards the botanical gardens of San Anton which is the official residence of Malta’s President. The tour proceeds towards the Ta Qali Crafts Village and finally the typical village of Siggiewi to admire the local ‘Pjazza’ dominated by the baroque church dedicated to St Nicolas (which we also visit). Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 7. THE 3 CITIES
This tour focuses on the 3 old Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua. The first visit is at Vittoriosa – the first base of the Knights of St John before Valletta was built and where the Great Siege took place in 1565. The participants stroll along the little charming alleys arriving at the Inquisitor’s Palace which we visit. The rest of the afternoon is free for the participants to spend as they wish. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 8. DEPARTURE OF MALTA
Breakfast and free time. Transfer towards the airport in time for the return flight back home.
