Day 01: Arrive Malta and take the ferry to Gozo
Arrive Malta meet and assist at the Airport then drive to Cirkewwa to catch the ferry across to the island of Gozo, and transfer to hotel.
Overnight in hotel.

Day 2: Walking tour of Victoria and the Ggantija temples at Xaghra
In and around Victoria We start our exploration in Xlendi, on the south coast, for a short photo stop and walk along the promenade before heading to the island’s capital, Victoria; a tiny city named after Queen Victoria in 1887 but locally known as Rabat. After climbing up to the imposing Citadel we’ll have a fantastic view of the whole island. We’ll explore the old prison where the Knights of Saint John would send their rowdier members to cool off within. The graffitied walls give a fascinating insight into the lives of those who were incarcerated here.

Descending to the graceful central square, It Tokk, we have time to wander the cobweb of narrow streets and take some time for lunch. Heading to the town of Xaghra, we reach Ggantija, a megalithic temple complex dating back to 3600 BC and thus named as it was believed only giants could have moved the stones. Some of the colossal stones are over 5 meters long and weigh over 20 tons and the temple still reaches a height of over 7 metres.

Predating the Pyramids, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is believed to be the world’s oldest free-standing structure. We continue to Calypsos Cave, alleged to be the cave referred to by Homer in The Odyssey. In the afternoon we’ll get the chance to stretch our legs on a walk from the area of Calypso’s Cave to Ramla Bay where we can enjoy a refreshing dip at the beautiful red sandy beach, if the weather is permits, before heading back to the hotel.
Overnight in hotel.

Day 03: Visit Dwejra and take a scenic walk to Xwejni Bay; ferry to Malta
Dwejra is perhaps Gozo’s most spectacular natural landmark. Here, geology, time and sea have worked together to produce some of the most remarkable scenery on the island. We’ll see Fungus Rock, notable as the habitat of a rare fungus which was highly prized by the Knights of Saint John for its medicinal properties. You will then have the option to take a boat ride along the coast from the Inland Sea (weather permitting) – a shallow inland lagoon linked to the sea via a 30-metre tunnel. From Dwejra we continue to the Ta Pinu Basilica, renowned for the miraculous cures reported by it’s supplicants. We drive past neat, well-tended fields with their dry-stone walls and enjoy glorious views on our way to Zebbug; perched on a hilltop above the patchwork of green fields below.

As with all these fortified hilltop villages, the far reaching views across the island and beyond are spectacular on a clear day. From Zebbug, we’ll take a walk to nearby Xwejni Bay. The coastal scenery along the way is varied – at times we pass limestone outcrops eroded by the wind and sea into unusual shapes, where traditional salt pans dominate the view. This section of the coast is one of the most remote and rugged on the island but our walk is relatively steep downhill.

There may be a chance to swim (weather permitting) before we visit to the seaside resort of Malfarsorn, our chosen location for lunch. We head back to Mgarr, via Nadur for a brief photo stop of Comino and the Blue Lagoon, to catch the ferry to Malta where we transfer to our hotel in Sliema near the capital. The capital stretches east from Valletta along scenic bays with busy marinas. A seafront promenade skirts around the coast of this busy town and is great for people watching. Our hotel is in Sliema where many restaurants and bars can be found.
Overnight in Hotel.

Day 04: Tour of Valletta Old City and visit Saint John’s Co-Cathedral
In and around Valletta This morning we plan to drive from the hotel for a walking tour around the impressive and heavily fortified Old City. Originally built by the Knights of the Order of Saint John in the 16th Century, Valletta, UNESCO World Heritage Site, is built on the steep slopes of the Sceberas Peninsula and surrounded by two huge natural harbours which have helped to make it such an important strategic port at the crossroads of the Mediterranean. Fort Saint Elmo guards the entrance to the harbours.

Walking down Triq ir Republika – the main thoroughfare in the centre of the city, we visit the elaborately decorated Saint John’s Co-Cathedral and the grandiose Grandmaster’s Palace with its fine collection of artworks. During the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, over 400 knights perished and as a sign of remembrance, the floor of St John’s Co-Cathedral is covered in skeleton tombstones. We’ll also admire the classic views across the Grand Harbour from the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Your afternoon is free for your own personal exploration.
Overnight in Hotel.

Day 05: Walking tour of the Three Cities and Grand Harbour cruise
This morning we head to the historic Three Cities of Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua, considered to be ‘the cradle of Maltese history’ as settlers and rulers from the Phoenicians to the British all made use of the defences here. The Knights of the Order of Saint John settled in Vittoriosa in 1530 and used the city as their headquarters. The Three Cities have retained much of their romantic medieval charm and we’ll see the Inquisitor’s Palace in Vittoriosa and admire the views from the Gardjola Gardens – a look-out post to guard the harbour entrance – in Senglea. Driving on to Marsaxlokk, we will take some free time for lunch and exploration. This charming town is Malta’s largest fishing port with its colourful boats and excellent fish restaurants.

After lunch we will transfer to Sliema for a harbour cruise because the best way to explore the creeks and dockyards is by boat. Only by travelling across the water does one appreciate the sheer magnitude of the ramparts and forts that protect the city.
Overnight in Hotel.

Day 06: Explore Hagar Qim Temples and enjoy a local food and wine tasting
A short drive brings us to Hagar Qim and Mnajdra; another incredible Megalithic temple complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site. For three millennia, from around 3600 – 3200 BC, the Maltese archipelago was home to a unique, temple-building civilisation. The discovery of many fat lady statuettes in the vicinity of Hagar Qim has shown it to have been built to worship the Venus of Malta, the sleeping goddess of fertility. Mnajdra is probably the most atmospheric of all of Malta’s temples, occupying an isolated position overlooking the rocky coastline.

We walk between the two temple groups along a short well laid path before continuing a short distance along a rough country path to the Tal Hamrija costal 17th century tower to enjoy breathtaking scenery as the cliffs rise out of the blue Meditteranean Sea. We return to our bus where we drive down to the Blue Grotto where we have the option of taking a boat trip (weather permitting) to see a series of natural caverns which glow with brilliant corals and sea sponges.

We’ll then spend the afternoon sampling a range of local food specialities. We’ll learn how sun dried tomatoes and the local wine is produced and then get to sample these along with a selection of other vegetables farmed in the region as well as Maltese bread and olive oil.
Overnight in Hotel.

Day 07: Visit to Mdina, San Anton Botanical Gardens and the Mosta Dome
In and around Mdina This morning we’ll take a short transfer to Malta’s Medieval old capital, Mdina, for a tour on foot around this beautifully preserved city. Its warren of winding, narrow alleys (mostly too narrow for cars) and fortified walls contain a number of impressive buildings such as the Palazzo Falzon and cathedral dedicated to the Conversion of Saint Paul. We’ll also take time to see Domus Romana (a townhouse usually belonging to Roman dignitaries) and Saint Paul’s eerie catacombs (underground). After our visit to Mdina, we’ll drive to Mosta Dome and San Anton Botanical Gardens; the private residence of the President of Malta.
Overnight in Hotel.

Day 08: Trip ends in Sliema
After breakfast departure transfer to Airport to catch the flight for onward Journey.

Day 01: Arrive Malta  D
Welcome to Malta, a sun-kissed island steeped in history. Upon arrival at Malta International Airport (MLA), you will be greeted by our local representative, who will transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, the day is at your leisure.

This evening you meet the rest of your group for a welcome dinner.

Day 02: Valletta  B
Today you will explore Malta’s Capital City, Valletta.

Visit the Parish Church of Santa Maria, better known as the Mosta Dome. Designed by the Maltese architect Giorgio Grognet de Vassé and built (1833–60) using funds raised by the local people, the church has a stunning blue, gold and white interior. In 1942, this church suffered an attack where a bomb fell through the ceiling and failed to detonate as 300 parishioners attended mass.

Embark on a walking tour through Valletta’s historic cobblestone streets where you will discover the fascinating St. John’s Co-Cathedral, a true masterpiece built by the Knights of Malta. The floor of the Cathedral is inlaid with the glittering tombs of 400 knights and the barrel vault is painted with scenes from the life of St. John the Baptist. The oratory displays a moving painting by Caravaggio.

You will also visit the Grand Master’s Palace, built between the 16th and 18th centuries as the palace of the Grand Master of the Order of St. John who ruled Malta and currently houses the Office of the President of Malta. The interior boasts the famous Council Chamber, adorned with valuable Gobelins tapestries woven in France for Grand Master Ramon Perellos y Roccaf.

Then walk the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Built on top of a bastion, on the highest point of Valletta and dating back to 1661 when they used to be the knights’ private gardens, these beautiful gardens are situated right next to Castille Palace, offering fantastic views of the Grand Harbour.

Finish in Vittoriosa with a boat trip aboard a traditional Dghaijsa during which you can view and admire ‘The guard tower’, ‘Il-gardjola with its various sculpted symbols designed to protect the Maltese shores. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to further explore this charming city independently.

Meals: Breakfast and Tasting

Day 03: Discover Malta Like a Local   B-L
Today, experience an authentic exclusive tour that skips the tourist traps.

Take a transfer to the panoramic locality of Dingli, the highest point of the Maltese Islands at around 253 metres above sea level. The cliffs offer a majestic sight, particularly from the top. The views here are simply breathtaking, overlooking the small terraced fields below, the open sea and Filfla, the small, uninhabited island just off the west coast. The cliffs have acted as natural forts, since no attacker can approach the island from the West thanks to their impressive height.

Stop at Diar Il-Bniet for an unforgettable farm-to-plate cooking class, using the freshest ingredients from the surrounding fields. Find inspiration and learn simple, effective techniques, recipes and skills that will change the way you cook forever. Learn how to use ingredients freshly picked from the farm that morning as you recreate a local dish and, finally, enjoy it for lunch in the company of your group.

Meals: Breakfast, Cooking Class and Lunch

Day 04: Malta – The Central Districts    B
Today, you will depart for the central part of Malta, dominated by the medieval fortified city of Mdina, Malta’s former capital city.

Visit the town of Mosta and its famous dome, the third-largest in Europe. During WWII, people were gathered in the church when a large bomb from a fighter plane dropped through the roof. Incredibly, the bomb failed to explode and everybody survived the assault.

From Mosta, we head further inland to the unique glass-blowing facility of Mdina Glass at Ta Qali. Here, witness the expert skill and artisanship in creating the beautiful designs that make up these highly prized pieces.

Stop for a visit at the early Christian catacombs in Rabat, then enjoy some time to indpendently explore this beautiful town, known for its quiet rural character and natural beauty.

A highlight this afternoon is a visit to Meridiana Wine Estate in Ta’Qali. Here, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting session with views over Meridiana’s vineyards and Malta’s old capital city, Mdina. You will have the chance to learn the history of winemaking and sample different wines, paired with typical Maltese cheese.

In Mdina, walk the narrow, winding streets, dating back to medieval times, leading to the imposing bastions, commanding a magnificent panorama of the island.

Meals: Breakfast and Tasting

Day 05: Malta – The Deep South    B-L
We begin this tour with a drive to the west of Malta and a visit to the ancient temples of ‘Hagar Qim‘. From here, we will take a short drive to the small locality of Wied iz Zurrieq. After a photo stop and a chance to view the Blue Grotto from above, the bus will continue down to the bay where, if the seas are calm, you will have the opportunity to take an optional boat ride into the Grotto and its surrounding caves (payable locally, dependent on weather).

Our morning will conclude with a drive to the quaint fishing village of Marsaxlokk, famous for the many multi-coloured Maltese ‘Dghajsa‘ fishing boats in the harbour. Head to one of the most renowned restaurants in this village, Ir Rizzu, for a traditional Marxaxlokk seafood lunch.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 06: Sister Island Gozo B-D
Today you will discover the natural beauty and pulsating history of Gozo, Malta’s sister island.

Discover Calypso Cave – located in a cliff just off Xaghra; overlooking Gozo’s stunning sandy beach – Ramla Bay. This site is thought to be the same cave Homer mentioned in ‘The Odyssey’ where Calypso, the beautiful nymph, kept Odysseus as a ‘prisoner of love’ for seven years.

Marvel the beautiful Ggantija Temples – one of the most important archaeological sites in the Maltese Islands and listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The site consists of two temples dating back to between 3600 and 3200 B.C.

Pay a visit to the Cittadella, first fortified during the Bronze Age approximately around 1500 BC, further developed by the Phoenicians and finalised into an Acropolis during the Roman times. The massive defensive stone walls rising above the town were constructed by the Knights to shelter the Villagers from attacks

Tonight, we come together for a farewell dinner with your fellow traveller’s in a local Valletta restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 07: Depart Malta    B
After breakfast you will board your private vehicle to Malta International Airport (MLA) for your onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast