Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast. It’s a nation known for historic sites related to a succession of rulers including the Romans, Moors, Knights of Saint John, French and British. It has numerous fortresses, megalithic temples and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, a subterranean complex of halls and burial chambers dating to circa 4000 B.C
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
| Place | Night (s) | Hotels |
| Malta | 06 | The Phoenicia Malta |
- Welcome on arrival with fresh flower garlands.
- Meet to attend airports / hotels by our office representative.
- 06 nights in accommodation as per the program.
- Meals as per program.
- Guide Services ( English language )
- Entrance fees to the monuments.
- All taxes.
• International flights
• Personal Expenses.
• Camera / Video Camera Fees.
• Medical Aid.
• Tipping.
• Travel Insurance.
• Visa If any.
• Accommodation in good hotels.
• Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
• Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost. – Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
• A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
• If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
• Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
• In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
• In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
• While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
• Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
• In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.
