The Gems of Malta
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Destination: Croatia • Duration: 13 days / 12 nights • Dates: October 12-20, 2024 • Destination: Malta • Duration: 9 days / 8 nights • Dates: October 12-20, 2024 • Destination: Malta • Duration: 9 days / 8 nights • Dates: October 12-20, 2024
Destination: Malta
Dates: October 12 - 20, 2024
Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
Arrive at Malta International Airport, meet your driver, and transfer to your hotel in St. Julian’s. Enjoy some time at leisure or perhaps venture out to start discovering the seaside town of St. Julian’s. In the early evening meet your host and fellow travelers at the lobby, then head out together for a welcome dinner at an amazing local restaurant. The discovery of Malta begins tonight with trying out outstanding traditional dishes and local wines.
Hotel: Juliani 4*
Arrive Malta
SATURDAY, OCT 12, 2024
DAY 1
This morning we head south, to the famous Blue Grotto, a natural wonder. First, we will stop for photos from the road, to capture a spectacular view, then, we will descend to a narrow fjord-like bay from where we’ll take our boat ride to see the cave from the inside (weather permitting—the boats will not sail if the wind is too strong, therefore the boat tour inside the cave cannot be guaranteed and is to be paid on the spot). Then, we’ll continue to Marsaxlokk, one of Malta’s prettiest fishermen's villages. Here you will see many colorful boats called “Luzzu,” a piece of heritage left by the ancient Phoenicians, and we’ll stroll through the lively Sunday open-air fish market and enjoy this typical Maltese setting of the seaside promenade before we sit down for a fish lunch at a traditional local restaurant. Return to our hotel in the mid-afternoon. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy and relax! St Julian’s is a lively town full of shops, restaurants, bars… Meet your host and the group later for drinks in town!
Hotel: Juliani 4*
Trip To Blue Grotto And Marsaxlokk
DAY 2
SUNDAY, OCT 13, 2024
DAY 4
Today, first we’ll visit the outstanding Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, a fascinating underground burial complex that was amongst the first Maltese entries on the UNESCO World Heritage list. A truly breathtaking monument. Following, we will head to visit the three ancient cities, Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua and enjoy a short walking tour through the heart of each, ending at the “vedetta,” a spot where they were guarded from intruders and pirate ships. Here, we’ll board our traditional ‘Dghajsa Tal Pass’ wooden boat for a panoramic cruise around the three cities that defended Malta from so many enemy attacks before Valetta was even founded. Enjoy some free time in the area, sit down for a coffee and relax. We’ll return to our hotel later with time at leisure. It’s Tuesday, a perfect day to grab a drink together tonight!
Hotel: Juliani 4*
TUESDAY, OCT 15, 2024
Hal Saflieni Hypogeum - 3 Cities
DAY 5
Today we’ll explore the central part of the island. You’ll enjoy our morning drive through Malta’s scenic hills to Rabat, a town renowned for its talented artisans. Malta is famous for filigree-style handmade jewelry and for amazing glassblowing art. So, today we will visit two amazing manufacturers and see the silver jewelers and the glassblowers creating their masterpieces. If you wish to get an authentic souvenir, this is the perfect place to get it! Then, we’ll proceed to Mdina, the old capital, often called the Silent City. Enjoy a walk through the narrow, cobbled streets to the panoramic viewpoint at the city walls that offers a breathtaking view of the island. While in Mdina, we’ll view the beautiful Co-cathedral and then proceed to the town of Mosta to visit the Sanctuary of our Lady, the famous Mosta Church with its imposing Dome. Before returning to our hotel, we’ll try some delicious traditional Maltese snacks at a Village House. Enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.