SHORE EXCURSIONS

Discover the charms of several villages in western Malta, where you will observe artisans practicing age-old crafts and get a genuine feel for daily life. Antoine tan-Newl is one of the island’s few weavers that still uses traditional techniques and watching him create items such as handmade rugs, blankets and bags on a wooden loom is a fascinating experience. He may even invite you to try your hand at weaving. In the nearby village of Żebbuġ, you will see the locals playing bocci, a traditional sport that is closely related to the French game of petanque and Italian bocce. You will be welcome to join the game or just sit back and enjoy locally sourced snacks that may include stuffed green olives, an area specialty. You will also stop in the village of Santa Venera for an introduction to traditional Maltese musical instruments such as simple whistles made from wheat stems and reeds.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Gain an understanding of traditional life by visiting a number of quintessential villages.
• Watch artisans practice traditional crafts such as weaving and making musical instruments.
• See locals playing bocci and join in a game, if you like.
• Snack on a platter of Maltese delicacies in one of the villages.

Become immersed in the Maltese culture by meeting locals that are engaged in traditional activities and by meandering about villages that practice different customs. At Vicky’s Place, a bakery in the village of Qormi, you will watch a popular sweet or perhaps a loaf of bread being prepared. Feel free to ask questions about the ingredients, how they are sourced or anything else that comes to mind. Later, you will get the chance to converse with the local residents s in a kazin, a Maltese social club that often features music and snooker, a game that was introduced when Malta was a crown colony of the United Kingdom. You will also mingle with the locals at the village center in Ghaxaq, a cultural experience that is sure to be enlightening. Sightseeing in the fortified city of Senglea, which lies just across the harbor from Valletta, will offer yet another perspective of daily life.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Gain insight into Maltese culture by mingling with the locals as they work and socialize.
• Snack on baked goods and traditional Maltese delicacies while conversing with the locals.
• Visit several villages and come away with a multi-layered perspective of Maltese life.

A visit to the three cities - Senglea, Cospicua & Vittoriosa and a short ride aboard a typical Maltese boat is a great way to learn about Malta’s extraordinary past and enjoy its colorful ports. Walk around Senglea, a fortified city in the Grand Harbour for a view of the historic bastions. Drive through Cospicua on your way to Vittoriosa. Its honorific name of Vittoriosa was granted as a result of its victorious stand in the Great Siege of 1565. Walk along the narrow streets of this city, admiring such historic sites as the Church of St. Lawrence and Fort St. Angelo, from the outside.

Embark on a traditional Maltese ‘Dghajsa’ (boat) for a short trip within the Grand Harbour which served the Knights of St John for 268 years. Many wars were fought here and the British military also used the harbor for many years, but that is all in the past. Today, it is much quieter and you’ll enjoy its grandeur and the views from the water’s vantage point. Head to Marsaxlokk, for a photo stop and enjoy some free time in the open-air market of this colorful fishing village.

Enjoy the island of Malta’s most stunning views and learn about its history with minimal walking. Drive through some of its smaller cities, villages and coastline, with stops for photos along the way. This comprehensive excursion takes you on a scenic drive to Vittoriosa one of the three historic cities, where you can see from outside, the church of St Lawrence and Fort St. Angelo. Stop in Marsaxlokk, Malta’s largest fishing village, where you’ll have free time to enjoy the colorful scenery. Continue your scenic drive through the various villages until you reach Dingli Cliffs – the view from Malta’s highest point is spectacular. You’ll also drive through Rabat and around the perimeter of Mdina, Malta’s former capital city. As you drive through Mosta, you’ll see its famous dome, considered as the third largest unsupported dome in Europe.

OVERVIEW

Meander about a seaside market in the fishing village of Marsaxlokk and cruise to the Blue Grotto, a collection of sea caves with brilliantly colored water. Fresh fish is the main draw of the market as the catch of the day will have just been brought in on iconic Maltese fishing boats. Known as luzzu, these boats typically feature painted eyes on the bow, a symbol thought to protect the fishermen. Besides seeing an incredible variety of seafood – including prawns, mackerel and even sea snakes – you will observe an authentic slice of daily life as the locals haggle for the best prices. After hopping on a traditional boat in the nearby village of Wied iz-Zurrieq, you will head for the Blue Grotto, a network of caves with phenomenally clear water. Reflected sunlight turns the water stunningly cobalt-blue and illuminates the cave walls with other hues such as green, purple and orange.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Observe the freshly caught bounty of the sea at a market in the fishing village Marsaxlokk.
• Enjoy a genuine glimpse of local life while browsing the market.
• Cruise to the Blue Grotto seaside caves in a traditional boat.
• Behold the brilliant blue shades of the water and other colors reflected on the cave walls.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace. The Hop On Hop Off service, is a convenient way to explore on your own some of the highlights of the island of Malta. On this loop you can stop and visit the San Anton Gardens, which houses the residence of the President of Malta; Ta Qali Crafts Village, the Mosta Dome Basilica which has the third largest unsupported dome in Europe; Mdina - the old capital city of Malta and Rabat its suburb and Valletta - Malta’s capital city built by the Knights of St John. A map will be provided for you to decide on the sights you would like to see. Please be advised that the service price does not include entrance tickets to the local attractions, this is transfer service only. Operation hours of local attractions and shops may vary on the different days of the week. Bus frequency is every 30 minutes, this may vary slightly depending on traffic congestion.

A walking tour of the old and new capital cities of Malta offers you the opportunity to admire many of its treasures. Visit the Upper Barracca Gardens for a unique panoramic view, visit St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta and a walking tour of Mdina. A short drive around the impressive bastions of Valletta takes you to the new capital city. Walk to the Upper Barracca Gardens for a panoramic view of Malta’s natural harbors and the historic cities of Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa. Continue your walk to St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Conventual Church of the Knights of Malta, housing Caravaggio’s famous masterpiece - The Beheading of St. John. Continue your walk to the Magisterial Palace, formerly known as the residence of the Grand Masters of the Order, and visit the state rooms and tapestry chamber. Drive to Mdina “The Silent City” and walk through the narrow streets of the town, past St. Paul’s Cathedral and the bastions for a panoramic view of the countryside.

The islands of Malta are home to eleven prehistoric monuments, seven of which comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today you’ll visit the Temples of Tarxien and Hagar Quim where you’ll discover Malta’s prehistoric past. A scenic drive takes you to Tarxien where you’ll visit the Tarxien Temples. They are renowned for the detail of their carvings, which include domestic animals carved in relief, altars, and screens decorated with spiral designs and other patterns.

Head to the southern part of the island to see some of the most unique prehistoric monuments in the world, at the temple of Hagar Quim. Before returning to Valetta, you’ll make a short stop for photos at the colorful fishing village of Marsaxlokk.

Depart quayside to Mosta to see the famous Basilica Mosta Dome (exterior visit) considered to be the third largest in Europe. The famed 19th century church is visible from almost anywhere on the island. Malta is also known for its fine wine, which you will sample at a local winery, before visiting Mdina Glass in Ta' Qali crafts village. You can watch glass blowers produce beautiful works of art. Another side of Malta shows itself at the formal San Anton Gardens, built and established by Grand Master Antoine de Paule, who ruled the island in the 1600s. The garden's exotic flora includes palms, jacarandas and conifers, some of which are more than 300 years old.

Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Valletta, many of them iconic attractions that define the city. To ensure the best possible results, a selfie expert guide will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting and composition for every shot. Your pictures will be ideal for posting on social media and sharing in other ways.

As you walk and ride through Valletta, you will pause at designated selfie stops that include:
• Mdina Blue Door
• Saint Paul’s Cathedral
• Mdina Gate
• Upper Barrakka Gardens/free
• Auberge de Castille
• Triton Fountain

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions in Valletta.
• Follow tips from your selfie expert guide to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• Travel inland to Mdina to pose at the village’s 18th-century gate and the famed blue door.
• Stroll through the gorgeous Upper Barrakka Gardens, a greenspace created in 1661.
• Stand before the Auberge de Castille, considered the most beautiful building in Valletta.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Be sure your phone or camera is fully charged.

OVERVIEW

View some of Valletta’s most significant landmarks on a panoramic drive before traveling inland to explore with a designated walking tour the city of Mdina. A scenic drive from Mdina to Valletta allow you to enjoy The Knights of St. John founded Valletta in the mid-16th century and this UNESCO World Heritage site exudes history wherever you turn. Highlights include the bustling Valletta Center and star-shaped Fort St. Elmo, which the Knights built in a mere four months. Along the way, you will pause for photos of the Great Siege Bell Perched above the Grand Harbour continue with a walking tour for the most iconic places in Valletta such as St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the serene Upper Barrakka Gardens, and more. Free time there allows you to explore its glorious historical buildings at your leisure.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Gain an understanding of Valletta’s history on an enlightening drive around the capital.
• Learn about the Knights of St. John that founded Valletta and built Fort St. Elmo.
• Stop to snap photos of the Great Siege Bell symbolising the plight of the many people who fought and died for Malta during the Second World War.
• Explore Mdina, the former capital of Valletta, during our designated walking tour.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy fun in the sun, clear blue waters and the golden color sand. An approximately 40 minute drive takes you to one of Malta's popular beaches. Enjoy approximately 2.5 hours to swim, walk on the beach, participate in water sports or simply soak up the sun. Watersports are available at an additional charge and equipment can be rented right here, from local vendors.