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.
Hotel: Juliani 4*
WEDNESDAY, OCT 16, 2024
Ta'Qali - Rabat - Mdina
DAY 6
Today we’ll have an early start and enjoy the scenic drive all the way to the ferry port, on the northern coast of Malta. Here, we’ll board our ferry to Gozo (20-minute ferry ride). As soon as we arrive at Gozo, we notice that although both islands are similar in history, Gozo has a character entirely of its own. Gozo, with its hilly landscape and picturesque countryside, boasts much more greenery than Malta, making it an island full of charm waiting to be discovered. Gozo is filled with traditions, and the inhabitants live their traditional, Mediterranean lifestyle to this day! They grow their fruits and vegetables and live in a very peaceful way. Our exploration of Gozo starts with Victoria where we’ll visit the Old Citadel and view the artisan lace makers at work. We’ll enjoy a stop for a coffee and a traditional cheesecake. Following, we’ll visit the UNESCO-protected Neolithic Temple Ggantija, dating from 3,600 BC and regarded as the oldest free-standing structure in the world, predating both the famous Stonehenge in the U.K. and the Egyptian Pyramids. Learn how the islanders managed to build this temple that withstood thousands of years of sun, rain, and wind at times when no metal tools were available, and the wheel was not yet invented. Drive to Xwejni Bay for a short photo stop of the unique landscape with rock formations and natural pools, before visiting the 350-year-old Salt Pans. Later, we’ll have the chance to see how it’s made and to taste the Gozitan Ftira, a traditional and very special dish unique to this island. In the afternoon hours, we’ll enjoy our ferry boat sailing back to Malta, passing by the lovely island of Comino. On our way back to St Julian's, we’ll stop on the hills for a magical view of the Popeye Village! Late afternoon return to our hotel, with the evening at leisure.
Hotels: Juliani 4*
THURSDAY, OCT 17, 2024
Day Trip To Gozo
DAY 7
In the late morning, we’ll head to visit the San Anton Gardens, located in the Maltese presidential residence. This is a hidden gem and a spectacular botanical garden. Our next stop will be Palazzo Parisio, an 18th-century palace housing a treasure trove of delightful artifacts and a beloved home. Then, we'll head for a fun experience visiting a local winery and tasting the artisan wines of Malta, paired to perfection with local amazing local finger food. The afternoon is free for you to explore, enjoy, relax and have fun. Let’s meet up in the evening for drinks and let’s go to town and grab dinner together!
Hotel: Juliani 4*
FRIDAY, OCT 18, 2024
San Anton Gardens And Palazzo Parisio
DAY 8
Free day for you to venture out and experience Malta at your own pace. Enjoy some time shopping, or relax by the sea. Tonight, we’ll get together one last time to have a lovely Maltese night, traveling in style to Mdina where our retro classic limousines will drop us off at the entrance to the old capital. Our dinner will consist of a selection of delectable dishes and wines while we gaze at the panoramic views and enjoy our fabulous last Maltese night together.
Hotel: Juliani 4*
SATURDAY, OCT 19, 2024
Valetta
DAY 9
You will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to Malta International Airport for your homebound flight approximately 3 hours before your flight departure. Transfers will be organized depending on your departure time, you might share the transfer with other guests that leave at a similar time.
SUNDAY, OCT 20, 2024
Depart Malta
DAY 3
It is time to visit Valetta, the fascinating Maltese capital city, entirely protected by UNESCO. Today we’ll learn about the marvelous history of the city, founded by the Knights Order of St. John’s at Malta 5D experience, a 20-minute video presentation. Then, we’ll walk through the geometrically ordered streets of the Old Town, and admire the unique yellow limestone architecture. Our guide will take us all the way to the Upper Baraka Gardens where we’ll marvel at the panoramic view spanning over the harbor and the 3 old cities: Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua. A visit to Valetta wouldn’t be complete withouth visiting its crown jewl, one of the richest and most beautiful churches in the world, the St. John’s Co-Cathedral, home to the famous Caravaggio painting “Beheading of St. John the Baptist”. After some free time for lunch, we’ll meet again to board our cruise and relive Malta’s gallant history cruising around the two natural harbors on either side of Valletta – Marsamxetto harbor and the Grand harbor. The rest of the day is free for individual exploration. Perhaps visit some of the art galleries or museums, take a walk on the Sliema Promenade and try out some of the charming restaurants.
Hotel: Juliani 4*
MONDAY,OCT 14, 2024
Valetta
Pricing
Price Per Person In
Double Occupancy Rooms
$550
Single Supplement
$3990
Request To Book
What's Included
Accommodation at listed hotel with breakfast daily, based on double occupancy rooms, with the option for single use at a supplement
Customized arrival and departure airport transfers, according to your individual arrival and departure flight timing
All transfers as per program with comfortable air-conditioned small coach / mini van
Tour is hosted by Alida Paljevic, your travel specialist for Malta
Welcome drink at the hotel
Light lunch in the village house in Mdina, with traditional Maltese snacks
Coffee & cheesecake in Victoria
Workshop on how to make traditional Ftira, followed by tasting
Wine tasting with snacks (cheese, local meats, etc.) in a renowned local winery
Farewell dinner at the local restaurant, including drinks (wine or soft drink, water)
All visits and tours as described in the program with an expert licensed guide
All entrance fees included (except for the boat ride to view the Blue Grotto that must be paid on the spot – 10 Euro)
All boat tours and ferry tickets as described in the program
Welcome dinner at traditional Maltese restaurant, including drinks (wine or soft drink, water)
Fish lunch at the local restaurant, including drinks (wine or soft drink, water)
Visas, passport, and/or departure taxes
Airfare
Any items not listed above
Expenses of personal nature, including tips to guides and drivers, telephone calls, table drinks, internet, laundry, etc.
Travel insurance – highly recommended! Check out World Nomads.
Not Included
Pricing
Price Per Person In
Double Occupancy Rooms
$550
Single Supplement
$3990
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