Enjoy a full-day private tour of Malta and visit 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Take advantage of a private driver and local guide at your disposal to show you up the main attractions on the island Explore the capital city Valletta and the fisherman’s village of Marsaxlokk. Visit the ancient capital of Mdina and more in a blend of historical and natural sites.
The tour starts with the visit of the Maltese capital, Valletta after the pick up head to Barraka Gardens for unique views of the Grand Harbour. Time for a photo in front of the Auberge de Castille, ancient seat of the Knights Templar coming from Spain and now home of the Maltese Prime Minister. Proceed to St. John’s Cathedral, where masterpieces by Caravaggio can be found.
Next, go to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk to admire its traditional market and typical colored boats. Free time for lunch at one of local seafood restaurants. In the afternoon, stop at the panoramic point from which to admire the famous Blue Grotto of Malta before going to the Megalithic Temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra.
Continue to the ancient capital of Mdina and explore one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled city. Stroll down the tiny streets and discover one of the best viewpoints on the island. Free time for a coffee’ or tea before heading back to your Hotel or Cruise ship
Any location in Malta
10 minutes before start time
These are the main highlights one should expect during this tour:
Valletta (or Il-Belt) is the tiny capital of the Mediterranean island nation of Malta. The walled city was established in the 1500s on a peninsula by the Knights of St. John, a Roman Catholic order. It’s known for museums, palaces and grand churches. Baroque landmarks include St. John’s Co-Cathedral, whose opulent interior is home to the Caravaggio masterpiece “The Beheading of Saint John.”
In Valletta, there are a ton of palazzos, museums, cathedrals, piazzas, and gardens to meander around and explore. The Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens are two places you should visit if city sightseeing has worn you out and you’re seeking for a short break or a more tranquil way to spend a beautiful afternoon in the usually busy capital. These gardens are the perfect places for you to relax while enjoying a cup of coffee and a snack while taking a little break from touring Valletta’s numerous attractions.
Marsaxlokk Malta’s fish market is well-known throughout the islands for being the best in the country. After all, the residents of the town are well-versed in the trade. The Phoenicians initially settled here in the 9th century BC, making it one among the country’s earliest nautical communities. Since then, the port has seen a lot of activity; in addition to the Maltese, the Ottomans, British, and French have all used it.
The Blue Grotto is a prominent (must-see!) tourist site located along the southeastern coast of Malta. Why? Because the reflection of sunlight on the white sandy seafloor lights up the caverns in dazzling blue colors on sunny days, which is a magnificent sight to behold! This renowned tourist destination draws thousands of people each year, with tourists coming here to view the incredible grotto via local boat cruises (which rarely get crowded, despite the big numbers).
In Maltese, Hagar Qim, which translates to “standing or worshipping stones,” is actually three constructions, the oldest of which originates from the earliest period of temple construction in Malta and roughly corresponds to the entrance of the new Sicilian colonists in 3850 BC.
In the middle of the turquoise waves of the central Mediterranean, Malta’s southern shore is home to the prehistoric Mnajdra Temples. These temples made of hard limestone, which were constructed between 3600 and 2500 B.C., are among the world’s oldest still standing free-standing constructions.
Mdina, also referred to as the Silent City. Why do you think it is named the Silent City?
This city has a long and fascinating history.
Mdina is encircled by defensive fortress walls and is located on one of Malta’s tallest hills. This small city of Malta, which was discovered in the eighth century BC by Phoenician Settlers, served as the foundation for the medieval city of Mdina that stands today. Many buildings constructed over a century ago have been maintained, and the city’s winding lanes recount centuries of history and the numerous monarchs who ruled Malta. Malta’s great outer fortifications were completed in the 11th century.
