The Best of Malta's Treasures
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Port
Valletta, Malta
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$189.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 8 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Your tour begins as you board your motorcoach for a drive to Valletta, the present-day capital. You will start with a walking tour with a visit to the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
Nearby, visit St John’s Co-Cathedral with your guide. As you approach, you’ll note its surprisingly austere exterior contrasts the dazzling interior of gilded tracery and marble mosaic floor. The floor 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.
A short drive brings you to the Tarxien Temples -- ancient ruins dating as far back as 3000 BC. This imposing temple complex was built by prehistoric man and features a central building of three parallel sets of double apses. The walls exhibit low relief work, friezes of animals and spiral patterns, a decorated altar table, and a colossal stone statue.
Your next destination is a drive to Ta’ Qali for a glass-blowing demonstration at Mdina Glass. This unique factory is renowned for its glass blowing, glass fusion and lampwork. Mdina glassware is traditionally a marbled blue-green color. Feel free to purchase a souvenir.
A short scenic drive away, Mosta’s Basilica sports the fourth-largest unsupported dome in Europe. In 1942, a 200kg bomb pierced the dome and fell among a congregation of more than 300 people but did not explode.
Proceed to the restaurant for a traditional lunch. The menu includes a wide selection of Maltese delicacies, as well as a glass of wine.
This afternoon, travel to the medieval city of Mdina, strategically built on a high plateau. Walk through town to see the Cathedral of St Paul from the outside, built on the orders of Robert of Normandy after he took control of the island from the Arabs. Enjoy some free time before returning to the ship in Valletta.
Notes:
Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable/reef-safe sunscreen. Bring bottled water. The Cathedral in Valletta is closed on Saturday afternoons, Sundays, and holidays; a visit to the Grand Masters Palace will be substituted. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience. Each guest is responsible for returning the headset after the tour; missing or damaged headsets incur a fee of €80. Tour sequence may vary.