The Best of Malta's Treasures (A Small Group Tour)
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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
$199.95
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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 is St. John’s Co-Cathedral which you will visit 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. These ancient ruins were once part of an imposing temple complex built by prehistoric man dating as far back as 3000 B.C, featuring a central building of three parallel sets of double apses. Walls exhibiting low relief work and friezes of animals and spiral patterns, a decorated altar table and a colossal stone statue, remain.
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 lamp work. You’re certain to be awestruck by the beautifully shaped Mdina glassware in its traditional marbled, blue-green color, and tempted to purchase souvenirs of their handiwork.
Your tour continues as you board your coach for a short scenic drive to Mosta, well known for its 3rd largest unsupported dome in Europe, known as the Mosta Dome or as the locals say, the Rotunda Basilica. On the 9th of April 1942 a 200kg bomb pierced the dome and fell among a congregation of more than 300 people, but miraculously did not explode. Proceed to the restaurant for a traditional lunch. A vast selection of Maltese delicacies is on the menu, including a glass of wine.
Board back on your vehicle to the medieval city of Mdina. Together with your guide, you’ll pass by the ramparts that envelope the city, strategically built on a high plateau for protection. After a short stroll, you’ll see the Cathedral of St. Paul from the outside. Located within the Mdina city walls, this baroque cathedral was built on the orders of Robert of Normandy after he took control of the island from the Arabs. In the name of Christianity, he felt the structure would rid the town of its infidel influence. Enjoy some free time at leisure before you board your coach back to the ship. With Malta behind you, you leave with a myriad of unforgettable memories of a lifetime.
Notes:
Shade is limited; please dress accordingly. Bring a hat and wear sunscreen. The Cathedral in Valletta is closed on Saturday afternoons, Sundays, and holidays; a visit to the Museum of Archeology will substituted. Use of an audio headset (include) will enhance your tour experience. Each guest is responsible for returning his/her headset after the tour; missing or damaged headsets incur a fee of EUR80. The order of the tour may vary.