This wonderful tour includes stunning scenery, the beautiful azure crystal clear sea, ancient towns and insight into an islands rich culture and heritage.

We start our day with a visit to the south of the island and the beautiful Wied iz-Zurrieq, famous for the magnificent Blue Grotto. This tiny hamlet sits in a valley and has a very picturesque harbour. The grotto and neighbouring system of sea caves are home to brilliant phosphorescent marine life. The 25-minute boat trip explores the incredible beauty of this natural wonder and is a "must-do". This optional boat trip is only eur10 adults, eur5 for children.

As you travel during the next part of this tour, your guide will explain the importance of the Girgenti Valley. Girgenti is a shaded fertile valley renowned for its orchards and cultivated fields. The eco system here is maquis, so it is green all year round. Citrus and other fruit trees thrive in the valley beneath the surrounding ridge. The old picturesque farmsteads are the homes of the local farming community who still work the fields and cultivate the orchards. On a spur overlooking the valley stands the summer palace of the Inquisitors built by Monsignor Visconti in 1625. Nowadays it is the official residence of our Prime Minister. Our journey via Girgenti will take us the west cost of the island.

Stretching for some 4km along the west coast are the Dingli Cliffs. These cliffs have vertical or near-vertical rock faces rising from the sea to heights of up to 200m above sea level. Some of the steep slopes are terraced and this unique feature together with the expanse of the deep blue Mediterranean sea provide stunning views. Here will stop at the small 18th-century chapel which sits on the cliffs for a superb view and an ideal photo opportunity.

Our next stop will take you back in time and we start with the old town of Rabat. This charming town has strong ties with the Roman era and the visit of St. Paul AD60. Here we will take a short stroll from the central piazza through the quaint streets, where you can admire the old houses, alleys, traditional balconies amongst other typical old town characteristics. Our historical walk continues to what we consider as our 'pride and joy', the fairy tale city of Mdina. Mdina which is a medieval city Mdina is built on a plateau in the centre of the island, the city's old Baroque buildings, Cathedral and magnificent bastion walls dominate the rural skyline. Mdina, once the capital of Malta until the modern city of Valletta was built had many names including Melite (Roman occupation), Medina (Arabic occupation), Citta Notabile (Knights of St. John) and Citta Vecchia (after Valletta was built). Today it is also referred to as the Silent City since it inspires tranquillity at any time of the day or night. The only way to really experience and enjoy this city is on foot, explore the quaint alleys, narrow streets, ancient buildings and magnificent far-reaching views from the high bastion walls.

At this stage, our tour comes to an end and we make our way back to the cruise terminal and Valletta.

OPTION
If you would like to do a longer tour, you can add Birgu to this tour. See Medley of Malta Tour with Birgu (SE10)
 

Our tour begins with Mdina, the old capital of Malta and which will bring you back to the 9th century. This city was built on a plateau in the centre of the island, another incredible accomplishment. From the bastion walls, you'll see the entire island. Around you is a maze of narrow alleyways that bring you face-to-face with amazing architecture.

The tour then heads to the southwest and our next stop is the ancient megalithic temples of Hagar Qim, one of many UNESCO listed Malta sites. Before entering the temples we start at the new visitors centre which will help you understand how these magnificent temples were built over 5000 years ago! We then continue with our visit to the actual temple site. This temple has some of the largest and heaviest megaliths out of all the temple sites around the Maltese Islands, some slabs weighing a staggering 20 tons.

Our final stop is the stunning Blue Grotto. Here you can take a 25-minute boat trip that explores the incredible beauty of this natural wonder and is a "must-do" during this tour. The grotto and neighbouring system of sea caves are home to brilliant phosphorescent marine life, as you enter the caves the clarity of the azure sea is simply amazing. 

At this stage, our tour comes to an end and we make our back to the cruise terminal and Valletta.

OPTION
If you would like to do a longer tour, you can add Valletta to this tour. See Malta Highlights Tour with Valletta (SE8)
 

We start our tour with a visit to the oldest part of the Grand Harbour. The Three Cities consists of Senglea, Cospicua & Vittoriosa (or otherwise known as Birgu). Our first stop includes a visit to Senglea and the Gardjola Gardens, here you can admire the magnificent view from the Vedette (watch tower used by the Knights).

We continue with a drive through Cospicua, the most inner creek of this ancient harbour which has recently been regenerated. The highlight of the Three Cities is undoubtedly the oldest city of Birgu (Vittoriosa) it is the most important of the three. In 1532 the Knights of St. John first settled in this area, and we will give you an insight into an era dominated by the Knights of St. John. Our walking tour will take us to the heart of the city, the narrow streets and quaint alleys known as the 'collacchio', an area of old Palazzo's which were the original Auberges occupied by the Knights'. We end our tour on the waterfront which in the past was occupied by the beautiful galleys, nowadays occupied by magnificent yachts.

Our final stop on this half-day tour is the ancient city of Mdina. Mdina is built on a plateau in the centre of the island, the city's old Baroque buildings, Cathedral and magnificent bastion walls dominate the rural skyline. Mdina, once the capital of Malta until the modern city of Valletta was built had many names including Melite (Roman occupation), Medina (Arabic occupation), Citta Notabile (Knights of St. John) and Citta Vecchia (after Valletta was built). Today it is also referred to as the Silent City since it inspires tranquillity at any time of the day or night. The only way to really experience and enjoy this city is on foot, explore the quaint alleys, narrow streets, ancient buildings and magnificent far-reaching views from the high bastion walls.

At this stage, our tour comes to an end and we make our back to the cruise terminal and Valletta.

OPTION
If you would like to do a longer tour, you can add Valletta to this tour. See Island Fortress Tour with Valletta (SE8)
 

Want to do something different? Feeling a little adventurous?

Delve into the islands ancient history when we visit the unique Ghar Dalam Cave and explore this huge cavern. Here you can see bones of dwarf elephants, hippopotami and other species from the Pleistocene Age, a staggering 180,000 years ago! The earliest evidence of human settlement which was over 7,000 years is also found here.

We then continue to the famous Blue Grotto. Here you can take a 25-minute boat trip that explores the incredible beauty of this natural wonder and is a "must-do" during this tour. The grotto and neighbouring system of sea caves are home to brilliant phosphorescent marine life, as you enter the caves the clarity of the azure sea is simply amazing.

Our final stop offers you the opportunity to have a dip in the cool Mediterranean Sea. Ghar Lapsi is a unique and hidden little cave bay with a view over the tiny islet of Filfla. Its rocky shoreline form a natural swimming pool with crystal clear and fantastic azure blue/green waters perfect for a quick swim, approx. a 1 hour stop. The bay is not suitable for non-swimmers, however, close by is a bar where non-swimmers can sip a cool drink whilst enjoying the scenery.


At this stage, our tour comes to an end and we make our back to the cruise terminal and Valletta.
 

Malta is often dubbed as “Hollywood in the Mediterranean”. The islands’ beautiful, unspoiled coastlines and breath-taking architecture have ‘doubled’ for an amazing variety of locations on the big and small screens – from ancient Rome to 19thcentury Marseille and 1960’s Beirut. Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott, Wolfgang Petersen, Guy Ritchie and other renowned directors, as well as a host of celebrities such as Russell Crowe, Brad Pitt, Sharon Stone, Madonna, Sean Connery and many more have all experienced movie making in Malta.

We start our tour at Upper Barraka Gardens in Valletta which offers the perfect platform to view the filming locations around the harbour and the streets of Valletta. Here your guide will point our the prime spots, relating them to movies such as Count of Monte Kristo, World War Z, Gladiator, Troy, Munich and the most recent, Jurassic World Dominion. All amazing blockbusters filmed in part or in full, right here in Malta. 

We then move to central Malta for a visit to the beautiful medieval city of Mdina. This city was extensively featured in Game of Thrones as KINGS LANDING, amongst many other scenes including Littlefinger's brothel which was located in one of the piazza's. Here we will enjoy a walking tour around this stunning old medieval city with its beautiful sandstone buildings and charming narrow alleys.

During this tour, you will have ample opportunity to pose at the sites and take lots of memorable photos to show off to your family and friends back home!
 

We start with a visit to the beautiful medieval city of Mdina. Built on a plateau in the centre of the island, the city's old Baroque buildings, Cathedral and magnificent bastion walls dominate the rural skyline. Mdina, once the capital of Malta until the modern city of Valletta was built had many names including Melite (Roman occupation), Medina (Arabic occupation), Citta Notabile (Knights of St. John) and Citta Vecchia (after Valletta was built). Today it is also referred to as the Silent City since it inspires tranquillity at any time of the day or night. The only way to really experience and enjoy this city is on foot, explore the quaint alleys, narrow streets, ancient buildings and magnificent far reaching views from the high bastion walls.

At the foot of Mdina’s hills lies the Meridiana Wine Estate. This boutique wines using only grapes grown in Malta. The vineyard measures 19 hectares and they grow Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Vermentino grapes. The tour includes the winery building, cellars and tasting and lunch. 

At this stage, our tour comes to an end and we make our way back to the cruise terminal. 
 

An insight into an era dominated by Neolithic man on a tour that will unfold our ancient history dating back a staggering 5000years.

We start our visiting the Hagar Qim Temple Complex which includes Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples. Before entering the temples we start at the new visitors centre which will help you understand how these magnificent temples were built over 5000 years ago! We then continue with a tour to the Hagar Qim Temple. This temple has the largest and heaviest megaliths out of all the temple sites around the Maltese Islands, some slabs weighing a staggering 20 tons. Also forming part of this temple complex is the Mnajdra Temple which lies tucked on a slope in the cliffs, overlooking the tiny isle of Filfla. This site is probably the most atmospheric of all Malta's temples and during the Equinox, on the 20th March and the 22nd September, the rays of the sun pass directly through the temple's main doorway and light up the main axis. The rays of the sun during the Solstices light up the summer table and the winter table alternately.

The second part of our tour includes a visit to the Ghar Dalam Cave. The Ghar Dalam Cave is a highly important site as it was here that the earliest evidence of human settlement on Malta, some 7,000 years ago, was discovered. This huge cavern is 144 metres deep, but only the first 80 metres are accessible. The lowermost layers date back to the Pleistocene Age (180,00 years ago) and to the end of the last Ice Age (16,000 years ago) and contained the fossilised bones of dwarf elephants, hippopotami, red deer, bear, fox, wolf, micro-mammals and birds.

At this stage, our tour comes to an end and we make our back to the cruise terminal and Valletta.
 

Malta’s ancient past has deep Jewish roots, and the history of Jews in Malta spans two millennia. Ancient Jewish tombs in Rabat testify to the existence in Roman times of a flourishing Jewish community on the island in the 4th and 5th centuries. We will start our tour at St. Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat, where you can see tombs that also contain impressive engravings of a Menorah.

Following our visit to the catacombs, we will take a short 10 minute walk from Rabat piazza, through the quaint streets, where you can admire the old houses, alleys, traditional balconies amongst other typical old town characteristics. Our walk will bring us to the walled city of Mdina. Mdina was the medieval capital during the Arab and Norman periods when the Jewish community prospered. In fact, the Jews made up one-third of the population in Mdina, and they lived side-by-side with Christians, in their own Jewish Quarter. During our walking tour of Mdina we will point out signs in Hebrew, such as ‘Old Jewish Silk Market’ attesting to the importance of Jews in the city’s economy and identifying the site where the synagogue was. You will also visit other parts of this beautiful old city during our walking tour and admire the stunning view from the high bastion walls. 

Our final stop on this tour will be in Valletta. We will drive along the perimeter of the city and an important Jewish historical landmark, the Jews Sally Port. During the times of the Order of St. John between 1530 and 1798, it was only through this gate that free Jews arriving in Malta were allowed to enter the city.

At this stage, our tour comes to an end and we make our way back to the cruise terminal. 
 

Our tour begins with Mdina, the old capital of Malta and which will bring you back to the 9th century. This city was built on a plateau in the centre of the island, another incredible accomplishment. From the bastion walls, you'll see the entire island. Around you is a maze of narrow alleyways that bring you face-to-face with amazing architecture.

The tour then heads to the south west and our next stop is the ancient megalithic temples of Hagar Qim, one of many UNESCO listed Malta sites. Before entering the temples we start at the new visitors centre which will help you understand how these magnificent temples where built over 5000 years ago! We then continue with our visit of the actual temple site. This temple has some of the largest and heaviest megaliths out of all the temple sites around the Maltese Islands, some slabs weighing a staggering 20 tons.

Our final stop in the morning is the stunning Blue Grotto. Here you can take a 25-minute boat trip that explores the incredible beauty of this natural wonder and is a "must-do" during this tour. The grotto and neighbouring system of sea caves are home to brilliant phosphorescent marine life, as you enter the caves the clarity of the azure sea is simply amazing.

Our transport will then return us back to the harbour area and to Valletta. At this stage we say farewell to our driver, Valletta can only be explored on foot.

We enter the city passing the Tritons fountain and a walk along the main thoroughfare, the guide will point out our parliament, the old Royal Opera House besides other interesting buildings as we pass by. At this stage, we will stop for a lunch/snack break. After lunch, we continue our tour of the city which will include visits to George's Square which is adorned by the imposing Grand Masters Palace (external viewing only). Proceeding along Republic Street, our next stop is the amazing St. John's Co. Cathedral (internal visit), which is home to Caravaggio's masterpiece "The Beheading of St. John." This Cathedral was the conventual church of the Order of St. John, otherwise known as the Knights of St. John. In fact, most of the city was built by the Knights'. They were the planners of the auberges, palaces and the magnificent fortifications that you can still see today. The final part of our walking tour includes Merchants Street, along here there are many interesting buildings and our guide will point out some of the most important, 'MUZA' (the new Museum of Fine Arts) and the imposing Auberge de Castille, nowadays the office our Prime Minister. We end our tour at the Upper Barraka Gardens and not only are these gardens beautiful but the view of the stunning Grand Harbour is a memorable one, it unfolds beneath you as you make your way to the viewing balcony, a perfect way to end our tour.

A trip from the gardens with the panoramic lift will take us back down to sea level and then we end with a short 6-minute walk to the cruise terminal.

Please note The order in which we operate the tour may differ as mentioned above. St. John's Co. Cathedral does not open on Saturday afternoons, Sunday's and Public Holiday's. This will be replaced with an alternative site such as the Grand Master's Palace, Archaeology Museum or Malta 5D Show.
 

We start our day with a visit to the south of the island and the beautiful Wied iz-Zurrieq, famous for the magnificent Blue Grotto. This tiny hamlet sits in a valley and has a very picturesque harbour. The grotto and neighbouring system of sea caves are home to brilliant phosphorescent marine life. The 25-minute boat trip explores the incredible beauty of this natural wonder and is a "must-do". This optional boat trip is only eur10 adults, eur5 for children.

As you travel during the next part of this tour, your guide will explain the importance of the Girgenti Valley. Girgenti is a shaded fertile valley renowned for its orchards and cultivated fields. The ecosystem here is maquis, so it is green all year round. Citrus and other fruit trees thrive in the valley beneath the surrounding ridge. The old picturesque farmsteads are the homes of the local farming community who still work the fields and cultivate the orchards. On a spur overlooking the valley stands the summer palace of the Inquisitors built by Monsignor Visconti in 1625. Nowadays it is the official residence of our Prime Minister. Our journey via Girgenti will take us to the west coast of the island.

Stretching for some 4km along the west coast are the Dingli Cliffs. These cliffs have vertical or near-vertical rock faces rising from the sea to heights of up to 200m above sea level. Some of the steep slopes are terraced and this unique feature together with the expanse of the deep blue Mediterranean sea provide stunning views. Here will stop at the small 18th-century chapel which sits on the cliffs for a superb view and an ideal photo opportunity.

Our next stop will take you back in time and we start with the old town of Rabat. This charming town has strong ties with the Roman era and the visit of St. Paul AD60. Here we will take a short stroll from the central piazza through the quaint streets, where you can admire the old houses, alleys, traditional balconies amongst other typical old town characteristics. Our historical walk continues to what we consider as our 'pride and joy', the fairy tale city of Mdina. Mdina which is a medieval city Mdina is built on a plateau in the centre of the island, the city's old Baroque buildings, Cathedral and magnificent bastion walls dominate the rural skyline. Mdina, once the capital of Malta until the modern city of Valletta was built had many names including Melite (Roman occupation), Medina (Arabic occupation), Citta Notabile (Knights of St. John) and Citta Vecchia (after Valletta was built). Today it is also referred to as the Silent City since it inspires tranquillity at any time of the day or night. The only way to really experience and enjoy this city is on foot, explore the quaint alleys, narrow streets, ancient buildings and magnificent far-reaching views from the high bastion walls.

Our transport will then return us back to the harbour area and to the old maritime city of Birgu. At this stage we say farewell to our driver, Birgu can only be explored on foot and we will be returning back to the Valletta cruise terminal by ferry. Before we continue you will have some free time Birgu centre for a lunch/snack break.

Birgu (Vittoriosa) forms part of what is known as the 'Three Cities' which also includes Cospicua and Senglea. In 1532 the Knights of St. John first settled in this area, and we will give you an insight into an era dominated by the Knights of St. John. Our walking tour will take us to the heart of the city, the narrow streets and quaint alleys known as the 'collacchio', an area of old Palazzo's which were the original Auberges occupied by the Knights'. Our tour will gradually make its way down to the waterfront which in the past was occupied by the beautiful galleys, nowadays occupied by magnificent yachts. You will have some free time for photos, the views are amazing spanning the most beautiful of the Grand Harbour with Valletta on the opposite side.

We return back to the Valletta cruise terminal by ferry. This short 10-minute crossing will take us through the beautiful yacht marina, past the imposing Fort St. Angelo on one side and the maritime fortified city of Senglea on the other. On arrival in Valletta, the cruise terminal is only a 6-minute walk away.
 

We start our tour with a visit to the oldest part of the Grand Harbour. The Three Cities which consists of Senglea, Cospicua & Vittoriosa (or otherwise known as Birgu.

Our first stop includes a visit to Senglea and the Gardjola Gardens, here you can admire the magnificent view from the Vedette (watch tower used by the Knights). We continue with a drive through Cospicua, the most inner creek of this ancient harbour which has recently been regenerated. The highlight of the Three Cities is undoubtedly oldest city of Birgu (Vittoriosa) it is the most important of the three. In 1532 the Knights of St. John first settled in this area, and we will give you an insight to an era dominated by the Knights of St. John. Our walking tour will take us to the heart of city, the narrow streets and quaint alleys known as the 'collacchio', an area of old Palazzo's which were the original Auberges occupied by the Knights'. We end our tour on the waterfront which in the past was occupied by the beautiful galleys, nowadays occupied by magnificent yachts.

We continue our tour to the ancient city of Mdina. Mdina is built on a plateau in the centre of the island, the city's old Baroque buildings, Cathedral and magnificent bastion walls dominate the rural skyline. Mdina, once the capital of Malta until the modern city of Valletta was built had many names including Melite (Roman occupation), Medina (Arabic occupation), Citta Notabile (Knights of St. John) and Citta Vecchia (after Valletta was built). Today it is also referred to as the Silent City since it inspires tranquillity at any time of the day or night. The only way to really experience and enjoy this city is on foot, explore the quaint alleys, narrow streets, ancient buildings and magnificent far reaching views from the high bastion walls.

Our transport will then return us back to the harbour area and to Valletta. At this stage we say farewell to our driver, Valletta can only be explored on foot.

We enter the city passing the Tritons fountain and a walk along the main thoroughfare, the guide will point out our parliament, the old Royal Opera House besides other interesting buildings as we pass by. At this stage, we will stop for a lunch/snack break.

After lunch, we continue our tour of the city which will include visits to George's Square which is adorned by the imposing Grand Masters Palace (external viewing only). Proceeding along Republic Street, our next stop is the amazing St. John's Co. Cathedral (internal visit), which is home to Caravaggio's masterpiece "The Beheading of St. John." This Cathedral was the conventual church of the Order of St. John, otherwise known as the Knights of St. John. In fact, most of the city was built by the Knights'. They were the planners of the auberges, palaces and the magnificent fortifications that you can still see today. The final part of our walking tour includes Merchants Street, along here there are many interesting buildings and our guide will point out some of the most important, 'MUZA' (the new Museum of Fine Arts) and the imposing Auberge de Castille, nowadays the office our Prime Minister. We end our tour at the Upper Barraka Gardens and not only are these gardens beautiful but the view of the stunning Grand Harbour is a memorable one, it unfolds beneath you as you make your way to the viewing balcony, a perfect way to end our tour.

A trip from the gardens with the panoramic lift will take us back down to sea level and then we end with a short 6-minute walk to the cruise terminal.

Please note The order in which we operate the tour may differ as mentioned above. St. John's Co. Cathedral does not open on Saturday afternoons, Sunday's and Public Holiday's. This will be replaced with an alternative site such as the Grand Master's Palace, Archaeology Museum or Malta 5D Show.