Highlights of Malta and Gozo

Welcome to Malta! Your adventure starts in Valletta this little capital city packs a real punch when it comes to historical sights and top-drawer attractions. A meeting will take place today at 6pm at your hotel where youll meet your local leader and the other members of your group. If you arrive with time to spare, you may like to pay a visit to the National Museum of Archaeology, or perhaps take a stroll along the restaurant-lined waterfront. After your meeting, why not get to know your group over a meal in town your leader will be able to recommend some great spots to eat. Aljotta (fish soup) and Gbejniet (Maltese cheese) are particularly delicious!

This morning, meet up with a local guide from Valletta who will let you in on local secrets as you explore the city on foot. Start off with a visit to the St. John’s Co-Cathedral and learn about the citys fascinating connection to the Order of the Knights of St. John, then youre in for a real treat as you stop by a traditional cafe and sample some tasty Maltese pour-over coffee. Once youre energized, swing by the Upper Barrakka Gardens, a beautiful public space with a history stretching back to the 16th century. From the gardens, ride a large elevator down to the Grand Harbour, taking in incredible views as you descend, then say goodbye to your guide and hop aboard a ferry with your leader. Visit the Three Cities, Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa, each providing a unique glimpse into the countrys past. First, walk the streets of the fortified city of Senglea as your leader shares facts about its history, then jump on a dghajsa, a traditional Maltese water taxi, and travel to Vittoriosa. Take a step back in time as you explore the city brimming with ancient churches, palaces and noble homes, then finally head to Cospicua where youll walk its winding streets and discover remnants of Maltas turbulent past. Return to Valletta and enjoy the rest of the afternoon for your own explorations.

Greet the day and get out to explore more of Malta. Start with a visit to the little fishing town of Marsaxlokk to check out the local market and colourful fishing boats, then continue to the unbelievable archaeological site of Hagar Qim. As one of the worlds oldest religious sites, dating as far back as 3600 BC, exploring the remains of the ancient temple is a truly incomparable experience. Once youve worked up an appetite, head to a fantastic local restaurant housed in an 18th-century Baroque building which serves up a mouth-watering menu made with locally sourced ingredients. After lunch, drive on to the fortified city of Mdina and walk through centuries of Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine and Arab history. Afterwards, travel to Cirkewwa and board a ferry bound for Mgarr on the neighbouring island of Gozo, then catch a public bus to Marsalforn. This delightful seaside resort town will be your base for the time spent on Gozo, so this evening why not sit back and soak up the laidback atmosphere?

Today is all about exploring Gozo’s stunning nature on some of the island’s best walking trails. Start the day by catching a local bus to the village of Xlendi, from where youll embark on a hike along the dazzling coastline. Skirt the edge of cliffs and take in awe-inspiring views with every step, pass by an old Maltese watchtower and wind down a peaceful country lane before finishing up in the village of Sannat. Next up is a visit to a local traditional bakery. From here head back to our base at Marsalforn, from where youll walk to the Xwejni Salt Pans, dating back to Roman times. Meet the family who have been harvesting these ancient pans for 160 years and learn about the process in peak summer you may even have the chance to watch it firsthand. Of course no visit is complete without tasting some of the salty goodness. Continue walking along Gozos North coast, enjoying glorious views of the Mediterranean as you walk to the Wied il-Ghasri area. Stop for a swim in the inviting green-blue waters before returning to Marsalforn via charming country lanes dotted with cacti and old stone walls.

This morning, head to Victoria, the capital of Gozo island, and explore the ancient citadel and some of the towns most interesting museums, including the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, Gran Castello Historic House and Gozo Nature Museum. After brushing up on the cultural and natural history of Gozo, head out and visit a lovely local family running a winery on Gozo. Learn all about their secrets of wine making, sit down and enjoy their wonderful wine and delicious snacks, all with a stunning view.

The day is yours to discover more of what Gozo has to offer. Theres something here to suit every interest, so be sure to speak to your local leader for tips on how to get the most out of your day. You may like to head to one of the islands gorgeous beaches and stretch out with a good book, cooling down with dips in the Mediterranean, or perhaps youd prefer to get active and hike to more ancient ruins and medieval villages.There’s also the opportunity to kayak around Comino Island and vist the Blue Lagoon (subject to weather). However you choose to spend your time here, its sure to be a day to remember!

Its time to leave Gozo behind, first catching a public bus to Mgarr, then hopping on a fast ferry back to Valletta. Your adventure comes to an end on arrival to Valletta, however if youd like to extend your stay just get in touch ahead of time and wed be happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).