Malta Highlights

Did you know that Malta's been inhabited since nearly 5000 BC? Or that its name poetically means land of honey' in Ancient Greek? You'll uncover all of this – and more – on our eight-day meander around a true Mediterranean gem.

Begin by meeting your Tour Leader and small group of fellow travellers in the picturesque resort town of Sliema. We'll get to know one another over a delicious welcome meal; expect to be served all kinds of traditional Maltese dishes packed with fragrant and fresh ingredients!

Malta doesn't just boast beautiful beaches and sparkling lagoons. After meeting our local guide, we'll stumble across all manner of exotic flora and fauna at Buskett Gardens. This beautiful wilderness (one of only a few forested areas on the island) is today's first stop, with its abundance of lush fruit trees ideal for a shady stroll.

Next up, we'll adopt hushed tones as we delve into the so-called ‘silent city' of Mdina. This 4,000-year-old walled metropolis – and Malta's former capital – was gifted this serene nickname due to its peaceful ambiance and total lack of traffic. You'll experience its allures first-hand as we wander past an extraordinary mix of medieval and Baroque architectural treasures.

After an hour or so exploring more at your own pace, it'll be time to quench our thirst with some Maltese wines. Wine has been produced on the islands for nearly 6,000 years – and we'll savour an indulgent selection of cherry-tinged reds and delicate whites at the boutique Meridiana Wine Estate. Maltese wine is tricky to buy back home, so it's worth grabbing a bottle in the vineyard shop! Finally: we'll wind our way back towards the coast to Sliema, stopping briefly in Mosta to stretch our legs and admire the intricate interiors and WWII connections of its 19th-century domed church.

Were you aware of Malta's link to the Gallipoli campaign? We'll begin today's explorations at the moving Pieta War Cemetery where we'll learn all about the injured ANZACs who were evacuated here during WWI. Nestled in the heart of Pieta town, it's a tranquil spot and the final resting space of nearly 2,000 souls who lie peacefully in the shadows of aromatic cypress trees.

Today's journey into the past doesn't stop there. Next, we'll venture into Valletta: Malta's capital that perches majestically between two ancient harbours. Witness where history and architecture intertwine on a locally guided stroll, passing everything from Baroque masterpieces like Upper Barrakka Gardens and the Grandmaster's Palace to modern marvels like the sandy-hued New Parliament Building. You'll then enjoy a quiet moment to admire the opulent interiors of St John's Co-Cathedral before we devour a traditional ftira lunch. Malta's mouthwatering answer to the humble sandwich, ftira are typically stuffed with fresh tuna, olives, capers and salad.

Afterwards, prepare to step back even further in time as we weave our way down the coast to the country's oldest settlement: Birgu – commonly referred to as Città Vittoriosa (Victorious City). You'll amble leisurely through its narrow streets with a guide, visiting the likes of the Inquisitor's Palace and the panoramic Gardjola Gardens. Minds packed with tales and camera rolls filled with memories; we'll round off the day with a relaxing evening back in Sliema.

You'll carve your own path today, spending the entirety of it at your leisure. You could simply have a lazy day relaxing at the hotel, soaking up the stunning views of Sliema from its rooftop terrace or snoozing on a plush sunbed by the pool.

For a little more adventure, consider climbing aboard a harbour cruise and inhaling the salty sea breeze as you glide around the ports of Valletta. The contrast of turquoise water, aquamarine skies and the soft sandy hues of the city's limestone structures make it a paradise for photographers.

This evening, we recommend sauntering down to Sliema's waterfront where you'll stumble across a string of charming alfresco restaurants with wonderful vistas and tempting local seafood menus.

Ethereal temple ruins, phosphorescent coloured bays and a captivating 1980's film set are all on the agenda today – each one bringing its own little sprinkle of magic to your Maltese journey.

First up: a stop at the Ħaġar Qim temples. It's hard not to feel in awe of this remarkable temple complex, made up of some of the oldest standing stones in the world – older even than England's Stonehenge! Here we'll learn all about the UNESCO World Heritage site's origins and the strategic positioning of the structures that make up the Mnajdra. Hint: it's linked to the alignment of the sun during the spring and autumn equinoxes.

Another spectacular stone structure awaits on the island's south coast this afternoon: the natural limestone caves that make up Malta's Blue Grotto. We'll glide gracefully through calm waters on a boat trip, witnessing how the caverns become illuminated in shades of brilliant blue when the sun shines through its arches. Then, it's onwards to Ċirkewwa ferry point – but not before a brief photo stop at Popeye Village. Better known as Sweethaven Village, this cinematic spot is the former film set of the 1980 Disney musical, Popeye. Finally, we'll round off the day with a golden hour speedboat ride to the island of Gozo where a restful evening is on the cards.

Gozo's treasures are waiting to be discovered today, and we've our local Gozo guide joining us for the next two days to help unearth them! Malta's second island may be smaller in stature but it's brimming with intriguing sights – including the spectacular megalithic temple complex of Ġgantija. Stroll through Neolithic ruins that are among the world's oldest structures, with an ancient ceremonial site once used for fertility rites being a particular highlight.

We'll then move onto a true icon of Gozo's skyline: the imposing Old Citadel in Victoria. This 14th-century fortified city can be glimpsed from almost anywhere on the island and its walls, bastions and lookouts are brimming with thrilling tales of past invasions. After a little wander, we'll pause to indulge in a delectable Maltese lunch at a local restaurant. Don't fill up too much, though, as we'll shortly be meeting a local cheesemaker...

A visit to the idyllically named Dreams of Horses Farm will round off another perfect day. As well as sampling several varieties of homemade cheese, we'll embark on a guided tour of the farm's equestrian therapy centre. Say hello to its four-legged residents and see how valuable horse therapy can be. Feeling calm and collected, we'll then meander our way back to Sannat for a leisurely evening at our hotel.

This might be the penultimate day of our Maltese escape, but there's still plenty to see! First up is Fungus Rock. While this attraction's name may be slightly off-putting, we promise it's well-worth a glimpse! We'll travel to a scenic viewpoint off San Lawrenz's coast to admire the islet, dwelling on stories of its peculiar history (and its namesake fungi's medicinal properties).

Following this, we'll encounter another of Gozo's natural wonders with a trip to the Xwejni Salt Pans. A 350-year-old checkerboard of rock-cut salt pans, its production of sea salt has been passed from generation to generation and is a fascinating sight to behold. Speaking of salt, Gozo's irresistible blue sea is calling – and it would be rude not to stop off at picture-perfect Xwejni Bay en route back to our hotel!

Once we return to Sannat, there'll be time to wash off the ocean's refreshing scent before we reunite for one last group dinner. Tuck into more mouthwatering Maltese fare, reminisce about the week's many adventures and say saħħa (pronounced sah-ha and meaning ‘good health') to whatever the future holds!

You've reached the final page of your Maltese chapter today. We'll savour one final breakfast together soaking in Gozo's rustic charm before we catch the ferry back to Sliema. As you glide across the calm cerulean waves, take a moment to reflect on the past week and all the many memories you've made with your small group before you part ways. Perhaps you'll extend your stay in this Mediterranean oasis or even embark on another of our carefully curated European tours?