Malta Highlights

We'll meet the group in the picturesque resort town of Sliema and get to know one another over a delicious welcome meal. Welcome to Malta! Stay: The Victoria Hotel (or similar) (D)

We'll begin our second day together with a wander around the beautiful wilderness of the Buskett Gardens. Enjoy some free time exploring the only woodland area in Malta before we continue to the island's old capital: Mdina, also known as the ‘silent city'. Here we'll explore the extraordinary mix of medieval and Baroque architecture with a local guide and have some free time to enjoy lunch at our leisure.

On this afternoon's agenda: an indulgent wine tasting at a local winery. You'll find it difficult to find a bottle of Maltese wine back home, so we recommend purchasing some at the vineyard before we move onto Mosta where we'll visit its stunning domed church. Then, it's time to return to Sliema for an evening spent relaxing at our hotel or exploring the array of restaurants and waterfront bars. Stay: The Victoria Hotel (or similar) (B)

Did you know about Malta's link to the Gallipoli campaign? We'll begin today's explorations at the Pieta War Cemetery where we'll learn all about the injured ANZACs who were evacuated to the island during WWI. Then, a locally guided walking tour of Valletta is next on the agenda. We'll stroll by the New Parliament Building, Upper Barrakka Gardens, Grand Harbour and Grandmaster's Palace, uncovering the tiny capital's rich history as we go. Then, we'll enjoy free time to wander the stunning Baroque architecture of St John's Co-Cathedral. For lunch, we'll savour a traditional Maltese Ftira meal.

Continuing on, we'll visit the oldest area in Malta: Birgu – commonly referred to as Città Vittoriosa (Victorious City). We'll enjoy a walking tour through the city's ancient narrow streets with a local guide – visiting the likes of the Inquisitor's Palace and panoramic Gardjola Gardens. After a full day, enjoy an evening spent at your leisure back in Sliema. Stay: The Victoria Hotel (or similar) (B/L)

Today is yours to spend entirely at your leisure. You may want to explore on a harbour cruise around the ports of Valletta – a natural treasure trove for photographers. Alternatively, you could spend the day enjoying the stunning views from our hotel's rooftop terrace or relaxing by the swimming pool. This evening, we recommend venturing out in search of a waterfront alfresco restaurant for some delicious local seafood. Stay: The Victoria Hotel (or similar) (B)

Today's agenda begins with a stop at the Ħaġar Qim temples, where we'll have the opportunity to explore this remarkable site with a local guide. Then, we'll journey onwards the mesmerising Blue Grotto. Enjoy a locally guided boat trip around the phosphorescent coloured bays and complex of limestone caves – before continuing on to the ferry point at Ċirkewwa, with a photo stop at Popeye's Village along the way. After a speedboat transfer to Gozo, the evening in Sannat will be ours to spend exploring at our own pace. Stay: Hotel Ta' Cenc & Spa (or similar) (B)

Today we'll visit the spectacular megalithic temple complex of Ġgantija – the most ancient temples in Malta and boasting an ancient history that's older than the pyramids of Egypt. After moving on to the imposing Old Citadel in Victoria – the ancient fortified city that can be seen from almost anywhere on Gozo, we'll enjoy a delectable Maltese lunch.

Our visit to the Dreams of Horses Farm rounds off the day. There, we'll observe a cheese making demonstration followed by a guided tour around the equestrian therapy centre with a member of the team, learning how horse therapy comforts people. Later, an evening of leisure time is in store for us back at the hotel. Stay: Hotel Ta' Cenc & Spa (or similar) (B/L)

We may be nearing the end of our journey, but there's still plenty to explore! First, we'll stop to visit Fungus Rock – an islet off the coast of San Lawrenz that holds a peculiar history. After hearing the stories from our local guide, we'll move on to the unusual Xwejni Salt Pans. A 350-year-old checkerboard of rock-cut salt pans, the production of sea salt here has been passed from generation to generation and is a fascinating sight to behold. Before returning to Sannat, we'll make a refreshing stop at Xwejni Bay for a dip in the crystal-clear water. Later, we'll come together for one last dinner together, sharing stories of the week's adventures. Stay: Hotel Ta' Cenc & Spa (or similar) (B/D)

After a final breakfast and leisurely morning, we'll catch the ferry to Sliema – where our tour will end later this afternoon. (B)