Highlights of Malta & 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 you’ll 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. Stop by a traditional cafe and sample some tasty Maltese pour-over coffee. Once you’re energized, continue with a visit to the St. John's Co-Cathedral and learn about the city’s fascinating connection to the Order of the Knights of St. John. Then, 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 to explore the rest of the city. Take a step back in time as you discover the area brimming with ancient churches, palaces and noble homes, walk the winding streets and find remnants of Malta’s turbulent past. Return to Valletta and enjoy the rest of the afternoon for your own. (B)

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. Board on one of them and head out into the sea to search for the blue grotto, named after a spectacle of lights reflecting on the rock and water. Next, continue to the archaeological site of Hagar Qim. As one of the world’s oldest religious sites, dating as far back as 3600 BC, exploring the remains of the ancient temple is a truly incomparable experience. Once you’ve 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, walk to 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 private transfer to Marsalforn. This delightful seaside resort town will be your base for the time spent on Gozo. This evening why not sit back and soak up the laidback atmosphere. (B/L)

This morning, head to Victoria, the capital of Gozo island, and explore the ancient citadel and some of the town’s 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. Next up is a visit to a local traditional bakery. The afternoon is all about exploring Gozo's stunning nature on some of the island's best walking trails. Take a ride to the village of Sannat, from where you’ll 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 the cliff before finishing up in the village of Xlendi. Cool down with a swim in Xlendi Bay before returning to Marsalforn for the night. (B)

This morning, walk to the Xwejni Salt Pans, dating back to Roman times and 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 Gozo’s North coast, enjoying glorious views of the Mediterranean as you walk to the Wied il-Ghasri gorge. Stop for a swim in the inviting green-blue waters before returning to Marsalforn. After an active morning in 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. (B)

The day is yours to discover more of what Gozo has to offer. There’s 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 island’s gorgeous beaches and stretch out with a good book, cooling down with dips in the Mediterranean, or perhaps you’d prefer to get active and hike to more ancient ruins and medieval villages. There's also the opportunity to kayak around Comino Island and visit the Blue Lagoon (subject to weather). However you choose to spend your time here, it’s sure to be a day to remember! (B)

It’s time to leave Gozo behind, first catching a private transfer to Mgarr, then hopping on a fast ferry back to Valletta. Your adventure comes to an end on arrival to Valletta at the port, however if you’d like to extend your stay just get in touch ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability). (B)