Highlights of Malta & Gozo

This morning, you'll experience the aesthetic? 16th Century city of Valletta with a guided tour walking tour. The first planned city constructed in Europe since the time of the Romans, Valletta was built by the Knights of St. John in the aftermath of a great siege by the Turks of the Ottoman Empire.

One of the most redoubtable citadels in the world, Valletta has hardly changed since it was built in its tremendous natural harbour. The magnificent Cathedral of Saint John, astonishing in its use of colour and ornament, floor of sophisticated inlaid marble, and featuring opulent, gilded picture-ceilings is a true wonder to behold, which also houses the largest (and only signed) painting by Caravaggio - 'The Beheading of John the Baptist'.

While in Valletta, you'll pay a visit to the 'Malta Experience', an audio-visual celebration of the 7000-year history of the island. Housed in a purpose-built panoramic auditorium, the experience takes you through the fascinating story of Malta from its ancient settlement through its many conquerors to the vibrant independent nation it has become.

Then, come the afternoon, your time is your own, so why not visit one of the many cultural attractions? The Grand Master's Palace has its state rooms and armoury open to the public; the National War Museum at Fort St. Elmo presents battle exhibits from the Bronze age right through to the turn of the Millennium; or at the National Museum of Archaeology one can unearth the islands history with exhibits covering everything from the ruins deep under the island to the stars high above it.

Or if you'd rather live in the present than the past, Malta's gentle Mediterranean climate lends itself perfectly to a laid-back atmosphere of sights, sounds and sensations. Take it all in from café terraces or bistro balconies, bedecked with vivid geraniums and proud poplars, the city's many cosy establishments are a delightful place to relax and observe the calm Maltese lifestyle.

Later this afternoon, we enjoy a tour of the 16th century palace Casa Rocca Piccola. A member of the de Piro family will escort you around the stately home’s museum, which boasts Malta’s largest collection of antique costumes, the underground shelters and garden. After our tour we'll enjoy some refreshments with typical Maltese appetizers in your noble surroundings.

Today is an excursion to the tranquil island of Gozo and its capital of Victoria. Known as 'Rabat' to its residents, this quaint old-world town is filled with serpentine streets and alleys, surrounded by remarkably well-preserved battlements; and visible from most parts of the island, towering above the pleasant countryside, stands the imperious Citadel and the centre of it all. Gozo isn't just lesser in size than its more metropolitan sibling, its lesser in hastes - life walks with a slower step in Rabat, making it an ideal place to simply sit back and sip a coffee as the world passes by.

A little along the bay lies the striking coastal rock formations that border Gozo's inland sea. Rugged promontories and sheer cliffsides frame the cerulean depths of the waters that were once home to the magnificent Azure Window - a star of the screen, this colossal limestone arch is now unfortunately lost to the sea.

We next voyage through the idyllic countryside of fertile hills and valleys, savouring the scenes and aromas of the patchwork terraced thyme and wildflowers to reveal Gozo's ancient past: the most well-preserved and largest of Gozo's prehistoric temple sites, the incredible Ggantija.

Dating back millennia, this complex far out-ages sites such as Stonehenge, Petra or even the Pyramids of Giza. With some of the stones used in its construction standing over six metres tall and weighing several tonnes, it’s no wonder that local legend describes the temples as being built by a giant.

Explore at your own pace during this free day in Mellieha. Take advantage of the beautiful weather with a bus ride to the Mellieha Beach; this sandy retreat is a popular spot for swimming or snorkelling due to its bright, shallow waters secluded from the greater sea by the surrounding bay. Or enjoy the beach as a backdrop to view from the comfort of one of the quaint cafés and boutiques in the relaxed seaside old town.

For slightly more hustle and bustle, you could trek a little further afield to the nearby town of St Julian's, where you can enjoy greater shopping and dining along its delightful waterfront promenade.

Or, if you just feel like taking some time to recharge your batteries for the coming excursions, why not just laze about the hotel pool and catch some of the sunshine?

Starting our day, we drive to Rabat, where along charming Medieval streets you'll find the earliest archaeological presence of Christianity in Malta, the Catacombs of St. Paul. Dated to the 4th Century, this labyrinth of early-Christian tombs contains over 1000 chambers.

Then a treat for historians and artists alike, it's a visit to the Wignacourt Museum. Part of the original Pauline complex, this Baroque building was formerly the resident of the Chaplains of the Knights of Malta and now houses an excellent collection of artworks from across the Mediterranean states.

From here, one can explore further into the complex to St. Paul's Grotto, famed for housing Christ's disciple when shipwrecked on the island. Close-by you'll find the Roman catacombs, an underground maze of burial chambers from the 3rd Century; and even deeper you can explore the expansive air raid shelters constructed to provide refuge for the islanders during the Second World War.

The crowning centrepiece of the island, and sat proudly steadfast upon a fortified crest, Mdina is the former capital of Malta and abounds in past glory. Furnished with Norman and Baroque architecture, the 'Notable City' was founded almost 3000 years ago by the Phoenicians; and though its fortunes have ebbed and flowed in the centuries since, it has always been an important and renowned municipality for the Maltese.

Enjoy a pleasant lunch before heading off to the Church of Mosta, which houses the world's third-largest dome. Though famed for surviving a direct bombshell during World War II which failed to detonate, the dome stands on its own merits as a work of art, featuring ornate, geometric paintwork overlooking the extravagant rotunda.

Afterwards, refresh yourself with a traditional afternoon tea, take at the luxuriant gardens of the Palazzo Parisio. This grand 18th Century estate with its sumptuous Italianate gardens was originally a hunting lodge and was later expanded by the Marquise Scicluna and renovated in the English aristocratic style; making it a fitting place to indulge in that ever-so-English light meal.

This morning is another to take at your leisure, with free time in Mellieha. With its splendid seafood and brilliant boutiques, it’s a wonderful opportunity to shop for a few souvenirs followed by a little lunchtime dining on the local 'catch-of-the-day' against the backdrop of the shimmering water.

Malta's wines may not yet rival the fame of those from its Mediterranean neighbours, but the island's winemaking heritage stretches back over two millennia to the days of the Phoenicians. Today, Malta's burgeoning wine industry is beginning to capture the attention it truly deserves, offering a unique taste of the island's rich history and sun-drenched landscapes.

This afternoon, we delve into this hidden gem of Maltese culture with a visit to an esteemed wine estate near Mdina. Strolling through the inviting vineyards, we'll uncover the secrets behind their winemaking traditions before indulging in an assortment of exceptional wines, each a testament to Malta's growing reputation in the world of fine wine. This is accompanied by a light lunch showcasing an array of Maltese specialities and crisp, vibrant salads, each dish is thoughtfully prepared to complement and elevate the sophisticated flavours of the wines.

This morning, we journey to the southern coast to marvel at the captivating beauty of the Blue Grotto. Here, sunlight dances across the crystal-clear waters, creating a spectacular display of shimmering hues as the caves reflect the vibrant blues and greens of the sea and the underwater flora.

Next, we make our way to the awe-inspiring, prehistoric temples of Hagar Qim, a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched on a hilltop with sweeping views of the sea. This ancient complex holds an intriguing secret – one chamber features an elliptical opening, carefully crafted to align perfectly with the summer solstice sunrise. As the first rays of light pierce through, they illuminate a stone slab deep within the chamber, offering a glimpse into the ingenuity and spirituality of Malta’s ancient inhabitants.

We pause for lunch in the charming, waterside village of Marsaxlokk. For generations, fisherman have brought in their daily catch and mended their nets along its scenic quayside, which has retained its timeless character. Today, it’s a delightful place to unwind, with an inviting array of cafés and restaurants lining the waterfront. In the afternoon, we continue to Vittoriosa, where a short walking tour introduces us to this historic fortified city, named in honour of the victorious defence during the Great Siege of 1565.