Set your watch to island time for a Maltese adventure

from 

£1,190

per person
 
Duration: 7 Days
Tour Provider: Intrepid
Deal Code: DT1NJAIJ

 

 

Description

Malta may be one of the world’s smallest countries, but when it comes to ancient history, natural beauty and compelling culture, it’s in the big league. Uncover the highlights and hidden treasures of Malta and Gozo on a 7-day adventure with a leader to help you see the country through the eyes of a local. Discover what makes Valletta so special, go back in time at the Three Cities and explore the ancient site of Hagar Qim. Jump across to neighbouring Gozo and hike along the coastline, kayak over dazzling blue water and discover its history. One thing’s for sure – this is a place worth raising a toast to.
Dining Hightlights

6 breakfasts and 1 lunch

Travel Hightlights

Get to really know Valletta during a walking tour with a local guide, then join your leader for explorations of the historic Three Cities, Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa. Experience Malta’s tangible history during a visit to the Hagar Qim archaeological site. Dating back as far as 3600 BC, this is one of the oldest religious sites in the world. Meet a local family at the Xwejni Salt Pans, dating back to Roman times, and learn how they have been harvesting salt from here for more than 160 years. Be amazed by Gozo’s natural beauty as you set off on a kayaking adventure, starting from Hondoq Bay and paddling to the unbelievably bright waters of the Blue Lagoon. Explore the fortified city of Victoria, Gozo’s capital, paying visits to the medieval citadel, the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, Gran Castello Historic House and Gozo Nature Museum.

Included Activites

Valletta - Three Cities Walking Tour, Valletta - Visit to St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta - City Walking Tour with Local Guide, Valletta - Traditional Maltese Pour-Over Coffee at Local Cafe, Marsaxlokk - Town & Harbour Visit, Malta - Island Highlights Tour, Mdina - Town Visit, Hagar Qim - Archaeological Site Visit, Mdina - Lunch at Local Restaurant, Gozo - Xlendi Coastal Cliff Hike, Gozo - Wied al-Ghasri Coastal Hike, Gozo - Xweijni Salt Pans Visit, Gozo - Village Bakery Visit & Snack, Comino Island - Kayaking Excursion & Visit to Blue Lagoon

Why you'll love this trip

Get to really know Valletta during a walking tour with a local guide, then join your leader for explorations of the historic Three Cities, Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa.

Experience Malta’s tangible history during a visit to the Hagar Qim archaeological site. Dating back as far as 3600 BC, this is one of the oldest religious sites in the world.

Meet a local family at the Xwejni Salt Pans, dating back to Roman times, and learn how they have been harvesting salt from here for more than 160 years.

Be amazed by Gozo’s natural beauty as you set off on a kayaking adventure, starting from Hondoq Bay and paddling to the unbelievably bright waters of the Blue Lagoon.

Explore the fortified city of Victoria, Gozo’s capital, paying visits to the medieval citadel, the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, Gran Castello Historic House and Gozo Nature Museum.

Is this trip right for you?

Just as a heads up before you book: this trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

Included activities

  • Valletta - Three Cities Walking Tour
  • Valletta - Visit to St John's Co-Cathedral
  • Valletta - City Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Valletta - Traditional Maltese Pour-Over Coffee at Local Cafe
  • Marsaxlokk - Town & Harbour Visit
  • Malta - Island Highlights Tour
  • Mdina - Town Visit
  • Hagar Qim - Archaeological Site Visit
  • Mdina - Lunch at Local Restaurant
  • Gozo - Xlendi Coastal Cliff Hike
  • Gozo - Wied al-Ghasri Coastal Hike
  • Gozo - Xweijni Salt Pans Visit
  • Gozo - Village Bakery Visit & Snack
  • Comino Island - Kayaking Excursion & Visit to Blue Lagoon

Flexible bookings provide peace of mind.

We understand that sometimes plans change. That’s why, when you book with us you have the flexibility to change your travel plans – with assurance that you’ll have options to re-book when it suits you. As long as you notify us about changes to your travel plans at least 21 days before your scheduled departure, you can pick new travel dates or an entirely different trip, with no change fees*.

Why book with us

Flexible payment

Lock in your trip with a deposit and then pay the rest in instalments whenever you like, with no interest or fees. Just make sure you've paid in full by 21 days before your trip is scheduled to depart*.

Flexible deposit

If you cancel your trip* up to 21 days before departure, you can transfer your deposit to another available trip or hold your deposit on file indefinitely.

No change fees

Let us know about your change in plans 21 days before your departure and there’ll be no fees* to change trips.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 / Valletta

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!

Day 2 / Valletta

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 city’s fascinating connection to the Order of the Knights of St. John, then you’re in for a real treat as you stop by a traditional cafe and sample some tasty Maltese pour-over coffee. Once you’re 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 country’s 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 you’ll walk its winding streets and discover remnants of Malta’s turbulent past. Return to Valletta and enjoy the rest of the afternoon for your own explorations.

Day 3 / Malta / Gozo

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 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, 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.

Day 4 / Gozo

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 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 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 you’ll 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 Gozo’s 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.

Day 5 / Comino / Gozo

This morning, discover Gozo from a different perspective. Head to the turquoise blue waters of Hondoq Bay and jump in a kayak for a guided adventure. Paddle to the shores of Comino Island and come upon the Blue Lagoon, a truly breathtaking display of bright blue water. Take some time to explore the glorious coastline before returning to land. Later, 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, enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

Day 6 / Gozo

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. However you choose to spend your time here, it’s sure to be a day to remember!

Day 7 / Gozo / Valletta

It’s 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 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).

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http://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/booking-intrepid/booking-conditions/au