Malta Uncovered

For 6,000 years Malta has been at the crossroads of almost all the ancient Mediterranean civilisations and on mention of the island, the immediate thoughts are of the Knights of St John, the Maltese Falcon and the George Cross. With a long and turbulent past and with a language bearing influences of Latin, Arabic and Semitic dialects, it is a unique destination with so much of its past on display. Its temples are the worlds oldest buildings, pre-dating the pyramids by a thousand years. Many visitors to this wonderful island never experience its undiscovered side, but on this tour we feel we have created a superb balance of interests ranging from a wonderfully varied history, unique scenery and atmospheric old towns, all in an ideal destination in which to relax. A Maltese we once met, remarked that the island is like an extended family, which may be a romantic vision, but often thats just the way it is!

Itinerary

ARRIVAL IN MALTA

You should arrive at the airport to take your flight. On arrival a coach will take you to your hotel, the four-star Maritim Antonine Hotel and Spa, set in the idyllic village of Mellieha.

Day 2

VALLETTA

Today you visit the wonderful 16th century city of Valletta where you enjoy a guided walking tour.

Built by the Knights of St John after a huge siege by the Ottoman Turks, it was Europes first planned city since Roman times. Valletta, one of the worlds strongest fortresses, is located on a magnificent natural harbour and has changed little since it was built. St. Johns cathedral is remarkable, with overwhelming decoration and colour, an intricate marble floor, a wonderful ceiling covered in gold leaf and fine paintings with the high point being Caravaggios masterpiece The Beheading of John the Baptist.

You will visit the Malta Experience which tells the story of this wonderful island using the latest audio-visual techniques. In the afternoon you may want to visit the archaeological museum, the Grand Masters Palace or the National War Museum at Fort St Elmo which houses the replica of the George Cross. Valletta has a typical Mediterranean atmosphere and appearance, with quiet squares lined with restaurants and intricate wrought iron balconies adorning the tall honey-coloured houses bedecked with geraniums and given life by the constant chatter of the Maltese greeting each other in the street.

Day 3

GOZO

Today we head to the sleepy island of Gozo nearby and visit its capital, Victoria, known to locals as Rabat. This charming medieval town has twisting streets and alleyways with superbly preserved battlements. Rising above the surrounding countryside is the imposing Citadel, visible from most of the island. The pace of life in Rabat is very relaxed what could be better than sipping a coffee while watching the world go by?

A drive to the coast takes us to Dwejra Bay, where dramatic coastal formations surround an inland sea and sheer cliffs plunge into deep blue waters. Its not difficult to imagine the magnificent Azure Window that once stood here the limestone arch sadly succumbed to a heavy storm in early 2017.

We then visit the largest and best preserved of the islands prehistoric temple sites, Ggantija, which is even older than the pyramids and Stonehenge. Some of the stones weigh several tonnes and stand 6 metres high: legend says they were brought here around 3600 BC by a female giant! It may be small but Gozos countryside with its low hills and fertile valleys creates a feeling of spaciousness, especially when the terraced fields turn into a patchwork of wild flowers and thyme.

Day 4

FREE DAY

Today you have a free day for you to explore as you wish. A wander around St Julians perhaps, with its picturesque quayside lined by excellent fish restaurants. One thing in Malta we really recommend but cannot organise for you is a visit to the Hypogeum, a series of underground burial chambers and temple dating from 3,500BC. Visits need to be reserved well in advance and are very limited.

Day 5

RABAT & MDINA

This morning, we take a short drive to Rabat and walk through the beautiful medieval streets to St Pauls Catacombs, the earliest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta. The site comprises a maze of early-Christian burial chambers dating from the 4th century, complete with over a thousand tombs.

We then visit the Wignacourt Museum, a must for anyone interested in art or history. Formerly the baroque residence of the Chaplains of the Knights of Malta, the museum has a superb collection of art and sculptures. From here, you can travel through an underground passage to St Pauls Grotto, where the apostle was believed to have stayed after he was shipwrecked in Malta. Nearby are the Roman catacombs, a labyrinth of 3rd-century AD subterranean tombs. Beneath these lie the impressive World War II shelters, which provided a safe haven for refugees and the people of Rabat during air raids.

Next we head to nearby Mdina, the jewel in the crown of the entire island, perched on a hill surrounded by huge walls. Theres time for lunch before we visit the Church of Mosta, with the third largest dome in the world, amazingly decorated, but principally famous as the unfortunate recipient of a direct hit by a bomb during Mass. Fortunately it failed to explode, establishing the legend of a miracle.

Signature Expereince:

This afternoon, we can take a break from the busy city life of old Valletta by visiting the breathtaking 18th-century Palazzo Parisio. The palazzo draws inspiration from the English aristocracy and has become a popular spot for afternoon tea on the island. Enjoy an exquisite range of traditional delicacies amidst the picturesque Italian gardens.

Day 6

FREE MORNING & VINEYARD VISIT

The morning is free to do as you wish. Maltas seafood is exceptional, so maybe a spot of shopping followed by a leisurely lunch of the catch of the day at a restaurant overlooking the sea? The wines of Malta may not be as widely acclaimed as those produced by its Mediterranean neighbours, but the country has actually been producing quality vintages since the time of the Phoenicians over two thousand years ago. Now, the growing wine industry is gradually gaining the recognition it so deserves, and to explore this lesser-known facet of Malta, this afternoon we visit a prestigious wine estate near Mdina, the ancient capital. After a tour of their vineyards, well enjoy a tasting of three of their superb wines.

Day 7

THE BLUE GROTTO & HAGAR QIM

This morning we drive to the southern coast to see the mesmerising waters of the Blue Grotto. The combination of the sunlight and location creates a wonderful display: the caves mirror the phosphorescent colours of the sea and underwater flora. We continue to the prehistoric, megalithic temples of Hagar Qim, a UNESCO-listed site on a hilltop overlooking the sea. One of the chambers has an elliptical hole, hewn out to align with the sunrise of the summer solstice, so the rays pass through and illuminate a stone slab within the chamber!

We stop for lunch at the pretty, waterside village of Marsaxlokk. For centuries, fishermen have landed their catches and repaired nets on its picturesque quayside, which remains little changed over the years. Its an ideal spot to relax in today, as its lined with cafs and restaurants. Later we visit Vittoriosa and have a short walking tour of the old fortified city, named to commemorate the Great Siege victory of 1565.

Day 8 RETURN FLIGHT

Transfer to the airport for your return flight.