HISTORICAL MALTA-PLACES, FOLKLORE AND WWII

Day 1: Malta.
Make your own way to Malta where you can meet us for the scheduled group transfers to your hotel in St Paul’s Bay. A walking tour of the area followed by an included dinner at the hotel offers a chance to get to know your travelling companions.

Day 2: Valletta.
Enjoy a walking tour of Valletta, starting at the Upper Barraka Gardens which offer stunning views of the Grand Harbour and its magnificent fortifications. Experience exclusive access to the Saluting Battery which is fired every day at noon, then walk the main streets and admire numerous historical buildings including the Auberges, Palazzos and St John’s Co. Cathedral.

Day 3: Gozo.
Today we’ll take a short ferry crossing to the island of Gozo for an optional excursion where we visit the shrine of Ta’ Pinu before heading to ‘Dewjra’, where you’ll explore interesting geological sites. We briefly stop at the Fontana Cottage Crafts Village, before heading to a private estate for a lunch of authentic Gozitan finger foods and wine. After lunch, we explore the quaint alleys of Victoria, known locally as Rabat, and the Cittadellla - a small walled city within the city.

Day 4: Blue Grotto & Marsaxlokk.
Today’s tour includes a visit to Wied iz-Zurrieq (Valley of Zurrieq) and the Blue Grotto. We then continue to the quaint fishing village of Marsaxlokk, which is characterized by low lying buildings and colourful traditional fishing boats known as ‘luzzu’. Today’s lunch is in the beautiful area of Malta Dingli at the Diar Il-Bniet Estate, a third generation family-run agrifarm of 600 acres. Take a tour with the owner and discover the home-grown produce and Maltese cuisine that has been at the heart of this family estate for decades.

Day 5: Historical Tour by Vintage Bus.
Today’s tour takes us by rare vintage bus to the picturesque town of Naxxar, home to Palazzo Parisio. Touring this stately home offers a great insight to Malta’s historic nobility and their enchanting way of life. We then drive to The Buskett Gardens, located in the fertile valley of Wied il-Luq, Siggiewi, for a light lunch. We visit Mdina, Malta’s ancient capital full of quiet, narrow streets that are great for exploring. The city provides some magnificent views of the entire Maltese landscape and there’s time to relax and enjoy the area. The last stop of the tour is the city of Mosta, home to the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady that boasts one of the largest unsupported dome roofs in the world.

Day 6: St Paul's Bay - at Leisure.
Today is free to explore Valletta at your leisure or enjoy the hotel facilities. There is an optional half-day excursion to The Three Cities of Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa, which form part of the magnificent Grand Harbour.

Day 7: St Paul's Bay - at Leisure.
After a free day to explore and relax at your leisure, we head out for an evening of folklore dancing presented by the charming Muscat family, featuring six dancers who lure you into a jovial story of Maltese history told through dance.

Day 8: Malta - Departure.