Malta Highlights

Did you know that Maltas been inhabited since nearly 5000 BC? Or that its name poetically means land of honey in Ancient Greek? Youll uncover all of this and more on our eight-day meander around a true Mediterranean gem.
Begin by meeting your Tour Leader and small group of fellow travellers in the picturesque resort town of Sliema. Well get to know one another over a delicious welcome meal; expect to be served all kinds of traditional Maltese dishes packed with fragrant and fresh ingredients!
Included meals: Dinner

Malta doesn't just boast beautiful beaches and sparkling lagoons. After meeting our local guide, well stumble across all manner of exotic flora and fauna at Buskett Gardens. This beautiful wilderness (one of only a few forested areas on the island) is todays first stop, with its abundance of lush fruit trees ideal for a shady stroll.
Next up, we'll adopt hushed tones as we delve into the so-called silent city of Mdina. This 4,000- year-old walled metropolis and Maltas former capital was gifted this serene nickname due to its peaceful ambiance and total lack of traffic. You'll experience its allures first-hand as we wander past an extraordinary mix of medieval and Baroque architectural treasures.
After an hour or so exploring more at your own pace, itll be time to quench our thirst with some Maltese wines. Wine has been produced on the islands for nearly 6,000 years and well savour an indulgent selection of cherry-tinged reds and delicate whites at the boutique Meridiana Wine Estate. Maltese wine is tricky to buy back home, so its worth grabbing a bottle in the vineyard shop!
Finally: well wind our way back towards the coast to Sliema, stopping briefly in Mosta to stretch our legs and admire the intricate interiors and WWII connections of its 19th-century domed church.
Included meals: Breakfast
Included experiences: Free time to explore Buskett Gardens, Walking tour of Mdina, Wine tasting at Meridiana Wine Estate, Visit Mosta Dome

Were you aware of Maltas link to the Gallipoli campaign? Well begin todays explorations at the moving Pieta War Cemetery where well learn all about the injured ANZACs who were evacuated here during WWI. Nestled in the heart of Pieta town, its a tranquil spot and the final resting space of nearly 2,000 souls who lie peacefully in the shadows of aromatic cypress trees.
Todays journey into the past doesnt stop there. Next, well venture into Valletta: Maltas capital that perches majestically between two ancient harbours. Witness where history and architecture intertwine on a locally guided stroll, passing everything from Baroque masterpieces like Upper Barrakka Gardens and the Grandmasters Palace to modern marvels like the sandy-hued New Parliament Building. Youll then enjoy a quiet moment to admire the opulent interiors of St Johns Co-Cathedral before we devour a traditional ftira lunch. Malta's mouthwatering answer to the humble sandwich, ftira are typically stuffed with fresh tuna, olives, capers and salad.
Afterwards, prepare to step back even further in time as we weave our way down the coast to the countrys oldest settlement: Birgu commonly referred to as Citt Vittoriosa (Victorious City). Youll amble leisurely through its narrow streets with a guide, visiting the likes of the Inquisitors Palace and the panoramic Gardjola Gardens. Minds packed with tales and camera rolls filled with memories; well round off the day with a relaxing evening back in Sliema.
Included meals: Breakfast and lunch
Included experiences: Walking tour of Valletta (including entrance to St Johns Co-Cathedral), Traditional Maltese ftira lunch, Walking tour of Birgu (including entrance to Inquisitors Palace and Gardjola Gardens)

Youll carve your own path today, spending the entirety of it at your leisure. You could simply have a lazy day relaxing at the hotel, soaking up the stunning views of Sliema from its rooftop terrace or snoozing on a plush sunbed by the pool.
For a little more adventure, consider climbing aboard a harbour cruise and inhaling the salty sea breeze as you glide around the ports of Valletta. The contrast of turquoise water, aquamarine skies and the soft sandy hues of the citys limestone structures make it a paradise for photographers.
This evening, we recommend sauntering down to Sliemas waterfront where youll stumble across a string of charming alfresco restaurants with wonderful vistas and tempting local seafood menus.
Included meals: Breakfast

Ethereal temple ruins, phosphorescent coloured bays and a captivating 1980s film set are all on the agenda today each one bringing its own little sprinkle of magic to your Maltese journey.
First up: a stop at the aar Qim temples. It's hard not to feel in awe of this remarkable temple complex, made up of some of the oldest standing stones in the world older even than Englands Stonehenge! Here well learn all about the UNESCO World Heritage sites origins and the strategic positioning of the structures that make up the Mnajdra. Hint: its linked to the alignment of the sun during the spring and autumn equinoxes.
Another spectacular stone structure awaits on the islands south coast this afternoon: the natural limestone caves that make up Maltas Blue Grotto. Well glide gracefully through calm waters on a boat trip, witnessing how the caverns become illuminated in shades of brilliant blue when the sun shines through its arches. Then, its onwards to irkewwa ferry point but not before a brief photo stop at Popeye Village. Better known as Sweethaven Village, this cinematic spot is the former film set of the 1980 Disney musical, Popeye. Finally, well round off the day with a golden hour speedboat ride to the island of Gozo where a restful evening is on the cards.
Included meals: Breakfast
Included experiences: Visit aar Qim Temples, Boat trip to Blue Grotto, Stop at Popeyes Village

Gozos treasures are waiting to be discovered today, and weve our local Gozo guide joining us for the next two days to help unearth them! Maltas second island may be smaller in stature but its brimming with intriguing sights including the spectacular megalithic temple complex of gantija.
Stroll through Neolithic ruins that are among the worlds oldest structures, with an ancient ceremonial site once used for fertility rites being a particular highlight.
We'll then move onto a true icon of Gozos skyline: the imposing Old Citadel in Victoria. This 14thcentury fortified city can be glimpsed from almost anywhere on the island and its walls, bastions and lookouts are brimming with thrilling tales of past invasions. After a little wander, well pause to indulge in a delectable Maltese lunch at a local restaurant. Dont fill up too much, though, as well shortly be meeting a local cheesemaker...
A visit to the idyllically named Dreams of Horses Farm will round off another perfect day. As well as sampling several varieties of homemade cheese, well embark on a guided tour of the farms equestrian therapy centre. Say hello to its four-legged residents and see how valuable horse therapy can be. Feeling calm and collected, well then meander our way back to Sannat for a leisurely evening at our hotel.
Included meals: Breakfast & lunch
Included experiences: Visit Ggantija Temples, Visit Dreams of Horses Farm (including cheese tasting)

This might be the penultimate day of our Maltese escape, but theres still plenty to see! First up is Fungus Rock. While this attractions name may be slightly off-putting, we promise its well-worth a glimpse! Well travel to a scenic viewpoint off San Lawrenzs coast to admire the islet, dwelling on stories of its peculiar history (and its namesake fungis medicinal properties).
Following this, well encounter another of Gozos natural wonders with a trip to the Xwejni Salt Pans. A 350-year-old checkerboard of rock-cut salt pans, its production of sea salt has been passed from generation to generation and is a fascinating sight to behold. Speaking of salt, Gozos irresistible blue sea is calling and it would be rude not to stop off at picture-perfect Xwejni Bay en route back to our hotel!
Once we return to Sannat, therell be time to wash off the oceans refreshing scent before we reunite for one last group dinner. Tuck into more mouthwatering Maltese fare, reminisce about the weeks many adventures and say sa??a (pronounced sah-ha and meaning good health) to whatever the future holds!
Included meals: Breakfast and dinner
Included experiences: Visit Fungus Rock viewpoint, Visit Xwejni Salt Pans, Stop at Xwejni Bay

Youve reached the final page of your Maltese chapter today. Well savour one final breakfast together soaking in Gozos rustic charm before we catch the ferry back to Sliema. As you glide across the calm cerulean waves, take a moment to reflect on the past week and all the many memories youve made with your small group before you part ways. Perhaps youll extend your stay in this Mediterranean oasis or even embark on another of our carefully curated European tours?
Included meals: Breakfast