The Call

Imagine yourself under sunny blue skies and surrounded by crystal-clear azure seas the honey-coloured temples of Malta were built on exceptional sites and would have been a powerful celebration of the abundance of nature. Dwarf elephants basked in the sun while eagles soared high above. The island’s golden stone earned Malta the name of Melita, “the island of honey”. Malta, with its two sister islands of Gozo and Comino, sits in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and enjoys a sunny climate most of the year. At just fifteen miles by eight miles Malta boasts many world-class attractions from pre-history, history and the present; on this trip you’ll experience them all.

 

The Journey

The temples are some of the oldest free-standing structures in Europe at five and a half thousand years old. That these are older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids makes these islands fascinating ‘must-visit’ places. Who built the temples? Why here? And for what purpose? Our local guide will accompany us to visit all the main temples and share their insights with us. The design of the temples and figurines found in situ would indicate that they were dedicated to the Goddess. Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, Tarxien, Mnajdra, Hagar Qim and Ggantija are the best-preserved examples of this temple culture and are now recognized as Unesco World Heritage Sites. 

 

Malta’s rich history of the last two thousand years reflects the succession of invaders who all left their mark on the culture and its buildings. One time capital of Malta, the medieval walled citadel of Mdina is known as the ‘Silent City’, justifiably because cars are not allowed and the population is a tiny three hundred people; ideal for exploring this ‘living museum’ at your own pace. The present capital Valetta, built by the Knights of St John, is perched on the rock above the Grand Harbour, the largest harbour in Europe, that we’ll see from a harbour cruise boat. The churches, piazzas, and palaces are round every corner as we spend a whole day exploring the city. Mosta dome is the third largest unsupported dome in the world, after St Peter’s in Rome and St Paul’s in London, and is dramatically decorated with a pattern based on sacred geometry. 

 

But Malta also has natural beauty, and being a small island, the sea is visible from many places. We take small boats to see the breathtaking flooded caverns including the Blue Grotto. Every morning the light creates remarkable colours in the water ranging from deep blue and purple to fluorescent aquamarine. We’ll also enjoy a boat ride over to Gozo for a day to visit the oldest temple and to see the natural beauty of Dwejra Bay and the Azure Window.

 

Despite being invaded so frequently the Maltese people have always had an international reputation for their warm hospitality that we’ll experience as we eat out at local restaurants. Being on a sunny Mediterranean island of course we’ll have time to go swimming, relax on the beach and do a little shopping for hand-made glass or other crafts to take home as gifts. Or you may like the idea of extending your European trip with a stopover in Rome or London, a flying visit to Tuscany or if you feel really adventurous North Africa is only 180 miles away…

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Tour Price Includes

• Collection from & return to Malta International  Airport 

• All land & ferry transportation 

• 9 nights accommodation in a 4 star hotels with valley &  sea view rooms

• All breakfasts, 5 evening meals & 1 lunch

• All normal admission charges to sacred sites 

• All tour guide fees 

• Gratuities & taxes on accommodation & included meals 

• Third party liability insurance 

• All rooms have ensuite bathroom facilities and tour prices are based on sharing a twin/double room. 

A limited number of single rooms are available for which there will be a single supplement charge as specifed on the Prices & Booking page.

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Tour Leaders

Cameron Broughton

Glenn Broughton

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Guest Presenters

Renee Walsh

Laura Wooster

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Local Guide

Vicki Bezzina

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Itinerary

Day 1 - Sun, Sept 28

We will welcome you at the Airport in Malta and make our way to the island of Gozo on a private, air-conditioned bus and ferry to your boutique hotel. Orientation meeting including an introduction to the history and ancient temples of Malta and Gozo. We’ll have our welcome dinner at the beautiful cliff-top restaurant with spectacular views overlooking the Xlendi Valley, as well as experience some of the finest food on the island!
Welcome Dinner at Terrazzio Restaurant (included)

 

Day 2 - Mon, Sept 29

This morning we’ll make our way out to explore the archaeological site of the Ggantija Temples. Renowned as one of the oldest free-standing structures in the world it is a magnificent semi-ruined temple complex. Then we continue on a panoramic drive of the Northern coastline which includes photo stops at the salt pans and Dwejra Bay. Finally, we’ll visit one of Gozo’s essential sights - Il Kastell, the Citadel. The Citadel with its fortified walls sits in the center of the island and commands stunning views over the whole of Gozo. Contained within its boundaries are palaces and a cathedral.

In the afternoon we head off to admire the beauty of Gozo and Comino from the water. This is the most breathtaking way to explore the island’s hidden coves, cliff bound inlets and Malta’s most visited natural attraction - the Blue Lagoon - on the island of Comino. Lunch Maltese-style on the boat accompanied by a local drink.

Dinner at hotel (included)

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Day 3 - Tues, Sept 30

Morning on Gozo then ferry to Malta.
Our first visits of the many Maltese sacred sites is to Ta' Hagrat and Skorba temples to connect with the energies of this land. Many ancient temple sites in Malta were constructed in pairs as were these two. We’ll have our lunch at Mgarr Square at a traditional Maltese restaurant
Transfer to hotel
Free choice dinner (not included)

 

Day 4 - Weds, Oct 1

Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temple complexes that are five and a half thousand years old. Situated overlooking the azure sea these are spectacular sites to visit.

This afternoon we will visit the organic winery of Marcasar that uses traditional methods of viniculture and enjoy the local hospitality.
Free choice dinner (not included)

 

Day 5 - Thurs, Oct 2

Today we explore the capital city of Valletta.
The morning will be free time for you to explore parts of Valletta on your own. This sixteenth century walled city is best explored on foot and many of its streets are narrow or pedestrian. Being a small city perched on the rocks above the harbour it is a joy to discover palaces, churches, piazzas and glorious views round the next corner. Lovers of architecture will be in heaven here.
After lunch we will have a guided tour of –

• The elevated Barakka Gardens with magnificent views of Grand Harbour

• St. John’s Co-cathedral, the Baroque church of the Knights Hospitallers

• Archeology Museum housing some of the statuettes and artifacts found at the

  temples  

In the late afternoon we will have a private visit to the Case Rocca Piccola where we will be shown around this private historic palazzo by the 9th Marquis and his wife before we have dinner there.

Dinner at the palazzo (included)​​

 

Day 6 - Fri, Oct 3

This morning, we visit the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum. We will be guided through what is the most complete temple on Malta, which is an underground temple. Close by is the temple complex at Tarxien showing temples from different periods.This afternoon we’ll have lunch at the harbor fishing village of Marsaxlokk and enjoy the local street marketReturning early to our hotel, you’ll have some free time for a swim, rest or one of the other activities available at the hotel.
Free choice dinner (not included)

Day 7 - Sat, Oct 4

This morning we’ll drive west along the north coast to the villageof Mellieha making a pilgrimage to two beautiful sites dedicated to Our Lady of Mellieha, and Our lady of the Grotto. Both are powerful sites for a petition prayer. We will discover a fresco of the Madonna and child, that some people believe was painted by St. Paul’s companion, the Evangelist Luke in AD 60, others believe that it was painted in the twelfth century. At the nearby Madonna of the Grotto, the origins of the church were built within a natural cave, which has earlier reference to the place of worship for the nymph Calypso in Greek mythology.We will have lunch at the Mosta Dome café where we can see a video of the church’s history. After lunch we’ll visit this active Christian church that has the third largest unsupported dome or rotunda in Europe (after St. Peter’s in Rome and St. Paul’s in London). The pattern on the ceiling is influenced by sacred geometry, what other secrets might we find?

Dinner at hotel (included)

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Day 8 - Sun, Oct 5

Morning visit to Mdina, considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of an inhabited medieval citadel in Europe. Explore its labyrinth of narrow winding pedestrian streets and view the island from its ramparts.
Lunch in Mdina.
Free afternoon to relax, swim or explore on your own.
Free choice dinner (not included)

 

Day 9 - Mon, Oct 6

Today we take small boats across the Grand Harbour to be guided around two of the Three Cities (Cospicua, Vittoriosa & Senglea) the original settlements of the Knights Hospitallers. These historic cities are full of wonderful old buildings and history but are the least touristy cities so are never crowded.

Farewell Dinner at hotel (included)

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Day 10 - Tues, Oct 7

To the Airport for return flights home. Bon voyage!

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