A Cultural Tour of Malta

Departing: March 2027 - November 2027

There’s still time to discover in 2026. Selected departures are still available – simply call 1-800-759-7715 to find out more.

Malta may be small, but its history is immense. Settled for more than 7,000 years, this island has been shaped by successive peoples and cultures, leaving an extraordinary legacy of temples, churches, fortifications and historic towns. In the walled citadel of Mdina, uncover centuries of Maltese history, while St John’s Cathedral reveals some of the island’s most remarkable artistic treasures. At Ħaġar Qim, encounter monumental temples built around 5,000 years ago, offering a glimpse into one of Europe’s most mysterious prehistoric cultures. Beyond the ancient sites, enjoy Malta’s remarkable coastal scenery on a boat trip to the Blue Grotto and take in sweeping harbour views from the Barrakka Gardens. There is a more indulgent side to the island too, with afternoon tea at the elegant Palazzo Parisio. Together, these experiences reveal a Malta shaped by history, culture, art and an extraordinary Mediterranean landscape.

Included

Explore St John’s Cathedral & Ħagar Qim with entrance fees included
All other visits as outlined in the itinerary
Expert Guide Lecturer & professional Tour Manager
4 nights at the AX ODYCY Hotel, Qawra
4 breakfasts & 4 dinners
Afternoon tea at Palazzo Paraiso
Wine & tea or coffee with dinner
Private air-conditioned coach travel
Field notes, taxes & gratuities for local staff

Highlights

Priceless art treasures at St John’s Cathedral
The walled citadel of Mdina
5,000 year old temple of Ħagar Qim
Boat trip to the Blue Grotto
A splendid afternoon tea in the most opulent surroundings

Michael Gill

Michael Gill is a proud Cornishman who has led tours across the UK and Europe. With a particular passion for Andalucia, Normandy, Wales and Cornwall, he is known for his knowledge, enthusiasm and thoughtful approach, bringing destinations to life and ensuring guests feel well looked after.

Tour Itinerary

Join our arrival transfer from the airport or meet your tour manager and fellow travellers that evening at our hotel.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Doubletree by Hilton, Malta

This morning, we tour Malta’s capital city of Valletta. The tour takes us through the bustling streets of Valetta, allowing us to view the Upper Barrakka Gardens that command a breathtaking panorama of the Grand Harbour. Next is St John’s Cathedral, adorned in riches that date back to the Knights of Malta, including the world-famous Caravaggio painting that is on display in the Oratory. Also included is a visit to the Casa Rocca Palace, a 16th-century private residence palazzo. The value of Casa Rocca Piccola lies in its ability to provide unique historical evidence into the customs and traditions of the Maltese nobility over the last 400 years. There is also a collection of furniture, silver and paintings to view that add to the aesthetic riches of this little country. Finally, we visit the Malta Experience, where a visual presentation and a gripping commentary bring 7,000 years of island history to life in a purpose-built auditorium. The 40-minute show is continuously updated using state-of-the-art technology to ensure that the production stays up to the minute.

We then return to our hotel where dinner is served this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Doubletree by Hilton, Malta

The day is free to spend at leisure. Alternatively, you may wish to join our optional excursion to Malta’s neighbouring island of Gozo.
15 minutes away by ferry, Gozo has a character of its own, noticeably more peaceful and rural with greener landscapes and quiet beaches. Our first visit is to the Ggantija Temples, free-standing Megalithic temples dating from 3600-3000BC. The setting is spectacular, with a glorious panorama over a wide sweep of Gozo. We continue to the capital city of Victoria and visit the citadel, which dominates Gozo from its position on a flat-topped hill. The bastions date from the early 17th century, funded by King Philip II of Spain and the Gozitans by means of a levy on wine, oil and other comestibles. At one time, the entire population of Gozo could shelter within its walls. Later, we explore the coast, visiting the picturesque Bay of Xlendi and Dwejra with its dramatic coastal formations.
Later this afternoon, we return to our hotel, where dinner is served in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Doubletree by Hilton, Malta

After breakfast, we depart on a full-day excursion beginning with a visit to Ħaġar Qim, which dates to the Tarxien phases of around 3000–2500BC. Ħaġar Qim means ‘standing stones’ and despite some erosion, this complex and irregular site still retains megaliths of huge proportions. When the site was excavated in the 19th century, it yielded seven statuettes, also with the ample proportions of those found at Tarxien.

We then travel through the village of Wied iz-Zurrieq onto the Blue Grotto, where there may be an opportunity to take a boat trip (weather permitting) around these spectacular limestone cliffs and caves.

Later, we travel to the walled citadel of Mdina, Malta’s former capital city. Here we have a short walk in the ‘silent city’, so called because Mdina has a very small population with little sign of commerce, admiring the imposing bastions that command a magnificent view and give a panorama over most of the island. It is hard to believe that the earthquake of 1693 destroyed the majority of Mdina’s medieval and Sicilian-Norman buildings, but thanks to expert restoration, this gem of a city gives every impression of having survived the ravages of time.

In the afternoon, we visit Palazzo Parisio, a stately home with a history, architecture and interior unique in Malta. Described as a ‘miniature Versailles’, this opulent house, which has been carefully restored by the family who own it, is a showcase of Maltese craftsmanship at the turn of the 19th century and houses the most ornate ballroom on the island, lavishly decorated ceilings and frescoes, magnificent antique furniture, paintings and bronzes. We are then privileged to enjoy afternoon tea in these beautiful surroundings. There is also time to explore the gardens, which originally stretched for half a mile and today are still an impressive example of classic baroque formality.

We later return to the hotel, where dinner is served in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Accommodation: Doubletree by Hilton, Malta

After breakfast you will be transferred back to the airport where your tour ends.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation

The 4-star Doubletree by Hilton Hotel (formerly the Dolmen Hotel) is situated along the beautiful Qawra coast of St. Paul’s Bay, the Dolmen Hotel in Malta enjoys stunning sea views and is only a short walk from the Malta National Aquarium and Bugibba Square. All 488 bedrooms are fully air-conditioned with balcony, safe, TV, Wi-Fi, minibar and hairdryer. Hotel facilities includes 5 restaurants/cafes, bars/lounges, 4 outdoor swimming pools and Spa.

Availability & Booking

2027

9th March from $1,945

Call to Book

9th November from $2,095

Call to Book

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