Sunday, September 3 – Valletta, Malta – Tour Begins
Welcome to Malta! You’ll arrive in Valletta, the capital of Malta and check into our beautiful boutique hotel located in the heart of the Old Town. This evening, we’ll gather together for an Amazing Journeys Welcome & Orientation where you’ll meet the group and our staff. After, we’ll walk to an amazing restaurant, The Harbour Club, located in a converted warehouse built in 1712 on the Grand Harbor, one of the most stunning harbors in the world. Our group Welcome Dinner is French Mediterranean and sourced with local ingredients. After, we’ll walk back through Old Town to our hotel. (D)
Monday, September 4 – Valletta
We begin our journey with a Harbor Tour using unique but typical Maltese boats, enjoying a stop at the fortified city of Birgu, an important site for understanding the history of Malta. We’ll be visiting a picturesque area in the Southern part of the island, known as the Three Cities, and one of the most heritage-rich areas left by the Order of the Knights of St. John. These three medieval fortified cities are all connected to one another and overlook the imposing Grand Harbor.
After, we’ll transfer back to Valletta by boat and tour the city on a walking tour. Valletta’s 16th-century buildings are Baroque in character, with elements of Mannerist, Neo-Classical and Modern architecture, though the Second World War left major scars on the city. The city was officially recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980. Today with 320 monuments, is one of the most monument-dense areas in the world, also referred to as an “open-air museum”. In addition, we’ll visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens, Piazza Regina and Republic Street which is the main shopping street within the capital.
Next, descend into the fascinating depths of Underground Valletta, built first as a fortress and then as a city. Valletta’s underground was its lifeline. In addition to tunnels for troop movement and grain storage, the underground spaces were essential for two other crucial factors: water and drainage, both vital for the survival of the city under siege, but also in times of peace.
Our lunch stop will be at Da Pippo, a small, authentic trattoria located in the heart of Valletta and one of the most popular restaurants in the city. The rest of the afternoon and evening will be free for you to enjoy the many shopping and nightlife areas. This evening, those who want to meet up can explore one of these areas together. (B, L)
Tuesday, September 5 – Valletta – Southern Coast – Valletta
This morning we head to the Southern Coast for a trekking experience. Life on this side of the island takes on a much more relaxed pace, making its vibrant fishing villages and beautiful geographical features all the more enjoyable. Our hike will be approximately 2.5 – 3 hours and cover 4½ – 6 miles.
After, we’ll head to Ta’ Betta Wine Estate on the western coast of the Island. This boutique winery is comprised of four hectares of terraced vineyards in Girgenti limits of Siġġiewi. The winery is built with weathered limestone blocks that perfectly blends an old-world charm with practical modern architectural touches. Here you’ll find grapevines, olive trees, fig trees, carob trees and other indigenous Maltese flora. Enjoy a tour of the winery and wine tasting, along with charcuterie platters.
This evening we’ll transfer to Spinola Bay in the lively and very trendy city of St. Julian’s. Spinola Bay is probably one of the most famous in Malta, as well as the most sought-after and busiest place in St Julian’s. The charm of Spinola Bay is that it harmoniously combines a dense array of new and old buildings, so typical of Maltese cities. The promenade offers a wide selection of restaurants. Later, we’ll return together to our hotel (B, L)
Wednesday, September 6 – Valletta – Djar il Bniet – Rabat – Mdina – Valletta
This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the rooftop, take a walk through the city or sleep in as we’ll have a later start to our day. We’ll drive 20-minutes to Djar Il-Bniet where we’ll learn the fine art of rural Maltese cooking. With produce and ingredients that are homegrown, we know you’re going to love learning to cook like a local. We’ll cook a full menu, from appetizer to dessert, sipping wine and hearing family stories and local traditions accompanying each dish. You’ll discover the secrets of local peasant country cooking, passed down through the years.
Next we’ll travel to Rabat, a town in the Northern Region of Malta where we’ll visit St Paul’s Church and Catacombs, dating back to the 4th century. This burial complex, however, dates back to the Phoenician Period when a number of families dug graves next to each other in the Rabat area outside the city walls of Melite (Mdina). There are several graves in this area adorned with a menorah, similar to those found on the Arch of Titus in Rome over 2000 years ago. As time went by, and the island changed hands from the Phoenicians to the Romans, these tombs were altered and joined together into an underground necropolis, a big part of which we can still see and visit today. The few surviving murals, despite their fragmentary state, are of considerable interest since they constitute the only surviving evidence on the Islands of painting from the late Roman and early Medieval periods.
Later, we’ll walk to the Medieval town of Mdina, the former capital city of Malta. The history of Mdina traces back more than 4000 years. Records show that in 1419, one third of the population of Mdina were Jewish, mostly merchants. Here, we’ll walk through the Jewish Quarters and uncover what Jewish life must have been like, seeing remnants such as a sign in Hebrew reading, “The Old Jewish Silk Market” and the building that stands on Bastion Square, where the Old Synagogue of Mdina once stood. To this day you can still see remnants of mezuzahs on some of the storefronts. Enjoy a bit of free time to walk around Mdina and perhaps grab a drink before enjoying what we hope will be an amazing sunset. Mdina is situated on one of the highest points on the island of Malta and offers some of the most stunning opportunities to experience this nightly ritual.
Step back in history as we return to Valletta on vintage Maltese busses, introduced in 1905. The traditional Maltese bus, known in Maltese as Xarabank, ceased operations in 2011 when they were replaced with a more modern fleet. The rest of the evening is free. Perhaps you may want to explore one of the many popular restaurants this city has to offer. (B, L)
Thursday, September 7 – Valletta – Majistral National Park – Valletta
This morning we head to Majistral Park for trekking. Our 2.5 – 3 hour, 4½ – 6 mile hike will be in the northwest of Malta, which includes the coastal area from Golden Bay to Il- Prajjet and ix- Xagħra l-Ħamra and was declared a national park by the Government of Malta in September 2007. The park was named after the name for Northwest region or wind – ‘majjistral’ – in the Maltese language. We’ll end our trek in Golden Bay where we’ll embark on a kayak experience. Kayaking is a perfect way to discover beautiful inlets and caves which are not easily accessible in other ways, and a great way to discover some of Malta’s hidden treasures. You will pass by the majestic cliffs along the coastline and unspoiled inlets were the sea is crystal-clear and too remote for beachgoers. After, we’ll have some free time to grab lunch and enjoy the beach with sunbeds and beach towels provided. This evening, enjoy the ambience of Valletta as you enjoy dinner, perhaps with a seaside view or in the heart of the city. (B)
Friday, September 8 – Valletta – Gozo
Get ready for adventure as our powerboat transfers us to the Maltese island of Gozo, our home for the next two nights. These powerboats offer an adrenaline-filled experience during our one-hour island-hop.Once reaching the shores of Gozo, we’ll climb aboard our jeeps. Our first stop will be to visit Calypso’s Cave overlooking the spectacular ‘Ramla’ sandy bay. We’ll stroll through the narrow streets of the capital, Victoria, with its ancient citadel, for a glimpse of a bygone era. After Victoria we will head towards Marsalforn, a popular seaside village before arriving at Dwejra where you’ll have time to experience the Inland Sea.
After, unwind on your balcony or at the gorgeous pool at our resort hotel, located in the countryside and surrounded by acres of hotel grounds. This evening, we’ll join together for Shabbat Services, Maltese-style! Then, we’ll enjoy Shabbat Dinner together at our hotel. (B, D)
Saturday, September 9 – Gozo
Today we embark on an exclusive wooden-masted sailing vessel from Mgarr Harbor. We’ll sail to Comino, the tiniest of the three islands that make up Malta. A buffet lunch will be served onboard the ship and will be complemented with an open bar with wine, beer, soft drinks and water. The island of Comino is famous for its dazzling blue waters, which has been featured several times in international television productions, along with The Tower of Santa which was featured in the movie “The Count of Monte Cristo.“ Here we can snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, relax, swim, or sunbathe. From Comino we will sail back to Gozo and return to our hotel for a short break.
This evening, enjoy a truly unique Maltese experience as we explore the most stunning places in Gozo by tuk-tuks. The local drivers will take you to places that are difficult (if not impossible) to reach via conventional transport. This is a fun alternative mode of transportation that will take us through the back streets of Gozo and off the beaten track. We have a special treat for you as we experience our Amazing Journeys Farewell Event. Later, our special Amazing Journeys Farewell Dinner will take place in the Wine Cellar at Ta’ Frenċ, located in a 400-year-old farmhouse in the middle of the Gozitan countryside. Ta’ Frenċ has been voted one of Malta’s top restaurants. (B, L, D)
Sunday, September 10 – Gozo – Valletta, Malta – Tour Ends
We’ll leave the tiny island of Gozo and take a short bus transfer from the hotel to Mgarr Harbour where we’ll embark onto the Gozo ferry (20 minute journey). Upon arrival back onto the island of Malta, we’ll transfer from the ferry to the Malta International Airport (1 hour) for your flight home as you reminisce about our amazing journey through Malta. (B)
Our Hotels:
Night 1-5 The Embassy Valletta Hotel, Malta
Night 6-7 Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, Gozo, Malta
Please note:
1) This itinerary is active and will requires guests to be physically fit
2) Alternate hotels may be utilized
3) The order of this tour may change
4) Some activities are weather dependent
5) Changes due to Covid restrictions may be required
Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website. All rooms are non-smoking.
Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit until March 30, 2023, there is a $75 penalty for cancellation. From March 31 – May 1, 2023, the cancellation penalty is the amount of the deposit. From May 2 – June 20, 2023, the cancellation penalty is 25% of the package price including pre- or post-night hotels. From June 21 – July 25, 2023 the cancellation penalty is 50% of the package price including pre- or post-night hotels. From July 26 until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the total package price including pre- or post-night hotels. Cancellations made on the day of departure and “no-shows” will receive no refund. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the journey.
Travel Protection: A travel protection plan is recommended for participation in this program. Information will be sent with tour confirmation.
Flights and Transfers: Airfare is not included. We will send each guest an email confirmation once the trip is reserved which will have flight parameters. You will fly into and home from Valletta, Malta (MLA). Arrival transfers are not included but a group departure transfer is included on September 10.
Covid-19 Precautions: Until further notice, we require you to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 at least two weeks before departure, and a booster is recommended to keep you healthy and safe while traveling but at this time, not required. Requirements may change as mandated by local governments. We do not test for COVID-19 or any other diseases. It is up to each traveler to be aware of any requirements or changes to state and country mandates and airline requirements as they are changing often. Depending upon the situation at the time of this trip and the destination, some tour components may be modified, and masks may be required as determined by the CDC.
Passports & Visas: A passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. Travelers from the US or Canada do not need a visa for Malta. If you are a citizen of any other country, please check with the Maltese Embassy for current visa requirements. Please note that visa requirements can change at any time and it is up to the traveler to be aware of visa requirements.
Fuel Surcharges: Should fuel charges be instituted for travel on this itinerary, the fees will be passed along to our travelers.
Exchange Rate: In the case of currency fluctuations greater than 3%, we reserve the right to adjust our pricing according in order that we may be able to operate the cruise and tours effectively.
Taxes & Gratuities: All taxes and gratuities have been included in the cost of the tour package. These include gratuities for baggage handling (one bag per person), tour guide, specialty guides, drivers and meal servers for included meals. Amazing Journeys does not include tips for housekeeping staff in hotels and we leave that to your discretion.
Activity Level- 4 out of 5: This trip is designed to be active meaning you enjoy an energizing level of activity and you like to keep busy for large parts of the day. You must be able to walk on uneven surfaces, sometimes walking a distance of 5-6 miles. Activities we offer include jeep off-roading, trekking, kayaking, speed boats, snorkeling, walking tours and more.
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