6D/5N - 2020 The Best of Malta

day 01 tue Malta Arrival

Upon arrival in Malta you will be met and transferred privately to your hotel in Sliema. Remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to explore this beautiful island.

day 02 wed Mosta, TaQali and Mdina (half day)

08.40am. You will first drive to the city of Mosta. Inspired by Rome's Pantheon, the church in the centre of the city was built in the 18th Century. It became known throughout the country in 1942 when during World War II, a dropped bomb failed to explode, thus sparing the lives of some 300 people. This church has the third largest unsupported dome in the world. You will then visit the town of Ta'Qali, located nearby was once a British WWII outpost, but has been converted to a village for local handicrafts. You will be able to watch local artisans at work blowing elaborate glass art pieces, intricately assembling original silver ligree jewellery, carving the local limestone and many more. This is the perfect place to pick up treasures that will remind you of your Malta visit. Finally you visit Mdina, Malta's ancient capital. It rests in a very majestic way, on top of a hilltop right at the centre of the island. Mdina is also called The Silent City because of its literally quiet and narrow streets that give o a quaint yet very homey atmosphere. Mdina is not only considered to be one of Malta's precious jewels, but this ancient walled city is one of the best medieval forti cations. You will see magnificent views of the entire Maltese landscape. In Mdina you will have some time to relax and enjoy the area.

day 03 thu Valetta and Malta Experience

09.30 This guided tour through the bustling streets will first allow you to view the Barraca Gardens that command a breathtaking panorama of the Grand Harbour and then to St John's Co-Cathedral, adorned in riches that date back to the Knights of Malta including the world famous Caravaggio painting that is on display. You will then visit the Church Museum that is adorned with Flemish tapestries. After we will view from the outside the Grand Master's Palace and other buildings of historical importance. Lastly we stop at the Malta Experience, a multivision show that depicts Malta's history throughout the ages.

day 04 fri Discovering Gozo Sightseeing Guided Tour (full day)

07.50am commences. After a 20 minute crossing, you will reach Gozo. Gozo has a character entirely of its own, greener and more picturesque than Malta. During this tour you will visit The National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu which is a Roman Catholic basilica and national shrine located 700 metres from the village of Gharb. The basilica is located in the edge of a cliff in open countryside which allows visitors to enjoy beautiful views of the area. You will then visit Dwejra Bay where you could see until 8th March 2017, a natural arch featuring a table-like rock over the sea. Here, you will also see The Inland Sea & il-Gebla tal-General. If weather permits, you can also purchase a short boat ride. A visit to a Crafts Shop is a must. At this shop you will see stone works, marble, traditional food, local lace and many other items. This is the perfect place where you can buy a souvenir which will remind you of Gozo. You will then visit Victoria, capital of Gozo. Gozitans still often refer to it by its old name, Rabat. The area around Victoria has been settled since Neolithic times. In the centre of Victoria lies The Cittadella, a historic fortified city. After this visit you will stop for lunch in a restaurant in Rabat. Finally you will drive to Mgarr Port via Qala Belvedere where breath-taking scenes can be enjoyed. You will then have a short ferry crossing back to Malta and will be dropped-off at your hotel. .

day 05 sat Prehistoric Temples and Hagar Qim Limestone Heritage

08.40am. A Malta Temples Tour is a must for anyone who travels to this beautiful Mediterranean island. Malta and Gozo are home to seven megalithic temples, all of which are designated as world heritage sites by UNESCO. These megalithic temples date back to 5500 years ago and are the oldest free-standing stone structures in the world, even older than the Stonehenge and the Pyramids. It is also home to more than thirty other temples, all of which reflect Malta's rich past. You will first drive to Ghar Dalam. It was here that the earliest evidence of human settlement on Malta, some 7,400 years ago, was discovered. The site consists of a cave, a Victorian style exhibition and a didactic display as well as a garden planted with indigenous plants and trees. You will then visit the megalithic complex of Hagar Quim and Mnajdra Temples. The megalithic complex of Hagar Qim is located atop a hill on the southern edge of the Island, on a ridge capped in soft globigerina limestone. All exposed rock on the island was deposited during the Oligocene and Miocene periods of geological time. 500 metres from Hagar Qim stands the Mnajdra megalithic temple. The surrounding area is typical of Mediterranean garrigue in its starkness and isolation; the area designated as a Heritage park.

day 06 sun Malta Departure

Your tour comes to an end after breakfast. You will be transferred privately to Malta Airport.

Inclusions: 4* accommodation in Classic Room with balcony, breakfast daily, one lunch, tour guides, entries, private arrival and departure transfer.

Hotel: 4* Victoria Hotel Sliema (or similar)