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Map of Highlights of Malta & Gozo including Malta

Set your watch to island time for a Maltese adventure

Malta may be one of the world’s smallest countries, but when it comes to ancient history, natural beauty and compelling culture, it’s in the big league. Uncover the highlights and hidden treasures of Malta and Gozo on a 7-day adventure with a leader to help you see the country through the eyes of a local. Discover what makes Valletta so special, go back in time at the Three Cities and explore the ancient site of Hagar Qim. Jump across to neighbouring Gozo and hike along the coastline, enjoy wine tasting at a local winery and discover its history. One thing’s for sure – this is a place worth raising a toast to.

Start
Sliema, Malta
Finish
Valletta, Malta
Destination
Malta
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
ZLSM
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Get to really know Valletta during a walking tour with a local guide, then join your leader for explorations of the historic Three Cities, Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa.

  • Experience Malta’s tangible history during a visit to the Hagar Qim archaeological site. Dating back as far as 3600 BC, this is one of the oldest religious sites in the world.

  • Meet a local family at the Xwejni Salt Pans, dating back to Roman times, and learn how they have been harvesting salt from here for more than 160 years.

  • Enjoy a wine tasting with delicious nibbles at a family-ran winery in Gozo, with the most incredible views, where the owners themselves will tell you all about the wine-making process.

  • Explore the fortified city of Victoria, Gozo’s capital, paying visits to the medieval citadel, the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, Gran Castello Historic House and Gozo Nature Museum.

Drone of people in the clear waters of Blue Lagoon, Malta
Colorful fishing boats on the Marsaxlokk Harbor, Malta
People kayaking under caves on Camino Island, Malta
Narrow and colourful streets of Valletta, Malta
Rocky formations of UNESCO heritage site Hagar Qim, Malta
Vineyard on Gozo during golden hour, Malta

Itinerary
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Welcome to Malta! Your adventure starts in Valletta – this little capital city packs a real punch when it comes to historical sights and top-drawer attractions. A meeting will take place today at 6pm at your hotel where you’ll meet your local leader and the other members of your group. If you arrive with time to spare, you may like to pay a visit to the National Museum of Archaeology, or perhaps take a stroll along the restaurant-lined waterfront. After your meeting, why not get to know your group over a meal in town – your leader will be able to recommend some great spots to eat. Aljotta (fish soup) and Gbejniet (Maltese cheese) are particularly delicious!
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

This morning, meet up with a local guide from Valletta who will let you in on local secrets as you explore the city on foot. Start off with a visit to the St. John's Co-Cathedral and learn about the city’s fascinating connection to the Order of the Knights of St. John, then you’re in for a real treat as you stop by a traditional cafe and sample some tasty Maltese pour-over coffee. Once you’re energized, swing by the Upper Barrakka Gardens, a beautiful public space with a history stretching back to the 16th century. From the gardens, ride a large elevator down to the Grand Harbour, taking in incredible views as you descend, then say goodbye to your guide and hop aboard a ferry with your leader. Visit the Three Cities, Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa, each providing a unique glimpse into the country’s past. First, walk the streets of the fortified city of Senglea as your leader shares facts about its history, then jump on a dghajsa, a traditional Maltese water taxi, and travel to Vittoriosa. Take a step back in time as you explore the city brimming with ancient churches, palaces and noble homes, then finally head to Cospicua where you’ll walk its winding streets and discover remnants of Malta’s turbulent past. Return to Valletta and enjoy the rest of the afternoon for your own explorations.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Valletta - Three Cities Walking Tour
  • Valletta - Visit to St John's Co-Cathedral
  • Valletta - City Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Valletta - Traditional Maltese Pour-Over Coffee at Local Cafe
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Greet the day and get out to explore more of Malta. Start with a visit to the little fishing town of Marsaxlokk to check out the local market and colourful fishing boats, then continue to the unbelievable archaeological site of Hagar Qim. As one of the world’s oldest religious sites, dating as far back as 3600 BC, exploring the remains of the ancient temple is a truly incomparable experience. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to a fantastic local restaurant housed in an 18th-century Baroque building which serves up a mouth-watering menu made with locally sourced ingredients. After lunch, drive on to the fortified city of Mdina and walk through centuries of Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine and Arab history. Afterwards, travel to Cirkewwa and board a ferry bound for Mgarr on the neighbouring island of Gozo. Then catch a public bus to Marsalforn. This delightful seaside resort town will be your base for the time spent on Gozo. Enjoy a boat tour out to the stunning Blue Lagoon. This evening why not sit back and soak up the laidback atmosphere.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Marsaxlokk - Town & Harbour Visit
  • Malta - Island Highlights Tour
  • Mdina - Town Visit
  • Hagar Qim - Archaeological Site Visit
  • Mdina - Lunch at Local Restaurant
  • Gozo - Blue Grotto boat trip
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

This morning, head to Victoria, the capital of Gozo island, and explore the ancient citadel and some of the town’s most interesting museums, including the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, Gran Castello Historic House and Gozo Nature Museum. After brushing up on the cultural and natural history of Gozo. Next up is a visit to a local traditional bakery. The afternoon is all about exploring Gozo's stunning nature on some of the island's best walking trails. Start by catching a taxi the village of Sannat, from where you’ll embark on a hike along the dazzling coastline. Skirt the edge of cliffs and take in awe-inspiring views with every step, pass by an old Maltese watchtower and wind down a peaceful country lane before finishing up in the village of Xlendi. Cool down with a swim in Xlendi Bay before returning to Marsalforn for your the night.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Gozo - Xlendi Coastal Cliff Hike
  • Gozo - Village Bakery Visit & Snack
  • Victoria - Citadel walking tour and museums visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Each of today's hikes are 7km in length, each taking about 2 to 3 hours to complete. The trail is graded as easy, however there are some hilly sections and the paths can be narrow and rocky. If you would like to opt out from any of these hikes your leader will be able to suggest alternative activities instead.

This morning, walk to the Xwejni Salt Pans, dating back to Roman times and meet the family who have been harvesting these ancient pans for 160 years and learn about the process – in peak summer you may even have the chance to watch it firsthand. Of course, no visit is complete without tasting some of the salty goodness. Continue walking along Gozo’s North coast, enjoying glorious views of the Mediterranean as you walk to the Wied il-Ghasri area. Stop for a swim in the inviting green-blue waters before returning to Marsalforn. After an active morning in Gozo, head out and visit a lovely local family running a winery on Gozo. Learn all about their secrets of wine making, sit down and enjoy their wonderful wine and delicious snacks, all with a stunning view.

Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Gozo - Xwejni Salt Pans Visit
  • Gozo - Wied al-Ghasri Coastal Hike
  • Gozo - Local winery visit & wine tasting
Optional Activities
  • Comino Island - Kayaking Excursion & Visit to Blue Lagoon - EUR35
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's hike is 7km in length, taking about 2 to 3 hours to complete. The trail is graded as easy, however there are some hilly sections and the paths can be narrow and rocky. If you would like to opt out from any of this hike your leader will be able to suggest alternative activities instead.

The day is yours to discover more of what Gozo has to offer. There’s something here to suit every interest, so be sure to speak to your local leader for tips on how to get the most out of your day. You may like to head to one of the island’s gorgeous beaches and stretch out with a good book, cooling down with dips in the Mediterranean, or perhaps you’d prefer to get active and hike to more ancient ruins and medieval villages.There's also the opportunity to kayak around Comino Island and vist the Blue Lagoon (subject to weather). However you choose to spend your time here, it’s sure to be a day to remember!
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

It’s time to leave Gozo behind, first catching a public bus to Mgarr, then hopping on a fast ferry back to Valletta. Your adventure comes to an end on arrival to Valletta, however if you’d like to extend your stay just get in touch ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Your arrival back into Valletta will be at around 1pm. Please take this into consideration when booking your flights leaving Malta.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

6 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

local bus, Ferry, Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights)

Included activities

  • Valletta - Three Cities Walking Tour
  • Valletta - Visit to St John's Co-Cathedral
  • Valletta - City Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Valletta - Traditional Maltese Pour-Over Coffee at Local Cafe
  • Marsaxlokk - Town & Harbour Visit
  • Malta - Island Highlights Tour
  • Mdina - Town Visit
  • Hagar Qim - Archaeological Site Visit
  • Mdina - Lunch at Local Restaurant
  • Gozo - Blue Grotto boat trip
  • Gozo - Xlendi Coastal Cliff Hike
  • Gozo - Village Bakery Visit & Snack
  • Victoria - Citadel walking tour and museums visit
  • Gozo - Xwejni Salt Pans Visit
  • Gozo - Wied al-Ghasri Coastal Hike
  • Gozo - Local winery visit & wine tasting

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Highlights of Malta & Gozo trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip. Availability is limited due to small property we use. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 in Valletta. This trip finishes on Day 7 upon arrival back to Valletta at around 1 pm. Please take this into consideration when booking your flights to and from Malta. We are happy to book additional accommodation before or after the trip for you, subject to availability.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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