Malta

The Maltese Islands offer an exhilarating contrast of colours: the azure of the Mediterranean, the mellow honey-coloured limestone which characterises the architecture, and clear skies. The Islands are a feast for the senses.

Everywhere you go, a unique historic sight awaits. Temples, palaces, cathedrals, and forts provide a living history you can almost touch. Sound plays an important part in the life of the Islands. The mix of fireworks and village band marches transforms a summer night into a special memory. The advantage of a stay on the Maltese Islands is that you can experience several holidays in one. Cuisine here is a taste of the Islands' multicultural heritage. Local restaurants offer a creative selection of tempting fare. After dinner, night clubs, wine bars and casinos beckon with their own brand of excitement.

The capital city of Valletta host to regular plays and concerts, as well as scores of exhibitions and street events. The Museum of Archaeology in Valletta houses an exceptionally rich collection of prehistoric artefacts. The War Museum at Fort St. Elmo is home to a Sunday military parade in period costumes re-enactment and the capital also possesses the impressive Grand Master’s Palace and St. John’s Co-cathedral. With 7,000 years of history, the sites to visit are endless – the Megalithic Temples (including Ggantija, the oldest freestanding temple in the world), the underground St Paul’s and St. Agatha’s catacombs, The Knights of St. John’s significant sites, such as Fort St Angelo and Fort Rinella (home to the world’s largest canon). WWII significant sites, such as the Mgarr war shelter, Mtarfa ex-British military buildings, The Armoury and the Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa are not to be missed.

Look out for the Alarme and In Guardia Historical re-enactments, as well as interactive walkthrough and multimedia attractions that offer an overview of Malta’s history in under an hour. They’re interesting and a great way to learn the significance of what visitors will later be looking at. The Museum of Roman Antiquities (commonly referred to as “The Roman Villa”) and various catacombs are to be found in Rabat. In the fortified medieval city of Mdina, visitors will come across everything from Napoleonic troops to flower festivals. The Cathedral and its museum are not to be missed, as well as the torturous Mdina dungeons and the Mdina Experience. For a romantic stroll like no other, wander the lamp lit streets of Mdina at night. Don’t miss the renowned chocolate cake at Fontanella Tea rooms, situated right on the bastion with a spectacular view.

For those who love art, the possibilities are endless – visit the impressive artistic collection at the National Museum of Fine Arts, see the Caravaggio’s Beheading of St. John at St. John’s co-Cathedral and visit medieval Palazzo Falzon, which houses a large collection of antiques, in Mdina. To view more contemporary work, walk around the exhibits at the St Johns Cavalier Art Centre. For fanciful fun, highlights are the passionate carnival and open-air concerts. Not to be missed is the Nadur carnival in Gozo and the parade in Valletta. Children will enjoy activity and fun parks, which include the old film set of Popeye Village.

For those who love the water, scuba diving is an avid sport on the Islands. A harbour cruise, swimming at Blue Lagoon in Comino and St Peters Pool in Marsaxlokk, renting a jet-ski, chartering a yacht, visiting Mgarr Ix-Xini cove in Gozo and par kiting from one of the sandy beaches to get a birds eye view of Malta are all absolute water lover must-do’s. The rural side of the Islands is fascinating, with charming villages & captivating folklore. With 365 spectacular churches, there are more than a few highlights - visit the Mosta church famous for its large dome (third largest dome in Europe). Visit the church of St. Nicholas in the village of Siggiewi.

Visit the three cities in Cottonera, have an evening walk on the Sliema or Bugibba promenade and visit the fortified Citadel in Gozo. On Sunday morning go to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk market, the open-air market outside Valletta or the It-Tokk Victoria market in Gozo. The Islands must be visited at festa time for an insight into local life with all its colour and passions.

EXCURSIONS

KNIGHTS SPECTACULAR

Located at Hal –Farrug, The Knights spectacular 1565 is a 2 hour action packed live dinner show, centred around the epic events of the Great Siege of 1565 when an Ottoman Armada of 40 000 men were defeated by sheer determination. With a cast of 50 talented performers, 8 trained horses, rich costumes, an original musical score, live battles and an array of dance routines ranging from ballet to contemporary.

Adult: €55 Child: €26

MALTASIGHTSEEING HOP ON, HOP OFF

MALTA’S OPEN TOP BUSES

See half of Malta in just three hours!

• With English commentary.

• Length of Tour – Three hours if you stay on the bus throughout the tour.

• You can hop on / hop off the bus at particular stops.

• The next bus will drive by the same stop - ONE HOUR LATER.

• Bus Ticket is valid for the whole day (date stamped on each ticket).

Choose from either the Red (South Route) or Blue (North Route)

Adult: €18 Child: €15

SCENIC SEAPLANE TOUR

For those wishing to treat themselves to a unique and exhilarating experience this SCENIC TOUR is a must! Taking off from the spectacular Grand Harbour this 30 minute tour gives you the chance to enjoy the beautiful archipelago from 1000 feet! An experience you will simply never forget.

Pleas refer to separate Scenic Seaplane Tour PDF I sent last year for the S11 brochure, for detailed information on the route.

Adult Standard Seat: €85 Child Standard Seat: €64

Adult Premium Seat: €135 Child Premium Seat: N/A

GOZO HIGHLIGHTS TOUR

This full day coach tour meanders through picturesque landscapes and charming villages of Gozo. Visit highlights include The Azure Window, an extraordinary window rock that frames the sea and sky in a perfect picture; Ta Pinu, the church of miracles famous for its healing powers, nestled in the heart of the countrysidePope John II held mass here; Xlendi, the pretty coastal town with its charming bars and restaurants. Amongst other Gozitan sites.

Adult: €64 Child: €37