Malta treasures adventure on private tour from Valletta
Photo permit included
Tour by public transport
Canal Boat tour included
Train tickets included
Suitable for little children
Wheelchair accessible tour
Museum ticket included
Light snack included
Lunch included
Transportation included
Walking Tour
Valletta is the capital of Malta, a World Heritage site which is almost an open air museum. Valletta has welcomed emperors, heads of state, artists and poets and is now the permanent seat of the Maltese government. The grid of narrow streets boasts some of Europe's finest art works, churches and palaces.
Valletta is full of intriguing historical sites; there are many votive statues, niches, fountains and coats of arms high up on parapets. Narrow side streets are full of tiny quaint shops and cafés. The magnificent fortress city grew on the arid rock of Mount Sceberras peninsula, which rises steeply from two deep harbours, Marsamxett and Grand Harbour. Started in 1566, Valletta was completed, with its impressive bastions, forts and cathedral, in the astonishingly short time of 15 years. Ruled successively by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and the Order of the Knights of St John, it is one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.
What's included
- English-speaking guide
- Pick-up and drop-off
- Transportation
- Food and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Entrance fees
- Pick-up and drop-off at the port of Valletta
- Comfortable footwear required
- Sun cream and bottled water are recommended to be taken
Highlights
Itinerary
09:00
Your tour begins at the port and from here you will make a way over to the upper Barracca Gardens. These gardens date back to the 18th century and were a peaceful retreat for the pastime and recreation of the Knights. The panoramic views of the city, its two natural harbours, and the surrounding landscape are truly amazing from here.
The tour continues with a visit to the Cathedral of St John, founded in 1577 by the Knights of St. John. This beautiful Cathedral is home to many famous works of art such as ‘The Decapitation of St John’ by Caravaggio. It is also the main burial place of the Knights.
The tour then leads on to seeing the Grand Masters’ Palace, formerly the residence of the Grand Masters of the Order. In 1800 it became the official residence of the British governors. The palace is now the Presidential Office and Malta’s Parliament house. The Palace provides an insight into the lifestyle of the Grand Masters, and an opportunity to view either the Armoury Room which is one of the largest collections of its kind in the world, or the State Room, which can only be visited if the Parliament is not in session.
You will now have free time to enjoy lunch.
Following lunch, the tour then continues to the southern part of the island to discover the historical area known as the Three Cities. The first port of call is the city of Cospicua which is the largest of the Three Cities and is situated on Grand Harbour opposite Valletta. It is known to many by its earlier name, Bormla. The city was renamed by the Knights of St. John because of the brave role played by its people during the Great Siege of 1565. The city suffered extensive damage during World War II and although rebuilt, it has fewer inhabitants than in the pre-war years.
The next port of call is the city of Vittoriosa which lies on one of the promontories jutting into the Grand Harbour, opposite Valletta. At the tip is Fort St. Angelo, perhaps the oldest fortification on the Islands. Vittoriosa was the first home of the Knights when they arrived in 1530, and as such, contain many important architectural riches. The Knights’ auberges (inns of residence), palaces and churches here are older than those in Valletta.
From the old quay you will then board a typical harbour ‘fregatina’ for a tour of the famous harbour creeks. (Subject to weather conditions – price of fregatina is not included).
The last port of call is the city of Senglea. Like its sister cities, Senglea also suffered heavy damage during World War II. More than 75 percent of its buildings were destroyed. The city is noted for its superb harbour views across to Valletta from Safe Haven Gardens at Senglea Point. You will visit the stone vedette, also known as il-Gardjola, on the bastion-point. This has served as a look out point to guard the harbour entrance. The sculptured eye and the ear above the windows are symbols of vigilance.
Your tour will then conclude following a leisurely ride back to the port.