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
- Entrance fees (St John’s Cathedral; Malta Experience)
- Food and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Pick-up and drop-off at the port of Valletta
- Comfortable footwear required
- Sun cream and bottled water are to be taken
Highlights
Itinerary
09:00
The tour begins at the port and from here you will make your way 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.
Your 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. You will also visit the Church Museum which is adorned with Flemish tapestries.
From here the tour continues on to view the Grand Master’s Palace from the outside. This Magisterial Palace was the official residence of the Grand Master of the Order. Today it is home to the President of Malta as well as the Maltese Parliament. We will also be stopping to view other interesting historical buildings in the area.
Your last visit today takes you to the amazing Malta Experience, a state-of-the-art audio-visual show. The venue is housed within a 17th century monumental building known as the ‘Sacra Infermeria’ meaning Holy Hospital and was built by the Order of St. John. The entrance leads onto an exterior terrace which has fabulous views of the Grand Harbour and beyond. The superb purpose-built auditorium has a huge panoramic screen, language options, and gripping commentary bringing 7,000 years of island history to life.
Following the Malta Experience you will then make your way back to the port.