Visit to National War Museum & Malta Maritime Museum 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
- Entrance fees (National War Museum & Maritime Museum)
- Food and drinks
- Personal expenses
- 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
You will be met at the port and guided to your air-conditioned transportation ready to commence your tour.
Your tour begins at the port where you will make your way to the National War Museum. Here you will see the story of events which led to the two wars, their developments and major actions, as well as their consequences, both here in Malta and abroad. Special reference is made to the role of Malta in the Theatre of War, and the contribution of the Maltese population to the war effort, especially during the incredibly difficult conditions of 1942.
The tour will then take you to the Memorial, dedicated to those who sacrificed their lives for Malta’s freedom.
The tour continues by coach to visit the historical area known as the Three Cities, which are Vittoriosa, Cospicua & Senglea. 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 stop 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.
You will be led through the quaint narrow streets here to view the historical buildings and churches. Vittoriosa is also the home of Malta’s Maritime Museum and where the tour now stops to visit. Housed within the Old Naval bakery, the Malta Maritime Museum charts Malta’s maritime history and lore within a Mediterranean context and also illustrates the global nature of seafaring and its impact on society. The museum houses numerous artefacts highlighting the many different era’s.
The last stop 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.
The tour will then end following the ride back to the port.