Discover the best of Malta during this seven-day self-drive tour! Walk through the streets of La Valletta, often referred to as “the city built by gentlemen for gentlemen”, the capital of Malta offers both culture and relaxation. Visit the famous Mosta Basilica, which is the third-largest in Europe and one of the main highlights of Malta.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Malta: here you will find prehistoric temples, hidden coves, fossil-studded cliffs and a history of remarkable intensity, packing glorious variety into its small archipelago.
Gozo: discover the natural and tranquil beauty of this little island and visit the most famous landmarks such as the Neolithic Ggantija Temples and salt pans.
Day 1: ARRIVAL MALTA – ST. JULIAN'S (12km – 30min)
Upon arrival at Malta Airport, pick up your car and drive to the hotel. Check in and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in St. Julian's area.
Day 2: ST. JULIAN'S – VALLETTA – ST. JULIAN'S (15 km – 30min)
Today we suggest you explore Valetta by walking. You will be amazed by the culture, beauty and charm. Often referred to as ‘the city built by gentlemen for gentlemen’, the capital of Malta offers both culture and relaxation. You can start your day with a 30 minutes harbour cruise with gondolas. You can then visit Upper Barrakka Gardens with the lift. At noon time you can enjoy the Gun Salut at Upper Barrakka Gardens with wonderful panoramic views over the Grand Harbor and across to the 3 cities of Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua. From the Upper Barrakka Gardens, a walking tour can follow for about 1 hour and a half consisting of the Valletta Past Castille Palace, Parliament Building and Entrance to St John’s Co Cathedral – one of the top attractions of the Maltese islands, boasting a number of ornate riches, including stone wall designs, as well as a painted vaulted ceiling. One of the most famous artworks in all of Europe is housed here – Caravaggio’s “Beheading of St John the Baptist”. A walk for about 15 minutes will lead you towards to Malta Experience show. The Malta Experience is an audio-visual show that tells the dramatic story of the islands’ 7000 year history. Educational, informative and entertaining, the show runs through the turbulent history of a small island nation that has overcome almost unimaginable odds to survive and prosper. Malta’s Knights of St John are famous for repelling an invasion and their military exploits abroad. But their origins were actually those of peace and caring for the sick. This noble past is revealed on a tour of “La Sacra Infermeria” (Holy Infirmary).
Overnight in St. Julian's area.
Day 3: ST. JULIAN'S – MOSTA – ST. JULIAN'S (20 km – 1 hr)
Today we suggested visiting Mosta, a central town famous for its Basilica. The dome of this Basilica is the third largest unsupported dome in Europe, it was built in the 18th century and became famous in 1942 when during World War II a bomb pierced the dome failing to explode, thus sparing the lives of 300 people. Your next stop can be Ta’ Qali also known as the crafts village. Here you shall visit the Mdina Glass Factory to watch the local artisans at work blowing elaborate glass art pieces, this is the perfect place to pick up some unique souvenirs. Continue your tour with a visit to the old capital city of ‘Mdina’ with its old Baroque buildings, cathedral and magnificent bastion walls that dominate the rural skyline. While in Mdina you can visit the 17th century masterpiece of St Paul’s Cathedral designed by well renowned Lorenzo Gafa.
Overnight in St. Julian's area.
Day 4: ST. JULIAN'S – VITTORIOSA & MARSAXLOKK VILLAGE – ST. JULIAN'S (40 KM – 1.5 hrs)
You can begin with a drive to one of the famous 3 cities in the South. You stop at Vittoriosa also known as “Birgu”, one of the oldest localities on the Maltese islands. After a short stroll along the promenade, you can enjoy a walk through this historical city, past its main square towards the church of St. Lawrence. From the main square, you can also enjoy a visit to the ‘Inquisitor’s Palace'. This ancient building from the period of the Knights of St John was the dreaded holding place for those plotting against the state. The myth is that most who entered were never heard from or seen again. From Vittoriosa, you can continue further south to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk. This picturesque village is famous for the many multi-colored Maltese fishing boats known as ‘Dhajsa‘ moored in the harbor. On Sunday this village becomes popular with the tourists and the locals for the market along the seafront, so you can enjoy a little free time to wander the local stalls or to simply enjoy the atmosphere.
Overnight in St. Julian's area.
Day 5: ST. JULIAN'S – SOUTH MALTA – ST. JULIAN'S (45 km – 1.5 hrs)
Begin with a drive to the small locality of ‘Wied iz Zurrieq‘, which has a formation of caves with one being very popular with the name “Blue Grotto”. Here you can have a photo stop and view the Blue Grotto from a high plateau, with the car you can continue down to the bay where if the seas are calm, you can take an optional boat ride into the grotto and its surrounding caves. From here, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of ‘Hagar Qim Temples', a unique architectural masterpiece. The temples stand on a hilltop overlooking the sea and the islet of Filfla. The day will end with a drive to the magnificent Dingli Cliffs, the highest point on the Maltese Islands at over 250 meters above sea level.
Overnight in St. Julian's area.
Day 6: ST. JULIAN'S – GOZO – ST. JULIAN'S (100 km – 4 hrs, 45 min by ferry)
A great opportunity to discover the sister island of Malta – Gozo! After arriving by ferry (please note the ferry ticket is not included) start with a visit of the Ggantija temples, which are the world’s oldest free standing temples. Then go to the Sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of Ta Pinu, which is Gozo’s most visited spiritual church. Here you will enjoy the calming atmosphere of this famous church that has a section dedicated to the Madonna due to the number of miraculous cures attributed to this place of worship. Afterwards you can visit the quaint bay town of Xlendi, then continue to the capital city of Victoria, where you can wander around the shops and go to the Cittadella, a historic fortified city with stunning views of most of the island below. Next you can visit Dwerja Bay, and go and explore the many caves in the area. At the end of the day return to Malta by ferry.
Overnight in St. Julian's area.
Day 7: ST. JULIAN'S DEPARTURE (12km – 30min)
Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel and at the scheduled time drive to Malta International Airport to return your car.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Malta. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
