DAY 1: USA/MALTA
Depart on your overnight transatlantic flight to Malta.
DAY 2: MALTA (D)
Arrive this afternoon in Malta. You will be met at the airport and assisted in your transfer to your hotel.
DAY 3: VALLETTA (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, start your day with a drive to Valetta for a tour of the city. Walk to the Upper Barracca Gardens for a panoramic view of the Grand Harbour. Then on to St. John’s Cathedral, Malta’s greatest treasure, featuring the famous painting by Caravaggio. Then, proceed to the Grand Masters’ Palace, which houses the Parliament and offices of the President of Malta. Here you will visit the State Rooms, Tapestry Chamber and Armoury. Your tour ends with a Spectacular Sound and Vision show of the history of the Maltese Islands. Return to your hotel.
DAY 4: MDINA (B, L)
After breakfast you will be driven towards Ta’ Qali to the Crafts Village to watch local artisans producing typical Maltese ware, such as glass, silver, filigree and pottery. Continue to Mdina, the Silent City, with its defense bastions dating back to the 9th Century. Walk through the town, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, and then on to the Bastions for a panoramic view of the Island. Continue to Rabat to visit the Roman Villa with its mosaic floors and St. Paul’s Catacombs. Lunch will be served in one of the village’s restaurants. Then on to Dingli Cliffs for a panoramic view of the open sea. Finally, drive to Mosta to visit its famous Dome.
DAY 5: GOZO (B,L)
Morning ferry ride to the magical island of Gozo, the legendary abode of Calypso.You will visit the Ggantija Prehistoric Temples in Xaghra, and then proceed to Dwejra to see the ‘Azure Window’, Fungus Rock and the Inland Sea. After lunch you will depart to Xlendi Bay or Marsalforn Bay. Continue your tour visiting the Citadel, and Gozo’s Cathedral in the capital Victoria. Return to Malta.
DAY 6: THREE CITIES TOUR (B, D)
Commence today’s tour with a drive to Vittoriosa. See the early Auberges of the Knights, their Hospital, the Armoury, the Treasury and Palace. Proceed to Sliema to embark on a cruise around the two natural harbours on either side of Valletta: Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour. A detailed commentary will help you unfold the history of Valletta and the 3 Cities connected with the two Great Sieges of 1565 and 1942.
DAY 7: MALTA (B)
Full day at leisure to explore on your own or just relax.
DAY 8: BLUE GROTTO (B, L, D)
Drive to the southern part of the island and start with a visit to the three megalithic temples of Tarxien, Malta’s most important antiquities, considered to be unique in the world. You then visit Ghar Dalam, ‘The Cave of Darkness’, and its fossilized remains of prehistoric animals. Continue to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk. After lunch, visit Hagar Qim Temple. Continue to Wied iz-Zurrieq, for a boat ride to the Grotto to view the magnificent underwater flora. Farewell dinner.
DAY 9: VALLETTA/USA (B)
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
NOTE: This is a sample itinerary for group tour leaders. For more information about how to form a group and travel free, please visit: https://bodymindspiritjourneys.com/form-a-group-and-travel-free