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Peregrine Travel Centre

Highlights of Malta & Gozo

Highlights of Malta & Gozo

From $ 2,190 AUD

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Description

Malta may be one of the world’s smallest countries, but when it comes to ancient history, natural beauty and compelling culture, it’s in the big league. Uncover the highlights and hidden treasures of Malta and Gozo on a 7-day adventure with a leader to help you see the country through the eyes of a local. Discover what makes Valletta so special, go back in time at the Three Cities and explore the ancient site of Hagar Qim. Jump across to neighbouring Gozo and hike along the coastline, kayak over dazzling blue water and discover its history. One thing’s for sure – this is a place worth raising a toast to.

Trip Name
Highlights of Malta & Gozo
Last Updated
2022-01-15
Days
7
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Get to really know Valletta during a walking tour with a local guide, then join your leader for explorations of the historic Three Cities, Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa.
  • Experience Malta’s tangible history during a visit to the Hagar Qim archaeological site. Dating back as far as 3600 BC, this is one of the oldest religious sites in the world.
  • Meet a local family at the Xwejni Salt Pans, dating back to Roman times, and learn how they have been harvesting salt from here for more than 160 years.
  • Be amazed by Gozo’s natural beauty as you set off on a kayaking adventure, starting from Hondoq Bay and paddling to the unbelievably bright waters of the Blue Lagoon.
  • Explore the fortified city of Victoria, Gozo’s capital, paying visits to the medieval citadel, the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, Gran Castello Historic House and Gozo Nature Museum.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Please note that many sights, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes even Tuesdays). We recommend you carefully consider which sites and museums you are going to want to visit and that you do some research and make your reservations in advance where required/possible.

Day 1 - Valletta
Welcome to Malta! Your adventure starts in Valletta – this little capital city packs a real punch when it comes to historical sights and top-drawer attractions. A meeting will take place today at 6pm at your hotel where you’ll meet your local leader and the other members of your group. If you arrive with time to spare, you may like to pay a visit to the National Museum of Archaeology, or perhaps take a stroll along the restaurant-lined waterfront. After your meeting, why not get to know your group over a meal in town – your leader will be able to recommend some great spots to eat. Aljotta (fish soup) and Gbejniet (Maltese cheese) are particularly delicious!
Day 2 - Valletta
This morning, meet up with a local guide from Valletta who will let you in on local secrets as you explore the city on foot. Start off with a visit to the St. John's Co-Cathedral and learn about the city’s fascinating connection to the Order of the Knights of St. John, then you’re in for a real treat as you stop by a traditional cafe and sample some tasty Maltese pour-over coffee. Once you’re energized, swing by the Upper Barrakka Gardens, a beautiful public space with a history stretching back to the 16th century. From the gardens, ride a large elevator down to the Grand Harbour, taking in incredible views as you descend, then say goodbye to your guide and hop aboard a ferry with your leader. Visit the Three Cities, Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa, each providing a unique glimpse into the country’s past. First, walk the streets of the fortified city of Senglea as your leader shares facts about its history, then jump on a dghajsa, a traditional Maltese water taxi, and travel to Vittoriosa. Take a step back in time as you explore the city brimming with ancient churches, palaces and noble homes, then finally head to Cospicua where you’ll walk its winding streets and discover remnants of Malta’s turbulent past. Return to Valletta and enjoy the rest of the afternoon for your own explorations.
Day 3 - Malta / Gozo
Greet the day and get out to explore more of Malta. Start with a visit to the little fishing town of Marsaxlokk to check out the local market and colourful fishing boats, then continue to the unbelievable archaeological site of Hagar Qim. As one of the world’s oldest religious sites, dating as far back as 3600 BC, exploring the remains of the ancient temple is a truly incomparable experience. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to a fantastic local restaurant housed in an 18th-century Baroque building which serves up a mouth-watering menu made with locally sourced ingredients. After lunch, drive on to the fortified city of Mdina and walk through centuries of Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine and Arab history. Afterwards, travel to Cirkewwa and board a ferry bound for Mgarr on the neighbouring island of Gozo, then catch a public bus to Marsalforn. This delightful seaside resort town will be your base for the time spent on Gozo, so this evening why not sit back and soak up the laidback atmosphere.
Day 4 - Gozo
Today is all about exploring Gozo's stunning nature on some of the island's best walking trails. Start the day by catching a local bus to the village of Xlendi, from where you’ll embark on a hike along the dazzling coastline. Skirt the edge of cliffs and take in awe-inspiring views with every step, pass by an old Maltese watchtower and wind down a peaceful country lane before finishing up in the village of Sannat. Next up is a visit to a local traditional bakery. From here head back to our base at Marsalforn, from where you’ll walk to the Xwejni Salt Pans, dating back to Roman times. Meet the family who have been harvesting these ancient pans for 160 years and learn about the process – in peak summer you may even have the chance to watch it firsthand. Of course no visit is complete without tasting some of the salty goodness. Continue walking along Gozo’s North coast, enjoying glorious views of the Mediterranean as you walk to the Wied il-Ghasri area. Stop for a swim in the inviting green-blue waters before returning to Marsalforn via charming country lanes dotted with cacti and old stone walls.
Day 5 - Comino / Gozo
This morning, discover Gozo from a different perspective. Head to the turquoise blue waters of Hondoq Bay and jump in a kayak for a guided adventure. Paddle to the shores of Comino Island and come upon the Blue Lagoon, a truly breathtaking display of bright blue water. Take some time to explore the glorious coastline before returning to land. Later, head to Victoria, the capital of Gozo island, and explore the ancient citadel and some of the town’s most interesting museums, including the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, Gran Castello Historic House and Gozo Nature Museum. After brushing up on the cultural and natural history of Gozo, enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Day 6 - Gozo
The day is yours to discover more of what Gozo has to offer. There’s something here to suit every interest, so be sure to speak to your local leader for tips on how to get the most out of your day. You may like to head to one of the island’s gorgeous beaches and stretch out with a good book, cooling down with dips in the Mediterranean, or perhaps you’d prefer to get active and hike to more ancient ruins and medieval villages. However you choose to spend your time here, it’s sure to be a day to remember!
Day 7 - Gozo / Valletta
It’s time to leave Gozo behind, first catching a public bus to Mgarr, then hopping on a fast ferry back to Valletta. Your adventure comes to an end on arrival to Valletta, however if you’d like to extend your stay just get in touch ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
01-05-202207-05-2022AUD $ 2,250-
15-05-202221-05-2022AUD $ 2,280-
29-05-202204-06-2022AUD $ 2,360-
12-06-202218-06-2022AUD $ 2,360-
26-06-202202-07-2022AUD $ 2,280-
17-07-202223-07-2022AUD $ 2,190-
07-08-202213-08-2022AUD $ 2,190-
21-08-202227-08-2022AUD $ 2,385-
04-09-202210-09-2022AUD $ 2,360-
18-09-202224-09-2022AUD $ 2,360-
02-10-202208-10-2022AUD $ 2,280-
16-10-202222-10-2022AUD $ 2,190-
30-04-202306-05-2023AUD $ 2,190-
14-05-202320-05-2023AUD $ 2,360-
28-05-202303-06-2023AUD $ 2,360-
11-06-202317-06-2023AUD $ 2,280-
25-06-202301-07-2023AUD $ 2,280-
16-07-202322-07-2023AUD $ 2,280-
06-08-202312-08-2023AUD $ 2,190-
20-08-202326-08-2023AUD $ 2,280-
03-09-202309-09-2023AUD $ 2,360-
17-09-202323-09-2023AUD $ 2,360-
01-10-202307-10-2023AUD $ 2,190-
15-10-202321-10-2023AUD $ 2,190-

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights)

Transport

Local bus,Ferry,Private vehicle,On foot,Kayak

Map

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