Valletta, Malta - Mediterranean Cruises

See the main sights of Malta on this mainly scenic, panoramic tour.

Your picturesque drive through the city will start off by passing the Valletta fortifications via Fort St Elmo. Along the scenic coast road you’ll see St Paul’s Islands where St Paul was said to have been shipwrecked in AD60. Heading north, you’ll pass Mdina, the old medieval capital of Malta, its bastions and Cathedral dome dominating the skyline. It is a place of timeless atmosphere, cultural and religious treasures.

Enjoy a brief photo stop at the quaint fishing village of Marsaxlokk, where you can view the local fishermen at work. During the Great Siege of Malta, Marsaxlokk harbour was used as an anchorage by the Turkish fleet. Today, the only boats anchored in the harbour are the colourful Maltese fishing boats known as the ‘luzzu’. Your next stop is at the beautiful 19th century Southport Villa and Gardens, where you’ll be served some delicious local delicacies including, cheese and pea cakes, galletti and gbejniet. Before you depart, view the elegant mature fruit orchard and windmill.

Note: This is a mainly scenic tour with little walking involved, there are several steps at Southport Villa.

Enjoy the best bits of Malta, during a scenic tour.

Embark on a scenic drive through Malta’s stunning countryside before reaching one of the islands largest natural harbours, Marsaxlokk. Admire this enchanting fishing village with its colourful fishing boats, known locally as luzzu. Continuing along the coastal road, you’ll visit Zurrieq where you can see the Blue Grotto and the eerie rock island of Filfla. Filfla is a sanctuary for numerous migrating birds, but was once used as target practise by the British Forces.

Heading inland you’ll drive to the outskirts of the old capital, Mdina, where you’ll enjoy views of the medieval walled town. Passing through Mosta you’ll see Mosta Church, its unsupported dome is the third largest in the world. Have your camera at the ready, for a photograph stop overlooking St Paul’s Islands. The island is believed to be the place where St Paul was shipwrecked whilst on his way to Rome to face charges.

Back in the capital, Valletta, admire the stunning harbour views from the high vantage point at the Valletta fortifications. Before returning to the ship, you’ll also see the Great Siege Bell, which commemorates over 7000 serviceman, merchants and civilians who died whilst defending Malta during World War II.

Note: There is minimal walking included in this tour, however guests must be able to negotiate the steps of the coach.

Discover Malta’s rich military history from its fortifications to war tunnels.

Sit back, relax and admire the scenery, as you head to the south of the island. At the mouth of the Grand Harbour stands the imposing Fort Rinella. Built by the British between 1876 and 1886 to protect Malta from potential Italian seaborne attacks, the fort housed the largest cannon, an Armstrong 100-ton gun, which could fire shells up to eight miles. Enjoy some free time to explore the Museum and sample the local soft drink, Kinnie, a bitter-sweet orange soda.

Your next stop is in the heart of Valletta at the Lascaris War Rooms. Here, you’ll witness how the WW2 Mediterranean Campaign was controlled and won. Finally, enjoy an age-old tradition, the firing of the Midday Gun at Saluting Battery in the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Afterwards, take a guided tour around the Battery, which was used during the British period to provide ceremonial salutes to visiting dignitaries and ships as well as to synchronise the clocks on all the ships in the harbour.

Note: There is approximately 2 hours of walking over paved streets included on this tour.

The former capital of Mdina and the beautiful 16th century walled Valletta will provide a perfect introduction to Malta.

Embark on a scenic drive to Malta’s old capital, Mdina, one of the world’s finest examples of a living medieval city.

Once in the heart of the ‘Silent City’, your guide will host you on a walking tour through the narrow, winding medieval streets. Soak up the atmosphere of this old Arab capital, where the squares and houses are characterised by their Norman architecture. Admire the stunning views from the bastions, over the valley and the surrounding areas. Following your guided walk, enjoy some free time to explore further. Mdina Cathedral is certainly worth a visit, with its beautiful mosaics of St Peter and St Paul, or simply relax at one of the cafés watching the world go by.

Your next stop is the present day capital, Valletta. Continuing through the historic streets you’ll visit St John’s Co-Cathedral, complete with elaborate in-laid marble tombstones and monumental artwork. Have your camera at the ready, as you pass the Grand Master’s Palace, which today houses Malta’s Parliament and President’s Office. From the highest point of the 16th-century bastion walls that the Knights of St John built to protect the city are the Barrakka Gardens. From the vantage point, enjoy splendid views of the Three Cities and the Grand Harbour.

Note: Modest attire is required in the cathedrals; shorts are not acceptable and shoulders should be covered. The tour has three hours of walking and some stairs. Comfortable shoes are recommended. St John’s Co-Cathedral is closed on Saturday afternoons, Sundays and Public Holidays. Guests will visit the National Museum of Archaeology as an alternative.

Sample the sights of medieval Mdina, then head off the tourist track to peek into a palatial palazzo.

Transported to a bygone era, the ancient capital of Mdina is one of the finest examples of a fortified Arab citadel in Europe, this unique city boasts an abundance of magnificent architecture. As you wind your way through a labyrinth of narrow streets it’s easy to see how the Maltese withstood several invasions by using the imposing walls and majestic buildings to serve as their defences. Enjoy a visit to the baroque St Paul Cathedral, before continuing to the bastions to capture panoramic views of the island.

In the heart of the picturesque village of Naxxar is the stunning Palazzo Parisio, known to many as ‘Mini Versailles’. The relatively modest façade masks a sumptuous and flamboyant chateau, lavishly decorated across the centuries in exuberant style by the most eminent craftsmen of the time. Your guide will host you on a tour of the interior, rich with fine frescoes, magnificent marble, rare paintings and extravagant gilding. The internationally recognised landscaped gardens, are acclaimed as being among the finest in Europe. During your visit you’ll be served tea, coffee and cake.

Note: This tour is not suitable for children under six years old. There is approximately two hours of walking over paved and cobbled terrain.