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Medley of Malta with Mdina & Birgu -
7/8 hour tour
Visiting Marsaxlokk Fishing Village, Blue Grotto (optional boat trip), Scenic
Route via Girgenti Valley & Dingli Cliffs, Mdina Medieval City, Birgu (historical centre/Collachio & waterfront, harbour ferry crossing (SE10)
This tour explores picturesque,
unspoilt villages, an old town and the rural country side. We start
our tour with a visit to the pretty fishing village of Marsaxlokk,
which it still has today an active fishing community. Low lying
buildings line the picturesque waterfront and colourful traditional
fishing boats called "luzzu" fill the bay. There is a small local
market which you can browse at.
Our next destination is Wied iz-Zurrieq, famous for the magnificent
Blue Grotto. The tiny hamlet sits in a valley and has a very
picturesque harbor. The grotto and neighboring system of sea caves
are home to brilliant phosphorescent marine life. The 25-minute boat
trip explores the incredible beauty of this natural wonder and is a
"must-do" when visiting Malta!
As you travel during the next part of this tour, your guide will
explain the importance of the Girgenti Valley. Girgenti is a shaded
fertile valley renowned for its orchards and cultivated fields. The
eco system here is maquis, so it is green all year round. Citrus and
other fruit trees thrive in the valley beneath the surrounding
ridge. The old picturesque farmsteads are the homes of the local
farming community who still work the fields and cultivate the
orchards. On a spur overlooking the valley stands the summer palace
of the Inquisitors built by Monsignor Visconti in 1625. Nowadays it
is the official residence of our Prime Minister. Our journey via
Girgenti will take us the west cost of the island.
Stretching for some 4km along the west coast are the Dingli Cliffs.
These cliffs have vertical or near-vertical rock faces rising from
the sea to heights of up to 70-130m above sea level. Some of the
steep slopes are terraced and this unique feature together with the
expanse of the deep blue Mediterranean sea provide stunning views.
Here will stop at the small chapel which sits on the cliffs for a
superb view and an ideal photo opportunity.
We continue our tour to the ancient city of Mdina. Mdina is built on
a plateau in the centre of the island, the city's old Baroque
buildings, Cathedral and magnificent bastion walls dominate the
rural skyline. Mdina, once the capital of Malta until the modern
city of Valletta was built had many names including Melite (Roman
occupation), Medina (Arabic occupation), Citta Notabile (Knights of
St. John) and Citta Vecchia (after Valletta was built). Today it is
also referred to as the Silent City since it inspires tranquillity
at any time of the day or night. The only way to really experience
and enjoy this city is on foot, explore the quaint alleys, narrow
streets, ancient buildings and magnificent far reaching views from
the high bastion walls.
Our transport will then return us back to the harbour area and to
the old maritime city of Birgu. At this stage we say farewell to our
driver, Birgu can only be explored on foot and we will be returning
back to the Valletta cruise terminal by ferry. Before we continue you will have some free time Birgu centre for a lunch/snack break.
Birgu (Vittoriosa) forms part of what is known as the 'Three Cities'
which also includes Cospicua and Senglea. In 1532 the Knights of St.
John first settled in this area, and we will give you an insight to
an era dominated by the Knights of St. John. Our walking tour will
take us to the heart of the city, the narrow streets and quaint
alleys known as the 'collacchio', an area of old Palazzo's which
were the original Auberges occupied by the Knights'. Our tour will
gradually make its way down to the waterfront which in the past was
occupied by the beautiful galleys, nowadays occupied by magnificent
yachts. You will have some free time for photos, the views are
amazing spanning the most beautiful of the Grand Harbour with
Valletta on the opposite side.
We return back to the Valletta cruise terminal by ferry. This short
10 minute crossing will take us through the beautiful yacht marina,
past the imposing Fort St. Angelo on one side and the maritime
fortified city of Senglea on the other. On arrival in Valletta, the
cruise terminal is a only 6 minute walk away.
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Tour Details
Prices:
Prices are based on the group size and are not per person.
Private transport is provided based on the number of passengers in
your group.
Tour with driver and Licensed Tour Guide:
eur465 for up to 6 passengers
eur575 for 7 to 12 passengers
eur685 for 13 to 17 passengers
Contact us for larger group up to 50
Not Included:
Harbour ferry crossing. Allow eur2 per person for the short ferry
crossing
Blue Grotto. If
you would like to do the Blue Grotto boat trip, allow
eur8/adults, eur4/children
which is paid direct to the boat operators. The boat trip operates
subject to suitable weather conditions, therefore if it is cancelled
it will be replaced with an alternative site which you can discuss
with your guide.
Lunch is not included in the tour rate.
Sunday/Public Holiday Supplements:
Add eur35 (not per person) applies for tours operated on Sunday's and
Public Holidays
Note. If you are making an
enquiry for next year the tour rates and entrance fees may differ to
those mentioned above.
Availability:
This tour is
available on any day
Pick Up/Meeting Point:
This tour will pick up from the Valletta cruise terminal/returning
back to the Valletta Cruise Terminal by ferry.
Licensed Tour Guides:
Your Licensed Tour Guide guide will be
with you for the FULL tour duration and will provide detailed en
route commentary and will also accompany at historical sites,
temples, museums and around fortified cities such as Valletta, Mdina
and Birgu.
Guides are available in English, German, French, Dutch and Spanish
languages.
How to Book
If you would like to book this tour
click here
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