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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:
eur500 for up to 6 passengers
eur680 for 7 to 12 passengers
eur860 for 13 to 16 passengers
Contact us for larger groups 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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