This wonderful tour includes stunning scenery, the beautiful azure crystal clear sea, ancient towns, and insight into an island's rich culture and heritage.   

We start our day with a visit to the south of the island and the beautiful Wied iz-Zurrieq, famous for the magnificent Blue Grotto. This 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". This optional boat trip is only eur10 adults, eur5 for children. 

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 ecosystem 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 to the west coast 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 200m above sea level. Some of the steep slopes are terraced and this unique feature together with the expanse of the deep blue Mediterranean sea provides stunning views. Here will stop at the small 18th-century chapel which sits on the cliffs for a superb view and an ideal photo opportunity.   

Our next stop is the old town of Rabat. The history of Rabat is linked to the period of the Romans (218 BC to 879 BC) and Saint Paul, who stayed for a short period after being shipwrecked, whilst on his way to be tried in Rome. The locals claim the origins of Maltese Christianity started here when the saint preached to them. During our visit to Rabat, your guide will walk you along the main street, which is adorned by typical village architecture. You will see quaint houses with traditional balconies and doors, small local shops, the band club premises, and other important aspects of local village and town life. During our short walk, your guide will include a brief stop at 'Is-Sirkien', which is the most famous 'pastizzeria' on the island, you will have the opportunity to taste our favorite street food called 'pastizzi'. These are diamond-shaped filo pastry parcels filled with mashed peas or ricotta cheese, they are delicious.     

Next up, is the medieval city of Mdina is our island's pride and joy!. It is built on a plateau in the center 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 in 1566 has had many names including Melite (Roman occupation), Medina (Arabic occupation), Citta Notabile, 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 experience and enjoy this city is on foot, exploring the quaint alleys, narrow streets, ancient buildings, and incredible far-reaching views from the high bastion walls.   

Our transport will then return us back to the harbour area and to Valletta. At this stage we say farewell to our driver, Valletta can only be explored on foot.  We enter the city passing the Tritons fountain and a walk along the main thoroughfare, the guide will point out our parliament, the old Royal Opera House besides other interesting buildings as we pass by. At this stage, we will stop for a lunch/snack break.   

After lunch, we continue our tour of the city which will include visits to George's Square which is adorned by the imposing Grand Masters Palace (external viewing only). Proceeding along Republic Street, our next stop is the amazing St. John's Co. Cathedral (internal visit), which is home to Caravaggio's masterpiece "The Beheading of St. John." This Cathedral was the conventual church of the Order of St. John, otherwise known as the Knights of St. John. In fact, most of the city was built by the Knights'. They were the planners of the auberges, palaces and the magnificent fortifications that you can still see today. The final part of our walking tour includes Merchants Street, along here there are many interesting buildings and our guide will point out some of the most important, 'MUZA' (the new Museum of Fine Arts) and the imposing Auberge de Castille, nowadays the office our Prime Minister. We end our tour at the Upper Barraka Gardens and not only are these gardens beautiful but the view of the stunning Grand Harbour is a memorable one, it unfolds beneath you as you make your way to the viewing balcony, a perfect way to end our tour.   

Guests that joined the tour from a cruise ship will be return via the panoramic lift (a small €1 per person fee applies) and this will take us back down to sea level,then a short 6-minute walk to the cruise terminal.