MALTA SMALL GROUP TOUR TRAVEL ITINERARY
7 DAYS MALTA & GOZO SMALL GROUP TOUR
DAY 1 : WELCOME TO THE ISLAND OF GOZO
Arrival in Malta and drive to the port of Cirkewwa to transfer you by 25-minutes ferry to the island of GOZO for your first two nights at the elegant “KEMPINSKI HOTEL GOZO“ or similar.Only 15 kilometres in length and seven kilometres wide, all parts of the island are easily accessible, and for its size the variety of scenery is incredible.Gozo is fertile and picturesque and has retained much of its traditional character.Meet your tour guide at 6.30 pm in the hotel lobby for a welcome meeting followed by a dinner in a local restaurant.Eat as a local!!!Overnight in GOZO
DAY 2: GOZO-THE ISLAND OF CALYPSO & MAGICAL VICTORIA
The idyllic island of GOZO, the second largest island of the Maltese archipelago is more rural and popular for its scenic hills, which are featured on its coat of arms. Our day starts with a walking tour of the fortified capital city of VICTORIA with its enchanting Citadel followed by a panoramic drive around the island, stopping off at Dwejra, the fishing village of Xlendi, Ramla Bay,the Salt pans,the Ggantija Temples. We have included today a foodie experience with Gozitan pizza. In the evening,enjoy a light dinner in a popular Gozitan bistro accompanied by Maltese wines. Overnight stay in GOZO
DAY 3: HAGAR QIM TEMPLE, UNESCO HYPOGEUM & COLORFUL MARSAXLOKK
Some of the world’s oldest temples, Malta’s most picturesque fishing village,dramatic sea caves,towering cliffs and shady woords are the highlights of the south of the island.Our first morning destination is the megalithic temple of HAGAR QIM (3600 to 3000 BC) the best preserved and most evocative of Malta’s prehistoric sites. We then drive to the most fascinating of Malta’s many temples -the HYPOGEUM in Paola, also known as the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum which means “underground chamber” dating more than 6,000 years and its subterranean nature sets it apart from the archipelago’s other temples.It was a place for both ritual and burial.In fact it was only discovered accidentally in 1902,when workmen were preparing house foundations.Continue to the fishing village of MARSAXLOKK, famous for its brightly colored fishing boats which ride at anchor and where the wives of the fishermen knot nylon string bags for the tourists.After an included lunch in a local seafood restaurant, you’ll explore more in depth the south coast travelling along the rocky WIED IZ-ZURRIEQ stopping off at the BLUE GROTTO for amazing views (not included boat trip to the Blue Grotto).Spend the last four nights of your Maltese adventure in VALLETTA staying in a central boutique hotel “SAINT PAUL’S MALTA” or similar, renowned for its luxurious blend of modern decor and gracious Mediterranean hospitality.Dinner is on your own this evening. Overnight stay in VALLETTA
DAY 4: THE GRANDIOSE VALLETTA & HANDS-ON-COOKING
Colloquially known as “Il-Belt”, VALLETTA is the capital city of Malta that was built during the rule of the Knights of St. John.Today’s visit begins from the Upper Barakka gardens, perched high above the Grand harbor where your local expert will show you the highlights of this magical city, discovering its hidden beauty, with plenty of time on your own in Republic Street for shopping or sightseeing.Included are interior visits to the top two sites, the St.John’s Co-Cathedral with its museum, dating back to the 16th century, boasting two masterpieces by Caravaggio and the Grand Masters Palace which houses the Parliament and the president’s office.Afterwards, drive to the tourist town of SLIEMA for an entertaning 2hrs COOKING LESSON with Maltese Pastizzi in the house of a local.Return to Valletta for a non-guided visit of the ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM.Evening is at leisure to enjoy the dolce vita in Valletta.Overnight in VALLETTA
DAY 5: NAXXAR PALACE,WINERY EXPERIENCE, BIBLICAL RABAT & THE SILENT CITY OF MDINA
Today’s adventure takes you to central Malta, one of the most fascinating regions.The tour begins with a visit to an 18th century noble PALAZZO in the town of NAXXAR, an outstanding example of a Maltese stately home,with its carved Lombardy furniture,stucco friezes, painted ceilings and Carrara marble which are remarkable.We then drive to a nearby boutique winery for a WINE TASTING followed by a discovery of the biblical RABAT and the silent town of MDINA, one of the world’s finest examples of a medieval city that is still inhabited. A time capsule of medieval palazzi and a world unto itself. The Romans called their town Melita, the Arabs Medina and in the early days of the Knights it was known as Citta’ Nobile.Your tour concludes with a scenic drive along the DINGLI CLIFFS to reach your lodging in VALLETTA. Overnight stay in VALLETTA
DAY 6: THE GRAND HARBOR AREA & ELEGANT VITTORIOSA
This morning we explore the city of VITTORIOSA, one of the most enchanting within the three towns extending towards Valletta, dividing the Grand Harbor into deep inlets. In Vittoriosa you’ll visit the INQUISITOR’S PALACE, featuring plain prison cells and dungeons on the lower floors, which contrast with the highly decorated private apartments of the Inquisitors themselves above, including the Tribunal room where evidence was heard and verdicts were issued.You’ll also visit the WAR MUSEUM, housed in an 18th century army barracks which served as a police station and air raid precautions center during the war.After a foodie experience ,you’ll board a typical Maltese gondola “dgħajsa” for a 30 mins harbor cruise.Tonight we’ll celebrate your Maltese adventure with a farewell dinner at one of the typical regional restaurants. Sahha from all of us at Secret Tours!!Overnight in VALLETTA
DAY 7: SAHHA MALTA & GOZO
Morning transfers to Malta airport for your flight home.Combine our Malta small group tour with our flagship Small Group Tour to SICILY
The Republic of Malta is located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea. The archipelago is formed of two main islands, Malta and Gozo, as well as Comino, are the only inhabited islands, and some smaller uninhabited islands named Cominotto, Filfla and St.Paul. Thanks to its position, Malta has represented a bridge between Africa and Europe since ancient