Shore excursions in Valletta

This driving tour takes in some of Malta’s most famous sights – everything from bomb-proof buildings to natural wonders are on the agenda. First up, you’ll set off on the coach and head for the historic city of Vittoriosa, where you’ll get to see the Church of St Lawrence, which is home to the observation tower used by Grand Master La Vallette during the siege of 1565. From here, it’s on to Marsaxlokk, Malta’s largest fishing village, where you’ll have some time to explore before getting back on the coach. Next up, you’ll drive through some tiny villages before reaching the Blue Grotto – a cluster of picturesque sea caverns on the south coast. Then, you’ll pass through the town of Girgenti, home of the Prime Minister’s summer residence, before making tracks for the Dingli Cliffs – Malta’s highest point. From here, you’ll drive through Rabat, and around the edges of Mdina, Malta’s old capital city. Lastly, there’s a stop in the town of Mosta, which is famous for its church, which was hit by a shell bomb in World War II. The bomb went through the property but, miraculously, didn’t explode.... More details

Duration: Half Day takes 4hrs

Your tour kicks off just a short coach ride from the capital with a visit to the ‘Malta Experience’ - a spectacular show bringing to life more than 7,000 years of history. Then, make your way to Mdina, the ancient capital city, for a wander around the bastions and ramparts. You’ll also get the chance to go inside the beautiful St Paul’s Cathedral. Next comes Rabat, a town just outside Mdina, famous for its crafts and local trades. Here, you’ll make one last stop at the Empire Crafts Centre, where you’ll get some free time to shop for take-home trinkets. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to walk around the colourful streets of Valletta, taking in the main attractions like the exterior of the Grandmaster’s Palace, the House of Parliament and the outside of Castille Palace, before re-boarding the ship.... More details

Duration: Half Day takes 5hrs

Set off on a cruise round Valletta’s two natural harbours. This is the ultimate chill-out experience, so just sit back with a drink and watch as you float past Malta’s capital. You’ll drift by historical forts, battlements and creeks that can only be seen from the sea. Back on dry land, you’ll have some free time for retail therapy in Sliema. You can dip in and out of boutiques selling shoes, jewellery and bastketware. Stick to familiar names like Marks and Spencer and Next. Or simply sit underneath a parasol and sip a cup of coffee.... More details

Duration: Half Day takes 4hrs

Get ready to feast your eyes on the epic scenery of Malta’s southwest coast. First off, you’ll drive towards Marsaxlokk, the biggest fishing village on the island. Check out the harbour – it’s crammed with an entire rainbow’s worth of fishing boats. Then make a beeline for Zurrieq where you’ll find the incredible Blue Grotto. One of the island’s most beautiful spots, it’s an impressive 50-metre deep cave that stretches underneath the main road. There’s some free time here so if you like, you can take a boat ride into the cave. If the weather’s good, you can visit some of the surrounding caves, too. Afterwards, make your way to the quaint village of Siggiewi. This part of the island is known for its soft limestone and stone quarries. Take a look at the Limestone Heritage, a quarry which has been transformed into a museum celebrating one of Malta’s ancient trades. Just so you know... The boat ride is optional and at an extra charge, there is a steep hill to access the boats, should you decide to participate.... More details

Duration: Half Day takes 5hrs

Forget coach journeys – this tour’s all about seeing Malta’s scenery from more exciting modes of transport. First off, you’ll climb aboard a powerboat, which will whiz you along Malta’s east coast. You’ll pass the Sliema Coastline, the town of Bugibba, St Paul’s Island and Mellieha Bay. Leaving Malta behind, it’s onwards to the island of Comino, where you’ll get to see the Comino caves, before crossing the Gozo channel and heading for the Mgarr Harbour. Here, you’ll disembark and climb into a 4x4 vehicle. Then you’re off again. This time, though, you’ll be speeding along Gozo’s terrain. First on the sightseeing agenda is the Xewkija Dome, which is perched on top of a rotunda church that can hold a congregation of 3,000 people. Then it’s onwards past the Sanap cliffs, Xlendi Bay, and the Azzure window – a 50-metre rock arch. Your next stop is Victoria, Gozo’s capital city. This place is full of impressive Baroque and medieval architecture, so have your camera ready. Lastly, you’ll make tracks for Hondoq Bay, where you’ll get to relax and have a snack before heading back to the ship.... More details

Duration: Half Day takes 5hrs

You’ll get to grips with some of Malta’s star attractions on this tour. It all begins with a short drive to Valletta, Malta’s capital. Here, you’ll get off the coach and pay a visit to the Barrakka Gardens, which overlook the harbour and offer up fabulous sea views. Then you’ll walk to Castille Palace, the official home of the Prime Minister, before stopping outside St John’s Cathedral. It was built by the Knights of Malta in the 1500s, and its Baroque architecture is impressive to say the least. After some free time in the city centre, it’s back on the coach and on towards the town of Rabat, where you’ll tuck in to a three-course meal. From here, you’ll walk to Mdina – the old walled city of Malta – which is perched on a hilltop and surrounded by bastians and ramparts. Your last stop, once you’ve got back on the coach is the town of Mosta. Here, you’ll make tracks for the church in the centre of town, which survived a direct hit in World War II, when a shell bomb went through the building and, amazingly, did not explode.... More details

Duration: Full Day takes 8hrs

As you glide into Valletta’s blue harbour, you’ll see a mass of baroque palaces, 16th-century cathedrals, and neoclassical churches sprouting up from the horizon. This UNESCO-protected city was hugely sought after in days gone by, and once upon a time its harbour was the setting for fierce battles. Malta’s capital is even better in close-up and, on this cycling tour, you’ll explore the place on 2 wheels. Your guide will lead you to the Botanical Garden, firstly, so you can get a look at the local flora and experience the best views of the area. You’ll then pedal along the waterfront, past fading fishing boats, and, later, expensive yachts. Sliema – the city’s smart and modern business district – is where you’ll have your first break. After a breather, it’s on to the Old Town, which is cocooned by wraparound Medieval walls. You’ll ride inside to see the Grand Master Palace – one of the first buildings in Valletta. It was built back in 1571, and used for centuries as the house of government. Today, it houses the President’s office. Also on the itinerary is the imposing St Paul’s Cathedral – a carbon copy of London’s version.... More details

Duration: Half Day takes 4-5hrs