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Valletta, Malta

Malta is the largest in a group of seven islands that occupy a strategic position between Europe and Africa. The island's history is long and turbulent. Everyone from the Normans to the Nazis have vied for control of this small, honey-colored rock. For centuries the island was the possession of the knightly Order of St. John - the Knights Hospitaller. Valletta, Malta's current capital, was planned by the Order's Grandmaster Jean de la Valette to secure the island's eastern coast from Turk incursions. Founded in 1566, Valletta's bustling streets are lined with superb Baroque buildings and churches.

Malta has a long history: the megalithic stone temples at Gozo may be the oldest freestanding structures on Earth. Malta has two official languages, Maltese (constitutionally the national language) and English. Malta was admitted to the European Union in 2004 and in 2008 became part of the eurozone.

Points of Interest

  • Valletta
  • Grand Master's Palace
  • St. John's Cathedral
  • Mdina
  • Vittoriosa
  • Rabat
  • Ħaġar Qim 
  • Marsaxlokk Village

More about Valletta, Malta Points of Interest

  • Valletta -

    Malta's capital and a World Heritage site is an eclectic blend of Baroque architecture, the majestic St. John's Co-Cathedral, quaint cafes and wine bars.

  • Grand Master's Palace -

    The former residence of the Grand Master of the Knights of St. John is today home to the Parliament of Malta.

  • St. John's Cathedral -

    The austere façade of St. John's Cathedral stands in marked contrast to its interior which boasts a stunning vaulted ceiling adorned with frescoes. St. John's Cathedral houses the famous painting by Caravaggio 'The beheading of St.John'.

  • Mdina -

    Perched atop a plateau, this impressive medieval city was Malta's capital before Valletta was built.

  • Vittoriosa -

    The small town of Vittoriosa is considered one of the most beautiful and perfectly preserved of the Three Cities that protect Grand Harbour.

  • Rabat -

    Rabat is a village just outside Mdina. It is home to the famous Catacombs of St. Paul and of St. Agatha.

  • Ħaġar Qim  -

    Ħaġar Qim is a megalithic temple complex found on the Mediterranean island of Malta, dating from the Ġgantija phase (3600-3200 BC). The Megalithic Temples of Malta are among the most ancient religious sites on Earth, described by the World Heritage Sites committee as "unique architectural masterpieces." In 1992 UNESCO recognized Ħaġar Qim and four other Maltese megalithic structures as World Heritage Sites. 

  • Marsaxlokk Village -

    The charming atmosphere of Malta's main fishing village can be attributed to the strong traditions maintained by the close knit community. The harbor's calm blue waters are filled with bobbing, colorful luzzu boats.

23 Excursions

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Special Child Pricing Available! Children age 12 and younger, savings up to 50%.

Best of Valletta & Malta West Coast

8 hours | Valletta | MLA-100 M L A - 1 0 0

Strenuous Activity, Includes meal

From $169.95

Average Guest Rating

Best of Malta's Treasures

8 hours | Valletta | MLA-105 M L A - 1 0 5

Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From $149.95

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Vittoriosa & Mdina

6 hours | Valletta | MLA-120 M L A - 1 2 0

Strenuous Activity, Includes meal

From $119.95

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Ultimate Three Islands- A Discovery Exclusive

7.75 hours | Valletta | MLA-150 M L A - 1 5 0

Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From $229.95

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M'dina On Your Own

3.5 hours | Valletta | MLA-185 M L A - 1 8 5

Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity

From $59.95

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Highlights of Valletta & Museum of Fine Arts

5 hours | Valletta | MLA-200 M L A - 2 0 0

Shopping Opportunities, Strenuous Activity

From $99.95

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Rabat & Mdina

4 hours | Valletta | MLA-220 M L A - 2 2 0

Moderate Activity

From $79.95

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History in Stone

4.25 hours | Valletta | MLA-250 M L A - 2 5 0

Strenuous Activity

From $159.95

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The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum & Tarxien Temples

4 hours | Valletta | MLA-255 M L A - 2 5 5

Moderate Activity

From $279.95

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Easy Island Drive - Vittoriosa & Marsaxlokk Village

4 hours | Valletta | MLA-290 M L A - 2 9 0

Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity, Includes snack

From $84.95

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Marsaxlokk Village & Wine Tasting

4 hours | Valletta | MLA-310 M L A - 3 1 0

Easy Activity, Includes snack

From $99.95

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Discovery Family Malta: Marsaxlokk and Malta National Aquarium

7 hours | Valletta | MLA-600 M L A - 6 0 0

Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From $139.95

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Valletta Harbor Cruise

4.25 hours | Valletta | MLA-650 M L A - 6 5 0

Moderate Activity

From $69.95

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DINNER & FOLKLORIC SHOW

3 hours | Valletta | MLA-865 M L A - 8 6 5

Easy Activity

From $149.95

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Valletta By Private Vehicle - Van Class Full Day (With Guide)

8 hours | Valletta | MLA-900 M L A - 9 0 0

Easy Activity

From $499.95

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Valletta By Private Vehicle - Car Class Full Day (With Guide)

8 hours | Valletta | MLA-905 M L A - 9 0 5

Easy Activity

From $449.95

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Valetta By Private Vehicle - Van Class Half Day (With Guide)

4 hours | Valletta | MLA-910 M L A - 9 1 0

Easy Activity

From $299.95

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Valletta By Private Vehicle - Car Class Half Day (With Guide)

4 hours | Valletta | MLA-915 M L A - 9 1 5

Easy Activity

From $249.95

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Valletta By Private Vehicle - Van Class Full Day (Driver Only)

8 hours | Valletta | MLA-920 M L A - 9 2 0

Easy Activity

From $299.95

Average Guest Rating

Valletta By Private Vehicle - Car Class Full Day (Driver Only)

8 hours | Valletta | MLA-925 M L A - 9 2 5

Easy Activity

From $279.95

Average Guest Rating

Valletta By Private Vehicle - Van Class Half Day (Driver Only)

4 hours | Valletta | MLA-930 M L A - 9 3 0

Easy Activity

From $199.95

Average Guest Rating

Valletta By Private Vehicle - Car Class Half Day (Driver Only)

4 hours | Valletta | MLA-935 M L A - 9 3 5

Easy Activity

From $179.95

Average Guest Rating

Best of Malta's Treasures for Small Groups

8 hours | Valletta | MLA-999 M L A - 9 9 9

Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From $199.95

Average Guest Rating