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.

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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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M'dina On Your Own

3.5 hours | Valletta | M L A - 1 8 5
  • Mdina

Perfect for independent travelers who enjoy exploring and seeing the sights on their own, a comfortable motorcoach ride from port brings you to historic Mdina, the oldest city on the island of Malta, where you'll disembark at a central location and be advised of the pick-up time.

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Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity

From

$59.95

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Valletta Harbor Cruise

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

Enjoy a relaxing vacation experience on a tranquil cruise around Valletta's Grand Harbour. Drift by historical forts, battlements and creeks that can only be seen from the sea. Then, disembark for some free time in Sliema. Shop, stroll or sit order a date cake and coffee in a "kafetterija" (café).

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Moderate Activity

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$69.95

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Easy Island Drive - Vittoriosa & Marsaxlokk Village

4 hours | Valletta | M L A - 2 9 0
  • Vittoriosa
  • Marsaxlokk Village

Discover magnificent Malta on a narrated tour featuring the island's memorable sites. Enjoy a photo stop in the old fortified city of Vittoriosa, shop for souvenirs in Marsaxlokk Village, relax with pastries at the Limestone Heritage, Park and Gardens and view traditional Mdina glassware at Ta'Qali Crafts Village

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Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity, Includes snack

From

$79.95

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Rabat & Mdina

4 hours | Valletta | M L A - 2 2 0
  • Mdina
  • Rabat

Explore Maltese history on a tour of the old island capital of Mdina. Stroll along the city walls, built by the Normans in the 12th century, and visit the cathedral. Walk to the village of Rabat and tour the St Paul's Grotto, Underground shelters & St Publius Chapel. Then visit a craft village and shop for glass.

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Moderate Activity

From

$79.95

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Marsaxlokk Village & Wine Tasting

4 hours | Valletta | M L A - 3 1 0
  • Marsaxlokk Village

Experience Malta on a narrated drive about the island. Visit Marsaxlokk, the island's largest fishing village. Stroll the waterfront and view colorful luzzu boats and fishermen mending their nets. Visit an island winery and sample its wares, and witness local pottery craftsman at work.

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Easy Activity, Includes snack

From

$99.95

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Highlights of Valletta & Museum of Fine Arts

5 hours | Valletta | M L A - 2 0 0
  • Valletta
  • St. John's Cathedral

Experience Malta's capital city on a guided walking tour. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts, and St. John's Co-Cathedral where you will view the knights' tombs and a painting by Caravaggio. And a visit to the upper Barakka Gardens offers panoramic views over the Grand Harbour.

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Shopping Opportunities, Strenuous Activity

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$99.95

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Vittoriosa & Mdina

6 hours | Valletta | M L A - 1 2 0
  • Mdina
  • Vittoriosa

Spend the day exploring Malta's rich medieval history on guided walking tours of Vittoriosa and Mdina. Tour the Inquisitors' Palace and the Knights of Malta Museum, housed in 17th-century Palazzo Notabile. Cap off the day with a lunch at a first-class restaurant.

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Strenuous Activity, Includes meal

From

$119.95

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Discovery Family Malta: Marsaxlokk and Malta National Aquarium

7 hours | Valletta | M L A - 6 0 0
  • Marsaxlokk Village

Exclusively prepared for adults and children, this Discovery Family tour is crafted to make the most of the highlights of Malta's history and culture with a dash of whimsy. See the sights in Marsaxlokk, a charming Maltese fishing village, the stunning Blue Grotto, the dramatic Dingli Cliffs, the Malta National Aquarium and enjoy lunch.

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Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From

$139.95

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DINNER & FOLKLORIC SHOW

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

Revel in the rhythms of a night out on the town with a folkloric performance and dinner at the award-winning Ta' Marija, a traditional Maltese restaurant. The dance floor will remain lit up so you and your party can dance the night away to all-time favorite songs.

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Easy Activity

From

$149.95

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Best of Malta's Treasures

8 hours | Valletta | M L A - 1 0 5
  • St. John's Cathedral
  • Mdina

A string of historic highlights and ancient landmarks weave together in celebration of Malta's incredible heritage. Discover it all on a panoramic sightseeing tour that begins in Valletta, Malta's capital city, and continues to its environs of Mdina, Mosta and Rabat, filling your camera with memories. A three-course lunch completes the day.

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Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From

$149.95

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History in Stone

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

Visit Hagar Qim is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed as part of 'The Megalithic Temples of Malta' in the World Heritage List. Explore one of the largest and most complex of the prehistoric site of Tarxien Temples, home to some of the best examples of prehistoric art which have survived the millennia. Last stop of the day will be Malta's oldest prehistoric site of Ghar Dalam which engages visitors to step back in time. The cave contains the bone remains of animals that were stranded and subsequently became extinct in Malta at the end of the Last Glacial Maximum. No such animals have lived on the Maltese Islands for thousands of years..

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Strenuous Activity

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$159.95

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Best of Valletta & Malta West Coast

8 hours | Valletta | M L A - 1 0 0
  • Valletta
  • St. John's Cathedral
  • Ħaġar Qim 

See the best of Malta on a journey that showcases the best of the east and west coasts. Highlights include a tour of the ancient temple of Hagar Qim, a walking tour through Valletta with a visit to the 450-year-old St. John's Co-Cathedral and a traditional Maltese lunch.

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Strenuous Activity, Includes meal

From

$159.95

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Best of Malta's Treasures for Small Groups

8 hours | Valletta | M L A - 9 9 9
  • Valletta
  • Mdina
  • Rabat

A small-group tour allows for an authentic and immersive experience as you delve into Malta's dynamic heritage, historic highlights and ancient landmarks on a panoramic sightseeing tour that begins in Valletta, Malta's capital city, and continues to its environs of Mdina, Mosta and Rabat. A three-course lunch completes the day.

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Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From

$179.95

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Ultimate Three Islands- A Discovery Exclusive

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

By land and by sea explore the magnificent islands off Malta, including Comino and Gozo, from a variety of vantage points on this Discovery Exclusive tour that celebrates spectacular natural landscapes and historic landmarks, filling your camera with memories. Swim in the turquoise waters of Hondoq Bay and enjoy a gourmet lunch.

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Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From

$199.95

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The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum & Tarxien Temples

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

Travel through time for a glimpse into Malta's ancient history. Descend into the enormous underground temple of Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni then visit the megalithic Tarxien temple, each an acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, explore Wied iz Zurrieq, one of the oldest towns in Malta, on your own.

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Moderate Activity

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$249.95

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