Points of Interest
- Valletta
- Grand Master's Palace
- St. John's Cathedral
Description
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
WHAT YOU VISIT
St. John's Co-Cathedral
Constructed by the Knights of Malta between 1572 and 1577, the church is considered one of the finest in the world and one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. Behind its plain façade is a dazzling interior of intricately carved stone walls, painted vaulted ceiling and marble mosaic floor, which is inlaid with the glittering tombs of 400 knights. The oratory displays the "Beheading of St. John the Baptist" painting by Caravaggio.
Grand Master's Palace
Dating back to 1571, the Palace was once the residence of the Grand Masters of the Knights of St. John and currently houses the Office of the President of Malta.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
The city streets are a visual wonderland and photographic opportunities abound. A stop at the Upper Barrakka Gardens offers breathtaking views over the Grand Harbour and the old towns of Senglea, Vittoriosa and Kalkara.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Step lively as you walk past the Triton Fountain. Located right outside the main Gate of Valletta, three half-humans, half-mermen are one of the first things everyone sees as they enter Malta's capital. Majestically holding up a bronze platter, Tritons became a symbol of strength and the island's relation to the Mediterranean Sea.
Special Notes:
Attire that covers shoulders and knees should be worn in the cathedral.Please note that the Grand Master's Palace is subject to closures without advance notice, due to official functions.
On Thursdays, Public Holidays and state events the state rooms of the Grand Master's Palace may be closed for private functions, official functions and Parliament. A visit to the armory in the Palace or National Museum of Archeology will be substituted.
On Sundays, Public Holidays and on state events tour groups are not allowed inside the cathedrals due to mass services. The visit to St. John's Co-Cathedral can be replaced by a visit to the Palace Armoury at the Grand Master's Palace or the Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.
Details
Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.
Depart from ship for a guided tour of the Barrakka Gardens
- Transport type:
- Air Conditioned Motorcoach
- Transport Capacity:
- 49
- Travel time:
- 00:05
- Time at site:
- 00:10
- Inside visit:
- Yes
- Walking distance:
- 25
- Wheelchair accessible:
- Yes
- Restroom available:
- Yes
- Photo/video opportunity:
- Yes
Stop at Triton fountain for photo opportunities
- Time at site:
- 00:20
- Wheelchair accessible:
- No
- Photo/video opportunity:
- Yes
Walk to Castille Palace and stop for photo opportunities
- Transport type:
- Walking
- Travel time:
- 00:20
- Wheelchair accessible:
- No
- Photo/video restrictions:
- Yes
- Photo/video opportunity:
- Yes
Visit Barakka Gardens, photo opportunities, toilet stop
- Transport type:
- Air Conditioned Motorcoach
- Travel time:
- 00:50
- Wheelchair accessible:
- No
- Restroom available:
- Yes
- Photo/video opportunity:
- Yes
Walk to St. John's Co-Cathedral for guide tour
- Transport type:
- Walking
- Time at site:
- 01:00
- Inside visit:
- Yes
- Wheelchair accessible:
- No
- Photo/video restrictions:
- Yes
- Photo/video opportunity:
- Yes
Free time in Valletta
- Travel time:
- 00:45
- Wheelchair accessible:
- No
- Shopping available:
- Yes
- Photo/video opportunity:
- Yes
Walk to Grand Master Palace for guided tour
- Transport type:
- Walking
- Time at site:
- 01:00
- Wheelchair accessible:
- No
Return to bus and re-board your motorcoach for return to your ship
- Transport type:
- Air Conditioned Motorcoach
- Travel time:
- 00:25
- Wheelchair accessible:
- No