The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

4 hours | Valletta | MLA-255
From
$ 249.95
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Moderate activity

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Princess has arranged for an experience only 80 persons per day can have in Malta. Board your motorcoach for the approximately 20-minute drive to Paola, south of Valletta. Hypogeum literally means "underground," and the Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni is the oldest underground temple and necropolis yet discovered. Visitation to the 5400 square feet site is highly limited.

Your tour begins at with an overview and audiovisual presentation. Then enter the underground site, a series of chambers, halls and passages on three different levels ranging in age from 3600 to 2500 B.C. The second level features sophisticated stonework and boasts a number of temple-like rooms including the Oracle Room, the Decorated Room and the Snake Pit. Art objects and artifacts found in this level are on exhibit at the National Archeological Museum in Valletta.

Your next destination will be the visit to the Temples of Hagar Qim. Hagar Qim is a megalithic temple complex found on the Mediterranean island of Malta, dating from the Ggantija phase (3600-3200BC). The Megalic 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 Hagar Qim and four other Maltese Megalithic structures as World Heritage Sites.

After touring the site, board your coach for the return trip to Valletta and the Malta National Museum of Archeology. The Museum is housed in the Auberge de Provence, built in 1571 and one of the first buildings erected after the Great siege. Today the museum exhibits art and artifacts discovered at Malta's many prehistoric sites, which date from 5600 B.C. when the island was first settled to the Tarxien Phase circa 2500 B.C.

Museum highlights include "The Sleeping Lady" statue discovered at the Hypgogeum and a number of Earth Goddess fertility figures. The Museum also displays a recreation of a Hypogeum burial chamber along with altars and megaliths from the Tarxien Temples.

Board your motorcoach and return to the ship.

Special Notes:

This tour requires extensive walking over uneven and broken ancient surfaces. Not recommended for guests with limited mobility or in wheelchairs. Wear warm-weather clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Bring a hat and an adequate sun protection. The maximum will depend on the number of tickets bought. Please check 'pricing notes' at the bottom of the page.
Please note that due to health and safety reasons, no one under the age of 6 years will be admitted to the Hypogeum. Additionally, please take into consideration that the Hypogeum is an enclosed space and this might cause mild discomfort to those susceptible to claustrophobia. Comfortable shoes (but no flip flops) should be worn for the visit as due to the high humidity levels within the site, some areas may be slippery.
The Visitor Centre at the Hypogeum, which includes a display area and an audiovisual presentation, is wheelchair accessible. The archaeological site itself however is NOT accessible to wheelchairs due to its configuration.
This tour is very popular and typically sells out. Alternative tours with similar content may be available, including MLA-250 History In Stone.
Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Depart from Valletta Cruise port for transfer to Paola

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Travel time:
00:20
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No

Visit of Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

Time at site:
01:00

Drive to Tarxien Temples

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Travel time:
00:10
Wheelchair accessible:
No

Visit the temples of Tarxien

Time at site:
00:45

Drive to Wied Iz Zurrieq, location of the Blue Grotto

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Travel time:
00:30

Free time and optional boat ride in Grotto caves

Time at site:
01:20

Reboard bus for return transfer to port

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Travel time:
00:40