Half Day Blue Grotto, Limestone Heritage and Marsaxlokk Market

 

                            

Excursion to the south of the Island. 

We commence our tour with a visit to the Blue Grotto and the other grottoes from close by (boat price not included – weather permitting).

                                   

We proceed our tour with a visit to an insight of Maltese history.  Bringing old and new together enjoy an extensive feature within a modernized quarry that explains one of Malta’s foremost trades of quarrying together with farmhouse building and stone decoration always using the limestone that gives its name to this spectacle called “The Limestone Heritage”.  Lastly we will visit the main fishing village off Marsaxlokk whose waterfront is lined with ‘luzzus’ painted in traditional reds, blues and yellows that add colours to this peaceful bay once the site of the first Turkish landing during the Great Siege of 1565 where you will be given free time to spend browsing around the local market stalls.

 

                   

 

Half-Day Valletta and Malta Experience       

 

Our guided tour through the bustling streets will first allow you to view the Barracca Gardens that command a breath taking panorama of the Grand Harbour and then to the St. John’s Co-Cathedral, adorned in riches that date back to the times of the Knights of Malta including the world famous Caravaggio painting that is on display in the Oratory of this Cathedral.  We also visit the Church Museum that is adorned with Flemish tapestries.   After we will also view from the outside the Grand Master’s Palace and other buildings of historical importance.  Lastly we stop at the Malta Experience, a Multivision show that depicts Malta’s history throughout the ages.

 

                                           

Gozo 360 degrees

 

Tour to Malta’s sister island of Gozo.  After a twenty-minute ferry crossing, on setting foot in Gozo, one notices that although both islands are similar in history and development, Gozo has a character entirely of its own.  Gozo, which is a three-hilled island, is greener and more picturesque than Malta.  During our excursion we visit the Azure Window in Dwejra, the Citadel in Victoria, Xlendi Bay, and Gozo 360 degrees, a multi-media show which impressively depicts Gozo’s history, legends and landscapes.  Free time for shopping will also be given – Gozo is renowned for its woolen goods and handmade lace.

 

          

 

Full Day Mdina

 

The excursion takes us to the central part of Malta that is dominated by the ancient citadel of Mdina.  On passing through the narrow streets of Mdina, the `Silent City’, we will admire the Cathedral and the imposing bastions that command a magnificent view of most of the Island.  On leaving Mdina through the `Greek Gate` we stop at the catacombs before proceeding to the cliffs of Dingli.  After lunch visits to the botanic gardens of San Anton and the impressive dome of Mosta`s parish church are included besides the crafts centre at Ta’ Qali, where you are given time for shopping.

 

Half Day Mdina

 

A half-day tour to the old capital of Mdina.  During our walk in the silent city, we visit the cathedral and the imposing bastions, which allow us to admire a panorama of most of the island.  Later we proceed to Dingli Cliffs.  Finally we stop at the botanic gardens of San Anton

 

             

 

Half Day Three Cities

 

Discover the historical area known as the three cities: Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea. A drive past Cospicua will bring us to Vittoriosa where we walk through the various narrow streets shaded by many historic buildings and churches. From the old quay we take a typical Maltese harbour boat “fregatina” for a tour of the famous harbour creeks. In Senglea we have a look from the beautiful vedette placed in the centre of the Grand Harbour.

 

      

 

 

Full Day Gozo Heritage

 

Tour to Malta’s sister Island of Gozo.  After a twenty-minute crossing, on setting foot in Gozo you will notice that although both Islands are similar in history and development Gozo has a character entirely of its own.  Gozo, which is a three-hilled Island, is greener and more picturesque than Malta.  During this excursion, we visit the Azur Window at Dwejra, the citadel in Victoria, the bay of Xlendi, and the Gozo Heritage, where whilst walking amongst historical carved figures you will discover the fascinating stories of the Goddess Calypso; speculate about missing treasures and examine the elaborate sculptures which together with the sounds, smells and special lighting effects will take you back in time.  Free time for shopping will also be given – Gozo is reknowned for its woolen goods and handmade lace.

 

 

 

Full Day Blue Grotto & Temples

 

Discover the southern part of Malta.  After having visited the fishing Villages of Marsaxlokk and Birzebbugia, we proceed to the fabled Blue Grotto where there will be the possibility of admiring the grottoes from closeby.  (Boat price not included – weather permitting).  Lunch is served in one of the picturesque villages.  Tarxien Temples is a group of three temples that due to their very good state of preservation provided plentiful evidence of the skill and artistic abilities of our forefathers.  Our day comes to an end when you will be guided through the cave of Ghar Dalam, one of the first habitats of these Islands.

 

 

Half Day Blue Grotto

 

Excursion to the south of the Island visiting the main fishing village of Marsaxlokk whose waterfront is lined with `luzzus` painted in traditional reds, blues and yellows that add colour to this peaceful bay once the site of the first Turkish landing during the Great Siege of 1565.  On passing through the nearby village of Birzebbugia, a traditional summer resort for Maltese families we proceed to the Blue Grotto where you can visit the grottoes from closeby.  (Boat price not included – weather permitting).

A photo stop at one of the local stone quarries is also included.

 

 

Full Day Gozo

 

Tour to Malta’s sister Island of Gozo.  After a twenty-minute ferry crossing, on setting foot in Gozo you will notice that although both islands are similar in history and development, Gozo has a character entirely of its own.  Gozo, which is a three-hilled Island, is greener and more picturesque than Malta.  During this excursion, we visit the temples of Ggantija, the citadel in Victoria, the Bay of Xlendi, and Calypso’s cave.  Free time for shopping will also be given – Gozo is renown for its woolen goods and handmade lace.

 

 

Sicily Mount Etna & Taormina

 

On arrival in Pozzallo we proceed by coach with our guide through Catania passing through Via Etnea (Catania’s main street) during which time our guide will give a running commentary about this city and Mount Etna where we drive up to the Sylvester Craters. Time for lunch (not included) and souvenir shopping. Departure from Mt. Etna to Taormina. Free time in Taormina centre to enjoy the unique panoramic views overlooking Giardini Naxos, a former Greek colony, now an international yachting centre. Return to Pozzallo and departure for Malta. (Please bring your passport). The tour includes – transfer to/from hotel, ferry fare, services of a tour leader and guided coach tour in Sicily. The LM 6.00 port tax is to be paid in Malta prior to departure