Magnificent Malta

Travel with RTT for an epic 5-day adventure to the incredible Island of Malta, where a diverse array of exotic landscapes, grand fortifications, ancient settlements, and magnificent cathedrals are waiting to be discovered.  This sun-soaked paradise boasts over 300 days of sun and picture-perfect sunsets that bring a special glow to the architectural wonders left by Arabs, Romans, and Normans who once ruled here.  Indulge yourself in the rich culture, delicious cuisine, and dynamic coastlines that create a special kind of Maltese magic!

Day 1: An early morning departure from Frankfurt Airport takes us directly to Valletta, where we travel to our hotel and get settled in.  The late afternoon is yours to relax, freshen up, or explore the local surroundings before we regroup for dinner provided at the hotel.

Day 2: Today we get started bright and early with a hearty breakfast, before starting our exploration of the island with our local guide.  We begin in the vibrant capital city of Valletta, taking in the ornate fortifications, baroque palaces, beautiful churches, mighty city walls, and a visit to the outside grounds of the Grand Master’s palace.  We will also visit St. John's Co-Cathedral where the Tombstones of the Knights and Caravaggio’s famous painting of the beheading of John the Baptist are housed (entrance not included). 

From here we continue on the Rabat and Mdina, which served as the island's capital from antiquity to medieval times.  Almost 4000 years ago, a single flourishing city was founded by the Phoenicians, followed by a period of Roman occupation, and later separated into two cities by the Arabs.  The large fortifications that once surrounded the first city were reduced in size and the walled area renamed Mdina, which still stands as one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled city.  The area beyond the walls became home to common people and livestock was renamed Rabat, which simply means suburb. Both cities offer an enchanting mixture of medieval and baroque architecture, creating a romantic and timeless atmosphere.

Our guide will lead us through the city’s charming narrow streets on the way to visit St. Paul Cathedral and the Palazzo Falson, one of Mdina's oldest buildings.  After a thorough exploration of Rabat and Mdina, we will return to the hotel to freshen up.  This evening we invite you to indulge in a cultural exploration of traditional Maltese cuisine, paired with some wonderful local wine accompanied by the entertainment a folklore performance.

Day 3: After breakfast at the hotel, the day is yours to explore the Island independently at your leisure.  In the south you will find an abundance of natural and historical treasures to discover. The ancient Tarxien Temple Complex was built between 3000 and 2500 BC and is Malta’s best-preserved example of Neolithic architecture.

On the coast, you will find the famous Blue Grotto, the crown jewel of Malta’s natural stone wonders and caverns that dapple the southeast coastline. During calm seas, tourist boats sail from Wied iż-Żurrieq Harbor to this area allowing passengers to see the impressive cave system, made up of six halls, of which the Blue Grotto is the largest and most impressive. The waters here are mesmerizingly clear and brilliant shade of azure blue due to bright sunlight reflecting off blue-green algae.  Nearby is the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk, where Luzzu, the traditional and colorful Maltese fishing boats line the charming harbor. In addition to incredible views, the waterfront promenade offers small markets, numerous restaurants and a beautiful invitation to stroll, linger, and soak up the sun.

Day 4:  After breakfast at the hotel, we set off for the Grand Harbor of Valletta, where we will meet our local guide and board the ferry that will take us to small, scenic Island of Gozo. Separated from Malta by only a small channel, the island offers a wealth of ancient beauty, peace and tranquility. The short boat ride (20 min) provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy views of the shimmering blue sea and Maltese Archipelago. 

Our first stop is the dazzling capital city of Victoria, located in the center of the island.  Here we will visit the grounds of the massive Gozo Citadel, which offers a glimpse into the medieval history of the island and a chance to see another impressive example of extensive walled fortifications. Across the famous Pjazza Indipendenza is the remarkable St. George’s Basilica, which stands as a testament to the islands rich architectural, religious and cultural heritage.

Next we travel across the island to visit the Cliffs of Xlendi, an expanse of beautifully soaring high cliffs with a fjord like appearance, famous for their stunning views of the ocean and blazing Maltese  sunsets. From here we travel to the north coast where we will visit the Salt Pans of Marsalforn, a true cultural and culinary treasure. Here, a  tapestry of shallow pools are carved into the rocky shore, creating a beautiful checkerboard pattern in the stone.  The centuries-old Gozitan tradition of Sea-Salt production that has been passed down many generations to harvest the salt in a natural and truly sustainable way.  During the summer months, locals can be seen scraping up the crystals of salt, which is then stored and processed in the salt caves, also carved into the coastal rock.   This natural process yields full flavored, versatile cooking ingredient and natural life sustaining mineral, so prized it was once a form or currency.  You will have the opportunity to purchase some of the prized salt from local merchants during our visit here.

Heading back towards Victoria, to the east of the town we find the most remarkable Temple Complex of Ġgantija. Amongst others, they are the most famous Megalithic Temples of Malta and are amidst the world's oldest free-standing structures transporting visitors right back to ancient times.  Sadly, the islands eye-catching Azure Window (window to the azure sea) collapsed in 2017 during a violent storm, however the Inland Sea and Wied il-Mielaħ Window remain as beautiful and enchanting as ever.  From here we board our ferry for the return trip to Valetta and our hotel, where you are free to spend the evening relaxing or final explorations of the city.

Day 5: After breakfast and it is time to check out of our hotel, board our bus for the airport for a mid-day departure back to Frankfurt.