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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive in Valletta
Arrive in Malta's international airport today where you will be met and privately transferred to your hotel located just a stone's throw from Valletta's City Gate. Malta's exquisite capital city was built by the Knights of St. John after the Great Siege of Malta by the Ottomans in 1565. This atmospheric fortified city boasts over 320 monuments in a two square mile radius, and is a Baroque capital to rival any to be found in Italy.
Overnight: The Phoenicia Malta
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Day 2 Valletta
Today you will be able to delve under the surface of Valletta with your expert local guide. Beginning in the Upper Barrakka Gardens, marvel at one of Malta's most spectacular views - out to the Grand Harbour, the only natural harbour in the Mediterranean, and the breathtaking backdrop of the Three Cities. Descend to the prime viewpoint of the Saluting Battery, dating back to the Order of St. John and used for ceremonial artillery firings to the present day - you will even be able to observe a firing first-hand. Continue on to St. John's Co-Cathedral, with its sumptuous Baroque interiors and the world's only known signed painting by Caravaggio. Later today, gain an insight into one of the country's most intricate crafts with the opportunity to visit a gilder in his workshop, observing the creation of Malta's prized traditional clocks before perhaps taking in an evening performance at the
Manoel Theatre - one of the oldest working theatres in Europe.
Overnight: The Phoenicia Malta
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Day 3 Rural Malta
This morning, venture out of the city with your guide to gain a glimpse of life in rural Malta. A gentle walk through the Foresta 2000 nature reserve can be taken entirely at your own pace, allowing you to learn more about the flora and fauna of the Mediterranean woodlands that characterise this region. Lunch today will be taken in a veritable hidden oasis - a small olive grove and farm where you can sample a fine array of local produce, and taste some of the country's superb wines. This afternoon, the opportunity to play a round of Boi with the locals is one not to be missed. Played all over the Maltese islands, the game is closely related to Pétanque in France, English Bowls and Bocce in Italy.
Overnight: The Phoenicia Malta
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Day 4 Ancient Malta
Together with your guide venture further into Malta's centuries of history with a visit to the former capital of Mdina. Game of Thrones fans will recognise the main gates almost immediately, and within the walls of the city you will be able to observe architectural influences which include Baroque, Norman and Arabic features. On the outskirts of Mdina you will be able to explore St. Paul's Catacombs, a complex of Roman underground cemeteries that were in use right through to the 4th Century AD.
Continue on to the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples, some 1000 years older than Pyramids at Giza and thought to have been constructed to worship a type of fertility goddess. Your day concludes with a visit to the only subterranean temple in the world - Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum - thought to be in use as far back as the year 4000 BC as a burial complex.
Overnight: The Phoenicia Malta
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Day 5 Blue Grotto, Gozo & Comino
Your final full day allows you to appreciate the Maltese archipelago from a different perspective, on a private boat cruise along the country's eastern coastline. The journey through the Blue Grotto is an undeniable highlight; on sunny days the shafts of sunlight piercing through the caves to the shore turn the waters a dazzling blue. There will also be ample opportunities to swim, snorkel and explore tiny coves. At the end of your cruise you will be driven back to your hotel for a final evening to enjoy Valletta and its many fine bars and restaurants.
Overnight: The Phoenicia Malta
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Day 6 Depart
You will be collected from your hotel and driven to the airport in plenty of time for your onward flight.
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Depart
