Malta & Gozo Island Escape

Merħba — welcome to Malta! Your adventure begins in Valletta, a small Mediterranean capital with an incredible amount of history packed into its narrow streets, grand buildings, and harbor views. Tonight, you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travelers at a 6 pm welcome meeting at the hotel. If you arrive earlier in the day, you might visit the National Museum of Archaeology or take an easy walk along the waterfront, where restaurants and cafés line the harbor. After the meeting, consider heading into town for dinner with the group. Your leader can point you toward a few great local spots, and this is a perfect time to try Maltese favorites like aljotta, a traditional fish soup, or gbejniet, Malta’s well-loved local cheese..

Please make sure you attend the welcome meeting, as this is when your travel insurance and emergency contact details will be collected. If you’re going to be late, let your travel agent or the hotel reception know. For details on where the meeting will take place, ask at reception or look for a note in the hotel lobby.

This morning, set out with your local guide for a walking tour of Valletta. Along the way, stop at a traditional café to try Maltese coffee and get a little boost before continuing through the city. Next, visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral and learn how Valletta’s story is tied to the Order of the Knights of St. John. You’ll also visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens, a public garden with roots going back to the 16th century. From there, take the large elevator down toward the Grand Harbour, enjoying the views on the way, then board a ferry to see more of the city from another angle. As you walk through winding streets, you’ll see traces of Malta’s complex past before returning to Valletta, where the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy.

Today, you’ll see more of Malta on a full-day trip around the island. Start in the fishing town of Marsaxlokk, where you can browse the local market and see the colorful traditional fishing boats bobbing in the harbor. From there, continue to Hagar Qim, one of the world’s oldest religious sites, with origins dating back as far as 3600 BC. Walk through the remains of the ancient temple and get a sense of just how deep Malta’s history runs.

After working up an appetite, stop for lunch at a local restaurant set inside an 18th-century Baroque building, known for its fresh local ingredients and farm-to-table approach. Later, visit the fortified city of Mdina, where your leader will share stories from Malta’s Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine, and Arab past. Since Mdina served as the island’s capital until the medieval period, there’s plenty to take in as you walk along its historic walls.

In the afternoon, continue to Cirkewwa and board the ferry to Mgarr, a harbor town on neighboring Gozo. From there, private transport will take you to Marsalforn, your base while you’re on the island. This evening, slow down and enjoy the easygoing atmosphere of this seaside resort town.

This morning, head to Victoria, the capital of Gozo, and explore its ancient citadel along with several of the town’s museums. You’ll visit the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, Gran Castello Historic House, and the Gozo Nature Museum, gaining a deeper look at the island’s history, daily life, and natural landscape.

Later, continue with a coastal hike from Xlendi toward the Ta’ Cenc Cliffs. The trail follows the cliffside, opening up wide views across the Mediterranean as you walk. Near the end of the route, you’ll continue along a country road to the small town of Sannat, where you’ll stop at a local bakery and refuel with a fresh pastry.

This evening is free to enjoy the restaurants and bars of Marsalforn at your own pace.

Today’s hike takes approximately 1 to 2 hours and covers around 4 km. The route begins on relatively easy terrain, then continues over hilly, narrow, and rocky paths.

If you prefer not to join the hike, your leader can suggest alternative activities instead.

Today, walk to the Xwejni Salt Pans, a striking coastal site with roots reaching back to Roman times. Here, you’ll meet a local family that has been harvesting salt from these pans for more than 150 years and learn how the rock-cut basins are designed to draw salt from seawater. If you’re traveling in summer, you may even get to see the harvest in action.

Afterward, set out on a hike along Gozo’s northern coast to Wied il-Ghasri, known for its tall cliffs and clear, blue water. There will be time to cool off with a swim in a quiet inlet before returning to Marsalforn. Later, visit a family-run local winery and taste some of Gozo’s wines. This evening, ask your leader for recommendations on the best nearby restaurants and bars.

Today is yours to enjoy more of Gozo at your own pace. There’s something here for every kind of traveler, so be sure to ask your local leader for ideas on how to make the most of your free time. You might head to one of the island’s beautiful beaches, stretch out with a good book, or take a few refreshing swims in the Mediterranean. If you’d rather stay active, you could explore more ancient ruins, walk to medieval villages, or keep discovering Gozo’s quieter corners.

However you choose to spend the day, it’s a lovely final stretch on the island. In the afternoon, meet back up with your group, say goodbye to Gozo, and take the ferry back to Valletta. After arrival, you may want to head out with your fellow travelers for one last dinner together.

With no planned activities today, your Malta and Gozo adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to spend more time in Malta, just contact your booking agent in advance to arrange additional accommodation.