EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

OVERVIEW

Visit landmarks that reveal the true character of Malta, especially the iconic attractions that lie inland. As an introduction to Valletta, you will gaze out over the grand harbor from the Upper Barracca Gardens and then walk to St. John's Co-Cathedral, whose severe exterior belies its sumptuous interior. Caravaggio's masterpiece "The Beheading of St. John the Baptist" hangs in the oratory. Be sure to notice the artist's macabre signature in the blood flowing from the saint's throat. A panoramic drive through the island's interior will bring you to the Tarxien Temples, a prehistoric archaeological complex so architecturally important that UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site. The highlights in nearby Mdina include its medieval ramparts and St. Paul's Cathedral, which was constructed in 1702 in a glorious baroque style. The creative side of Malta will be apparent in the Ta' Qali Craft Village, where you can watch artisans blowing glass and making delicate gold filigree jewelry.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Browse St. John’s Co-Cathedral, whose stark exterior belies the splendor inside.
• Visit the megalithic Tarxien Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• View the thick-walled medieval ramparts built to protect Mdina, Malta’s former capital.
• Behold the magnificently ornate St. Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina.
• Browse a handicrafts village and watch local artisans create works of art.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Meet a horticulturalist for a revealing tour of the island's most intact forest and then watch how honey is produced using techniques that date to Roman times. The Knights of Malta originally planted Buskett in the mid-1500s as a hunting ground, and its flora and fauna are extraordinary. There, you can expect to stroll under oaks and Aleppo pines while following winding paths through manicured shrubbery and beds of blooming flowers. Continuing on, you will pause for photos at Dingli Cliffs, the island's highest point. Don't miss the chapel dedicated to St. Mary Madgalene on the edge of the cliff. You will then pass through Mdina, known as Melita in Roman times. The Greeks referred to Malta as Melite, a name derived from the word for honey. How fitting, as beekeeping still thrives. An apiarist will show you how honey is produced locally using techniques that haven't changed in centuries. You will also be offered a taste.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Walk through a forest planted in the 1500s with a horticulturalist.
• Gaze out over the sea from the towering Dingli Cliffs, the island’s highest point.
• Watch an apiarist produce honey using techniques dating to Roman times.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Malta has an important place in the history of Europe, not only for its association with the Knights of St. John, but for its extraordinary collection of megalithic temples. Today, you'll learn about both and visit some of the most interesting attractions of the island, in the exclusivity of a small group. Head to Valetta for a walking tour that will take you to the Upper Barracca Gardens. This setting offers an unrivaled panoramic view of Malta's natural harbors and the historic cities of Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa. Continue, to visit the impressive St. John's Co-Cathedral, the Conventual Church of the Order of the Knights of St John. The interior, in sharp contrast with the facade, is extremely ornate. It houses magnificent works of art, including Caravaggio's famous masterpiece - the Beheading of St. John.

Drive to Qrendi and visit Hagar Qim Temple, one of the Megalithic Temples of Malta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a tasty seafood lunch at a restaurant in the picturesque seaside village of Marsaxlokk. Head to Mdina for a stroll through its quaint streets. Visit St. Paul's Cathedral and enjoy the view from the city ramparts. Stop at a village where Maltese craftsmen produce high quality handiworks. During free time, you might want to shop or browse for glass, silver, filigree, leather and linen.

Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Valletta, many of them iconic attractions that define the city. To ensure the best possible results, a selfie expert guide will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting and composition for every shot. Your pictures will be ideal for posting on social media and sharing in other ways.

As you walk and ride through Valletta, you will pause at designated selfie stops that include:
• Mdina Blue Door
• Saint Paul’s Cathedral
• Mdina Gate
• Upper Barrakka Gardens/free
• Auberge de Castille
• Triton Fountain

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions in Valletta.
• Follow tips from your selfie expert guide to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• Travel inland to Mdina to pose at the village’s 18th-century gate and the famed blue door.
• Stroll through the gorgeous Upper Barrakka Gardens, a greenspace created in 1661.
• Stand before the Auberge de Castille, considered the most beautiful building in Valletta.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Be sure your phone or camera is fully charged.

Maximize your time in Malta by seeing the attractions that interest you most and exploring them at your own pace. With the attraction Pass in hand transportation to and from them is included, as well as the entrance fees. Getting around Valletta will be easy because the pass allows you to ride the buses that loop through the capital. Simply hop off at an attraction that sounds intriguing, spend as much time as you like exploring and then hop on another bus when you're ready. The diversity of the attractions is phenomenal. The Malta National Aquarium, where you can see the biodiversity in the surrounding water, Malta's medieval past in Mdina Dungeons, Experience and Cathedral, feeling how ancient times comes to life and understating why this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For an unusual look at the local culture and history, you might watch a technologically cutting-edge film at Malta 5D and see the Malta Experience show. Attractions included: Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour (Yellow Line), The Mdina Dungeons, Mdina Cathedral Museum, Pallazo Falson Historic House, Malta 5D, The Knights of Malta, The Mdina Experience, the Malta National Aquarium, Leave no sight unseen and get the most out of your visit to Malta!

HIGHLIGHTS
• Use the Attraction Pass to see Valletta’s best attractions at no additional cost.
• Ride a bus around town, stopping at the attractions that you find most appealing.
• Stay as long as you like at each attraction to enhance your understanding of it.
• Hop on another bus whenever you please and ride it to another intriguing destination.
• Return to the cruise ship when you’re ready.

Enjoy fun in the sun, clear blue waters and the golden color sand. An approximately 40 minute drive takes you to one of Malta's popular beaches. Enjoy approximately 2.5 hours to swim, walk on the beach, participate in water sports or simply soak up the sun. Watersports are available at an additional charge and equipment can be rented right here, from local vendors.

A visit to the three cities - Senglea, Cospicua & Vittoriosa and a short ride aboard a typical Maltese boat is a great way to learn about Malta's extraordinary past and enjoy its colorful ports. Walk around Senglea, a fortified city in the Grand Harbour for a view of the historic bastions. Drive through Cospicua on your way to Vittoriosa. Its honorific name of Vittoriosa was granted as a result of its victorious stand in the Great Siege of 1565. Walk along the narrow streets of this city, admiring such historic sites as the Church of St. Lawrence and Fort St. Angelo, from the outside.

Embark on a traditional Maltese 'Dghajsa' (boat) for a short trip within the Grand Harbour which served the Knights of St John for 268 years. Many wars were fought here and the British military also used the harbor for many years, but that is all in the past. Today, it is much quieter and you'll enjoy its grandeur and the views from the water's vantage point. Head to Marsaxlokk, for a photo stop and enjoy some free time in the open-air market of this colorful fishing village.

Depart quayside to Mosta to see the famous Basilica Mosta Dome (exterior visit) considered to be the third largest in Europe. The famed 19th century church is visible from almost anywhere on the island. Malta is also known for its fine wine, which you will sample at a local winery, before visiting Mdina Glass in Ta' Qali crafts village. You can watch glass blowers produce beautiful works of art. Another side of Malta shows itself at the formal San Anton Gardens, built and established by Grand Master Antoine de Paule, who ruled the island in the 1600s. The garden's exotic flora includes palms, jacarandas and conifers, some of which are more than 300 years old.

A walking tour of the old and new capital cities of Malta offers you the opportunity to admire many of its treasures. Visit the state rooms and tapestry chambers of the Magisterial Palace, stop at the Upper Barracca Gardens for a unique panoramic view, visit St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta and a walking tour of Mdina.

A short drive around the impressive bastions of Valletta takes you to the new capital city. Walk to the Upper Barracca Gardens for a panoramic view of Malta's natural harbors and the historic cities of Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa. Continue your walk to St. John's Co-Cathedral, the Conventual Church of the Knights of Malta, housing Caravaggio's famous masterpiece - The Beheading of St. John. Continue your walk to the Magisterial Palace, formerly known as the residence of the Grand Masters of the Order, and visit the state rooms and tapestry chamber. Drive to Mdina "The Silent City" and walk through the narrow streets of the town, past St. Paul's Cathedral and the bastions for a panoramic view of the countryside.

Enjoy the island of Malta's most stunning views and learn about its history with minimal walking. Drive through some of its smaller cities, villages and coastline, with stops for photos along the way. This comprehensive excursion takes you on a scenic drive to Vittoriosa one of the three historic cities, where you can see from outside, the church of St Lawrence and Fort St. Angelo. Stop in Marsaxlokk, Malta's largest fishing village, where you'll have free time to enjoy the colorful scenery. Continue your scenic drive through the various villages until you reach Dingli Cliffs - the view from Malta's highest point is spectacular. You'll also drive through Rabat and around the perimeter of Mdina, Malta's former capital city. As you drive through Mosta, you'll see its famous dome, considered as the third largest unsupported dome in Europe.

OVERVIEW

This excursion is for guests that use a cane/walker, have limited mobility issues or for companions of those guest that have booked mobility equipment tour.

Those guests that are fully dependent on their mobility device please book: MLA_A2 ACCESSIBLE Mobility Equipment: National Museum & Silent City.

Tour includes step-free routes, shorter distances and no stairs. Accessible restrooms with wide doors for wheelchairs are present along the tour route. Vehicles are adapted with an access ramp (or lift where available) to accommodate a limited number of wheelchairs and/or mobility scooters. Guides are not allowed to push wheelchairs; therefore, guests needing special assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied.

Head inland to Malta's former capital of Mdina and browse an archaeological museum in Valletta, the capital since 1570. As you will discover, Mdina is now sparsely populated, which spurred its nickname "The Silent City." The lack of people make it even easier to explore this ancient walled city and its abundant medieval and baroque architecture. Back in Valletta, you will visit St. John's Co-Cathedral. Although the outside of St. John's Co-Cathedral is rather severe, the interior is unexpectedly sumptuous. You can't help but be awed by the intricately carved limestone walls, painted vaulted ceiling and altars that depict watershed events in the life of St. John. You will be further enlightened while browsing the National Museum of Archaeology, whose artifacts date to the Neolithic period. You may see tools used by prehistoric people, Phoenician glass and gold, and a large terracotta sarcophagus. Even the building, the Auberge de Provençe, is a work of art.

HIGHLIGHTS

• View the highlights in Mdina, the nearly abandoned former capital known as “The Silent City.”
• Marvel at the sumptuous interior of St. John’s Co-Cathedral in the present capital of Valletta.
• Gain insight into Malta’s past by browsing the esteemed the National Museum of Archaeology.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.

OVERVIEW

This excursion is for guests who are fully dependent on their mobility device. You will be required to supply your own wheelchair/scooter. Your mobility equipment (manual or electric) must not exceed the following dimensions: W 39", L 47", H 62".

Those guests that are companions, use a cane or walker, or have limited mobility issues must book the companion tour code: MLA_A1 ACCESSIBLE Companion: National Museum & Silent City.

Tour includes step-free routes, shorter distances and no stairs. Accessible restrooms with wide doors for wheelchairs are present along the tour route. Vehicles are adapted with an access ramp (or lift where available) to accommodate a limited number of wheelchairs and/or mobility scooters. Guides are not allowed to push wheelchairs; therefore, guests needing special assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied.

Head inland to Malta's former capital of Mdina and browse an archaeological museum in Valletta, the capital since 1570. As you will discover, Mdina is now sparsely populated, which spurred its nickname "The Silent City." The lack of people make it even easier to explore this ancient walled city and its abundant medieval and baroque architecture. Back in Valletta, you will visit St. John's Co-Cathedral. Although the outside of St. John's Co-Cathedral is rather severe, the interior is unexpectedly sumptuous. You can't help but be awed by the intricately carved limestone walls, painted vaulted ceiling and altars that depict watershed events in the life of St. John. You will be further enlightened while browsing the National Museum of Archaeology, whose artifacts date to the Neolithic period. You may see tools used by prehistoric people, Phoenician glass and gold, and a large terracotta sarcophagus. Even the building, the Auberge de Provençe, is a work of art.

HIGHLIGHTS

• View the highlights in Mdina, the nearly abandoned former capital known as “The Silent City.”
• Marvel at the sumptuous interior of St. John’s Co-Cathedral in the present capital of Valletta.
• Gain insight into Malta’s past by browsing the esteemed the National Museum of Archaeology.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.