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8 Day itinerary in Malta, Europe

Malta Classic Itinerary | Explore Valletta and Beyond

This Malta itinerary offers seven days of cultural exploration and relaxation, taking you through historic cities, ancient temples, scenic coastlines, and vibrant fishing villages. Experience Valletta, Mdina, Gozo, and southern Malta while enjoying Mediterranean sunshine and local heritage.

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Kenneth

By Kenneth

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Valletta

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Rural home stays

Indigenous culture

Visit markets

Meet local people

Culture & Heritage

Start/End

Night

Highlights

1

Stroll through Valletta’s historic streets and gardens

2

Wander the medieval alleys of Mdina and visit its cathedral

3

Sample local wines at a renowned estate near Mdina

4

Discover Marsaxlokk’s colorful boats and Blue Grotto

Itinerary

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Day 1

place Day 1: Arrival in Malta | Transfer to Hotel

After you clear customs at Malta International Airport, you are greeted by a multilingual representative. This person assists you with your luggage and guides you to your transportation. You are then transferred directly from the airport to your hotel, where you can settle in and prepare for the days ahead.


Malta’s strategic location in the Mediterranean has made it a crossroads of cultures and civilizations for thousands of years.


Day 2

place Day 2: Valletta Exploration | Historic Landmarks and City Walk

You depart from your hotel with a guide for a full day exploring Valletta, Malta’s capital. Your first stop is the Upper Barracca Gardens, where you take in panoramic views of the Grand Harbour. Next, you visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral, known for its ornate interior and historical treasures dating back to the era of the Knights of Malta.


Midday, you have free time for lunch or a snack in a convenient location of your choice, as lunch is not included in today’s tour.


In the afternoon, you continue to the Grand Masters Palace’s State Rooms, exploring their historic significance. The day concludes with a visit to the Malta Experience, a multi-vision show that presents over 5,000 years of Maltese history.


Valletta, founded in the 16th century, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its well-preserved architecture and historical importance.


Day 3

place Day 3: Mdina, Rabat, Dingli, and Mosta | Ancient Cities and Scenic Cliffs

You begin the day by leaving your hotel for a full-day excursion. Your first destination is the Dingli Cliffs, where you stop to capture photographs of the dramatic coastal views. The journey continues to Mdina, Malta’s former capital known as the silent city. Here, you walk through winding medieval streets and reach the imposing bastions, which offer sweeping views across the island. You also visit the Mdina Cathedral during your time in the city.


Lunch is not included, so you have free time in an appropriate location to enjoy a meal or snack at your own pace.


Following lunch, you travel to Rabat to explore St. Paul’s Catacombs, an extensive underground burial site. The tour then leads you to the Botanical Gardens of San Anton, where you can appreciate the landscaped grounds. The final stop of the day is the Mosta Dome, notable for having the third largest unsupported dome in Europe.


Mdina’s nickname, “the silent city,” reflects its quiet atmosphere and centuries-old heritage as Malta’s medieval capital.


Guide: Included for the day

Day 4

place Day 4: Harbour Cruise | Valletta and The Three Cities by Sea

You leave your hotel and head to Sliema Ferries, where you board a pleasure boat for a 90-minute harbor cruise. The route takes you around Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour, offering a unique perspective on Valletta and the Three Cities from the water.


During the cruise, you learn about the history of Valletta and the Three Cities, including their connections to the Great Sieges of 1565 and 1942. The journey allows you to view historical forts, battlements, and creeks that are only visible from the sea.


The Grand Harbour has served as Malta’s principal maritime gateway since Phoenician times, shaping the island’s naval history.


Guide: Included for the day

Day 5

place Day 5: Three Cities and Wine Tasting | Senglea, Vittoriosa, Cospicua

You depart from your hotel for a full day dedicated to exploring the Three Cities—Senglea, Vittoriosa, and Cospicua. The tour begins with a drive through Cospicua, followed by a walking tour in Vittoriosa. In Vittoriosa, you visit St. Lawrence Church and the Inquisitor’s Palace, gaining insight into the area’s religious and historical significance.


The day continues as you travel to the Meridiana Wine Estate in Ta’ Qali, a leading site for indigenous wine production. Here, you tour the estate and learn about vine cultivation. You then enjoy a light lunch paired with a tasting of wines produced on the estate, which sits just beneath the fortifications of Mdina.


The Three Cities are among Malta’s oldest settlements and played a central role during the Knights of St. John’s rule.


Guide: Included for the day

Day 6

place Day 6: Gozo Island Discovery | Temples, Caves, and Coastal Views

You leave your hotel and travel to Cirkewwa, where you board the Gozo Ferry for a 20-minute crossing to Mgarr Harbour on Malta’s sister island. Upon arrival in Gozo, you set out on a guided tour that includes the Ggantija Temples, one of the world’s oldest free-standing structures, as well as Calypso’s Cave and the Citadel in Victoria.


Lunch is not included today, so you have free time in a suitable location to enjoy a meal or snack at your own pace.


In the afternoon, you visit Xlendi Bay, known for its scenic coastline, and Dwejra, famous for the Azure Window and the Inland Sea. An optional boat trip at Dwejra is available for an additional cost. After completing your tour of Gozo, you return to Malta.


Gozo is renowned for its rural landscapes and ancient sites, offering a distinct atmosphere from the main island of Malta.


Guide: Included for the day

Day 7

place Day 7: South Malta Exploration | Marsaxlokk, Blue Grotto, and Prehistoric Sites

You start the day by departing your hotel for a full-day tour focused on southern Malta. Your first stop is Marsaxlokk, a fishing village known for its waterfront lined with colorful ‘Luzzu’ boats painted in traditional reds, blues, and yellows. Next, you continue by coach to Birzebbugia before arriving at the Blue Grotto in Wied iz-Zurrieq. Here, you have the option to take a short boat trip at an extra cost to view the vivid blue sea and underwater flora in the grottoes.


Lunch is not included, so you have free time in a convenient location to enjoy a meal or snack.


After lunch, you visit the Hagar Qim temples, notable for their excellent preservation and evidence of ancient craftsmanship. The last stop of the day is the Ghar Dalam Caves, recognized as one of the earliest human settlements on the islands.


Marsaxlokk’s Sunday fish market and traditional boats reflect Malta’s enduring fishing heritage and coastal culture.


Guide: Included for the day

Day 8

place Day 8: Departure from Malta | Airport Transfer

You check out of your hotel and prepare for your journey home. A luxury air-conditioned coach transports you from your accommodation to Malta International Airport. Throughout your transfer, a representative accompanies you to ensure a smooth departure process.


Malta International Airport serves as the primary gateway for travelers, connecting the islands to major European cities.


What’s Included

Transport expand_less

  • Ground transfers throughout Valletta
  • Airport drop off in Malta
  • Airport pick up in Malta

Activities expand_less

  • City tour of Valletta
  • Visit the Upper Barracca Gardens
  • Explore the Grand Masters Palace’s State Rooms
  • Walk through Mdina, the silent city
  • Visit St. Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat
  • Explore the Botanical Gardens of San Anton
  • Embark on a harbor cruise
  • Enjoy a wine tour and tasting
  • Tour Gozo’s Ggantija Temples, Calypso’s Cave, and the Citadel in Victoria
  • Full day tour of the South of Malta

Not Included expand_less

  • International flights to and from destination
  • Mandatory travel insurance
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Visa or entry requirements
  • Meals not specified as included
  • Activities not specified as included

About Kenneth

TEAM LEAD

verified Baboo Certified

Expertise: 

Kayak & Canoe

Snorkeling/Diving

Hiking

Cycling

A veteran in the industry, Kenneth is considered as a true gentleman and enjoys respect by both customers and colleagues for his loyalty. After over 35 years in the incoming travel business he still has not lost any of the passion that goes with it!

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