Christmas in Malta

Today you will fly to Malta. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel which is nestled in the small picturesque town of Mellieha. After settling into your room, the rest of the day is free for you to spend as you please, before meeting for dinner this evening.

We are out and about today, exploring Malta’s capital city, Valletta. Here, your local guide be sharing information about the city's highlights including St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the upper Upper Barrakka Gardens. You will visit the saluting battery and experience the firing of one of the eight replica cannons found there. Another way to relive Malta's gallant history, is by cruising around the two natural harbours on either side of Valletta - Marsamxett Harbour and the Grand Harbour, where you will experience the past and view the magnificent forts, battlements and creeks situated in Valletta and the Three Cities.

Today's included excursion is to the Mosta Dome, Church of Santa Maria, which was modelled on Rome's Pantheon. The church became famous during the Second World War when a bomb crashed through its dome, but miraculously failed to explode.
There will also be a visit to Mdina, which is dominated by its ancient citadel and has a unique atmosphere. Together with the guide we will walk through the narrow streets of this Silent City, as we will in Rabat, where archaeologists discovered the way the Romans used to live during the time they ruled over Malta.

It's Christmas Day, so enjoy a relaxed day at your hotel and a special festive buffet lunch.

Today is a free day, so it's entirely up to you how you spend it. If you're so inclined, join us on an optional excursion to the pretty green island of Gozo, just a short ferry ride away. During the crossing, we'll pass the small island of Comino and on top of one of the rugged cliffs you'll see the Santa Maria Fort, which appeared in the movie 'Count of Monte Cristo'. After stepping ashore on Gozo, we will explore some of the island's highlights. We will visit the shrine of Ta'Pinu, a church set amid beautiful countryside, and Dwejra, where an inland lagoon of saltwater is linked to the sea by a small arch-like tunnel. If time allows, you can take an optional cruise on the lagoon and through the tunnel before we continue to Admiral's Rock. Better known as Fungus Rock, a unique plant with medicinal properties is said to have once grown here. Around lunch time, there's a chance to shop for local handicrafts at a crafts village before the tour continues to the medieval city of Victoria. Here we will explore on foot and visit the Cittadella, a walled city within the city, which has recently been restored. You'll enjoy breathtaking views across the island from the city walls here. Finally, we'll make a stop at the Qala Belvedere to take photos of some more incredible view towards the coast, with the islands of Malta and Comino in the distance.

Today we will transfer you to the airport for your return flight to the UK.