Valletta and the Hidden Gems of Malta

Valletta and the Hidden Gems of Malta

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Valletta and the Hidden Gems of Malta

8 Days Starting and ending in Malta

Visiting: St Paul's Bay, Valletta, Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta, St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta, Naxxar, Palazzo Parisio, Mdina, Mosta, Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady, The Buskett Gardens, Mellieha, Wied iz-Zurrieq, Blue Grotto, Marsaxlokk, Dingli, San Anton Botanical Garden, Cirkewwa, Gozo, Ta' Pinu, Dwejra, Victoria, Cittadella, Qala Belvedere, Senglea, Cospicua, Vittoriosa, Grand Harbour

Tour operator:

Just You

Specialist Group:

Singles Solo

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

15 - 27

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

Tour Overview

Discover the enchanting allure of Malta with our "Valletta and the Hidden Gems of Malta" tour. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Valletta, exploring its open-air museum-like streets and witnessing the daily firing of the saluting battery. Wander through the picturesque towns of Naxxar, Mdina, and Mosta, savoring traditional pastizzi along the way. Experience the vibrant culture with a folklore dinner show and explore the stunning Blue Grotto and the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk. Enjoy a unique dining experience at a family-run agrifarm and relax in the serene San Anton Botanical Garden. With a dedicated holiday director and guaranteed private accommodations, this tour offers a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation, ensuring an unforgettable Maltese adventure.

Highlights

  • Visit the saluting battery in Valletta and experience the firing of the cannon.

  • Explore Valletta on a walking tour, including the Upper Barraka Gardens and St John's Co-Cathedral.

  • Discover the fishing village of Marsaxlokk and the stunning Blue Grotto.

  • Taste traditional Maltese pastizzi, a savoury pastry, during the tour of Naxxar, Mdina, and Mosta.

  • Enjoy a folklore dinner show with traditional Maltese dancing.

  • Visit the San Anton Botanical Garden near the presidential palace.

  • Optional excursion to the island of Gozo, including the shrine of Ta' Pinu and Dwejra Bay.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 Malta

St Paul's Bay

Location: St Paul's Bay

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: AX Odycy Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Make your own way to the hotel where your Holiday Director will meet you for your welcome meeting that evening.

Day 2 Valletta

Valletta, Malta
Barrakka Gardens, Valletta

Location: Valletta, Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta, St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: AX Odycy Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today's tour of Valletta will unfold the history of this magnificent city which was built by the Knights of St John during the 16th and 17th centuries. Valletta is often referred to as 'one big open air museum', and this is evident as you start to explore and discover something different around every corner. Our walking tour of Valletta includes the Upper Barraka Gardens, which offer stunning views of the Grand Harbour and its magnificent fortifications. You'll also enjoy the amazing experience of the saluting battery, which is fired every day at noon. A talk by enthusiastic, costumed guides who explain how the cannon is loaded and fired is not to be missed, and visitors may even get to help load the cannon. Walking down the main street lets us also admire numerous historical buildings built by the Knights of St John including the Auberges, Palazzos and St John's Co-Cathedral – home to Caravaggio's masterpiece 'Beheading of St John' amongst other treasures.

Day 3 Naxxar, Mdina & Mosta

Statue of Christ, Gozo

Location: Naxxar, Palazzo Parisio, Mdina, Mosta, Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady, The Buskett Gardens

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: AX Odycy Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today's tour takes us to the picturesque town of Naxxar, home to Palazzo Parisio. Touring this 18th century stately home offers a great insight to Malta's historic nobility and their enchanting way of life. We will also visit Mdina, Malta's ancient capital that sits majestically on the hilltop at the centre of the island and which is considered to be one of the jewels of Malta. This ancient walled city is one of the best examples of medieval fortifications, and the quiet, narrow streets are full of atmosphere and are great for exploring. The city provides some magnificent views of the entire Maltese landscape. A light snack is included in this tour where you will taste the delicious 'Pastizzi', a traditional savoury pastry. And then, to round off our Historical visits, we will stop in at the city of Mosta, home to the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady, that boasts one of the largest unsupported dome roofs in the world. A small stop at The Buskett Gardens will be made along the way, which is located in the fertile valley of Wied il-Luq, Siggiewi.

Day 4 Folklore Dinner Show

Mellieha

Location: Mellieha

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: AX Odycy Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After a free day to explore and relax at your leisure, we head out for an evening of folklore dancing & dinner, featuring six dancers who lure you into a jovial story of Maltese history told through dance. At some point, you may be hand-picked to join them on the dancefloor - a truly unforgettable night!

Day 5 Blue Grotto & Marsaxlokk

Mosta

Location: Wied iz-Zurrieq, Blue Grotto, Marsaxlokk, Dingli, San Anton Botanical Garden

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: AX Odycy Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Our first stop on today's tour includes a visit to Wied iz-Zurrieq (Valley of Zurrieq) and a visit to the Blue Grotto. Further on, we will arrive into the quaint fishing village of Marsaxlokk, characterised by its low lying buildings and colourful traditional fishing boats known as 'luzzu'. Today's lunch is in Dingli, where you'll have a unique opportunity to be guests at a restaurant of the Diar Il-Bniet Estate, a third generation family-run agrifarm of 600 acres. On the way home, we will be visiting the San Anton Botanical Garden near the presidential palace before heading back to the hotel.

Day 6 at Leisure

Marsaxlokk

Location: Cirkewwa, Gozo, Ta' Pinu, Dwejra, Victoria, Cittadella, Qala Belvedere

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: AX Odycy Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is free for you to explore at your leisure. Alternatively, there is an optional excursion available. In the morning, we'll travel to Cirkewwa in the north of Malta where you'll board a ferry for a short crossing to the island of Gozo. You'll notice that Gozo is much greener than Malta and has certain differing characteristics. On arrival, we will be met by a Local Guide and start our tour that includes a visit to shrine of Ta' Pinu. This important church is set in a stunning location on the edge of a ridge in open countryside, and provides beautiful views of the surrounding area. Another stop is the area known as 'Dewjra'. Here, you'll explore interesting geological sites including Dwejra Bay and the Inland Sea – a lagoon of seawater accessible to the open sea via a small tunnel through the cliff. Another of Dwejra's geological delights is the Admiral's Rock or as it is better known, Fungus Rock, a special plant is said to grow here which has various medical cures. We will be stopping off along the journey for lunch and to spend time wandering through the Craft villages on the island. where you can view local handmade pottery, mouth-blown glass, Gozo lace and silver filigree. Ideal if you want to pick up a souvenir. There will be a short walk through the busy little city of Victoria, known locally as Rabat and the Cittadellla - a small walled city within the city, where only a small number of families still live. Upon return to the ferry port of Gozo, we will pass through some small villages, and if time allows, stop at Qala Belvedere where there is an amazing scenic view of the landscape cascading down to the coast, with the smallest island of Comino in the distance. Our tour will then head back to the ferry for our return to Malta and transfer back to the hotel.

Day 7 at Leisure

Senglea

Location: Senglea, Cospicua, Vittoriosa, Grand Harbour

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: AX Odycy Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today choose to enjoy the hotel facilities or why not join our optional excursion to The Three Cities of Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa, located to the south of Valletta, which form part of the magnificent Grand Harbour.

Day 8 Departure

Valletta, Malta
Valletta

Location: Valletta

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today it's time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers as your trip comes to an end.

What's Included

  • Just You Holiday Director as your host & specialist Local Guide

    A dedicated Just You Holiday Director and a specialist local guide will accompany you throughout the trip.

  • 7 nights in a 4-star hotel

    Enjoy a 7-night stay in a 4-star hotel.

  • A guaranteed twin or double room of your own

    You are guaranteed your own twin or double room without any single supplement.

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What's Not Included

Overseas transfers to and from the airport

Transfers to and from the airport are not included.

Mode of Transport

Transportation is provided for all tours and excursions, excluding overseas transfers to and from the airport. Enjoy the convenience of coach travel to explore Malta's hidden gems.

Accommodation

Enjoy a comfortable stay at the AX Odycy Hotel, a 4-star accommodation offering a guaranteed twin or double room of your own, ensuring privacy and relaxation throughout your 7-night stay.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experience is offered during the Valletta city tour?

    During the Valletta city tour, you will have the unique experience of witnessing the saluting battery being fired at noon. Enthusiastic, costumed guides will explain how the cannon is loaded and fired, and visitors may even get the chance to help load the cannon.

  • What can I expect from the folklore dinner show?

    The folklore dinner show features six dancers who tell a jovial story of Maltese history through dance. Guests may be invited to join the dancers on the dancefloor, making it a truly unforgettable night.

  • What is special about the fishing village of Marsaxlokk?

    Marsaxlokk is characterized by its low-lying buildings and colorful traditional fishing boats known as 'luzzu'. It offers a picturesque view of a traditional Maltese fishing village.

  • What is included in the tour of Naxxar, Mdina, and Mosta?

    The tour includes a visit to Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar, exploring the ancient walled city of Mdina with its medieval fortifications, and a stop at the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady in Mosta, which has one of the largest unsupported dome roofs in the world. You will also taste 'Pastizzi', a traditional Maltese pastry.

  • What optional excursions are available during the tour?

    Optional excursions include a trip to the island of Gozo, where you can visit the shrine of Ta' Pinu, explore geological sites like Dwejra Bay, and visit craft villages. Another optional excursion is to The Three Cities of Senglea, Cospicua, and Vittoriosa, located to the south of Valletta.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    All the people in your group will be solo travellers and will share your sense of adventure and passion for travel. There’s usually a good mix of ages too, so you’ll meet a variety of solo travellers who have more, or in some cases less, life experience. We find the overall mix of people really adds to the whole experience and there are certainly plenty of l

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    A few years ago we set up Just You Cares, a programme that gives back to some of the places we love. We have always believed in taking care of the communities we visit, and have taken the time to really get to know the local people and understand the challenges they face. Some of our holidays give our Customers the chance to see how the money from their trips has been spent.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Just You, we are committed to operating our business operations responsibly, with integrity and always act ethically in all our business dealings and relationships. We are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking does not take place in our own business or in any of our supply chains

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If we can accommodate a change in date - we will always do our best to help you. Just pick up the phone and ask one of our friendly advisors - just make sure you have your booking number to hand.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes, and all of our accommodation providers will be working to the very highest standards of hygiene – you already always enjoy a private room of your own on all of our trips, all of our partners will be guided by local government operational standards of hygiene and the new protocols we have issued to them.

  • Will I eat alone?

    We find there’s always a social element to dining, so you’ll never eat alone, unless you want to! Every holiday includes a welcome get-together, all breakfasts and many other meals. When a meal is not included we find travellers meet and dine together.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    No, given the nature of our holidays, it is not possible to join the tour once it has departed.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Just You has been operating solo holidays for more than 15 years.

  • Am I guaranteed a room of my own?

    Of course, you’ll always have a twin or double room all to yourself. It’s great to have that space to relax and reflect at the end of the day. In some hotels you can also pay a little extra to upgrade for more space or a lovely sea view.

  • What is the typical age range on a Just You holiday?

    Typically, our customers are solo travellers in their 40s, 50s and 60s, but it’s quite possible you could meet 20-year-olds or 70-year-olds (or anyone in between)... After all, age is just a number!

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We have received the World Travel and Tourism Councils (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp, which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world. The 'Safe Travels' stamp provides you, with assurance and peace of mind that we have implemented enhanced health and hygiene prprotocols on all holidays.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Once you book, you will receive a confirmation invoice within 7 days, prior to departure, we will send you further information to help prepare for your trip.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Just You is exclusively for solo travellers, every tour includes a twin or double room of your own, with no single supplement.

Reviews of this operator

Jenny Elliott  

Fabulous Holiday with Just You

28-Oct-2021

Fabulous holiday with Just You - well organised, excellent accommodation and our tour leader absolutely made the trip! Would highly recommend.

Featured on Trustpilot
Russell Kerfoot  

Travels 2013 -2019

21/06/2021

Have taken about 15 tours with JY, mainly long haul, and found the experience exhilarating. Apart from the company's professionalism and extensive and varied tour options, I have made so many friends for life. Looking forward to resuming my travels in 2022.

Featured on Trustpilot
jean thornton (Google Reviewer)  

My short trip to Versailles...

08-Sep-2024

My short trip to Versailles & Monet’s garden with ‘just you’ was excellent. Tessa our guide gave 101%. Beautiful hotel and surroundings. A very friendly bunch of people and a mix of all ages. Will definitely be going with them again.

Tyler Kerr (Google Reviewer)  

Apologies in advance to the...

09-Jun-2024

Apologies in advance to the business as my holiday was the Eastern Wonders tour in Canada in June 2023 but some things happened shortly after which I had to focus on and then I kept forgetting to write a review. This was hands down the best holiday I’ve ever had. My coeliac disease was no issue whatsoever and the tour guide ‘Johanna’ is an absolute credit to Just You. She along with all of the other tour guides in the city stops were knowledgeable and great fun. The only day I felt wasn’t necessary for that time of year was Mont-Tremblant and the Holiday Inn there wasn’t the best but every other hotel was wonderful. Everyday was well-balanced with little tours to see the gorgeous sights in each location whilst still leaving us with plenty of time for our own exploration. The coach driver ‘Dave’ was also a really lovely chap. We always felt very safe with him behind the wheel and, should Just You offer this tour again someday, I would definitely recommend it. I will be using this company again and I can’t wait. I’d also like to thank the team at Just You over the phone and the representative at Heathrow who helped me as I’m on the autism spectrum and can get overwhelmed. Lovely company and very well priced in my opinion. With everything we did it would have cost around double if you’d made this trip independently.

Alistair Chattaway (Google Reviewer)  

A shame that there are...

14-Aug-2024

A shame that there are a lot of negative reviews regarding Just You as I recently went on their tour of Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast... it was a fantastic trip and I was part of a lovely group of people. The tour guide (Michela) was fantastic and the staff members in the hotel in Pompeii were really friendly and accommodating. As I have certain dietary requirements, the staff in the hotel went to every length to accommodate these needs... and whereas no hotel is ever perfect, I had a quiet and comfortable room and it was more than adequate for my needs. The additional tours were fantastic and the tours of the Pompeii ruins, Herculaneum, Capri, Ravello and Amalfi Coast were well planned. The tour guides were really knowledgeable about the area and it really took my breath away. I didn't like Naples very much but the museum and its exhibitions were really worth the short visit there. Four of the guest flew in on earlier flights from different parts of the UK and rather than keep us waiting at the airport, a separate transfer was organised to get us to the hotel in good time for some rest. The other guests on the tour were really friendly and no one felt left out at any point... and the group size (17 people) was perfect. A lot of the guests had already been on previous holidays with Just You and had really good things to say... so, having been skeptical due to the negative reviews I read before I went on the holiday, I wanted to write a positive review as I had a lovely time on this holiday... to the point that I will definitely book another holiday with Just You in the future.

aled blackshaw (Google Reviewer)  

Been on 5 holidays with...

13-Oct-2023

Been on 5 holidays with this company they have generally been good but the prices have risen considerably and i feel do not provide true value for money. In my opinion all the excursions and meals should be included in the total cost as they not worth the extra cost. Also they are very dismissive of any complaints once you have paid for the holiday they are not interested. I think i will try another company next time

Sue Sweeney (Google Reviewer)  

Great holidays for singles. I've been...

28-Jun-2023

Great holidays for singles. I've been on 4 holidays with them. Only issue is the hotel rooms. They generally use 3* hotels and I've booked at the same time and price as my friends but the difference in rooms is unbelievable. I've been lucky, but I've heard horror stories from friends of rooms like a dungeon with one small high window whilst I've had a fabulous sea view.

COLIN BROAD (Google Reviewer)  

I went on a spirit...

08-Apr-2024

I went on a spirit of an India trip with Amritsar add on. It looks good in the brochure, but things aren’t always as they seem. If like me you like a toilet break every two hours (discussed with the company in depth in advance) or have a hidden disability. then this holiday is not for you - use a different holiday company! Their planned toilet stops are every 3.5 hours, so ladies bring your pads and gents be prepared for “natural stops” while all the passengers watch you out the window or bring a bottle and a blanket as a screen. The Taj Mahal in Agra was good, along with the two trips to the Ganges river and the Golden Temple at Amritsar too. Rarely are you in the same spot for more than one night and a 6 hour daily coach or train journey became the norm. It was a shame that there was not an opportunity to enjoy the hotels that we’d obviously paid a lot of money for. If you’re looking for tigers in the game park, don’t get your hopes up. 99% unlikely. It is also a disappointment that there is little opportunity to explore the areas in the major cities that we’d traveled too If you are lucky enough to find some companionship from the opposite sex and wish to be bring them “home” this is frowned upon by the company - even if you have paid extra due double occupancy as required by the hotel I received a letter on holiday basically saying that the two hourly toilet stops required (and discussed in advance) due to diabetes was a disruption to the schedule. That photos sent to me by a girlfriend were “illicit”. Photo uploaded - make your own mind up” Also that managing to get lucky a couple of times and bringing them back to the hotel was an issue - very strange due a so called singles holiday

Maureen May (Google Reviewer)  

Just returned from St Lucia....

29-Feb-2024

Just returned from St Lucia. Hotel dreadfully shabby. Breakfasts very limited with very little fresh fruit. Our hotel was a 20 minute walk in 29C or a free bus on the hour to the beach and sister hotel. Location good for nearby local shopping and restaurants. The sunset cruise was brilliant as was the whale watching, but surf and safari trip was a disaster. We travelled in two open topped trucks with a two and a half hour drive to the surfing destination. During the trip smoke started from the gear box and we had to abandon the vehicle until the situation was rectified, which, to their credit, was sorted very quickly. Unfortunately the sea was too rough for the boat so we had to return back in the trucks. Extremely uncomfortable on side bench seats, hanging on in the rain. So, all in all we don’t over 6 hours on the trucks - not good. The tour guide left before the 5 day extension period without a handover to the local tour operators. No Information was given except by the hotel. I had already booked to go the Athens with Just You in May, now I wish I hadn’t.

Sunlight59 (Google Reviewer)  

Booked the French & Italian...

12-May-2024

Booked the French & Italian Riviera. Too much travelling on the coach. Most journeys to places were around 2 hours or more. No toilet facilities unless you go into a cafe to buy something. The group were lovely but mostly retired and older. Didn’t have much in common. The hotel was comfortable and clean. Vegetarians had mainly different types of cooked eggs for dinner. But plenty of food. However the hotel Toscana in Alessio does cater for families with children so noisy at night for the last few days of the holiday. Paid a lot of money for this holiday. Did not meet my expectations as per brochure.

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Just You requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 84 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of just you charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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