Discover Malta at Christmas

Malta beckons as you depart on your flight to the Mediterranean isle. When you arrive, we will transfer you to your hotel. Here, you can relax and take in the dazzling views out to the Mediterranean Sea, and there's free time before dinner to savour the first magical moments of your holiday.

A full day of exploration starts with Mosta Village and guided visit to its domed 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. Step inside to see the damaged tiles and a replica of the 200kg bomb.
Next, your tour concludes with a walking tour of Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea. Collectively known as the Three Cities, they were built and fortified by the Knights of Malta and their picturesque narrow streets are home to historic buildings and churches. At Vittoriosa's waterfront you'll see the former Palace of the General of the Galleys and the Order of St John's Treasury. Then in Senglea you can enjoy spectacular views from the lookout situated in the centre of the Grand Harbour. it's a fascinating place to learn about Maltese history and culture.

After breakfast, you'll get to know Malta's capital Valletta, a World Heritage City brimming with historical sites. First, you'll head to the Barrakka Gardens, which are laid out on part of the city's old fortifications and offer magnificent views of the famous Grand Harbour. You'll then visit the Saluting Battery, where one of eight replica cannons is fired daily at midday. It promises to be a very special experience, as we meet the volunteer responsible for firing the gun and they tell us a little more about the history of this ritual. Then, as midday approaches, you may be invited to help prepare the cannon, and we'll watch and listen as it is fired - you may need to cover your ears! Afterwards, we'll explore Valletta's main streets on foot. You'll see many historic buildings built by the Knights of St John, such as the Auberges and the magnificent St John's Co-Cathedral, where Caravaggio's masterpiece 'Beheading of St John the Baptist' is on display.

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 it continues to Admiral's Rock. Better known as Fungus Rock, a unique plant with medicinal properties is said to have once grown there. There's a chance to shop for local handicrafts including pottery, glass and lace at the Fontana Cottage Crafts Village. Then we will enjoy lunch at the private estate, overlooking the medieval village of Gharb. There will be a selection of Gozitan wines served with traditional local bread and sheep's cheese. In the afternoon we'll explore the medieval city of Victoria on foot and visit the Cittadella, a walled city within the city, which has recently been restored. If you choose to walk along the walls here, you'll enjoy breathtaking views across the island. Finally, we'll make a stop at the Qala Belvedere to take photos of the incredible view towards the coast, with the islands of Malta and Comino in the distance. Tonight, we'll gather together for a Christmas Eve meal back at the hotel.

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

You're free to relax or explore at your own pace. If you fancy an excursion, join us on our optional tour to Marsaxlokk, a fishing village on the island's south coast with a picturesque harbour filled with colourful boats. Then enjoy a visit to the Blue Grotto caves, a series of seven dramatic sea caves. You can experience this spectacular natural wonder up close by boat if you wish, for a fantastic photo opportunity. This evening we will all get together over a fabulous dinner whilst watching a jovial story of Maltese history told through dance - a truly unforgettable night to bring this festive week to its end.

Starting with a visit to the historic town of Rabat, famous for its well-preserved catacombs that date back to the Roman times. Following this, lunch will be in the village of Dingli on a local familys 600-acre farm. We’ll learn about the traditional process of making olive oil and enjoy a lunch of specialities which have been cooked by the family for generations. This unique experience will give you a moving, heart-warming taste of rural and family life on Malta. After lunch, our final destination will be Mdina, famously referred to as the Silent City. This former capital city is essentially a living museum, enveloped entirely by fortified walls and boasting a labyrinth of narrow passageways adorned with elegant Patrician homes, baroque churches, convents, and opulent palaces. A leisurely walk through this city of contrasting shadows and brilliant illumination will provide us with a deeper insight into the captivating history of Malta.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.