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Valletta City Break A History-Focused Long Weekend
Valletta
This four-day city break takes in the historic highlights of Malta’s capital, beginning with a guided walking tour to find your bearings and soak in some culture. Next on the agenda is a trip to the south coast, where you’ll see a different side to the island away from the bustle of the city – expect colourful fishing ports, ancient temples and dramatic sea caves.
Your final full day is spent in the harbour surrounding Valletta, visiting the famous Three Cities – three fortified cities that played a key part in Malta’s maritime trade – and travelling on a traditional water taxi. Cameras at the ready…
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Pack those bags and head to the airport nice and early – Malta is calling. Speed through security and settle into the lounge for a spot of breakfast before boarding your three-hour flight to Valletta.
Once you’ve landed, you’ll be met for the short drive to your hotel, where you’ll be staying for the next three nights. Settle in and unpack before heading back out to find a spot for some lunch (consult our handy Dossier for our favourite places).
This afternoon, hit the ground running with a walking tour of the city. Wander through Valletta's beautiful Baroque streets as your guide explains the city's rich history, visiting St John's Co-Cathedral and the beautiful Grand Masters Palace. Finally, finish at the Upper Barracca Gardens at sunset, where the views stretch across the Grand Harbour.
After your tour, head out for a cocktail and to sample the wares of another excellent restaurant (if it's on the menu, try the braised rabbit - a delicious Maltese speciality).
After breakfast this morning, your driver and guide will pick you up from your hotel for a full-day private tour of the southern tip of Malta. This is by far the most unspoilt stretch of the island, tucked away from the tourist crowds and characterised by colourful fishing ports.
Begin by taking in the fascinating prehistoric caves at Ghar Dalam, where your guide will point out cave paintings and fill you in on how the first humans came to live on Malta over 7,000 years ago. Two more important ancient sites are up next, namely the Mnajdra and Hagar Qim temples – both of which have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Round off the day with a boat tour of the Blue Grotto, a network of sea caves, where the turquoise waters reflect blue onto the cave walls.
After your tour, you’ll be privately transferred back to Valletta in time for drinks and dinner (yes, please).
This morning, you’ll be picked up for a guided tour of the ‘Three Cities’, the three fortified cities surrounding Valletta’s harbour: Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea.
Once home to the Knights of St John, these cities reflect Malta’s rich maritime history. Each has its own character and charm, and your guide will show you around all three, pointing out highlights along the way. In Vittoriosa, explore the Inquisitor’s Palace and the Maritime Museum; in Cospicua and Senglea, there are beautiful churches to admire.
Then, catch a traditional Maltese water taxi, known as a dghajsa, along the fortifications of the Grand Harbour to see the Three Cities from the water. These taxis have buzzed around the harbour for centuries, ferrying sailors and locals across the water.
The boat will then drop you back in Valletta, so amble back to your hotel on foot, perhaps scoping out somewhere for your final dinner in Malta.
Today, it’s sadly time to wave goodbye to Valletta. Enjoy one last hotel breakfast and wander around the city before meeting your driver for the transfer back to the airport.
The flight takes around three and a half hours – just enough time to settle in, look through your holiday snaps and start plotting your next city break…
Why visit Malta with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Malta
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
