Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Savour the Slow Life in Malta and Gozo Baroque Architecture and Cerulean Seas
Malta – Gozo Island – Valletta – San Lawrenz
Begin in Valletta, where grand Baroque churches, maritime museums and sun-soaked squares await. After finding your feet in Malta’s capital with a private tour, explore the honey-hued streets at your own pace, in search of the perfect souvenir.
Then, catch a ferry to San Lawrenz, on Gozo Island, for the second leg of your trip. Perched on the west of the island, this scenic coastal village boasts craggy cliffs and shimmering waters. Mooch around the well-stocked markets, tuck into a flaky pastizz (ricotta pastry) and hop in a kayak to see Gozo’s coastline from a new perspective.
Simply surrender to the laid-back lifestyle of this Mediterranean gem and leave with a taste for the slower side of life.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Your laidback Mediterranean escape to Malta and Gozo begins today. Head to the airport, whizz through security and unwind in the lounge with some complimentary nibbles before boarding your three-hour flight to Valetta.
When you arrive, you’ll be privately transferred to your charming hotel in the city’s historic centre, just steps from the harbour and the National Archaeological Museum. This will be your home away from home for the next four nights, so unpack, take a dip in the pool and explore your new surroundings.
This afternoon, we recommend browsing your detailed destination Dossier for inspiration on what to see and do. And, when it comes to dinner this evening, we can pre-book a table at one of the best restaurants in town. Time to tuck in…
Malta may be small, but it certainly packs a punch. After breakfast, your expert guide will meet you at your hotel for a private day trip to Valletta and Mdina.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Valletta was established in 1566 by the Knights of St John. As you wander, explore the 16th-century St John's Co-Cathedral, the beautifully restored Grand Master’s Palace in the heart of St George’s Square and the National Museum of Archaeology.
Then, make your way to Mdina, an ancient Medieval city, where narrow streets and charming squares await. Your next stop is St Paul’s Cathedral, which, according to legend, stands on the very spot where St Paul was met by the Roman governor, Publius, after washing up on Malta’s shores. Rebuilt just five years after it was damaged in the 1693 Sicily Earthquake, this Baroque beauty is positively steeped in history.
Rise and shine – there’s plenty more Maltese marvels to discover over the next couple of days.
Lose yourself in Valletta’s maze-like streets, popping in and out of cute cafés and eye-catching boutiques as you hunt for the perfect souvenir.
If you’re in the mood for a little culture, why not attend a performance at the Manoel Theatre, the third oldest operating theatre in Europe? Built in 1731 and commissioned by Antonio Manoel de Vilhena, this historic theatre still boasts plenty of its original features, from its white marble staircase to its ornate ceiling.
Keen to see another side to Malta? We can also arrange a visit to the Three Cities – Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Senglea – with a private guide. Or, head underground to the UNESCO-listed Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, a burial complex dating back to between 4000 BC and 1500BC.
After breakfast this morning, it’s time to wave goodbye to Valletta and set your sights on Gozo. It’s a short drive to the port, where you’ll board a ferry for the half-hour crossing before settling into island life.
Check in for three nights at your traditional hotel, set in the lush Mediterranean countryside, where you can embrace the slower pace, relax and put your feet up.
After lunch, we’d also recommend exploring your new surroundings – we’ll include a Gozo-specific Dossier with your final documents, so you can tick off some must-see spots before dinner.
Today is all about uncovering Gozo’s lesser-trodden treasures. With fishing villages, local markets and sandy coves waiting around every corner, you’ll want to have your camera on hand as you explore.
Whether on foot, by bike or by canoe, there are plenty of ways to discover this tiny island. Head to Pjazza Indipendenza, or ‘It-Tokk’ as it’s known locally, and browse the rows of market stalls. Pick up a jar of rich sun-dried tomatoes, scout for souvenirs or pop into the charming cafés that surround the square.
If you want to spend the afternoon soaking up the scenery, follow quiet alleyways to Baroque-style churches, where ornate, marble interiors await, or stretch your legs on a relaxing walk along the cliffs for swoon-worthy coastal views.
Calling all watersport enthusiasts: today’s activity has your name written all over it. Fill up on a hearty breakfast before setting off on a private kayaking trip around Gozo.
Hop in a kayak and glide along Gozo’s rugged coastline, passing picturesque sea caves and secluded beaches. Paddle towards the 17th-century St Mary's Tower, perched on the small island of Comino, to admire the postcard-perfect views.
If you fancy exploring underwater, today’s optional activity is diving. Gozo Island is famed for its crystal-clear seas and excellent visibility, so pull on your flippers and prepare to discover vibrant reefs and historic wrecks.
And just like that, it’s time to say goodbye to Malta and Gozo. This morning, you’ll be privately transferred back to the ferry port before heading to the airport for your three-and-a-half-hour direct flight to London. Tune into our destination-specific playlist for the journey home as you flick through your camera roll and reminisce about cobbled streets, limestone cliffs and glittering water.
Suggestions
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
GOOD THINGS COME IN THREES
Step back in time as you discover the Three Cities surrounding Valletta's Grand Harbour. Shaped by the Knights of St John, these fortified towns provide a glimpse into the island's maritime history, with churches, palaces and bastions at every turn. Visit Vittoriosa’s Maritime Museum (Malta’s largest) and the Inquisitor's Palace, before heading to Cospicua and Senglea to explore further.ENTRANCE TO THE HAL SAFLIENI HYPOGEUM
Explore the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum in Paola, overlooking Valletta's Grand Harbour. One of Malta’s most noteworthy prehistoric sites, it was discovered in 1902 and was one of the first Maltese entries on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Explore the burial complex’s three levels, connected by underground passages and halls and uncover pottery, personal ornaments and figurines.DIVE IN GOZO
Plunge beneath the water in Gozo, one of Europe's most renowned diving destinations, to spot barracudas, scorpionfish, wrasse, groupers, sardines, lobsters and moray eels. As if that isn’t enough, this Maltese archipelago also boasts dramatic underwater scenery and exceptional rock formations, so mask up and dive down…
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
