YOUR TOUR DOSSIER

RURAL & HISTORICAL PATHS OF

TRIP OVERVIEW Uncover one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world on delightful walks through the Mediterranean island of Malta. With the relaxed resort of Qawra as your base, explore ornate palaces and imposing forts, follow coastal routes along elevated ridges and discover charming villages and wartime ruins on five gloriously scenic trails.

ITINERARY & DETAILS ­­­­This document aims to give you all the information that you require for a Today’s country walk through Girgenti takes you to areas of lush greenery and smooth and comfortable trip to Malta. Please take the time to read this dossier historical sites, starting at the woodland gardens of Buskett. Enjoy time at leisure to familiarise yourself with all the aspects of our tour. It includes important to wander along winding paths through this botanical haven, then set out on information such as flight details, visa requirements and travel insurance. your walking trail. Pass the prehistoric Clapham Junction cart ruts, gouged into the rocky wayside, and the unique cave settlement of Għar il-Kbir which was Your included meal guide: inhabited right into the 1830s. Continue to the villages of Siggiewi and Qrendi, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner dotted with elegant churches, chapels and a charming town square, before you finally arrive at the crater hole of Il-Maqluba, a geological feature surrounded by DAY 1: UK to Qawra D enduring legends and folklore. Depart London on your scheduled, direct flight to Malta. On arrival, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel, re-joining your group DAY 5: Victoria Lines B/D later tonight for a welcome dinner. (Average 2-3 hours of walking including breaks, covering 8km) The Victoria Lines, a long, defensive wall that stretches 12km through Malta’s DAY 2: B/D interior, are an excellent way to view both the peaceful coastline of western Malta (Average 4 hours of walking including breaks, covering 3 km) and the lively resort towns to the east. From your starting point in Madliena, walk Embark on a walking tour of the fortified 16th century city of Valletta, a magnificent down a rugged pathway and across a bridge, passing the village of Gharghur. UNESCO World Heritage Site founded by the Knights of St John. After a brief Walking alongside the Lines, you’ll come across Il Widna (Maltese for “the Ear”), introduction to the city’s history and growth, discover its magnificent Baroque pre-WW2 buildings used as sound radars to alert Maltese soldiers to airplanes architecture, stopping to admire St John’s Co-Cathedral, the , leaving nearby Sicily. The trail takes you past a series of historic, rock-cut cart and the Church of St Paul’s Shipwreck, then visiting St. George’s Square to view ruts before finishing at perhaps the most spectacular scenic location on the island the opulent Grand Master’s Palace. As you wander through the city, your guide of Malta - Fomm Ir-Rih Bay, which boasts a long, unspoilt stretch of beach. will point out the new Parliament Building, the ruins of the Royal Opera House, and historic sites such as the Great Siege Monument, The Siege Bell Memorial, and Fort DAY 6: M’Scala to M’Xlokk Tas Silg Walk B/D St. Elmo. Continue through lively Piazza Regina, then stroll around the idyllic Upper (Average 3-4 hours of walking including breaks, covering 10km) and Lower Barrakka Gardens and hear about Valletta’s role as the 2018 European Experience a different aspect of rural Malta as today’s route leads you alongside Capital of Culture as you gaze down over the Grand Harbour. the island’s eastern coastline. Starting from the parish church of Marsaskala, walk along the promenade and witness colourful, traditional “luzzu” boats, fishing DAY 3: Marfa Ridge Country Walk B/D trawlers and local fishermen mending their nets. Pass the immense 17th century (Average 4.5 hours of walking including breaks, covering 11 km) St Thomas Tower, built to guard the entrance to the bay, then continue along the Follow a countryside trail along Marfa Ridge, enjoying uninterrupted views of coast of idyllic St Thomas Bay. Numerous points of interest lie along your path, the bay from your elevated pathway as you pass farmland, wooded outcrops including the ruins of coastal batteries, lighthouses, Fort Delimara and picture- and golden cliffs. Starting at the island’s largest sandy beach, Mellieha Bay, perfect views of Marsaxlokk Bay on one side and Delimara Bay on the other. walk towards the summit of the ridge where the imposing Red Tower is located. Your route ends in the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk, where you will be Explore this age-old fortification, last used as a gun post in WW2, and soak in transferred back to Valletta. sweeping views from its rooftop before continuing along the ridge to the solitary Immaculate Conception Chapel and onward to the White Tower. Your route leads DAY 7: Qawra B/D uphill to picturesque Paradise Bay and winds down to terraced fields hanging off Explore the sights of Qawra at your own pace with a full day at leisure before re- the cliff’s edge. Take in views of the Mediterranean as your trail returns to the Red joining your group later tonight for a farewell dinner. Tower where you will transfer back to your hotel. DAY 8: Malta to the UK or extension B DAY 4: Girgenti Country Walk B/D After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK or continue (Average 4.5-5 hours of walking including breaks, covering 12.5 km) on to your chosen extension.

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ACCOMMODATION DETAILS & MAP

Hotel information 1 Number of nights Qawra (7 nights) 4H Qawra Palace Address: Dawret Il-Qawra, Qawra SPB 1900, Malta Marfa Ridge 7 Phone: 00356 2158 0660 Country Walk Qawra

Accommodation All accommodation is at least 4H and features an en suite bathroom, heating/ Valletta air-conditioning/, satellite TV, safety deposit box and tea and coffee making facilities. Sunspot Tours has visited and inspected all the hotels to ensure that Victoria Lines they meet the high standards of service which we require for our clients. If the hotels detailed are not available alternatives will be used of a similar standard. M’Scala Please note: The hotels listed are provided for guidance only. Final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent in a document, along with your final flight information, approximately 10 days before you travel. Girgenti Country M’Xlokk Coach Meals Walk Tas Silg Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Walk Dinner will be served in your hotel.

ON YOUR ARRIVAL On your arrival in Malta you will be met by a representative from our local agent, holding a sign displaying: “Sunspot Tours”. The Sunspot Tours representative will show you to your transfer vehicle and will be on hand 24 hours a day should you have any queries. However, If you need to contact your representative during your stay the details are:

Sunspot Tours Emergency contact information (Solely for emergencies) 97 Nicolo Isouard Street Please find below the emergency contact details for Sunspot Tours: Contact telephone number: SLM 2080 Francis Hili 00356 79705885 Malta 00356 21375543 Office phone number: 00356 21330941

WHAT TO PACK • Sunscreen, insect repellent and hat • Water Bottle • Personal first aid kit containing travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, • Anti-bacterial hand wash stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin, blister plasters etc • Daysack/ rucksack to use during walks • Camera and charger • A small torch • An electric plug converter - the electricity in Malta & Gozo is 230 volts. The three-pin rectangular plug system is used, as in the U.K. It is recommended you take a daysack for your walking tours to keep a few • Binoculars belongings with you on your walks; waterproofs, fleece, sunhat, sunscreen, insect • Sunglasses repellent, water bottle and the all-important camera!

CLOTHING • Lightweight breathable clothing, such as loose cotton which is ideal for the • High quality hiking socks generally warm and humid conditions in Malta. • Walking boots – we recommend you bring boots with ankle support that are • Sunhat worn-in and comfortable before you start your walking holiday. Alternatively, you • Warm clothing - A thick fleece or sweater is necessary as nights can be cold may wish to bring comfortable trail shoes (December to February) • Bathing suits • Waterproof lightweight jacket

FLIGHT INFORMATION Your initial flight is to Malta International Airport with Air Malta (KM), departing from London Heathrow Terminal 4.

IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure.

Baggage Allowance Airport Extras Each passenger is entitled to 20kg of hold luggage. Hand luggage: One piece not If you wish to arrange airport car parking, lounges or accommodation at exceeding 5kg and with maximum total dimensions not exceeding 113cm (50 cm preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras x 45cm x 18cm). Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay on 0871 360 2000, quoting HX313. extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 2 hours before departure. Please see the ‘What to Pack section’ for further details on baggage and restrictions during your trek.

2 RURAL & HISTORICAL PATHS OF MALTA TOUR DOSSIER

PREPARING FOR YOUR TOUR Visas for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, A visa is not required for your trip to Malta. Further advice should be sought from policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We Sunspot Tours will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to strongly advise you check your destinations’ Tourist Board or Embassy for the take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking. most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity. Health and Vaccinations Insurance It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have include: www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel General Practitioner or a specialist clinic. insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote ‘WK830’

ABOUT YOUR WALKING HOLIDAY

Physical Accessibility and the Walking Environment Personal Expenses During this walking holiday, walks will average 3 to 4 hours daily. Some walks You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any meals where these will be through rural countryside following narrow trails made up of dirt or stone are not mentioned on your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, tracks with small inclines and declines. Whilst other walks will be through towns drinks and snacks. Approximately £200-£300 per person should be sufficient for and villages. This holiday requires a reasonable level of fitness. If you are in any the duration of your tour. doubt as to the tours suitability, please speak to your GP as soon as possible as this is a physical holiday. Tipping Tipping for your driver and guide will be at your discretion. Tips are accepted in Climate the local currency, however it is asked that if you do not tip in the local currency The Maltese islands have a pleasantly sunny climate with a daily average of that you only pay with notes, as coins cannot be exchanged. around 12 hours sunshine in summer going down to 5 to 6 hours in mid-winter. Summers are hot, dry and very sunny with sea breezes. Spring and autumn are Group Size generally cooler and winters are mild, with occasional short cold spells. Annual The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum rainfall is low, averaging 568mm a year. Bathing in the sea is possible well into the will be 20. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your ‘winter’ months, and the peak beach season can last until mid- to late October. tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate Tour Guides your departure date, then you may be asked to change to a different date and a This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met and accompanied by full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable. guides for the duration of your trip. You will be joined by a local guide in each of the cities you visit, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times. A Itinerary Changes local guide and back marker will also accompany you on all walks. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, the order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for Currency Exchange operational purposes. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes The currency in Malta is the Euro (€). You can exchange your currency before you as they are informed of them. Some road construction and/or weather conditions travel, or whilst you are in Malta. Cash machines will be available throughout your may lengthen the driving/ trekking times. tour for you to withdraw money in the local currency.

WEATHER AND CLIMATE Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below.

Average temperature: Valletta

3 YOUR TOUR DOSSIER

QAWRA EXTENSION If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so. Please contact your local agent

TRIP OVERVIEW The resort of Qawra has become increasingly popular but still a quieter, more exclusive feeling. This slightly more laidback area boasts a narrow shingle beach and a selection of shops, bars and restaurants and your seafront hotel is perfectly located for exploring the area.

ITINERARY & DETAILS This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your extension in Qawra. Qawra (3 nights) Hotel Information Your stay will take place at the 4H Qawra Palace on All-Inclusive. Qawra Palace boasts wonderful views of St Paul’s Bay and is perfectly located on the seafront promenade. Qawra Palace is just a short walk from a variety of bars and restaurant; The hotel also has a vast array of facilities for you to enjoy including an outdoor pool and terrace, tennis court and mini golf.

Accommodation Air-conditioned/heated rooms have a balcony, en-suite bathroom with walk in shower, hairdryer, satellite TV, safety deposit box and a cooler

Facilities n Outdoor pool & terraces n Indoor pool & Jacuzzi n Restaurant & coffee Shop n 24-hour reception Qawra Palace n FREE Wi-Fi in reception n Daily evening entertainment

Meals Your stay will be on an All-Inclusive basis, which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner daily plus selected snacks and unlimited local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and a selection of imported drinks.

Hotel details: 4H Qawra Palace Address: Dawret Il-Qawra, Qawra SPB 1900, Malta Phone: 00356 2158 0660 Any alternative hotels or board basis will have been confirmed at booking. Please speak to our reservations department if you are unsure.

Personal Expenses You will need to take money with you to cover any lunches, as well as personal purchases, such as souvenirs and drinks.

Tour Guides Your stay in Qawra is not escorted by a tour guide and your time will be free to explore the area at your own pace. Transfers are included. Qawra Palace

FLIGHT INFORMATION Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. 4 YOUR TOUR DOSSIER

GOZO EXTENSION If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so. Please contact your local agent

TRIP OVERVIEW Malta’s smaller sister island of Gozo enjoys a more pastoral character. Lush green hillsides surround quaint stone-built hamlets and the coastline is populated by small fishing villages with brightly painted boats. Explore the area with three nights in popular St Patrick’s Hotel. ITINERARY & DETAILS

This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your extension to Gozo. Gozo (3 nights) Hotel Information Your stay will take place at the 4H St Patrick’s Hotel on Bed & Breakfast. St Patrick’s Hotel occupies a prime location at the heart of Xlendi Bay overlooking the small inviting beach. It has a reputation for friendly service and facilities include a popular restaurant which opens directly onto the Xlendi Bay promenade and has wonderful views down the narrow bay. Victoria, with its shopping and restaurants, is only two miles from Xlendi and easily reached.

Accommodation Twin-bedded air-conditioned/centrally heated rooms with private facilities, cable TV with minibar, telephone and hairdryer.

Facilities „„Rooftop terrace with plunge pool (including jacuzzi) „„Seaview restaurant St Patrick’s Hotel „„Lounge bar with seaview and a terrace „„Internet café „„FREE Wi-Fi in public areas and at a charge in all rooms

Hotel details: 4H St Patrick’s Hotel Address: Pjazza Amphora, Xlendi, Gozo Phone: +356 2156 2951 Any alternative hotels or board basis will have been confirmed at booking. Please speak to our reservations department if you are unsure.

Personal Expenses You will need to take money with you to cover lunches and dinners, as well as personal purchases, such as souvenirs and drinks.

Tour Guides Your stay in Gozo is not escorted by a tour guide and your time will be free to explore the area at your own pace. Transfers are included. St Patrick’s Hotel

FLIGHT INFORMATION Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. 5