7 Days Itinerary #57B - 6 Nights in Malta Knights Focus
The Maltese Islands
Day 1 Arrival in Malta La Valette VIP Service - Meet and Greet and Chauffeur Service Upon Arrival
Day 2 The Three Cities Maritime Museum Grand Harbour Boat Tour Private Visit with Fra John Critien at Upper Fort St. Angelo The Inquisitor's Palace Lunch at Don Berto Birgu Private Visit to St. Joseph's Oratory - The Sword & Hat of La Valette Grand Harbour Water Taxi to Valletta Private Afterhours Palazzo Visit - Casa Rocca Piccola
Day 3 Valletta - The Capital The Fortress Builders Interpretation Centre Manoel Theatre Gilder Artisan Visit Reservations Grain Restaurant Private visit to the Hospital of the Knights Underground Valletta St. John's Co-Cathedral - Private Afterhours Visit
Day 4 Valletta and Countryside Museum of Archaeology - Private Tour with Curator National Library of Malta - Private Tour Private visit to the St. Ursula Cloistered Monastery Exclusive dinner in the Gardjola Watchtower 1 Exclusive dinner in the Gardjola Watchtower
Day 5 Western Malta and the Old Capital Region Private Falconry Experience Hagar Qim Verdala Palace - The President's Home Private Visit Ta' Betta Vineyards - Private Visit with the Owner with light lunch Blue Grotto Private Boat Experience The Dingli Cliffs and Cart Ruts Lace Making Artisan Experience Mdina - the Silent and Medieval City Mdina Private Palace Visit Traditional Instrument Artisan - Francesco Sultana
Day 6 Gozo - Malta's Sister Island Gozo Channel Ferry A Day with the Chef The Xwejni Salt Pans The Citadella & Victoria Fungus Rock and Dwejra Bay
Day 7 Departure Day La Valette VIP Service - Meet and Greet and Chauffeur Service Upon Departure
Itinerary Inclusions Itinerary Exclusions Value (NET Total in Euro)
The Maltese Islands
Malta has been fought over for thousands of years, has temples that pre-date the pyramids at Giza and Stonehenge, has some of the clearest waters in the world, and boasts a capital city that is a baroque masterpiece. Like Croatia of 20 years ago, Malta has just now become a newly discovered travel destination for the cultural enthusiast and not as a second thought. The Maltese Islands, although small in size, offers travelers a rare opportunity to see a well preserved history and exciting present day culture.
2 Day 1
Arrival in Malta
Arrive in Malta on xxx at xxx and be privately transferred to your host accommodations.
La Valette VIP Service - Meet and Greet and Chauffeur Service Upon Arrival
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred from the airplane by a private car. Then you will be escorted through the airport to the VIP Lounge. Should the plane arrive close to the arrival gate, a representative will meet you at the plane.
Day 2 The Three Cities
3 Maritime Museum
Housed within the Old Naval bakery, the Malta Maritime Museum charts Malta’s maritime history and lore within a Mediterranean context. It also illustrates the global nature of seafaring and its impact on Malta’s society. The museum houses numerous artefacts highlighting the different epochs of Malta’s history that is inadvertently tied to the sea.
Grand Harbour Boat Tour
Travel down the Upper Barrakka elevators to arrive at the old Customs House where a traditional Maltese boat (Dghajsa) and boatman will be waiting for you for a private cruise of the Grand Harbour. The Ottomans sailed in these waters, Napoleon, the British and now you! How historic!
4 Private Visit with Fra John Critien at Upper Fort St. Angelo
An exclusive opportunity awaits you in Vittoriosa. Fort St. Angelo is steeped in history - it having been known as the Castle by the Sea when the Knights of St. John arrived. The fort had been built up during the knights period and played a crucial part during the Great Siege of 1565 against the Ottoman Empire. Atop the Fort is the private land of the Knights of St. John where Resident Knight Fra. John Critien resides. This area of the fort is where the first Grand Master of the Order in Malta resided up until Jean Parisot de la Vallette. Enjoy a private tour led to include the grounds, private chapel as well as a few other surprises.
Note: Availability is confirmed, however the private visit is always at the discretion of the Order of Malta (Knights of St. John).
The Inquisitor's Palace
The Inquisitor’s Palace, situated in the heart of Vittoriosa, is one of the very few surviving palaces of its kind which, in the early modern period could be found all over Europe and South America. Many of these palaces simply succumbed to the ravages of time or were victims of the anti-reactionary power unleashed by the French Revolution. Fortunately, the Maltese Inquisitor’s Palace, throughout its five centuries of history, always hosted high-ranking officials representing the main powers on the island, who therefore ensured its survival.
5 Lunch at Don Berto Birgu
Don Berto restaurant is located in one of the oldest cities in Malta, Vittoriosa, sitting exactly in the waterfront and marina. Opened in 2008 and designed by renowned interior designer Pippa Toledo together with the owner architect Joseph Bondin and his wife Nathalie, the ambiance is quite unique combining the modern with the antique creating an atmosphere which is ideal for a pleasant meal with friends, business meetings or even a romantic dinner, having a breathtaking view from our large terrace and also a warm environment inside.
Private Visit to St. Joseph's Oratory - The Sword & Hat of La Valette
A very interesting find in the quaint city of Vittoriosa is within the Oratory of St. Joseph. A centuries-old tale has it that at the end of the Great Siege, de Valette laid down his sword and hat at the altar of the chapel of Our Lady of Damascus, in Vittoriosa, as a votive offering. It was in front of the icon of the Madonna that de Valette was praying during the crisis of the siege. He later returned victorious and laid down his sword in acknowledgement of the Order’s gratitude. Historians agree that the tale is very probably grounded in fact.
6 Grand Harbour Water Taxi to Valletta
Travel down to the marina where a traditional Maltese boat (Dghajsa) and boatman will be waiting for you to transfer you to the capital city of Valletta. Meet your private guide and travel up the Upper Barrakka Gardens elevator to the upper area of Valletta.
Private Afterhours Palazzo Visit - Casa Rocca Piccola
The history of Valletta is best learned through its people. The 9th Marquis de Piro invites you into their 16th Century home to discover the treasures that tell many stories. The family lived at Painswick House in Gloucestershire for 14 years before returning to Malta in 1990. Although their home is open to the public during the day, your visit will be a private after hours one and experienced with the owners.
Day 3 Valletta - The Capital
7 The Fortress Builders Interpretation Centre
Malta was always given the key role in the development of the European history due to its geographical position at the centre of the Mediterranean, linking Europe with North Africa and the East coast (Asia). The interpretation centre brings to light the architectural features of Malta's fortifications surrounding her harbours and strategic cities.
Manoel Theatre
The Manoel Theatre is one of the oldest working theatres in Europe. Constructed in 1731 by the Grand Master Antonio Manoel de Vilhena "for the honest entertainment of the Knights"; the theatre is a baroque gem with wonderful acoustics and a full calendar of events populated by local and international performers, with productions in English and Maltese. Maybe there is something on the calendar during your stay?
8 Gilder Artisan Visit
You’ll be paying a private visit to one of Malta’s finest artisans to learn about his trade in clock building and gilding. Witness a master artisan whose gilder lineage dates back to the 18th Century - and he has the tools to prove it.
Reservations Grain Restaurant
Grain offers a casual dining experience with small plates to share and no set rules. During your experience, there are no set starters or main courses and we are enthusiastic to see our guests try different dishes without giving too much importance to a specific sequence. It makes happy to see our patrons make random selections that may even feel unusual from the classical approach of a starter, main and dessert.
9 Private visit to the Hospital of the Knights
Having been formed in the late 11th Century, the Knights of St. John were a hospitallar oder whose main function was to care for the sick and poor pilgrims in the Holy Land. This core mission was exercised in Malta and is wholly evident in the grand hospital that they built. It is one of the longest halls in Europe and was recognized as an architectural feat in the 16th century when it was constructed.
Underground Valletta
Go underground to discover the mechanics of the capital. Back in 1566 when Valletta began being constructed, the Knights of St. John ensured a steady water supply through the use of tunnels. See first hand yourself as you enjoy this opportunity. Location may change depending on accessibility.
Note: Wear comfortable and sturdy shoes. Sandals are not recommended .
10 St. John's Co-Cathedral - Private Afterhours Visit
Built shortly after the Great Siege of Malta (1565), St. John's Co-Cathedral's austere exterior is in drastic contrast to its sumptuous high baroque interior. You'll be in awe at the artistic masterpiece - from it's tombstone laid floors to the vaulted ceiling painted in the life of John the Baptist. Around the corner and into the oratory, stand before two wonderful masterpieces by the artist Caravaggio - St. Jerome and his only signed piece - The Beheading of St. John the Baptist. The best part of this experience is that you'll be experiencing the Cathedral when it is closed to the public. What a treat!
Day 4 Valletta and Countryside
Museum of Archaeology - Private Tour with Curator
Not just another museum, the Museum of Archaeology will guide who through our living history dating back to the temple period. Spend a short time here gaining an overview and especially seeing the unbelievable finds from the temple(s) that you will be visiting on your tour. Of special note is the sleeping lady!
11 National Library of Malta - Private Tour
Situated in the centre of Valletta, the National Library is one of the major treasures of the Maltese Islands. The library preserves the memory of the nation with collections that span the centuries as far back to medieval times. Enjoy this National Treasure accompanied by the National Library Librarian as she walks you through history.
Private visit to the St. Ursula Cloistered Monastery
Enjoy the very rare opportunity to meet with one of the head sisters of the St. Ursula Cloistered Monastery. Their story goes back to 1583 and are intrinsically linked with the Order of Malta or Knights of St. John. In fact following the expulsion of the Knights in 1798 by Napoleon, they remained, thus making them the only branch of the Order that has continuously remained on the islands since their foundation.
Hear their story and learn about their present day activities within the walls of the monastery.
12 Exclusive dinner in the Gardjola Watchtower
Enjoy the exclusive and rare opportunity to enjoy the Gardjola Gardens and its watchtower to yourself as you enjoy this exclusive dinner experience.
The Gardjola Gardens are located in Senglea, perched on the bastion with fantastic panoramic views over Marsa, Valletta, Grand Harbour and Fort St. Angelo. The gardens were planned by Grandmaster De La Sengle in 1551 with a lovely guard tower built on the tip of the bastions. The guard tower, ‘Il-gardjola’, has various symbols sculpted on in such as an eye, an ear and the crane bird, representing guardianship and observance protecting the Maltese shores.
Day 5 Western Malta and the Old Capital Region
Private Falconry Experience
Lawrence is 44 years old and his life has revolved around birds since a very young age, until today most of the work he does also involves his birds, including his cultural and educational display at Wied i-urrieq. He became excited as he recalled the first moment he held a bird in his hand, a sparrow given to him by a neighbour while he was sitting on the doorstep aged 4, "I felt as if he had given me the world!"
Lawrence now has 11 birds of prey in his care, including various falcons, owls and hawks, among which are a Maltese Falcon 13 Lawrence now has 11 birds of prey in his care, including various falcons, owls and hawks, among which are a Maltese Falcon (Peregrine Falcon) and Barn Owls (Barbaann). Five of them are trained to fly and return to him: a Harris Hawk, a Peregrine X Sayker Falcon, a Barn Owl, a Pharaoh Eagle Owl and a Sparrow Hawk.
Experience a private display of this ancient craft.
Hagar Qim
Step back some 5500 years with a visit to Hagar Qim. The temples were excavated in 1839 and are thought to have been built to worship a type of fertility goddess. To put their age into perspective - they are around 1000 years older than the pyramids at Giza and Stonehenge. Who knew!?
Verdala Palace - The President's Home Private Visit
Arrive at the Verdala Palace - the Summer residence of the President of Malta for a private visit. Mr. Mifsud will guide you through the palace, explain its history and its present usage. Mr. Mifsud is the 3rd generation in his family to be caretaker of the Palace.
14 Ta' Betta Vineyards - Private Visit with the Owner with light lunch
Ta’ Betta Wine Estate comprises of 4 hectares of terraced land situated circa 200 metres above sea-level in an area known as the Contrada ta’ Brija in Girgenti limits of Siiewi, Malta. There are circa 15,000 vines planted on site and around 200 olive trees apart from fig trees, carob trees and miscellaneous indigenous Maltese flora.
The Winery is situated on the southern flank of the Estate enjoying views of the vineyard with the medieval town of Mdina as a backdrop, the Grand Master’s summer residence to the north-west, the Inquisitor’s summer residence to the west, and the Laferla Cross on the hill south-west.
Enjoy a private and unprecedented experience as you learn and taste the finest wines they have to offer.
Blue Grotto Private Boat Experience
Enjoy a private boat ride through the Blue Grotto - a series of sea caverns that will highlight the beautiful waters in the area. It's a very refreshing experience!
15 The Dingli Cliffs and Cart Ruts
You will be treated to the spectacular views of Dingli Cliffs which are the highest point of the Maltese Islands at 253 metres above sea level. The Cliffs propose a majestic, overlooking the small terraced fields below, the open sea and Filfla & the small uninhabited island (used as target practice during the WWII). Nearby arrive at Clapham Junction to discover the mysterious cart ruts. These deep ruts, rilles, tracks, grooves, channels left in Malta’s limestone but in such numbers, variety and confusion that they leave more questions than answers.
Lace Making Artisan Experience
Lace making, otherwise known as ‘il-bizzilla’, is one of Malta’s oldest and most valued beautiful traditions - dating back to the time of the Knights of St. John (1530 - 1798). Back then, the bobbin lace produced was used as to accessorise the clothing of noblemen. Due to its popularity during this time, the Maltese grew increasingly skilled and specialised in the art of lace making. This craft was often encouraged by the Church, as it was also used to embellish the clothing of the Clergy. Lace making, along with other textile crafts such as weaving eventually became the main source of income of many rural families in Malta and Gozo.
16 Mdina - the Silent and Medieval City
You will feel the power as you enter the Old Capital City of Mdina and fall in love with it inasmuch as the families who continue to live here. It's Malta's only medieval city with a range of architecture that includes Norman and Arabic features. If you're a Game of Thrones fan, you will recognize the main gates immediately.
Mdina Private Palace Visit
One of Mdina's nicknames it Citta Nobile and it's no wonder. Noble families have occupied Mdina well before the Knights of St. John arrived in Malta. With just a couple of knocks on the door, you'll enter to find more than just a home. This rare and exclusive opportunity will have you meet a family member who will share their most prized possessions and the stories linked to them.
Note: Availability is confirmed, however the private visit is always at the discretion of the owner.
17 Traditional Instrument Artisan - Francesco Sultana
Meet one of Malta's most gifted artisans and musician. By day, Francesco works at Heritage Malta on restoration works. His hobby is in creating traditional Maltese instruments such as the bagpipe which is made from a whole goat. You'll love hearing his story and the fascinating history behind these instruments.
Day 6 Gozo - Malta's Sister Island
Gozo Channel Ferry
With only a 25 minute crossing from North Malta, you'll arrive at the Island of Calypso to discover the neat little gems and differences from its sister island.
18 A Day with the Chef
Your day will be a special one. Meet a local chef as he guides you through the villages and coastal areas to gather food for a cooking experience. Engage with him in conversation about Maltese and Gozitan cuisine while enjoying local wine. Engage with him in a cooking demonstration or get hands on with a cooking class.
The Xwejni Salt Pans
Your first stop will be at the Roman salt pans. The production of sea salt has a long tradition in Gozo and the saltpans found near Marsalforn are still used today.
19 The Citadella & Victoria
Venture to the capital of Gozo for a leisurely walk through the village streets as we witness local people in their daily life. The Citadel or Citadella is an area known to have been first fortified during the Bronze Age and later developed by the Phoenicians and continues development until, by Roman times, it had become a complex Acropolis. Up until the 18th Century, it was the only fortified refuge against attack for the inhabitants of the island. Enjoy some free time roaming the back streets of the Capital City of Victoria.
Fungus Rock and Dwejra Bay
Just off the sheer cliffs of Western Gozo lies a rock, some 60 metres high. It guards a small deep lagoon and is obviously the remnant of what was once a sea cave whose roof collapsed, isolating it forever from the mainland. Indeed there are no mushrooms on Fungus Rock today however back during the Knights of St. John period, there was a certain mushroom that grew on it that was said to have been a miracle cure. Spend some time here at Dwejra and the inland sea - taking in all of the beauty as well as a unique private boat tour.
20 Day 7
Departure Day
#### - Depart for the airport for your #### to ____ on #### Today you depart our lovely islands. We trust that the Malta has lived up to your expectations and even exceeded them. We look forward to welcoming you back some day.
La Valette VIP Service - Meet and Greet and Chauffeur Service Upon Departure
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by La Valette airport VIP staff. They will be escort you to the lounge and then to the gate to access the private car to the plane.
Itinerary Inclusions • Airport transfers • 7 breakfasts (with booked hotel), 3 lunches and 1 dinner • Expert guiding and private car service included on touring days • Entrance to attractions and experiences indicated on the itinerary
21 Itinerary Exclusions • Attractions and meals not identified in the itinerary • Round-trip airfare and medical/travel insurance • Gratuities for guides and drivers
Value (NET Total in Euro) 10,098.48 Euro
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