Winter 2012/13 edition the

European Capital of Culture 2018 European Capital of Culture

Grand Life Live Valletta EDITORIAL

General Information about the Hotel

The hotel’s outlets

Level 7 Business Centre

Level 6 Hotel Entrance

During every moment of your stay, the Grand Hotel Our reception desk is manned and at your service round the clock and can be reached by Excelsior, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts is dialing 0 committed to making your stay a memorable one.

An intimate event or a family celebration; a reunion with old friends or a new business connection. We Harbour View Lounge serving a selection of promise intuitive service, unmatched attention to hot and cold beverages, wine, alcoholic and detail, and sophisticated style providing moments that non alcoholic cocktails 24 hours, 7 days a week create long-lasting memories.

We invite you to Live the Grand Life at the Grand Hotel Chartroom Lounge serving Traditional Excelsior. With this hotel as your home you are only two minutes Afternoon Tea daily between 1500 and 1700hrs away from Valletta, ’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is a unique opportunity to re-live Malta’s rich history whilst unwinding during a Mediterranean Luxury Escape. Level 5 À la Carte menu and Themed Buffet nights Visiting Malta and Valletta will help you understand why the served in Admiral’s Landing between 1830 Capital was chosen as the European Capital of Culture 2018. and 2230hrs Our prime location allows for easy access to all tourist locations around the Maltese Islands. We highly recommend that you take advantage or our private tours around Malta and Gozo and Level 4 discover the unique and Truly Mediterranean experience in style. A lavish spread is available for Breakfast in Spice Island, level 4, between 0630 and Le Grand Spa compliments our luxurious accommodation, with 1030hrs excellent spa and wellness facilities. Its relaxing atmosphere is the perfect starting point for the journey toward equilibrium between your body, mind and spirit. We offer an indoor (heated) and outdoor swimming pool and also have the only private Level 1 sandy beach in the capital city Valletta. Le Grand Spa is open daily between 0900 and 1900hrs We wish you a pleasant stay at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, and look forward to with you the Grand Life. Guest Services: Room service is available 24 hours Check out time is 1200hrs noon

Please let us know whether there is anything Norbert Grixti else you require during your stay. Nothing is impossible and we will leave no stone unturned General Manager to ensure your ultimate comfort and wellbeing.

A Passion for Heritage

Planning your next Winter Break? Why not The Saluting Battery in Valletta offers a breath-taking view of the and the Three Cities. This battery offers explore Malta’s military heritage with our the visitor a unique opportunity to learn from close quarters how newly launched package. cannon worked and fired in days gone by. It also provides a wealth of information on how time was measured and signalled out in the past. It also explains the long quest of mariners to find a practical solution hrough the Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna Heritage Pass you will have to the issue of longitude that would allow them to sail safely in open Taccess to the Saluting Battery (Valletta), Malta at War Museum seas. (Birgu), Fort Rinella () and also the Lascaris War rooms (Valletta). Opening times for all the above mentioned sites are from Monday to Lascaris war rooms were the Operational Headquarters which Sunday from 10am to 5pm and there is no need for pre-booking. were built in order to provide a secure place from where war operations could be conducted. The war rooms are located deep in the rock under St Peter and St Paul Bastion which forms part of the defences of Valletta built by the Knights of St John in 1566. Malta Military & Heritage Package

Fort Rinella in Kalkara was built in 1878. This fort is not only • Accommodation in a room type of your choice (price varies a unique remnant of Malta’s recent British colonial past, but it is also according to room type booked) the world’s first mechanical fort which enabled its small garrison to • Welcome drink upon arrival, fire a monstrous 100-ton gun every six minutes. On visiting this fort in • Daily buffet breakfast, and 1889, the great French writer Jules Verne described it as a marvel of the • A Compulsory Military & Heritage Pass (In the packages section of industrial age which would render Malta safe for ever. the booking please select quantity, i.e. the number of persons/passes you wish to book. Price is per pass for one person). The Malta at War Museum housed in an old 18th century military barracks built in the historic walls of Vittoriosa (Birgu, is Malta’s Rates starting from less than €65 per person per night sharing in a best presented testimonial of the great ordeal suffered by the Island Double Deluxe Inland Room. Terms and Conditions Apply. during the Second World War. The site focuses on the daily life of wartime Malta telling the story of how this spec of an island managed Our Chauffeur Drive Service can organise your taxi transfers for you. to withstand one of the fiercest onslaughts in modern history. It offers During your stay kindly visit our Transport Desk and they will be a unique experience to the visitor through a combination of original happy to assist you. film-footage, expert guiding and original artifacts and memorabilia, all of which are nicely presented in a new modern setting. Terms and Conditions apply.

the SACRED islands he Mediterranean island between the years 4100 B.C. and 2500 of Malta figures in the B.C. At the beginning of its existence, historical record of Europe the Hypogeum was used as a temple or due to its association with sanctuary as well as a burial place. This is the Knights of St. John of known due to its architectural resemblance Jerusalem. However this to the freestanding Megalithic Temples small island, of 243 square kilometres, outside. However the greatest evidence has a far greater importance in European present is the several statuettes of the Fat Tprehistory due to its extraordinary Lady, their goddess of Fertility. A big collection of megalithic temples. statue of a “sleeping Lady” was also found According to the studies of orthodox in this temple. The discoveries of some archaeologists, the remains of bones, 7,000 human bones were also found in the fragments of pottery, and marks of fire temple and many dead people were found indicate that human beings have lived on buried with their personal belongings. Malta since at least 5200 BC. The megalithic temple of Hagar Qim is Evidence suggests, these early people another historical wonder situated in the lived in caves, but later built huts and West of Malta, near the village of Qrendi villages. Approximately 1600 years after and was built between 3600 B.C. and 3000 their arrival in Malta, these people began B.C. The name Hagar Qim means “free- the formation of stupendous megalithic standing boulders” and was first explored temples. The ruins now remaining are in 1839. Hagar Qim was the third temple the bare skeletons of once magnificent to be built in the Maltese Islands and its structures, mostly roofed over, paved, layout is very similar in shape of the other furnished with doors and curtains, and temples. The original alters previously beautifully decorated with sculptures and found in the temple can now be found in paintings. the Museum of Archaeology. On the Islands of Malta and Gozo, one Though of more recent origin than the may find around 23 temples in various great megalithic temples, the Romanesque states of preservation although the basilica of Ta’ Pinu is of importance as remains of 50 temples have been found. a pilgrimage site. Legends relate that No particular pattern emerges from the in 1883, a local woman named Carmel distribution of these temples and this Grima heard a voice telling her to pray by may be explained by the probability a 16th century chapel. A friend, Francesco that numerous temples were destroyed Portelli, confirmed that he had also heard in antiquity and that others remain to be the voice and thus they prayed together discovered. for Francesco’s bedridden mother and she Amongst these 23 temples is the soon experienced a miraculous recovery. Hypogeum which is situated in Paola, and More miraculous healings were thereafter was discovered surprisingly by workmen reported and from thanksgiving offerings digging at about 3.5 m under the road the present sanctuary was built in the surface. The word Hypogeum comes from 1920’s.The sanctuary incorporates the the Greek word “Ipogaina”, which means, early chapel, whose original caretaker, “an underground construction sunk into Pinu Gauci, lent his name to the site. The the solid rock.” It is a UNESCO World Ta’ Pinu Shrine is visited for its healing Heritage site like the other temples in qualities and is also sacred to sailors. Malta. This underground temple is made Many locals as well as foreigners visit up from a set of rooms and caves dug to site to offer thanksgiving and pay for by Copper - Age people, most probably healings. VALLETTA alletta owes its existence to the Knights of St John, who planned the city as a refuge to care for injured soldiers and pilgrims during the Crusades in the 16th Vcentury. Until the arrival of the Knights, Mount Sceberras, on which Valletta stands, lying between two natural harbours, was an arid tongue of land. No building stood on its bare rocks except for a small watch tower, called St Elmo, at its extreme end. Grand Master La Valette, the gallant hero of the Great Siege of 1565, soon realised that if the Order was to maintain its hold on Malta, it had to provide adequate defences. Therefore, he drew up a plan for a new fortified city on the Sceberras peninsula.

Pope Pius V and Philip II of Spain showed interest in the project. They both promised financial aid and the Pope lent the Knights the services of Francesco Laparelli, a military engineer, who drew up the necessary plans for the new city and its defences. the Fortress

Work started in earnest in March 1566 - first on the bastions and, soon after, on the more important buildings. The new city was to be called Valletta in honour of La Valette.

The Grand Master didn’t live to see its completion and he died in 1568. His successor, Pietro del Monte continued with the work at the same pace. By 1571, the Knights transferred their quarters from Vittoriosa (Birgu) to their new capital.

Architect Laparelli left Malta in 1570. He was replaced by his assistant Gerolamo Cassar, who had spent some months in Rome, where he had observed the new style of buildings in the Italian city.

Cassar designed and supervised most of the early buildings, including the Sacra Infermeria, St John’s Church, the Magisterial Palace and the seven Auberges, or Inns of Residence of the Knights.

By the 16th century, Valletta had grown into a sizeable city and people from all parts of the island flocked to live within its safe fortifications especially as Mdina, until then Malta’s capital, lost much of its lure. In the war years, Valletta lost many of its citizens ensuing years, the serious mannerist style of who moved out to more modern houses in Cassar’s structures gave way to the more lavish other localities and its population dwindled palaces and churches with graceful facades and to 9,000 inhabitants. However, in the last few rich sculptural motifs that we see today. years many individuals with a flair for unique architecture are trickling back into the city The new city, with its strong bastions and deep and investing in old properties. moats, became a fortification of great strategic importance. Valletta’s street plan is unique and Valletta, the smallest capital of the European planned with its defence in mind. Based on a Union, is now the island’s major commercial more or less uniform grid, some of the streets and financial centre and is visited daily by fall steeply as you get closer to the tip of the throngs of tourists eager to experience the peninsula. The stairs in some of the streets city’s rich history. do not conform to normal dimensions since they were constructed in a way so as to allow Despite measuring just 900 metres by 630 knights in heavy armour to be able to climb metres, Valletta boasts over 25 churches, a the steps. testament to the centuries-old ingrained Catholic faith of the Maltese. In fact, the Fast forward a few centuries and the city built first building that went up in the city is the by gentlemen for gentlemen came under Church of Our Lady of Victories along South another siege; this time in the shape of World Street, which commemorates the lifting of the War II which brought havoc to Malta. Valletta Great Siege. was badly battered by the bombing, but the city withstood the terrible blow and, within a few years, it rose again. During the post- the Fortress City

The Co-Cathedral of St John is nothing short of a gem and quite simply a must for any tourist. Described as the first complete example of high Baroque anywhere, it epitomises the spiritual and military role of its patrons.

The Cathedral is a showcase to Mattia Preti who intricately carved stone wall designs, as well as the painted vaulted ceiling and side altars with scenes from the life of St John. Among the treasures found in the Cathedral are the unique Caravaggio painting depicting the beheading of St John, the extraordinary paving of more than 300 marble tomb slabs (the burial place of several former European princes), and the splendid vaulted central nave with frescoes of Mattia Preti. tay at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, two minutes away from Valletta, and relive the Knight’s of St. John legacy. Visit the medieval city of Mdina, one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled city which is extraordinary in its mix of medieval and baroque architecture. Head north to enjoy SMediterranean sun, sand and sea. Experience Gozo where tranquillity is still a way of life. Enjoy Malta’s religious ‘festas’, adorned churches and glittering firework displays. Discover megalithic temples, rugged countryside and dramatic cliffs or submerge into a diver’s paradise. Wine and dine in stylish surroundings and party in lively evening venues.

If you have only three days in Malta, do not attempt to see it all. Although the area covered by the Maltese Islands is just 316 km², there is plenty to see and do so we recommend you experience just a few of Malta’s highlights to get a feeling of the island’s character

Day 1 – Valletta & Sliema 300 days of sunshine, crystal clear With the Grand Hotel Excelsior as your home the Capital, Valletta, is probably the most obvious place to start. With the entire city declared a Mediterranean waters, 7,000 years of UNESCO World Heritage site, exploring its streets is nothing short of walking through an open-air museum. history, thriving local traditions and laid- Walk along Republic Street to St John’s Co-Cathedral, the jewel of back rural villages, delicious cuisine and Valletta, with its gilded interior enough to make one’s jaw drop. Look out for the Caravaggio’s only signed painting, The Beheading of St a vibrant nightlife – Welcome to Malta! John. Exit the Catheral and dive into the open-air market in Merchants’ Street. Valletta is also a great place for shopping. Take the time to wander through the alleyways, up and down the slopes and stairways, and to sit under the sun with a coffee watching the pigeons. In whichever order you choose to do these, try to be at the Upper Barrakka Gardens at noon for the re-enactment and shooting of Photos courtesy of the Malta Tourism Authority the cannon, and enjoy one of the most spectacular views in Malta, that of the Grand Harbour. For the afternoon we recommend a Harbour Cruise which takes you Xlendi Bay nearby, and don’t worry about catching the ferry back... it to see the the Three Cities from a unique perspective and which offers runs regularly till late and occasionally through the night! an insight to the essence of Maltese History. Day 3 – Marsaxlokk & Mdina Day 2 – Gozo On your third day we recommend an early start to enjoy the most of You cannot really understand Maltese culture without a visit to Gozo, Marsaxlokk fishing village and market. There you can obtain fresh local Malta’s more traditional and peaceful little sister. Be at Cirkewwa early produce and hand-crafted artisanship, so it’s an ideal place to purchase to take the ferry across, so as to make the most of your day. The crossing souvenirs. All this to a backdrop of colourful local Luzzu’s (traditional takes only half an hour and passes by Comino island and you can catch fishing boats) bobbing up and down in the sheltered Marsaxlokk a glimpse of the Blue Lagoon. harbour. Enjoy the fresh catch of the day for lunch at one of the restaurants Victoria’s main square is home to a daily market selling all sorts of lining the promenade. things. Check out the tiny shops around the area which sell handicrafts, In the afternoon head to the Blue Grotto for a boat trip to the caves. and make sure you get lost in the back streets! Head up the hill to the Also in the area are the megaliths of Mnajdra and Hagar Qim, and Cittadel, the Medieval walled city, and visit the Old Prisons and some further down the road still is Ghar Lapsi, a cave with two rocky beaches of the other interesting museums it houses. Finally walk to the bastions which offer fantastic snorkelling opportunities. to get a 360 degrees bird’s eye view of the whole island! Spend your last evening in Malta wandering the streets of one of its Have lunch in one of the several restaurants or cafes that offer favourites with visitors and locals alike: experience the enchantment of traditional food and then head off to the village of Xaghra . Xaghra has Mdina by night. Dine in one of its fine restaurants, wine bars or cafes to plenty to offer, starting with Ggantija Temples, the oldest free-standing conclude an evening to remember. structures in the world. Not far off is Ta’ Kola Windmill which has been lovingly restored and turned into a museum, and in the heart of the village you will find Ninu’s Cave and Xerri’s Grotto with a marvel of At the Grand Hotel Excelsior we offer tailor-made stalactites and stalagmites. excursions with our private chauffer service. If you Weather-permitting, now would be the ideal time to head to Ramla would like to plan your excursions in advance kindly Bay for a swim. Ramla Bay is remarkable for its dark orange sand. But the real must-see is Dwejra with its Azure Window being the most email us on [email protected] and Chris photographed view in the Maltese Islands. This is the location of the and her team will take care of your requirements. Fungus Rock and the Inland Sea, as well as the Blue Hole, a world- You can also book your excursions during your stay famous diving spot. It is really striking to watch the sunset from this point, and offers a myriad of photo opportunities! at the Grand Hotel Excelsior. At the end of the day you can dine in one of many restaurants in pretty 1O Grand 1 things to do at Grand Hotel Excelsior 2

1) A Grand Private Breakfast on your room terrace 2) Relaxing by the Indoor Heated Pool 3) Healthy Lunch at the Admiral’s Landing 4) Private Chauffeur driven tours around Malta 5) Afternoon Tea at the Chartroom 3 6) Spa Treatment at Le Grand Spa 7) Cocktails in the Harbour View 8) Themed Nights at the Admirals Landing 9) A la Carte dining at the Admiral’s Landing 10) Family pampering with our Royal Sunday Buffet Lunch

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alta’s Carnival dates back several hundred Celebrations typically include masked balls, fancy years to the 16th century when the dress parties and a parade of symbolic floats presided MMaltese and the Knights of St John over by the King Carnival float which is supposed would hold a week-long event leading up to Ash to be the best and most beautiful float of them all. Wednesday. Until 1751, Carnival was an activity Marching bands and costumed revellers make the exclusive to Valletta. Nowadays, revellers gather in streets of Valletta and Floriana come alive! every corner of the islands during the five days preceding Ash Wednesday from Nadur in Gozo to The carnival reaches its climax on the last day Ghaxiaq in the south of Malta. One thing is certain, with a spectacular floats parade - a magical and fun the Maltese have had valid excuses to mark Carnival experience for children and adults alike. for hundreds of years and the celebrations have come a long way since. As with any celebration in Malta, Carnival is associated with lots of food and drink. Perlini are Carnival is presented as a riot of colour, with colourful sugar coated almonds and are eaten in decorated floats and extravagant costumes. It is an abundance during this time. Perhaps the most excuse for families to join in the merrymaking and popular local Carnival sweet is the Prinjolata. This marvel at the inventiveness of the float designers and is a uniquely shaped cake made from pine nuts and crews. It also encourages a competitive spirit as floats Madeira cake and topped with cream. are judged under several categories. Walking Trails

Malta’s central position in the Mediterranean has made the Island a hub of history-from the landing of St Paul; through the times of the Knights of St John; to the modern epic of Gallant Malta.

A cultural mix makes Malta unique. Its language is based on Arabic, but English is widely spoken. There is a rich variety of country walking allowing visitors and locals alike to explore the Island’s landscape of small ridges and valleys, seamed by tracks among stone walls and little farmsteads as well as lovely panoramic coastal paths. There are a number of attractive country walks in Malta. The ideal period for walks is autumn to spring as the weather would not be as hot and the countryside turns into a green paradise with blossoming wild flowers.

Gozo is greener, without the bustle of large towns. With some great walking across irrigated farmland, steep valleys, terraced fields and table-top hills, there is no better way of discovering the best the island has to offer. Through walking tours you may explore the hidden and secluded areas around the island and discover stunning views and hidden valleys. You may come across wayside chapels and old forts as well as villages that have remained practically untouched where elderly men and women still work the fields. There are also many historical and archaeological sites with breathtaking views.

he Regatta, or national boat race is very popular especially with the towns surrounding the Grand Harbour, and many enthusiasts practice their Tboating skills throughout the year. It is held twice annually, on the 31st of March and on the 21st of September. It is a well-awaited event that happens in the Grand Harbour. The 31st of March is a national holiday in Malta, commemorating the withdrawal of the British troops and the Royal Navy from the islands. After the ceremonial activities held at the War Memorial in Floriana; in the afternoon, the traditional Regatta takes place. The 8th September is known as Victory Day in Malta. It is a catch-all day because this particular public holiday has several roots, not one clear-cut raison d’etre for celebration: It marks the end of the Great Siege in 1565 and the end of French occupation on Malta in 1800, as well as the armistice of the Fascist regime in Italy in 1943 which saw the close of the Italian bombardment of the Islands. The magnificent Fort St Angelo provides an imposing backdrop to the sleek and colourful Maltese boats. Band marches, water-carnival, boat races and display of colourful fireworks are the main features attracting large crowds to the capital city, Valletta, and the Grand Harbour.

Seven rowing clubs known as Regatta Clubs participate in the event. These include Birgu (Vittoriosa), Bormla (), Isla (Senglea), Kalkara, Marsa, Marsamxett (Valletta), and in recent years the Birzebbuga Regatta Club also started competing as well. For weeks on end, the competitors prepare for the races with fanatic zeal and rivalry. In the afternoon of Regatta day thousands of people crowd the waterfront and the surrounding bastions and craft of every description converge to the Grand Harbour to watch the races. The first three winners in each race are awarded prizes and the club with the highest overall points wins the Aggregate Shield. Each year the different Regatta clubs do their best to win the shield, which is strongly contested. The Regatta is a great fun event and a source of great local pride. If you are in Malta on the 8th of September make sure you don’t miss attending! Into the Blue

hether you are a beginner or an experi- enced diver, the 5 islands of Malta, Gozo, Comino, Comminotto and Filfla offer holiday-makers a diverse and captivating experienceW below the water. The warm, clear, blue Mediter- ranean surrounding the islands beckons divers down to discover many hidden delights most of which are world renowned and frequented by thousands every year form a very special diving site at the heart of the Mediterranean. Safe tide-less waters offer year round accessibility with each season presenting its own special character and charm. The Islands are honeycombed with their natural harbours, bays, sheltered creeks, cliffs, reefs and wrecks, for you to explore. With dive sites just a stone’s throw away from each other, you will be able to explore a variety of underwater worlds. Some of the 34 best-known dive sites range from labyrinthine caves to reefs and wartime wrecks.

The waters here are some of the most limpid and clear in the world. Visibility is excellent down to around 30 metres therefore Malta is considered to be a dream destination for underwater photography as well as diving as marine life flourishes in a vibrant display of colours. You are likely to come across groupers, gunards, octopi, red mullet, flying fish, corals, conger eels, and even the rare sea perch which has all but disappeared from the Mediterranean. For more excitement, try a night dive or dive deeper to 30 or 40 metres. Colours appear almost fluorescent by torchlight. For the more experienced, these dives offer a unique adventure. Marine life here is in abundance. You will often see schools of barracuda, bream, moray eels, flying gurnards, octopus, wrasse, sea hares, Spanish dancers, john dory, grou- pers, sting rays, nudibanches, cuttle fish, squid, tuna, amber jacks, sea horses and the occasional sea turtle and lots more.

Most Famous Dive Sites Considering the vast amount of beautiful sites for diving in Malta it is very difficult to pick the most famous one. Amongst the top locations are the Azure Window, Blue Hole, Tugboat Rozi, HMS Maori and Regg Point reefs which are all treasured places in divers’ logbooks. However, the Um el Faroud wreck stands out as being the most spec- tacular wreck dive in the Mediterranean. The Um el Faroud is more than 100 metres/330 feet long by 16 metres/53 feet and was built in England in 1969. In 1995, in dry dock in Malta, an onboard explosion killed nine dockyard workers. The tanker was subsequently scuttled in 1998 as a dive attraction. Upright on the seabed, the bow and stern have been separated at the bridge. The propeller and rudder lie at about 33 metres/108 feet and create a favorite frame for dive buddies to take souvenir photos. Doors, windows and other dangers were removed prior to scuttling and holes have been cut for entry and exit. However, as is always the case in an overhead environment, no penetration should be attempted without suitable training, briefing and planning. If you have the time and the air, you can also explore the ledges and caverns on the adjacent reef. However, the cur- rent, depth, navigation and some surface traffic make this dive more suitable Um El Faroud for experienced divers.

WHAT’s on

MALTA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA A NIGHT WITH ALAN BATES AFM MILITARY BAND DISPLAY 02/11/2012 17/11/2012 AND CHANGING OF THE GUARD 30/11/2012 - 11:00 Resident conductor Michael Laus opens “Incredible”... “Amazing”... “Non stop the MPO’s 2012 - 2013 season with laughter”.. “A night with a difference” The New Guard together with the AFM internationally-acclaimed violinist and ...that’s what people say after seeing Alan military band will leave city gate at co-leader of the London Symphony Bates’ hypnosis show. Alan is a Master 1000hrs and should take place in the Orchestra Carmine Lauri featuring of Hypnosis and has been performing forecourt (St Georges Square) of the one of Bruch’s most exciting and well internationally and on top TV shows Presidential Palace in Valletta at around known works. This attractive programme with the likes of Graham Norton for 1015am. Once there a formal ceremony opens with Beethoven’s portrayal of the over 20 years. He will be in Malta for an in which sentries providing ceremonial ancient Roman leader Gaius Marcius exclusive, not-to-be missed live comedy guard duties at important institutions Coriolanus as he leads an army of his show at the newly refurbished City are relieved by a new batch of sentries. former enemies to Rome’s gates, leading Theatre, Valletta on the 17th November After the changing of the guard, the AFM to his fatality. Brahms’ first Symphony at 8.00pm There are many skeptics out Military Band will perform a display of 45 closes this evening in style, known for its there…but many have been converted minutes and the band will then head back distinctive orchestral textures, delicate when they see a family member or friend to City Gate together with the old guard. musings and lush melodies. Programme up on stage becoming a “star” of the Ludwig van Beethoven Coriolan, show! This is a fun-filled, two hour show Overture Max Bruch Violin Concerto no 1 which guarantees non-stop laughter but in G minor op 26 soloists: Carmine Lauri always skillfully performed by Alan who REPUBLIC DAY Johannes Brahms Symphony no 1 in C is known for ensuring that the “stars” of 13/12/2012 minor op 68 MALTA PHILHARMONIC the show are not embarrassed in any ORCHESTRA leader Marcelline Agius way. For more information, and enquiries, On the 13th December 1974 the Maltese conductor MICHAEL LAUS please go to: www.facebook.com/ Constitution was amended and Malta AlanBatesinMalta Tickets on sale at www. became a Republic, having Sir Anthony biljetti.com and following outlets: Carlos Mamo as its first President. Activities Intimo (Hamrun), Right Deal (Bormla marking this historic date take place and Iklin), Call Zone (Paola), Telezone every year, mostly in Valletta. (Qormi), I-Centre (Pieta’), 202 Jewellery (Valletta & Sliema), Hair Excellence (Mosta) Ticket Enquiries: 356 21808080 THE CHRISTMAS CONCERTS IMPROVISATIONS FEAST OF ST. PAUL’S SHIPWRECK 22/12/2012 - 23/12/2012 29/01/2013 10/02/2013

For the first time ever, the renowned Renzo Spiteri and Thomas Agergaard - a The first of the year’s major feasts is singers and musicians forming Animae percussionist from the Mediterranean celebrated in the Parish Church of Gospel Choir are going to perform well and a Scandinavian Saxophonist; two St. Paul Shipwrecked in Valletta and known Christmas Carols and lively creative artistes bonded by the desire to in the streets of Malta’s capital city. It Gospel Classics, during this most special express themselves with music that is commemorates the shipwreck of the season! warm and hypnotic at times, haunting and Apostle St Paul on the Maltese Islands, fiery at others. All this happens through an event which took place in 60 AD 22nd Dec - Church of Our Lady of Good improvised exchanges and in the most and which is recorded in the Acts of the Counsel, Paceville captivating of manners! Apostles. The feast is also a National Public Holiday. 23rd Dec - Good Shepherd Chapel (Taċ-Ċawla), Victoria, Gozo. The village of Munxar in Gozo also CARNIVAL IN MALTA & GOZO celebrates this feast on the same day. 08/02/2013 - 12/02/2013 VALLETTA INTERNATIONAL BAROQUE FESTIVAL The Malta Council for Culture and 09/01/2013 - 26/01/2013 the Arts organise the official Carnival festivities that take place in Valletta from Friday until the following Tuesday. Some Centering around the Teatru Manoel, one of the events are held inside an enclosure of the oldest working theatres in Europe and may be attended against a nominal which also happens to be the only one fee. On the last day, a big Carnival defile in Europe that also fulfils the role of a ends in the main street of Floriana with National Theatre, the Festival will also a fireworks display. Some of the events extend to the magnificence of St John’s are held inside an enclosure close to Co-Cathedral, the atmospheric Valletta Freedom Square in Valletta. The events churches, the splendid Grandmasters’ held here may be attended against a Palace, the auberges and other baroque nominal fee. edifices. The events will be mainly musical, however, the programme will also be touching on opera and theatre. SPA PACKAGES

Time to relax Glowing limbs

• Relaxing back massage • Le Grand Spa Manicure • One hour facial • Le Grand Spa Pedicure

Price: €85 pp Price: €80 pp Duration: 75 minutes Duration: 180 minutes

Body boost… by one or by two Journey to India

• Full body salt scrub • Indian Head Massage • Swedish full body massage • Hopi Ear Candle treatment • Jacuzzi session in a private candle lit room Price: €70 pp Price: €100 pp or €180 per couple Duration: 75 minutes Duration: 120 minutes

Durga Mata Massage Neat hands and feet • Four handed massage • Classic manicure • Classic pedicure Price: €80 pp Duration: 45 minutes Price: €40 pp Duration: 60 minutes / 120 minutes

Note: Le Grand Spa Indulgence All packages can be adapted for ladies and gents. When booking any package at Le Grand Spa you • Basic full body massage will have free use of the spa facilities. Individual attention and professional services are always • Basic facial guaranteed. • Choose from a classic manicure or a classic pedicure

Price: €100 pp Duration: 150 minutes

www.excelsior.com.mt The Grand Hotel Excelsior o ers a great opportunity to discover some of the highlights of Malta, with our Executive Chau eur Driven Service. Discover Malta

A three hour tour designed to allow you to select from the following list and encompass 3 exciting destinations of your choice.

• Mdina & Rabat • Mosta Dome • Dingli Cliffs • Ta’ Qali (Craft Village) • Blue Grotto (Zurrieq) • Marsaxlokk (The Fishing village) • The Three Cities

Price 2 to 4 persons € 95.00 Price 4 to 6 persons € 115.00

Terms and Conditions: Entrance fees to heritage sites and museums are not included

www.excelsior.com.mt