Mdina and Rabat walking tour Malta

Marsaxlokk Sunday Market & Blue Grotto with Local Guide

Leisure is the name of the game on Sunday mornings in Malta, and this shopping and sightseeing trip makes the most of Malta's scenery and local culture. You'll head to Ħaġar Qim Temple, gaze at the renowned Blue Grotto and visit the fishing village of Marsaxlokk to stroll around its weekly market. Micheal, one of our expert local guides, says, 'If you like to eat fish and seafood, Marsaxlokk won't disappoint. It's packed with great restaurants and market day brings the freshest produce to town, much of it picked or caught the same day.'We'll kick off with a visit to the historic Hagar Qim Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is over 5,000 years old and hints at how Malta's first inhabitants lived on the island. Then, it's on to one of Malta's most famous natural sights – the Blue Grotto of Wied Iz-Zurrieq. It's a 50-metre-deep natural cave with a huge arch that stretches out to sea. The caves get their name from the light reflecting off the water, which creates a dazzling blue colour. An optional boat trip into the grotto is available.You'll reach Marsaxlokk – one of the most picturesque spots in the country – just as tummies to begin growling. This quaint fishing village hosts a large market down by the waterfront – make sure you check out the colourfully painted ‘luzzu' boats floating in the harbour. As well as freshly caught fish, there'll also be locally grown fruit and veg, Maltese wines, cold cuts, cheeses and leather goods. Enjoy free time here and tuck into what takes your fancy.

Small-Group Tour of Gozo with Victoria and Ggantija Temples

Gozo and Malta are separated only by a narrow channel, but the differences are eye-catching. Gozo is greener, more laidback and sparsely populated. Get the lowdown on the island on this adults-only small group tour with visits to the Victoria Citadel, Ta'Pinu Basilica and Dwejra Bay. Yohanna, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The mosaics at Ta'Pinu are a recent addition, dating from 2017. They feature 20 mysteries of the rosary mounted on four circular walls in what had previously been an unsightly car park.'After a short trip by ferry to the island, you'll head to Qala Point first, for unobstructed views over the Maltese Archipelago. Then, it's off to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ggantija Temples, which pre-date the Egyptian pyramids. The historic theme continues at the medieval Citadel of Victoria, the island's capital. Yohanna says, ‘Victoria was originally named Rabat, however, to commemorate Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee in 1887, its name was changed. You'll see lots of British influence here, due to it 164 years under British rule.'Next up is a visit to the salt pans, to see how salt is harvested on the island. After stopping for a lunch made from locally sourced ingredients at a traditional Gozitan restaurant, you'll head to Ta'Pinu Basilica, where you can grab some Insta-perfect snaps. Last but not least, you'll visit the impressive geographic features in and around Dwejra Bay – the Fungus Rock and the Inland Sea lagoon.

Malta small group tour of Mdina and Mosta Basilica with lunch

Central Malta is steeped in history and tradition. Its medieval cities, ancient temples and staggering scenery hold the secret to the island's rich past and customs. On this adults-only small group tour you'll see Mediterranean views from Dingli Cliff, the walled town of Mdina and Mosta Basilica. Matteo, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Mdina is possibly the best-preserved ancient walled city in Europe. It's known as ‘the silent city' for its peaceful streets and old-world atmosphere. The city is a beauty, built with stone that glows in the sun, and it's packed with cultural treasures.'First up you'll head to the towering white Dingli Cliffs – they're the highest point on the Island and deserving of a photo stop. Then you'll continue to fortified Mdina for a guided walking tour. Its old town, protected by ancient walls and a moat, offers a peek into the Malta of past centuries. After visiting Mdina you'll head to a traditional glass-blowing factory in Ta' Qali for a chance to see the artisans at work, creating everything from paperweights to perfume bottles.A menu of mouthwatering Maltese food will be served for lunch at a nearby restaurant, before finishing the day with a guided tour of the Mosta Basilica. This 19th-century church is famous for having the third-largest unsupported dome in Europe, but it's not just it's size that impresses. The delicate décor of gold, white and blue will have you gazing up until your neck aches.

Gozo Island Tour with Victoria Citadel

Malta's sister island is just a short boat trip away. You'll set off by ferry and explore Gozo's natural beauty spots with this full day excursion. Visit Xlendi and Dwejra bays and historic sites such as Victoria Citadel and the UNESCO-listed Ggantija Temples.

Mdina Highlights Tour

For a taste of Malta's rich heritage, this tour is hard to beat. Available in either half or full day options, you'll go back in time to the island's most historic places. Stroll the cobbled streets of Mdina, visit the cliffs at Dingli and see the San Anton botanical gardens. The full day version includes the Rabat catacombs and the Mosta Dome.

Small Group Tour of Gozo in a Tuk-Tuk

Live life like a local for the day on Malta's sister island of Gozo. Travelling by tuk-tuk, you'll go where coaches can't and explore all her hidden corners – the parts most tourists never get to see. Sanap cliffs, Xewkija rotunda church and Victoria Citadel, are just a few of the highlights of this small group tour.Boarding the boat from Malta, we'll make the short hop across the Gozo Channel before switching to a tuk-tuk – the best way to navigate the island's narrow streets. With an expert driver-guide filling you in on the facts, we'll tick off a host of must-see sights and a wealth of stunning scenery.Visit the Dover-esque Sanap cliffs and see the saltpans of the north, alongside plenty of natural wonders. The impressive Xewkija rotunda church and an exploration of Victoria Citadel – the Gozitan capital – add to a long list of highlights on this action-packed island tour.

Three Cities Tour

Visit Valletta's Grand Harbour and discover the Three Cities – Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea. Learn of the island's tumultuous history as you tour this trio of fortified citadels, once the headquarters of the Knights Hospitaller. Then, hop in a traditional dghajsa boat to drift by battlements and creeks that can only be seen from the sea.

Valletta Two Harbours Cruise by Night

See the bright-lights of the Maltese capital with an evening cruise around Valletta's harbours. Float past historic forts as you hear tales of the heroic Knights Hospitaller and their defence of the city during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. Drift by places that can only be seen from the sea and get an insight into the island's past and present.

Marsaxlokk & Blue Grotto Tour

Maltese Sunday mornings are made for leisure. And this shopping and sightseeing combination is all about enjoying the real Malta. On this trip, you'll visit the fishing village of Marsaxlokk – one of the country's most picturesque – for its weekly market and the famous Blue Grotto.

Malta's Scenic Tour

Small but mighty, Malta packs a punch in the scenery stakes. This tour lines-up eye-catching stops like the flower-filled Buskett Gardens, the Maltese president's summer residence and the grand Parisio Palace. Also on the list are Misrah Ghar il-Kbir, famed for its mysterious cart ruts in the rock, and Dingli Cliffs – Malta's highest point.