The Malta Experience, Valletta

Discover 7,000 years of history with our audio-visual award-winning show, available in 17 languages. The Malta Experience is an audio-visual show that tells the dramatic story of the islands’ 7,000-year history. Educational, informative, and entertaining, the show runs through the turbulent history of a small island nation that has overcome almost unimaginable odds to survive and prosper. Situated in a purpose-built panoramic auditorium, the show chronicles Malta’s unique history in just 45 minutes. A must-see audio-visual treat, The Malta Experience will enrich your understanding of the islands, their people, and the places you’ll see on your visit. Through beautiful imagery and gripping commentary, The Malta Experience, the island’s premier audio-visual show, has enthralled over 4 million visitors. After the show, you can also visit the souvenir shop, where you can find a wide range of gifts. You’ll find locally made handicrafts such as silver filigree jewellery, hand-blown decorative glass, and Gozo lace, along with books on Malta’s rich history and traditions. You can also opt to have a meal or a drink at our beautiful bistro, The St. Elmo Cafe & Bistro, which is perched upon Valletta’s bastions and overlooks the magnificent Grand Harbour. Our menu includes a selection of sandwiches, salads, pasta, and grilled food. Whether it’s a cool drink in the sun or a relaxed lunch, all can be enjoyed while watching the beautiful cruise liners go by! The duration of the audio-visual show is approximately 45 minutes. • Optional: Enjoy a visit to "La Sacra Infermeria" (the Holy Infirmary of the Order of the Knights of St. John). Malta’s Knights of St. John are famous for repelling an invasion and their military exploits abroad. But their origins were actually those of peace and caring for the sick. ''La Sacra Infermeria'' has seen over 400 years of vivid human history as generations of patients have passed through its doors. These ancient walls have witnessed triumph and tragedy, selfless care and unspeakable suffering, medical innovation, and sad decay. It’s as though the very fabric of the place is imbued with the ghosts of centuries. This noble past is revealed during the tour of “La Sacra Infermeria”. The duration of the tour of "La Sacra Infermeria" is approximately 30 minutes.

Discover Malta's UNESCO-listed town of Valletta on a fascinating guided tour. Glide along the streets on a Segway, for 1 hour 45 minutes, and travel all around the capital city of Malta. See the main squares and gardens, and enjoy stops to explore the main sites and take photos. Subject to availability and opening hours, the tour is followed by a 45-minute audio-visual show that tells the dramatic story of the islands’ 7000 year history. Educational, informative and entertaining, the show runs through the turbulent history of a small island nation that has overcome almost unimaginable odds to survive and prosper.

The Malta multi pass is an all-in-one multi-site and multi-day pass for 3, 4, 6 or 7 days offering you great savings on cruises, buses and entrances. All Malta multi passes include unlimited use of City Sightseeing Malta hop-on hop-off buses on the north (blue) and south (red) routes including multi-lingual audio guide, and Captain Morgan's Grand Harbour cruise. The 3 day leisure pass, the 4 day leisure plus pass and the 7 day premium pass include entrance to Malta 5D OR Malta Experience & Sacra Infermeria, the Odyssey Malta, the National Aquarium and Esplora Interactive Science Centre. The 6 day heritage pass and 7 day premium pass include entry to up to 20+ Heritage Malta sites (see list below*), including the Grand Master's Palace in Valletta and UNESCO Hagar Qim Temples. The 4 day leisure plus pass and 7 day premium pass include 1 same day round trip on Captain Morgan's Two Islands ferries to Blue Lagoon in Comino and Gozo from Malta. Please inform us on booking or soon as possible (at least 1 day before the start of your pass) whether you wish to depart from Sliema in Malta or Bugibba in Malta and what day you prefer to go on this round trip so that we can book your places. With the 4 day leisure plus pass and 7 day premium pass you can also choose to include a 1 day Gozo Heritage Pass which includes: - City Sightseeing Gozo hop-on hop-off route 1 (purple) & route 2 (blue) buses including multi-lingual audio guide - entrance to Heritage sites in Gozo including Ġgantija Temples, Ta' Kola Windmill, Gozo Archaeology Museum, Gozo Nature Museum, Gran Castello History House, The Old Prison and Cittadella Visitors' Centre The 7 day premium pass also includes entrance to the Mdina Cathedral and Museum. *Heritage Malta sites entrances in Malta: Borg in-Nadur Temples Domus Romana Fort St. Angelo Fort St. Elmo and the National War Museum Fortifications Interpretation Centre Ghar Dalam Cave and Museum Grand Master's Palace Armoury Grand Master's Palace State Rooms Hagar Qim Temples Inquisitor's Palace Malta Maritime Museum Mnajdra Temples MUZA Malta National Community Art Museum National Museum of Archaeology National Museum of Natural History St. Paul's Catacombs Skorba Temples Ta' Bistra Catacombs Ta' Hagrat Temples Tarxien Temples Please note some sites may be closed for refurbishment.

You will meet your professional guide at the central meeting point which is easily accessible on foot, by bus or car, from your cruise ship or ferry. You will discover Valletta's beauty and charm on this half-day guided walking tour through the vibrant streets of the fortified city built by the Knights of St. John, which today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will get a great introduction to Valletta with free time to enjoy the breath-taking view of the Grand Harbour from the Upper Barrakka Gardens. You will learn about the history and life of Valletta and discover all the important landmarks, with free time for you to explore St. John's Co-Cathedral and Museum (entrance not included), including the Caravaggio masterpieces and one of the most beautiful marble inlaid floors in the world. The walking tour ends at the Malta Experience where you can purchase tickets (not included) to watch the audio-visual show where Malta’s history is brought back to life, visit La Sacra Infermeria (the Holy Infirmary built by the Knights) or visit the National War Museum next door at Fort St. Elmo. After the morning tour you will have free time to explore the city on your own for the rest of the day.

The Malta Experience, the island's foremost audio-visual attraction has enthralled audiences since its launch in the 1980's. Situated in Malta's capital city Valletta and housed in a purpose-built theatre in the Mediterranean Conference Centre, formerly the Holy Infirmary of the Order of St John of Jerusalem. The story unfolds on a large panoramic screen with an outstanding music soundtrack and an informative commentary available in a choice of seventeen languages, selected via the viewer's headset. The show starts intriguingly, with the mysterious legacy of the prehistoric inhabitants of Malta and Gozo… …and charts the stories of wave after wave of invaders and colonisers, each contributing to the unique character of the islands. A highlight of the show is St Paul's dramatic arrival on Malta and the subsequent spread of Christianity. The Knights of St John ruled the islands for some 250 years. Their rise and fall are brilliantly chronicled, along with the horrors of the Great Siege of 1565, and the building of Valletta. The story of the islands' chequered history continues through the coming of Napoleon, the imposition of British rule, and the dark days of the Second Great Siege, of World War 2, which tested the population's bravery and endurance to the limit. The Malta Experience covers 7,000 years of Maltese history, giving visitors an excellent opportunity to orientate themselves and learn more about the many different aspects of the Island's culture and history. Having attracted millions of visitors throughout the years, the show is considered as one of the must-see attractions on the Island. To further engage the visitor into the island's history, a fully guided tour of the Mediterranean Conference Centre is also available. This purpose-built building was constructed by the Knights of St John and was known as "La Sacra Infermeria", the Holy Infirmary and is one of the most imposing buildings of Valletta. The tour is ably narrated by knowledgeable guides that immerse the visitor into the charted history of this grand building.

See the Malta the way it was meant to be seen with a personal driver for 4 whole hours which can guide you on the best route options to create your own sightseeing according to your own liking. This trip will not include more than 8 people. Included in the Tour is a Private Air-conditioned Brand new Minivan which will provide the transportation services for only 8 People (Maximum), personal driver plus suggested route/destinations. In addition to the above, a bottled water and a traditional Maltese snack will be included, bought fresh from a local shop made from local produce. Written guides on the history of Malta at each location will be given, however one can opt for a licensed tour guide at an extra cost. The Malta Experience and a light lunch can also be opted at an extra cost. This custom tour can be altered at your convenience at no additional charge. Travelers can opt for the option to be picked up at their preferred destination at no extra charge.

Explore Malta with the iSeeMalta Leisure Pass. Enjoy unlimited use of the City Sightseeing bus, a traditional harbour cruise, and free access to the Malta National Aquarium, a history based audio-visual show and the Esplora Science Centre. The itinerary below is only to be used as a guideline and does not need to be followed: Day 1: North of Malta and the Malta National Aquarium Hop on the bus on the North Route and head to N3. Arrive at the Malta National Aquarium. Explore the various exhibits showcasing Malta’s rich underwater life, including local marine species and tropical fish. After your visit, grab lunch at a nearby café or restaurant. Alternatively, hop back on the bus and continue the views of the north coast and surrounding views. Stop at Ta’ Qali Crafts Village to discover local craftsmanship and handmade goods, or alternatively, head to the silent city Mdina: Wander through the historic streets of this ancient fortified city. Day 2: Valletta, Malta Take the bus to Valletta, the stunning capital of Malta. Arrive and start your day by strolling through the charming streets. Head to the Upper Barracca Gardens for breath-taking views of the Grand Harbour. Wander through Valletta’s streets and choose from numerous cafes and restaurants for lunch. Continue your walking tour at your own pace. Explore shops, boutiques, and cultural landmarks. Don’t miss the stunning architecture and historical sites scattered throughout the city. Visit the Malta Experience show for an engaging overview of Malta’s history. Alternatively, catch the Malta 5D show for a unique audio-visual experience. Day 3: Harbour Cruise and the Three Cities Start the day off with a 90-minute Harbour Cruise with live commentary to relive Malta’s gallant history, cruising around the two natural harbours on either side of Valletta – Marsamxetto Harbour and the Grand Harbour. Explore the historic area of the Three Cities, including Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. Stroll through narrow streets, visit the Fort St. Angelo, and enjoy the waterfront views. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the Three Cities. Sample traditional Maltese dishes and soak in the atmosphere. Head to the Esplora Science Centre. Engage with interactive exhibits that explore science and technology.