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Grand Harbour, Valletta

Grand Harbour, Valletta: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Sliema: Cruise Around Malta's Harbours & Creeks

1. From Sliema: Cruise Around Malta's Harbours & Creeks

Set sail from Sliema and see some of Malta's most beautiful harbors on a boat tour. Board your boat and relax as you cruise through the two natural harbors - Marsamxett Harbour and Grand Harbor. En route, pass by Valetta, busy dockyards, marinas, bastions, historic forts, and much more. Listen to detailed audio commentary to uncover the history of Valletta and the Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. Thanks to the numerous creeks around Valletta including the Sliema, Lazzaretto, Menqa, and Marsa, and the Inner basin, you can enjoy unique views of the city without the touristy crowds.

Malta: Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea Tour with Boat Trip

2. Malta: Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea Tour with Boat Trip

The Three Cities is a collective description of the three fortified cities of Cospicua, Birgu (Vittoriosa), and Senglea. The oldest of the Three Cities is Vittoriosa, which has existed since prior to the Middle Ages. The other two cities, Senglea and Cospicua, were both founded by the Order of the Knights of Saint John in the 16th and 17th centuries respectively. During this half day tour, you will have the opportunity to appreciate these unique historical fortified cities and admire magnificent churches, traditional piazzas, incredible fortifications, and architectural treasures found all around the Three Cities area. Pieces of living history kept alive by hundreds of years of preservation! We start with a panoramic drive past the city of Cospicua, a double fortified harbour city and the largest of the three cities, to reach the city of Vittoriosa, this glorious city has been inhabited since the time of the Phoenicians, but the current city dates back from the time of the Order of the Knights of Saint John. Vittoriosa was chosen as the capital city of Malta instead of Mdina upon the arrival of the Order in the year 1530. Enjoy a fascinating walking tour through the narrow streets of the city admiring and appreciating all the historical buildings and captivating treasures found at every twist and turn. Upon arrival at the stunning Vittoriosa waterfront, board a traditional Maltese “Frejgatina” (a small, carvel-built fishing boat) for a delightful tour of the colourful harbour creeks. The tour ends at Senglea, named after Claude De La Sengle, the Grand Master who founded the city, Senglea is also known as “Civitas Invicta” a name given to the city for managing to resist the Ottoman invasion during the Great Siege of 1565. The island on which Senglea lies was joined by a land bridge to Cospicua during the time of the Knights of St. John and as a result, it became peninsular in shape. From the Gardjola Gardens located at the tip of the peninsula enjoy a stunning 360° view of the Grand Harbour, including the impressive Fort Sant Angelo, from where the Grand Master Jean Perisot De La Valette led the defence of the island during the Great Siege of 1565. During the whole tour knowledgeable and experienced guides will be providing you with riveting information and enhance your experience through narration and engaging storytelling.

From Sliema: Valletta and the Three Cities Scenic Cruise

3. From Sliema: Valletta and the Three Cities Scenic Cruise

Cruise on-board our eco-friendly, fully air-conditioned, state-of-the-art, 20-metre Catamaran. Join us on our Traditional Harbour Cruise to relive Malta's gallant history, cruising around the two natural harbours on either side of our capital city of Valletta; the Marsamxett Harbour and the imposing Grand Harbour, where you will experience the past and view the magnificent forts, battlements and creeks situated around Valletta and the Three Cities. A detailed live commentary in English and German will unfold the history connected with the two Great Sieges of 1565 and 1942, as well as other places of interest which can only be admired from the sea. Free Wi-Fi and a cash bar offering snacks and drinks is available on board.

Valletta City Walking Tour

4. Valletta City Walking Tour

You will meet your guide at the entrance of Valletta past the City Gate next to the New Parliament Building. Your guide will give you a brief introduction to the city and then you will begin your tour in Valletta's historic city center. During the tour, you will discover this fortress city, learn how it all began, how the city evolved through the centuries and about the events which shaped Valletta into the city that it is today. Whether you are a first time visitor or you want to delve in deeper, our fully guided tour will not disappoint you. You will walk past the main squares of the city, Auberges of the Knights, palaces, churches and visit gardens, which offer stunning views of Malta's Grand Harbour. Apart from the cultural and historical aspect, you will also learn interesting tit-bits and behind the scene stories. Your tour will end at St. George's Square, next to the Grandmaster's Palace and the guide will help to orient you and also give you tips as to how is best to continue exploring the city on your own.

Valletta: Guided Walking Tour with Optional Cathedral Tour

5. Valletta: Guided Walking Tour with Optional Cathedral Tour

Embark on a guided tour through the vibrant streets of Valletta, which will allow you to discover the beauty and charm of the capital city of Malta, a fortified city built by the Knights of St. John in 1566. Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety, and with a history spanning almost 5 centuries, it is regarded by many as an open-air museum! Admire its imposing fortifications and bastions, amazing baroque palaces, marvelous churches, gorgeous gardens, and beautiful architecture ranging from mid-16th-century baroque to modernism. Valletta is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary and charming cities you will ever visit. Walk through the bustling streets of the city and discover its many treasures, and visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour. Afterwards, depending on the option you have booked, some of the members of the group will have a guided tour of the stunning co-cathedral dedicated to St. John the Baptist, whereas those booked without the cathedral visit will have some free time to roam around the streets of Valletta. The group then meets again at a designated time and place and proceeds toward Republic Street. At the cathedral you will be able to appreciate and admire all its riches: the adorned interiors, carved stone walls, painted vaulted ceilings, beautiful paintings, precious relics, rich baroque art, and opulent altars. Before the end of the tour, enjoy 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.

Malta’s 3 Cities Tour & Wine Tasting

6. Malta’s 3 Cities Tour & Wine Tasting

Enjoy a half-day the stunning cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea. Learn about the history and rich culture of this unique Mediterranean island and sample some of Malta’s full-bodied wines at Razzett l-Antik in Qormi. Be picked up from any hotel in Malta. Board an air-conditioned bus and relax on the drive past Cospicua and Senglea. Admire the double-fortified cities along the way.   Continue to Vittoriosa, which is significant for its long history of maritime, mercantile, and military activities. Prior to the establishment of Valletta, military powers that wanted to rule the Maltese islands, needed control Vittoriosa, due to its Grand Harbor. Make your way to Razzett l-Antik in Qormi. Start your wine tasting with a historical introduction, followed by an explanation about the process of how locally grown grapes are pressed, fermented, and eventually transformed into wine. Visit the wine bar, where trained staff guide guests through a wine-tasting session paired with snacks like Maltese bread, cheeses, and much more.

Mdina: Valletta Waterfront Area, Mdina, and Rabat Night Tour

7. Mdina: Valletta Waterfront Area, Mdina, and Rabat Night Tour

Start by driving around Valletta where you can admire the majestic 16th century fortifications and bastions as they are beautifully lit up during the night, a truly captivating and unique sight. After driving around Valletta’s bastions & fortifications, stop at The Valletta Waterfront, this gorgeous promenade located in the Grand Harbour area features nineteen beautifully restored 18th century warehouses, stretching along the water’s edge with a backdrop of historic bastions and fortifications. The iconic doors have been revived with an artistic impression of colour, representing the storage of goods from the past, with blue for fish, green for produce, yellow for wheat and red for wine. The area comes alive at night, attracting locals and tourists alike to its heritage buildings which have been transformed into a variety of lively bars & restaurants. Some free time will be given during our visit to The Valletta Waterfront. From here we will proceed to the west-central part of Malta to discover the village of Rabat and the medieval city of Mdina, the old capital city of Malta. Rabat (a semitic word meaning “suburb”) was at one point a part of Mdina, before it evolved as a separate village. In Roman times the site of Mdina and Rabat was collectively known as Melita, during the Arab occupation of Malta, Melita was renamed to Mdina, and its area was reduced by moving the southern wall of the township; as a result, parts of Mdina became known as Rabat. Here we will enjoy a walk in the older part of the village, along its narrow and winding streets, appreciating the charm and beauty of this unique village during the night, before we proceed towards Mdina. Renowned for its opulent palaces and fortifications, its medieval and baroque architecture, and its ancient heritage, Mdina, also known as “The Silent City”, remains one of the island's most evocative destinations. Serving as the island's capital city from antiquity till the medieval period, Mdina is truly an enchanting city! a stroll through its narrow streets, which have not changed much in the last 1,000 years, is a must for any visitor to Malta. It is undoubtedly one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled/fortified city. Explore this historic city of timeless beauty during the night, when all the city’s landmarks, fortifications and bastions are beautifully illuminated, and all the quaint alleys and narrow streets are gracefully lit up by the old lanterns found at every twist and turn, giving the whole city an enchanting and captivating aura. Delve into the rich past of the city as you explore its medieval streets, take a journey back in time admiring the magnificent palazzos and churches in the city’s unique mix of medieval and baroque styles, as well as the spectacular panoramas from the high bastion walls from where you will be able to see almost half of the island sparkling beneath you, wrapped up in a dazzling and stunning nocturnal setting.

Malta by Segway: Valletta Experience

8. Malta by Segway: Valletta Experience

Discover Malta's UNESCO-listed town of Valletta on a fascinating guided tour. Glide along the streets on a segway 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 may be supplemented by an 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.

Valletta: Valletta Walking Tour in Small Group

9. Valletta: Valletta Walking Tour in Small Group

Discover what makes Malta, and specifically Valletta, so unique on a fascinating walking tour through major historic landmarks. Listen to stories of the numerous events that have taken place in the city and the arrival of thousands of people that turned it into a melting pot of cultures. Walk through the City Gates, a modern project by Italian architect Renzo Piano, who also planned the Parliament building which we will be seeing. Begin your walk through the main roads and dive into some side streets to discover the lesser-known gems of Valletta. Walk along Republic Street, a bustling road with shops, museums, churches, and palaces. Go past the amazing St John's Co-Cathedral, moving on to the main squares. See the Republic Square with Queen Victoria sitting amongst Maltese people, St Georges Square with the Grand Masters Palace, and Independence Square with the Anglican Cathedral and a beautiful Jacaranda tree. Stroll past all the most important palaces constructed by ancient knights. Finish the tour with a visit to the Upper Barrakka Gardens to admire an incredible view of the Grand Harbour.

Malta: Marsamxett Harbour and Grand Harbour Cruise by Night

10. Malta: Marsamxett Harbour and Grand Harbour Cruise by Night

Enjoy an interesting and relaxing cruise through two natural harbors, the Marsamxett Harbour, and the famous Grand Harbour. Delight in the beauty of these harbors rich in history and traditional Maltese culture. On this tour, you will also visit ten of Malta's creeks. As you depart the Strand Sliema, you will cruise inside Sliema Creek, around Manoel Island to Lazzaretto Creek, better known as the Yacht Marina, round Ta'Xbiex to Msida & Pieta Creeks, cruising by the battlements and fortifications surrounding Valletta and Floriana to the Grand Harbour. Then, you will proceed to Menqa Creek, Marsa Creek, and the inner basin to see the Malta Ship Building Yard. You will continue on to the French Creek and the Dockyard Area, round the Three Cities Senglea, Cospicua, and Vittoriosa, and back to Sliema, cruising right inside 10 creeks.

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What people are saying about Grand Harbour, Valletta

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 52 reviews

We did the tour in both English and French and Celine was just amazing, very knowledgeable, we all had a very great time thanks to her, not to mention the beauty for the silent city at night and understanding the history behind Malta and how it was shaped by all the different influences

I highly recommend this walking city tour of Valetta. I've been twice before but really wanted to learn more about the history of the city from a local rather than just the guide books. Elena my guide on this tour was top notch. She was professional, friendly and informative.

It is a 3 hour walking tour , very informative and you can find out very interesting facts Optional is entrance the cathedral with the same guide and that's a must if you ask me. Without a guide you can easily miss very interesting things.

It is a good tour. Jackie is a good guide. We could use some more time in Cospicua. The boat ride was the highlight.

Brilliant tour! Tour guide was amazing. I did skip the lunch to have extra time in Mdina though