Mdina

Game of Thrones tours

Experience some of Malta's most interesting highlights in just one day on a guided group tour. Discover the medieval city of Mdina, St. Cataldus Catacombs, and Mosta Rotunda. Stroll through the San Anton Botanical Gardens, take in sea views from Dingli Cliffs, and buy glass from local craftspeople. After hotel pickup, start your tour with the ancient city of Mdina, renowned for its opulent palaces, fortifications, architecture, and ancient heritage. Stroll through the narrow streets of the island's old capital, taking in one of Europe's finest examples of an ancient walled/fortified city. Take a journey back in time, as the streets have not changed much in the last 1,000 years. Admire 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. Leave Mdina through the Greeks Gate. Head to St. Cataldus Catacombs, in Rabat, on the outskirts of Mdina. Discover the catacombs, which were originally a Punic burial shaft, and some of the earliest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta. See graves that are beautiful examples of canopied tombs and others hewn in the rocks. Continue to Dingli Cliffs, off the village of Dingli on Malta's western coast, the highest point of the Maltese island at around 253m above sea level. Enjoy breathtaking views over the terraced fields underneath and the panorama of the vast open seas with the small uninhabited island of Filfla. After lunch, visit the San Anton Botanical Gardens, built in the early 17th century by Grand Master Antoine de Paule to complement his summer residence: San Anton Palace, located at the perimeter of the gardens, now serving as the residence of the Maltese President. Next, stop at the Ta' Qali Craft Village, a former British Royal Air Forces wartime airfield restored into a local artisan hub. Watch local craftsmen form elaborate glass art using ancient glassblowing techniques. Get some genuine locally made mementos to remind you of your visit to Malta. End your tour with Malta's largest church, the Sanctuary Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady, commonly known as the Mosta Rotunda or Mosta Dome. Built between 1833 and the 1860s to Neoclassical designs, the present church is based on the Pantheon in Rome. Discover its dome, the third largest unsupported dome in the world. Finally, return to your hotel.

Explore Malta's incredible estates, history, and sights at your own pace. Take the exclusive hop-on, hop-off tours, and ride at your own convenience on the open-top double decker buses. During your tour, you can stop at any of the following major attractions in the city, on these routes: South Malta Route (Red Route) • Valletta • Hypogeum • Vittoriosa Waterfront • Zejtun Church • Marsaxlokk Fishing Village • Ghar Dalam Cave & Museum • Blue Grotto • Hagar Qim & Mnajdra Temples • The Limestone Heritage • Sliema North Malta Route (Blue Route) • Valletta • San Anton Gardens • The Crafts Village • Aviation Museum • Mosta Church • Mdina • Rabat • Mgarr Church • Golden Bay • Bugibba Square • Splash and Fun Water Park • St. George’s Bay • Spinola Bay

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.

Mdina, once the capital city of Malta, has had many names throughout its history, but its medieval name describes it best: "Città Notabile" - the noble city. Built on a plateau in the center of the island, its baroque cathedral and magnificent bastions dominate the skyline. 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. The area occupied by Mdina has been inhabited since at least the Bronze Age. The Phoenicians and Romans established their own settlements here, but the modern name and layout of the city reflect Arab rule before the Normans firmly established it as the country's capital. Although the construction of Valletta lessened its importance, a strong earthquake in 1693 led to reconstruction and a revival of the city. Since that time, Mdina has changed very little. Walk past the most notable sites in Mdina, including Vilhena Palace, St. Agatha’s Chapel, the Banca Giuratale, the Mdina Cathedral, and much more. During this tour we will visit Rabat. While in Rabat we enter Wignacourt museum and visit: WW2 Shelters, Catacombs and St. Paul's Grotto. Entrance ticket included.

You start by visiting the ancient Medieval city of Mdina, renowned for its opulent palaces and fortifications, medieval and baroque architecture, and ancient heritage. This majestic city is unquestionably 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 1000 years, is a must for anyone visiting the Maltese islands. It is undoubtedly one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled/fortified city. Explore this historic city with an experienced local guide and 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. Leaving Mdina through the ‘Greeks Gate’ you proceed to Dingli Cliffs, located off the village of Dingli on Malta’s western coast, at around 253 metres above sea-level. These cliffs represent the highest point of the Maltese islands. The cliffs propose a majestic sight; the views overlooking the terraced fields underneath and the panorama of the vast open seas with the uninhabited small island of Filfla on its backdrop, are truly breath-taking! Given their impressive height the cliffs can be considered as natural forts, since no attacker can approach the island from the west. The tour ends with a visit to the San Anton Botanical Gardens, located in the village of Attard. These beautiful gardens were built in the early 17th century by Grand Master Antoine de Paule to complement his summer residence; San Anton Palace, which is located at the perimeter of the gardens and which today serves as the residence of the Maltese President. Open to the public since 1882 the gardens have several pathways surrounded by fountains and ponds which are inhabited by families of ducks, swans, peacocks, peahens and turtles and encompass a large variety of trees and flowers from around the world, including a variety of palm trees, cypress, jacarandas, araucarias and other exotic plants, some of them over three centuries old. During the whole tour knowledgeable and experienced guides will be providing you with riveting information and enhance your experience through narration and engaging storytelling.

Get a taste of the unique island of Malta on a bus tour and boat tour. Discover over 7,000 years of history as you drive past heritage sites, popular attractions, and beautiful natural landscapes.  Running during the summer months of the year (May onwards), the hop-on hop-off route starts from Bugibba, passing through Qawra and St Julian's and on to Malta’s capital city Valletta. You'll then make your way south where you will be able to experience and visit historic temples and sights along the way. Following your stop at the Blue Grotto, the tour heads back up north and inland stopping at Roman sites and points of interest and then back to Bugibba via Golden Bay on the North-West coast. With over 30 stops and 50 points of interest along the route, discover this Maltese Island like never before. Experience key sights including the Mosta Church and Dome; Ta’Qali Craft Village; and Rabat with many Roman Sites such as the restored Roman Villa, St Agatha’s Catacombs, and the medieval town of Mdina. Enjoy the famous 'Three Cities' and the Tarxien Temples believed to be built around 3000 BC. Marsaxlokk is a traditional and picturesque fishing village that is sure to delight you. Take the opportunity to visit the beautiful Blue Grotto. You will discover plenty of things to do on this island tour. Plus you can combine your hop-on-hop-off tour with a harbor cruise. North Route Stops:• Bugibba (Topaz Hotel / Gillieru Hotel)• Bugibba Jetty (Seatrips Outlet) • Bugibba Centre (Opposite HSBC) • Bugibba (Santana Hotel)• Malta National Aquarium• Qawra Palace Hotel• Qawra Seafront• Bellavista Hotel, Qawra • Mediterraneo Marine Park• ITS Roundabout (Radisson & Corinthia Hotels) • St George's Bay, St Julians (City Sightseeing Route Stage) • Westin Dragonara, St Julians• Hilton Roundabout, St Julians• Spinola Bay, St Julians• Balluta Bay (Opp Balluta Church) • Sliema Seafront (Opposite Preluna Hotel) • Sliema Ferries (City Sightseeing Route Stage & Stop For Harbour Cruise) • Opposite Bayview Hotel (CitySightseeing Outlet) • Valletta - City Center• Valletta Waterfront Terminus (Change For South Route) • San Anton Gardens • Ta Qali - Aviation Museum• Mosta Church • Mdina Main Gate • Rabat - Domus Romana • Golden Bay South Route Stops: • ITS Roundabout • St Georges Bay, St Julians (CSS Route Stage) • Westin Dragonara, St Julians • Hilton, St Julians• Spinola Bay,St Julians• Balluta Bay (Opp Balluta Church)• Sliema Seafront (Opposite Preluna Hotel)• Sliema Ferries (City Sightseeing Route Stage and Stop For Harbour Cruise) Opposite Bayview Hotel • Valletta City Center• Valletta Waterfront Terminus (Change For North Route) • Tarxien Temples• Vittoriosa Waterfront • Marsaxlokk - Fishing Village • Pretty Bay (Birzebbugia)• Blue Grotto • Hagar Qim Temples and Mnajdra Temples  • Valletta City Center• Valletta - Malta Experience, Knights Hospital War Museum, and Fort St Elmo• Valletta Waterfront Terminus (Change For North Route)

Visit one of the top tourist destinations the Maltese islands have to offer: an authentic original film set turned into a family-friendly theme park, which originally served as the film set for the 1980 Robin Williams movie "Popeye". Offering a variety of vibrantly enjoyable activities for people of all ages and being open all year round, we guarantee an enjoyable visit for all our guests. The village also has unique themed seasonal events throughout the year; these activities and adornments are often held around Christmas, Carnival, Easter, and Halloween. Take advantage of the convenience of roundtrip transfers with pick-up from your accommodation (transfers are optional, only if the transport option is selected). We guarantee that you will have a full day of enjoyment, laughter, and fun, whether you are traveling alone, with friends, or with your family. Roam around the whole village and appreciate the 40+-year-old structure still in its original glory. Visit Popeye’s house and take pictures in the sailor’s nook. Make your way to the school, the firehouse, the dentist shop, and the baker, all of which are depicted clearly in the 1980 musical film Popeye. Meet Popeye, Olive Oyl, Captain Bluto, and all their friends during the very enjoyable and ever-so-amusing animation shows that are continuously going on in the village. Learn about the movie and the building of the film set in the very detailed 15-minute documentary showing continuously in the cinema, then make your way to Popeye’s comic museum to see all the memorabilia that has been collected throughout the years. Join a cast and experience what it's like to be a movie star for a day by appearing in a real movie. You and your pals will have a blast imitating the lifestyle of your Hollywood heroes while planning the scenes, practicing them, choosing costumes, and actually filming them. Visit the theater at the end of your stay to see the world premiere of your own movie. After the preview, you can buy copies of this epic thriller. Jump your way on our inflatables while bathing in the crystal-clear waters of Anchor Bay and relax at the Anchor Bay Lido during a very hot Maltese summer day. Make use of the sun beds, sun umbrellas, sun decks, floating bathing platforms, and splash pools (water activities are available only during the summer season).

Explore Malta's impressive estates, learn about its fascinating history, and take in the island’s sights at your own pace in an iconic vintage bus. Discover Valletta, Sliema, Mdina, and Rabat. Stop at any of the included locations along the route and visit the city’s main attractions. Benefit from a full-day ticket to take buses at your leisure. Take the tour in style in these one-of-a-kind restored classic buses, many of which are around seventy years old. Timetable as below: Monday - Wednesday - Friday from Sliema Ferries (outside the M&S store): 09:20 - 11:15 - 13:05 - 15:05 (it will also come at St. Julian's around 10 minutes after Sliema, depending on the traffic) Valletta (next to the Tourist Information Office by the Tritons Fountain) : 11:00 - 12:50 - 14:50 Mdina/Rabat: 10:00 - 12:25 - 14:25 - 16:25 Sunday (Valletta-Marsaxlokk) The bus will depart Valletta at 09:30 - 10:40 - 12:20 - 13:20 (next to the Tourist Information Office by the Triton's Fountain) The bus will return from Marsaxlokk (where you are dropped off) at 09:55 - 11:10-12:50 - 13:50.

Explore the marvels of the island of Malta on a tour accompanied by a local driver. From the depths of the Blue Grotto to the heights of the Dingli Cliffs, discover a tapestry of wonders waiting to be explored. Hop on an air-conditioned minibus and start your tour at the Blue Grotto. Dive into the mesmerizing depths of the natural sea cave adorned with azure waters and limestone formations. Next, lose yourself in the labyrinth of narrow alleys, medieval architecture, and panoramic views of Mdina. After immersing yourself in centuries of rich history and culture, stand in awe at the edge of Europe's highest cliffs, where the majestic Dingli Cliffs meet the endless expanse of the Mediterranean Sea. Finally, find yourself in Valletta, the tiny capital of the Mediterranean island nation, and explore its UNESCO-listed streets lined with Baroque palaces, fortified walls, and bustling markets.

Mdina is a fortified hill-top urban settlement located at the very heart of the Maltese Islands. Founded by the Romans, for almost two centuries it served as the administrative and political capital of the Maltese Islands. It is to this day the seat of Malta 's episcopacy. Meet your guide at the Mdina Main Gate by the bridge and start your tour with an introduction on the city's historical background. You will then proceed to discover the “Citta' Notabile”, the Noble City, its medieval name which describes it best it was home then, as now, to Malta's noble families. You will see the impressive palaces, churches, and convents that line the narrow medieval streets. As you wind your way through the narrow streets you will be thrown back in time. The neighboring suburb, Rabat is just a stone’s throw away. There you will make your way through the old quarter and enjoy Maltese vernacular architecture.