Mediterranean Conference Centre

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.

Enjoy a full Harbour Cruise, departing from Sliema ferry, and cruise around the largest natural harbors in Malta and the Mediterranean, Marsamxett Harbour and Valletta Grand Harbour. Spot various sights including yacht marinas, shipyards, bastions, forts and fortifications, and the famous 3 cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua). Cruise into the creeks of these amazing harbors and admire beautiful sea views from the boat. Listen to commentary onboard that will outline the history of the two harbors.

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.