Rabat, Malta

Tours

Uncover the beauty of Malta's coast on this full-day Cruise from Bugibba. Swim at the Blue Lagoon and enjoy some free time exploring the island of Gozo. Select from different boats and departure times. Your tour begins from the tourist town of Bugibba, where your vessel departs on an unforgettable two-island cruise. From the open sea, you will experience Malta from a truly unique and beautiful vantage point. Relax with refreshments available to purchase on board. Cruise close to the coast whilst witnessing Malta's magnificent naturally formed coastline, including its enormous cliffs, rocky nooks, and crannies. You will pass the tiny Island of St. Paul's, viewing the statue of the apostle St. Paul as it rises high into the sky. You will also get to visit magnificent sea caves, allowing you to take amazing photographs. Start with a stop at Crystal Lagoon (high season only), a spot many tourists don't know about. Witness the unbelievably clear water, perfect conditions for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. Take a plunge into its crystal clear waters from one of three waterslides, or jump from the top deck if you dare. Then, depart to the famous Blue Lagoon. Enjoy being moored for an hour right next to it with a good view from the docking position. Use the boat as a base, using all the fantastic facilities. Once you arrive at Gozo Island, the land transport (if selected when booking) will take you to the capital city of Gozo, which the locals call Rabat. This small city has a wealth of charm and history, including its impressive citadel. As the day draws closer, we cruise back to Bugibba, entering the Santa Maria pirate caves and viewing the "Elephants Head", a truly amazing rock formation. With different boats to choose from, select your preferred boat and departure time. Your options include medium size boats that offer an experience with fewer people or a larger catamaran that features underwater windows for a unique view of the marine life below. Enhance your experience with onboard waterslides, comfortable seating in shaded and sunny areas, swim ladders, male and female toilets, refreshments for sale, and audio commentary in different languages.

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

During this full-day tour, experience Gozo's magnificent heritage, visit key landmarks, and discover hidden gems, all while relishing the impressive beauty and distinctive charm this tiny island has to offer.  This tour starts with a short 25-minute ferry crossing to Gozo, which immediately sets the pace for Gozo’s unique atmosphere. The first stop is the megalithic temples of Ggantija, included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This impressive archaeological site dates to c. 3600–3200 BC and is believed to be the oldest freestanding monument in the world, predating Stonehenge in England and the Pyramids of Egypt. The etymology of “Ggantija” is derived from the Maltese word for giant (“ggant”) because it was believed the site was built by a race of giants.  This mythological idea makes sense considering that the temples are constructed from megaliths (massive limestone blocks) measuring more than 5 meters in length and weighing over 50 tonnes. Afterward, head towards the mediaeval fortified city known locally as “Cittadella” (The Citadel).  Located within the capital city of Gozo (Victoria), with its distinctive skyline and imposing military architecture, this ancient, fortified city stands out as Gozo’s major landmark, a beacon visible from all over the island. Next visit is the delightful sea inlet known as Xlendi Bay, located at the end of a deep, lush ravine, which was once a riverbed and surrounded by picturesque steep cliffs. The bay is now on the must-visit list of most daytrippers to the island.  Xlendi’s small but lively promenade is busy at all times of the day, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and a handful of souvenir shops. Though seemingly bursting with activity during summer, Xlendi Bay remains a refreshingly quiet place even at the height of the season. Your final stop is Dwejra. Situated on the western shore of the island of Gozo, this area is a geological and ecological haven. Its surroundings offer a blend of geology, landscape, fauna, habitats, shorelines, seascapes, archaeology, flora, and history, making this an experience to remember. Dwejra Bay is also known for its Inland Sea, a small bay surrounded by high cliffs and connected by an impressive 65-meter-long natural tunnel that opens out into the open sea, a truly fascinating natural formation that evokes awe and leaves a striking impression. After a day full of experiences and unique memories, take a short ferry crossing back to Malta and return to your hotel.

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.

Cross to the tiny island of Gozo to enjoy a full day excursion of the sister island of Malta. Drive to Ggantija Temples, a megalithic temple complex from the Neolithic era. These temples are the earliest of the Megalithic Temples of Malta and are older than the pyramids of Egypt. Your next stop is the historic fortified city of The Citadella in the heart of Victoria. Also called The Citadel, it is on Malta's tentative list of future UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and contains an old prison within the city walls. Free time will be given in Rabat for those who would like to have lunch, before visitng the Ta' Pinu Basilica, close to the village of Gharb. We will then visit Dwejra, where once there was the Azure Window. Finally, drive to Mgarr Port via Qala Belvedere, where breathtaking scenes await.

Let your local guide take you through the beautiful historic towns of Mdina and Rabat. Walk past palaces and be treated to sweeping views of the Maltese Islands as you learn about the history of these centuries-old places. The tour starts at the main gate of Mdina, where you'll meet your guide and take in the beauty of the architecture. Begin your walk through the winding streets of Malta's old capital. Pass the decadent palaces of the Maltese nobility and St. Paul's Cathedral. Go up to the bastions of the town to admire spectacular views of Malta. Exit the old city through the Greek's Gate and head to Rabat. Discover Rabat and it's people with your guide, who is a resident there. Meet some of the people of Rabat as you walk the streets to the main square. At the square, see St. Paul's Basilica, where the saint lived during his three-month stay on Malta.

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.