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Valletta Culture & history

Our most recommended Valletta Culture & history

Malta: Gozo Full-Day Jeep Tour with Lunch & Boat Ride

1. Malta: Gozo Full-Day Jeep Tour with Lunch & Boat Ride

Explore the island of Gozo by Jeep and see the most beautiful sights on this day trip from Malta. Stop in the charming towns and enjoy different bays such as Ramla Bay and Xlendi Bay. Uncover the secrets of Calypso's Cave and have a scrumptious lunch. Go to Victoria and ride past the Blue Lagoon and Comino Caves. Benefit from hotel pickup in Malta and private powerboat to Gozo. Meet your guide and head to the Qala Belvedere for panoramic views across the sea, then visit the pretty resort town of Ramla Bay. See ruins at Calypso's Cave, or explore the temple complex of Ġgantija (own expense). Make a stop to refuel with a three-course meal at the beautiful Village of Xewkija. Discover the typical fishing village of Xlendi Bay and marvel at the rock formations of Dwejra. Get up close to the salt pans on the north coast near the beach resort of Marsalforn Bay. Visit the Citadel in the capital city of Victoria, and enjoy some time for a relaxing swim in the sea. End with a powerboat ride back to Malta via the Blue Lagoon and Comino Caves.

Malta: Highlights of Malta & Mdina Full Day Tour with Lunch

2. Malta: Highlights of Malta & Mdina Full Day Tour with Lunch

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.

Malta: Prehistoric Temples and Highlights of the South

3. Malta: Prehistoric Temples and Highlights of the South

See the best of Malta's south island in just one day with a comprehensive tour of its landmarks. Explore an old quarry, magnificent pre-historic sites, the world-famous Blue Grotto, and a traditional village. Enjoy plenty of time at each site and become immersed in local culture and history. After being picked up from your hotel, head over to one of Malta's oldest quarries. Tour the Limestone Heritage Park & Gardens, an innovative attraction highlighting the beauty of the Maltese stone and its incredible 22 million years of history. Take in a fascinating audio-visual presentation. Visit the megalithic temple complex of Hagar Qim, located on the southern edge of the island on a hilltop overlooking the sea. Discover a majestic site dating back to 3600-3200 BC and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue on to Zurrieq Valley for an exciting stop. Arrive at the majestic Blue Grotto and seize the opportunity to appreciate breath-taking views as you gaze at the seven coastal caves. Admire the intense blue colour of the ocean and the imposing rock formations. If the weather allows, you can opt to take a boat trip around the area for an extra fee payable on location. Stroll through the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk and browse through the charming market. Finally, head into Ghar Dalam, Malta’s oldest prehistoric site, dating back to 5200 BC. Step into the 144-meter-long cave to see the bone remains of elephants, hippopotami, and more.

Valletta: Guided Walking Tour with St. John's Co-Cathedral

4. Valletta: Guided Walking Tour with St. John's Co-Cathedral

You will meet your guide at the entrance of Valletta in front of the New Parliament Building, looking out for their red umbrella. Your guide will give an introduction to Valletta, and then will lead you through this fortress city, ensuring you do not miss out on anything worth seeing. As you walk past Auberges, palaces, and churches, your guide will unfold the history of the Knights of Malta, as well as the city’s connections with the British period. You will also visit gardens, which offer stunning views of Malta's Grand Harbour. The walk ends with a guided tour of St. John's Co-Cathedral, including the oratory which houses Caravaggio's masterpiece "The Beheading of St. John the Baptist". Entrance fee to the church is not included and tickets can be bought on the day.

From Valletta: Rabat, Mdina, & San Anton Gardens Tour

5. From Valletta: Rabat, Mdina, & San Anton Gardens Tour

Embark on a guided trip from Valletta to the San Anton Palace to explore the lush gardens before visiting some of the highlights of Rabat and Mdina, also known as the Silent City. Step into the unique underground galleries and tombs of St. Paul’s Catacombs, entry tickets included. San Anton Palace and GardensFor your first stop, visit the San Anton Palace in Attard, the official residence of the president of Malta since the office was created in 1974. Originally built in the early 17th century as a country villa for Antoine de Paule, it was later expanded into a palace in 1623. The palace was used as a residence by subsequent grand masters, being enlarged several times in the process. It was once the headquarters of the rebel National Assembly, and it later became a residence for the civil commissioners, governors, and governors-general of Malta. The palace is surrounded by the extensive San Anton Gardens, parts of which have been open to the public since 1882. During your tour, you’ll get to explore the garden before continuing to the next stop which is Rabat. RabatRabat is a town in the Northern Region of Malta and is home to the famous St. Paul’s Catacombs. These catacombs were used in Roman times to bury the dead. The catacombs are now looked after by Heritage Malta. Part of St. Paul's Catacombs, the part accessible from the Parish church, was where, according to tradition and as recorded in the bible, St. Paul stayed for three months when he was shipwrecked on the island in 60 A.D. After getting to know the unique underground galleries and tombs of St. Paul’s Catacombs, you’ll head to the next and final stop of the tour: Mdina. MdinaMdina, also known by its other titles Città Vecchia or Città Notabile, is a fortified city in the Northern Region of Malta, which served as the island's capital from antiquity to the medieval period. The city is still confined within its walls and has a population of just under 300. Follow your guide around this quaint yet historic city, and marvel at its several Baroque features as well as its longstanding medieval character. Discover what gave rise to the city’s popular nickname “Silent City," used by both locals and visitors. Mdina is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and it is now one of the main tourist attractions in Malta.

Valletta: City Nobles Guided Tour + Malta5D Entry (optional)

6. Valletta: City Nobles Guided Tour + Malta5D Entry (optional)

Discover Malta, one of the most culturally diverse nations in Europe on our Valletta, City of Nobles walking tour! Choose the option with the Malta5D Show, save 5€ on your show ticket and be transported through Malta’s history in an immersive and fun way. With the help of our local Maltese guides, be ready to start a wonderful journey through time whilst you discover the architecture, culture and history of this beautiful city and island. On our guided walking tours through Valletta, we delve deeper into its exceptionally unique story of becoming an independent island nation through its most revered sights, such as the Upper Barraka Gardens and the Royal Opera House, and lesser-explored but equally compelling spots, like the Main Guard, the National Library and Castille Square. And of course, we will point you to its best cafes, bars, and shops along the way so that you can enjoy the charm of the city. After exploring many of the city's landmarks with your guide, use the free Vox City app (included in your ticket) to discover more of Malta and its incredible history. Walking tour includes: St John's Co Cathedral Casino maltese Royal Opera House ruins Queen Victoria Memorial National Library St Paul's Anglican Cathedral Malta 5D Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Manoel Theatre National Library Victory Church Upper Barrakka Gardens Castille Square Auberge de Castille The Malta Stock Exchange Old University Building Castellania St Paul's Shipwreck Church Ta' Giezu Church Monte de Pieta Our self-guided route's main sights: Fort St. Elmo Victoria Gate Lower Barrakka Gardens Holy Infirmary The Triton's fountain City Gate Freedom Square Saint Publius Church Police Headquarters ...and many more!

Valletta: City Highlights Walking Tour

7. Valletta: City Highlights Walking Tour

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.

Valletta: Walking Tours, Hop-on Hop-off Bus, and Boat Cruise

8. Valletta: Walking Tours, Hop-on Hop-off Bus, and Boat Cruise

Explore Valletta on board a hop-on and hop-off tour and admire the vast amount of landmarks and sightseeing destinations. Visit at your own pace the well-preserved buildings, forts, palaces, and churches Malta's capital has in store. Your hop-on and hop-off tour has 30 stops spread across two different routes, with a tour guide explaining the rich history behind landmarks like St John's Co-Cathedral, Upper Barrakka Gardens, Fort St Elmo, and the Valletta Waterfront. Take advantage of your 2 guided walking tours to venture into the sites that caught your attention the most, as well as make the most of what the Vox City app -included in your ticket- has to offer with its self-guided walking tours. The ticket also includes a boat tour that will take you from Valletta to Gozo and show you the Blue Lagoon, the Grand Harbor, among other stops, as well as access to a show at Malta's 5D, a new-generation theater.

Malta: 5 Attractions Pass with Valletta Walking Tour

9. Malta: 5 Attractions Pass with Valletta Walking Tour

Explore Malta with a 5-attractions pass, with a guided walking tour included. Admire Fort St. Elmo, step inside the National Community Art Museum, learn the early history of the Maltese Islands, gaze at Fort St. Angelo, and walk through Valletta on foot. Enter Fort St Elmo, originally built to defend against Ottoman attacks. Today, it is home to a superb collection of prehistoric artifacts, and boasts incredible views of the harbor and surrounding villages. Afterward, step inside the MUZA (National Community Art Museum), one of the city's more recent establishments, and discover four themes of special art; The Mediterranean, Europe, Empire, and The Artist. Explore the early history of the Maltese Islands at the National Museum of Archaeology. Some notable artifacts homed there are the ‘Sleeping Lady,’ ‘Venus of Malta,’ and ‘Bronze Age Daggers.' Then, visit Malta’s most important fortress, Fort St Angelo, and learn how it was of significant importance during WWI and II. The fort further offers spectacular panoramic views of the Grand Harbor, and begs to be admired. Watch Malta’s history come alive, as you enjoy a family-friendly show at Malta 5D. With moving seats and water spray, it’s a fun way to be introduced to Maltese history and culture. At last, discover Valletta by foot, as you embark on your guided walking tour. Be amazed as your tour guide introduces you to Valletta’s iconic landmarks, including St John’s Co-Cathedral, Royal Opera House, Upper Barrakka Gardens, and many others.

Discover Valletta Private Walking Tour - Insider Tour

10. Discover Valletta Private Walking Tour - Insider Tour

See the sights of Valletta on a 3-hour private walking tour with a guide who provides insight into the history ,architecture and wonders of Malta's capital. Explore both the top attractions and less-visited locations in the city, hearing interesting facts as you go. Enjoy the personalized service of a private guide. See the city's UNESCO-listed baroque architecture and other historical sights Learn fascinating facts about the founding of the city in the 16th century and enjoy personalized attention from a private guide who will tell you all you need to know about this wonderful city and answer all your questions

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What people are saying about Valletta

Overall rating

4.0 / 5

based on 268 reviews

Awesome tour! Hotel pickup/drop-off was super convenient. Cil was an amazing guide. She took us to so many different sights and gave us such interesting information. She offered us a private tour option, which the group I was in agreed to and it was well worth it. The Jeep was so cool to ride in, but hold on! It was very windy, so we did have to take the public ferry to Gozo, but taking the smaller, more private one back was very nice. The included lunch was good as well. Would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to see Gozo in a day!

Very cozy and well organized. There is no rush anywhere and you have some time to wonder freely in locations. Lunch was very nice, but not amazing. Overall this is a very good overview tour.

Very nice tour enjoyed it very much, but the only downside was that you had little time at some places and I expected the trip to be longer than it was. Further great!

Very friendly drivers, helpful, full of knowledge about everything in Malta.

The guide was excellent, knew the area and history, was fun and polite.