Step back through the mists of time as you drive to the fortress of Cottonera which is widely known as the Three Cities, these being Vittoriosa, Cospicua & Senglea. These cities were built and fortified by the Knights of Malta. You first start with an informative drive through Cospicua. Cospicua has been inhabited since Neolithic times. Prior to the 18th Century it was known as Bormla, a name which is still in use. Its fortification walls, constructed to protect the town and its neighbours Vittoriosa & Senglea, were built by the Knights of Malta. Construction began in 1638 but was not completed for another 70 years.
You will then visit Vittoriosa, ideally situated for safe anchorage and over time it has developed a very long history with maritime, mercantile and military activities. Prior to the establishment of Valletta as a capital city of Malta, military powers that wanted to rule the Maltese islands would need to obtain control of Vittoriosa due to its significant position in the Grand Harbour. The third city is Senglea, joined by a land bridge to Cospicua during the time of the Knights of St. John and as a result it became a peninsular in shape. During the time of the Knights of St. John, Senglea was used as a hunting area.
A detailed English commentary by the driver will help you unfold the history of Valletta and the Three Cities connected with two Great Sieges of 1565 and 1942. Tour is operated by one of the first two wooden bodied buses purchased in 1921 by the Cottonera Motor Bus Company. These buses were licensed to operate routes between Cottonera and Valletta and were made by local carpenters and mechanics, later called as bus body builders. At that time the local carpenters and mechanics were encouraged to build bus bodies so that the company Cottoners Motor Bus Co. could increase its fleet rapidly.
This tour is both a visit to Valletta, impressive during the night, and a tour through the most spectral and mysterious side, the ghosts which inhabit it. You will visit the streets of the Malta's capital dismissing the current population and moving to past times (not always so distant) and through buildings and corners get to know some of the stories which have laid the foundation of the city, as much as the Order of Saint John and the British Occupation, like the haunted house of Saint Ursula, the ghost of the Co-Cathedral or the spirit of the preist in Republic Street, among others. You will also have free time to enjoy this charmed city with its more physic and palpable inhabitants and commodities.
Join us for an unforgettable Maltese folklore show and dinner, giving you a glimpse of Malta through the ages. See as this tiny but significant island journeys from the prehistoric to present time. And there's a special emphasis on one of the greatest chapters in Maltese history - the Knights of St. John and the Great Siege - when a small garrison of the famous Knights of St. John together with heroic Maltese defenders managed to defeat the mighty Ottoman Empire. A talented cast of dancers and entertainers dressed in rich medieval costumes and shining armour, together with magnificent horses, will entertain, excite and amuse you during two hours of non-stop action, song and dance. Witness a colourful fusion of tribal music, folk dancing, carnival, fire dancers, knights on horseback, live battles and much more, highlighting Maltese culture, traditions and folklore.
Make Sunday special and make this the most exciting day of your holiday. A visit to Valletta Market is an absolute must and you can rub shoulders with the locals all looking for bargain. After lunch you will take a harbour cruise and discover some of the history of Malta. Following this relaxing cruise, it's off to the races at Marsa where you get the chance to try your luck on the tote, favourites are usually printed in the local papers. This will be a real adrenaline rush.
Unwind as we set sail along Malta's northern coastline a Turkish Gullet, either Fernandes or Fernandes II. Leaving from Sliema Marina, we'll cruise north past photo-worthy cliffs, coves and inlets. Dropping anchor at a secluded bay on the island of Gozo, you'll have the chance to swim, snorkel or just kick-back and relax on deck. With a delicious buffet lunch served on board and a fully-stocked bar, you'll feel every bit the pampered guest. After lunch, it's onto the island of Comino where we'll drop anchor in the shimmering Blue Lagoon. Spend the rest of the afternoon diving beneath the crystal clear waters of the lagoon before climbing back on board for platters of fresh fruit and the journey back to the marina.
Delve into the history of this picturesque island. Spend an enjoyable half day experiencing two of Malta´s most popular tourist attractions in one memorable event with this Grand Harbour tour.
HIGHLIGHTS:
*Grand Harbour Cruise
*Photo opportunities of the impressive port fortifications
*Participate in ´The Malta Experience´
Uncover 7000 years of history that started with the mysterious temple period in 3600BC, and continues to when the knights of John accepted the island as a gift from Charles V, with a highly informative and entertaining half day excursion.
Start with a ´Captain Morgan´ Grand Harbour Cruise, hailed as one of the most beautiful ports in Europe; the sea views of the island´s fortifications are spectacular.
Follow this up with a trip to ´The Malta Experience´, an audio visual presentation that documents the turbulent and triumphant periods of Malta´s 7000 year history in a unique way. Learn all there is to know about the magnificent Grand Harbour Area of this picturesque island.
After a twenty minute crossing, on setting foot in Gozo you will note that although both islands are similar in history and development, Gozo has a character entirely of its own. Gozo, which is a three hilled island, is greener and more picturesque than Malta.
During the tour you will visit The National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta Pinu which is a Roman Catholic minor basilica and national shrine located 700 metres from the village of Gharb. A visit to the Crafts Centre is a must. There you will see stone works, marble, traditional food and local lace. You will then visit Victoria which is the capital of Gozo. Victoria is the name given in 1897 by the British government on the accasion of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. The area around Victoria, situated on the hill near the centre of the island has been settled since Neolithic times. In the centre of Victoria lies The Cittadella, a historic fortified city. The Cittadella also called The Citadel is on Malta's tentative list of future World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, who describes it as a small fortified town. An old prison is located within the city, as are the Courts of Justice. You will reach the Cittadella onboard a trackless train.
After this visit you will stop for lunch in a restaurant in Rabat. Finally you will drive to Mgarr Port via Qala Belvedere where breathtaking scenes can be enjoyed. You will then have a short ferry crossing back to Malta, and will be dropped-off at your hotel.
Full day cruise around the Maltese Islands. Faith is a beautiful 26.5 metre long Schooner Rigged Turkish Gullet with a large forward deck, covered stern deck and a large saloon. Faith departs from the Sliema Marina and cruises North westwards towards Gozo. We drop anchor in a secluded bay in Gozo. En-route one sees the panoramic cliffs, coves and inlets.
The rest of the morning is spent swimming, and snorkelling or just sunbathing and relaxing on the large decks, while our stewards prepare a delicious buffet. After lunch we sail towards Comino, where we drop anchor in the beautiful Blue Lagoon and spend the rest of the afternoon swimming in the magical crystal clear water of the lagoon. Boat ride onboard power boat visiting the caves in Comino is included.
The 'Spirit of Malta', Captain Morgan's largest sailing catamaran is built for cruising. After you've boarded this vessel in Sliema, you can enjoy a relaxing day at sea as you sail to the scenic bays in Malta, Gozo and Comino. With no fixed schedule, we're free to cruise around to the best spots according to the weather. Swim, snorkel or just top up the tan in the different bays along the way. And if the weather is fine, visit the famous Blue Lagoon in Comino. The highlight of the day is a 5-star buffet lunch that's served up during one of the swimming stops. And after that, the tempo picks up as the party gets started. A free bar, music and dancing are the ingredients for a fun-filled afternoon on the boat.
The half day tour is a tour in Valletta where we visit various sites related to the Second World War. At that time Malta was still under the British rule so Malta played a very big since our Harbour were used a naval base for the British fleet. The first stop is Fort St. Elmo . Fort St. Elmo is a star fort in Valletta, Malta. It stands on the seaward shore of the Sciberras Peninsula that divides Marsamxett Harbour from Grand Harbour, and commands the entrances to both harbours.
After visiting the fort, the tour proceeds to the Siege Bell War Memorial . The Siege Bell War Memorial commemorates the victory of the Allied forces during the Second Siege of Malta from 1940-1943. Our last stop will be The Saluting Battery at the Upper Baracca Gardens. The Saluting Battery is at noon .The Saluting Battery is an artillery battery in Valletta, Malta. It was originally built by the Order of Saint John in the 16th century, and was used by the British until the 20th century.