Day one:
Arrive at Malta International Airport and transfer to a hotel in the up-market St Julian’s district.
In the afternoon take a cab to the Baroque city of Mdina, still encircled by weathered fortifications. The medieval origins of this atmospheric city are still evident today. The highlight is a visit to St Paul’s Cathedral dating from 1702. With its elegant octagonal dome, it dominates not only St Paul’s Square, but also the city skyline.
Inside the floor is a faded patchwork of tombstones commemorating Mdina’s noblemen, while the ceilings are painted with colourful frescoes.
Moving on, visit Mdina’s best-preserved medieval building, Palazzo Falzon, also known as the Norman House. It dates back to 1495. However, this is just one of the interesting townhouses in Mdina that boast elaborate stone-carved facades, ornate door knockers and formal balconies. The best way to see the city is to wander the maze of winding alleys that are too narrow for cars. However, be warned. Mdina’s winding streets were designed specifically to confuse an invading army, so it is easy to get lost.
Day two:
Catch a bus to Cirkewwa in the north of Malta and take the ferry to Malta’s sister island Gozo.
The island is small enough to tour in one day taking in the main sights (see Gozo escape).
Alternatively, explore Gozo’s amazing underwater world. Gozo is a divers’ haven with a host of dive sites and PADI registered diving centres.
The best sites are located off Gozo’s western tip at Dwejra, such as the Blue Hole and the Chimney. Both these sites are located in front of the Azure Window and are accessible by walking from the shore. Divers can venture to a maximum of 50 metres through caves and tunnels seeing a variety of species of fish, starfish and bristle worms. In all there are around 13 dive sites around Gozo (see Diving holidays).
After a couple of dives, have dinner on the island and return on the late ferry to Malta.
Day three:
Head over to Valletta in the morning for a walking tour of the capital. Although Valletta is very much a working city rather than a touristic one, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting a wealth of art and cultural heritage.
Most of the sights are located along Triq Ir-Repubblika, the main shopping street that divides the city in two halves. Not to be missed is the elaborate St John’s Co-Cathedral with its vast, frescoed interior and blaze of Baroque art, including two of Caravaggio’s finest pieces.
Equally monumental is the Grand Master’s Palace, a beautiful building built in 1580 that today is the seat of the President and Parliament. Be sure to visit the Palace Armoury featuring the armour of Grand Master Aloph de Wignacourt, weighing over 110 pounds.
Also of interest is Casa Rocca Piccola, the 16th century home of a Maltese nobleman. Visitors get to see inside one of the last private unconverted Valletta palaces still lived in today.
For a spot of shopping head for the department stores on Triq Ir-Repubblika, or hunt out a bargain at the flea market in Merchant’s Street.
After lunch catch a bus from the main bus terminal of Malta just outside the gates of Valletta to the Three Cities – Vittoriosa, the oldest of the three and one time maritime capital of Malta, Senglea and Cospicua. All three cities ooze character and retain a romantic, medieval atmosphere. Most sights are concentrated in Vittoriosa, due to the fact that the other two cities were flattened by bombing in World War II. Be sure to visit Fort St Angelo in Vittoriosa. Dating back to 1200AD this is Malta’s oldest fort.
Also visit the beautifully restored Inquisitor’s Palace, a large Baroque building that up until 1798 housed the tribunal and prisons of the Inquisition. The Maritime Museum, on Vittoriosa Wharf is another interesting port of call displaying maritime exhibits from Roman anchors to models of boats used by the Knights.
In the evening head for one of the many al fresco restaurants in St Julian’s before walking to Paceville to sample the buzzing nightlife.
Day four:
The last day of the trip is spent touring one of the world’s most impressive archeological sites – The Hypogeum at Tarxien, just a two-mile bus ride from Valletta. The Hypogeum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fascinating underground burial shrine, built between 3600 and 2500 BC. It is estimated that 7,000 bodies of people of religious order were buried here. Only 100 visitors a day are permitted entry and tickets need to be booked from the Hypogeum in advance (00356 21825579).
Afterwards head for Malta’s main fishing village of Marsaxlokk, in the southeast of the island. The picturesque bay is a riot of colourful boats and its promenade swarming with fishermen mending nets and unloading their catches. Unsurprisingly there is a host of fish restaurants here serving the freshest seafood imaginable.
After dinner return to your hotel and prepare for departure back home.
Did you know?
The late British actor Oliver Reed drank his last pint at a pub in Malta’s capital city Valletta while on location filming the Academy Award winning film Gladiator. He collapsed and died in the pub which is now nicknamed ‘Ollie’s Last Pub’.