Port of Call Valletta, Malta

[pbs55]

Any suggestions for "must do's" or favorite excursions?

[critterchick]

We did the Taste of Malta winery tour. The tour of Marsovin Winery (I think it's the only winery in Malta) was given by a transplanted Californian - her Maltese stepfather talked her into moving there and getting involved in the business. It was very informative and of course the wine-tasting (accompanied by bits of local foods) was terrific. They have some so-so wines, and they have some very good ones, too. The tour also included a trip around Malta, with stops to buy local wares (there was a terrific gelateria across the street, try the kiwi) and see some breathtaking scenery.

[BenBar1]

There were lots of taxis at the pier. There were four of us, and we hired a taxi and driver (White Taxi Service) for I believe 4 hours. He drove us all over the island (Malta is 100 miles around) --showing us the Tarxien Neolithic Temples; a little fishing village where we purchased beautiful hand embroidered tablecloths; the Blue Grotto; the limestone quarry; Hagar Qim's copper age temples; the city of Mdina, a medieval fortified city filled with Norman and Baroque buildings and a beautiful church; the city of Rabat, famous for catacombs and Roman ruins; the city of Mosta, famous for a massive church with one of the larges unsupported domes in the world; the city of Valetta where we saw a beautiful church built by the Knights of Malta;and the beautiful Barrakka Gardens with a view of the Grand Harbor and Fort St. Elmo. Our driver was a wonderful guide--he told us all the history in each place and gave us time to explore and take pictures. He ended up giving us 4 3/4 hours instead of 5. He helped make our visit to Malta great. We usually don't venture out a lot independently, but this worked out very well.

[pbs55]

Thanks Jean and BenBar1! BenBar1 do you remember the cost of the taxi and guide?

[andydee]

Hi,

 

We booked a tour thru Chris Sheridan. His guide Joan was outstanding. We found the tour via an internet search. Can't remember where or what the cost was but it was very much worth it. Hope that helps.

Cheers,

Andy

[andydee]

Whoops! "Can't remember where" meaning where we found Chris on the internet. Our half day tour included the Highlights of Mdina and Valletta as well as a visit to St, Paul's grotto and the catacombs. The cathedral at Mdina and the spectacular St.John's Co-Cathedral are must sees. Our guide Joan's encylopaedic knowledge of Maltese history and architecture was a great plus.

Andy

[zebra]

critterchick.. you mentioned local wares - what actually are their local wares on Malta?

[jdrblue]

One must is St. John's Co-Cathedral. There are many works of art and the floor is amazing.

 

"The marble pavement of St John’s consist of over 350 tomb stones in intricately-inlaid marble; the work of some six generations of craftsmen. These stones preserve the memory of members of Europe’s most famous aristocratic families. Although each tomb stone is an independent composition, they form an exciting and magnificent art work the length and breadth of the Cathedral." (from the visitmalta website)

 

As previously mentioned, the Grand Harbor is one of the most spectacular harbors you will ever see.