Valletta Shore Excursion

This Valletta Shore tour gives you an unhurried, in-depth experience of Valletta. You will learn about her fascinating history and natural beauty. Highlights include St. John's Co-Cathedral, the Grand Master's Palace and the Malta Experience, a multimedia film about the island country of Malta.

Your driver and private licensed guide will greet you at the pier and immediately drive you to the top of the 16th century city that took a workforce of 8,000 to build under the Knights of St. John. The Upper Barrakka Gardens, perched high on limestone fortifications above the blue Mediterranean waters, offers commanding views of Valletta's Grand Harbor. It is a perfect place for your private guide to explain just how important Malta has been for the last 7,500 years.

As you stroll along Republic Street, Valletta's main pedestrian thoroughfare, your guide will explain how Malta was the last line of defense for the Allies during WWII. Then you'll continue to Valletta's most important historic and artistic treasure, St. John's Co-Cathedral.

The building dates back to the 16th century and its interior decoration is magnificent. Everywhere you look are carved walls, ornate columns, beautiful paintings and a floor made up of over four hundred colored marble slabs to memorialize famous knights from all corners of Europe. Two masterpieces by Caravaggio hang in the Oratory.

Next you visit the Grandmaster's Palace, home to the national parliament and the president's office. In the Tapestry Chambers you'll linger, letting your eyes adjust to the low light and marvel at the priceless Gobelins tapestries. Admire the suits of armor and elaborate state rooms. Most tours do not include the Fine Arts Museum located in the palace, but with this tour, you have enough time. The museum features paintings by Tintoretto and other masters.

After visiting the Palace enjoy free time to have lunch (meal not included), shop for souvenirs and walk through the narrow streets to soak up the local life. Take time to notice the many enclosed balconies above the bustle of the streets, and the beautiful buttery limestone that is characteristic of Maltese architecture.

Later this afternoon you visit Fort St. Elmo and see the excellent film about Malta and its people called, "The Malta Experience". The film will help cement the visions you've seen and the history you've learned during your visit to this fascinating place. It also allows you to see parts of Malta which would not be possible to see in a single day.

After the show you continue your walk along the old city's bastions before returning to the pier.

Mobility: NO wheelchair