Malta Tours December 2024

Malta Travel Guide

Malta Tours Things To Do

• 
  St. John’s Co-Cathedral

  St. John's Co-Cathedral was built in 1577 and remains one of the most stunning attractions in Valletta, Malta. It is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and is widely considered one of the finest examples of high Baroque architecture in all of Europe.  

  Best Time To Visit

  The cathedral is open to visitors year-round. Their hours for guests are Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Guests are not allowed on Sundays. It's recommended to visit before 11 a.m. for the smallest crowds. You will likely need at least 2 hours to explore the cathedral to the fullest.   

   

  You Should Know

  Take the time to go up to the balcony for a simply unmatched view. Before you enter the cathedral, remove any headgear, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered, and move your backpack to the front of your body if applicable. Guests are not permitted to wear thin high heels such as stilettos. The church offers audio guides in Maltese, English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, and Russian.

• 
  Comino

  Comino is a tiny island measuring just 1.4 square miles. It's part of the Maltese archipelago and is situated between the islands of Gozo and Malta. This destination is particularly attractive to nature lovers, as it is a nature reserve and bird sanctuary. Luckily, it's easy to get to Comino from Malta on a quick ferry ride and enjoy a day trip in this stunning sanctuary.
  

  You Should Know

  Currently, this island has just three permanent residents. A fourth resident that had lived on the island passed away in 2017. Attractions on the island include the Comino Chapel, Saint Mary's Tower, and Saint Mary's Battery. Visitors are welcome to dine at the hotel on the island even if they're not hotel guests. The island of Comino is named for the cumin plant that grows all around the island.

• 
  Grandmaster’s Palace

  Officially called The Palace, the Grandmaster's Palace is an incredible attraction in the city of Valletta. The Office of the President of Malta is located here. Visitors are welcome to tour through the Palace State Rooms and Palace Armoury that are open as a museum. You can view one of the greatest arms collections in the world, as well as the sole complete set of 18th century French Gobelins tapestries.   

  You Should Know

  The Palace allegedly sees its fair share of ghosts. Visitors have reported hearing cats and dogs fighting and seeing a cat jump through a window and vanish. When you're visiting The Palace, you'll also be able to explore two courtyards: Prince Alfred's Courtyard and Neptunes Courtyard. Guests are welcome Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. 

• 
  Grand Harbour

  Also called the Port of Valletta, the Grand Harbour offers an unbelievable view of Malta's capital city. Though it has adapted over the years, it's believed that the Harbour has been in use even since prehistoric times. The Harbour has seen many battles over the years in events like the Great Siege of Malta.  

  You Should Know

  The Harbour faces northeast, and it's bound to the north by Saint Elmo Point. There is also an isolated breakwater here. It's bound to the south by Ricasoli Point. The area near the harbor has greatly increased in population, especially in Floriana, a suburb of Valletta. Floriana is currently one of Europe's most densely populated cities. Malta's Northern and Southern Harbour Districts house almost half of Malta's population. The Order of Saint John was based at the Grand Harbour from 1530 to 1798. 

• 
  Hagar Qim

  Those interested in prehistory will be thrilled by a visit to Hagar Qim, a megalithic temple complex that are some of the world's most ancient religious sites. The attraction was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 and has been praised as "unique architectural masterpieces" by the World Heritage Sites committee.  

  You Should Know

    There are no burials inside the temple or in the area surrounding it. No human bones have ever been found here, though discoveries have been made of sacrificial animals. The main temple of the Hagar Qim complex was built between 3600 and 3200 MC. There are also three additional structures next to this primary temple. Some of the carvings and sculptures on display here are incredibly large, with one megalith even weighing a breathtaking 20 tons!

• 
  Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

  One of the best remaining examples of the Maltese temple building culture is the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, which dates back to around 4000 BC. It is believed to have been abandoned by 2500 BC and was excavated both in the early 1900s and in the 1990s. The remains of over 7,000 people have been discovered here, leading archeologists to believe the Hypogeum served as both a sanctuary and a necropolis. Guests can explore the underground complex with three levels of interconnecting chambers.  

  You Should Know

  Workers accidentally discovered the Hypogeum in 1902 while they were cutting cisterns for upcoming housing development. They broke through the roof of the Hypogeum and tried to hide the temple in the beginning, but it was eventually found. It first opened to visitors in 1908. Preservation efforts began in 1991, and the Hypogeum was closed for a decade. Since then, programs have been put in place to monitor its decay and improve the environmental management system.

• 
  Blue Grotto

  Looking to get in the water during your trip to Malta? The Blue Grotto is an incredible destination for diving, snorkeling, and swimming. This attraction consists of seven caves to explore on the southern coast on Comino. It got its name in the 1950s from a British soldier who compared the area to Capri's Grotta Azzura.  

  Best Time To Visit

  Many recommend visiting the Blue Grotto in the summer months in early morning to midday. These times are when you'll get the best position of the sun into the caves, so the water is absolutely gorgeous.   

   

  You Should Know

  The complex of caves was formed by erosion over many years. Waves have persistently crashed into the hard face of the cliff, resulting in the arch-like grotto and other nearby rock formations. Of course, the water is a stunning blue, but you'll also see greens, purples, and oranges coming off of the cave walls. If your tour has the option for a dive, take it! It's an amazing experience that takes you to some very famous Mediterranean dive sites. 

• 
  Upper Barrakka Gardens

  If you want a panoramic view of the Grand Harbour, the Upper Barrakka Gardens is the place to be. This, along with the Lower Barrakka Gardens, is a relaxing destination perfect for getting off your feet for a bit. The Gardens were created in 1661 and opened to the public in 1824.  

  You Should Know

  Visitors are welcome to the Gardens from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily. Take the time to stroll through the Gardens and see the statues, busts, and plaques throughout the area. Head to the terrace for the best view!

Malta Tour Packages

• Summer Summer - June to August

  If you visit in the autumn or spring, you can still enjoy the water. Malta is known for its beaches, and they're a wonderful destination in these shoulder seasons. You'll also have more room on the shore since there aren't as many crowds. Keep in mind, though, that the weather can be varied and you're likely to experience some rain.

• Fall Season - September to November

  It's best to avoid visiting Malta in the summer if you can. The weather can get incredibly hot, and the large tourist crowds just make it worse. The country is small, so with more crowds, you'll experience longer wait times and a generally more rushed experience.

Malta Tours Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a Malta Tour?

  A Malta tour will take you throughout the stunning nation of Malta. You'll spend about a week exploring the beautiful beaches, learning about the country at the historic sites, and dining on authentic Mediterranean food for every meal. 

• What’s Included on a Malta Tour?

  Your Malta tour will include accommodations for every night of the trip, as well as many meals while you're in the country. You may be allowed the opportunity to secure some lunches and dinners for yourself. The cost of your tour will include excursions to some of Malta's most popular sites, and depending on the company you tour with, your arrival and departure costs may be included as well.

• What’s the Best Tour for a Malta Tour?

  Several group tour companies that service Europe will include tour options that visit Malta. Some examples include Tauck Tours, Goway, Tripmasters, Soleto Travel, and Explore! These companies are known for providing small group tours that cater to the interests of all and provide a unique look into the culture and attractions of Malta.  

• How Much Does a Malta Tour Cost?

  A typical Malta tour will cost around $800-$1,000 per person for a 6-day or 7-day tour. Many companies offer tours of multiple countries including Malta, and these programs tend to be longer and more expensive. It's common to find multi-country tours that cost around $1,200 per person for 9 to 10 nights. Some Malta tours can even last as long as 22 days, and prices increase for these trips as well.