Essence of Malta and Gozo

(8 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Valletta with Mdina & Rabat, Gozo

This exclusive Malta tour features a stay in the dynamic capital city of Valletta and on the scenic island of Gozo, with private touring and exclusive experiences throughout.

The capital city of Valletta is the perfect base for exploring the highlights of Malta. Positioned between two harbors, Valletta has been at the center of Maltese cultural life for centuries. Its unusually diverse architecture provides a visual palimpsest of Maltese history, with overlapping layers of Arabic, Renaissance, Baroque, neoclassical, modern and contemporary design. With your private guide, explore the city’s alleys, overhung with traditional Maltese enclosed balconies, and learn about Valletta’s many notable buildings, such as historic palaces, the Palace Armoury, St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the National Library of Malta, the Grand Master’s Palace and more. Enjoy exclusive after-hours access to St. John’s Co-Cathedral to see its intricate frescoes and renowned Caravaggio paintings in private, and learn about the history of a local noble family during a private tour of their palazzo with the owner. Also stroll through the city’s historic gardens, visit notable museums, and sample traditional Maltese cuisine.

One day, take a full-day excursion around southern Malta. Along the coast, take in the dramatic scenery of the Dingli Cliffs and St. Peter’s Pool, explore the UNESCO-listed megalithic temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra, visit the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk, and enjoy a private cruise in the beautiful Blue Grotto.

Another day, tour the highlights of northern and central Malta, including Mdina, an ancient fortified hill town and former capital of Malta. Explore winding medieval alleyways, see the Baroque interiors of St. Paul’s Cathedral, and admire open views over the rolling countryside from high atop the impressive walls. Also tour Roman catacombs and browse for upscale glassware in the town of Rabat, take in views over the pretty bay of Ghajn Tuffieha (with the option to hike to hidden beaches), and explore other notable cultural and scenic sights.

Next, venture to idyllic Gozo, Malta’s second-largest island. Explore highlights such as the imposing Cittadella fortress in the town of Victoria, ancient Roman salt pans along the coast, and the rugged cliffs and inlets of dramatic Dwejra Bay. Also enjoy a private wine tasting at a local boutique winery, and take a private yacht excursion along the coasts of Gozo and nearby Comino, a small island known for its beautiful Blue Lagoon.

Return to Valletta to enjoy some time at leisure for last-minute shopping and sightseeing.

Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional activities around Malta such as meetings with local artisans, private food touring, decorative arts tours, hiking and biking, World War II touring, behind-the-scenes tours and more.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world