Small Group: Valletta and Central Highlights Tour

The tour begins near the Tritons Fountain, where locals meet friends before entering the city. The tour focuses on the Order of St. John, also known as the Knights of Malta, who were the planners of most of the city's buildings and fortifications. The walking tour starts at Parliament Square, where you will see the modern Parliament building and the old Royal Opera House, which was destroyed during WWII. The tour continues to Castille Place and the Upper Barraka Gardens, offering stunning views of the Grand Harbour. The tour then proceeds with a visit to St. John's Co. Cathedral, the most important historical monument in Malta, featuring works by Italian artist Caravaggio, including his largest work, 'The Beheading of John the Baptist'. After lunch, you will have free time to explore Republic Square, also known as Victoria Square, where there are several cafes, including Cafe Cordina. The next part of the tour takes you into central Malta, visiting important landmarks and towns, learning about local life, and historical facts that have influenced the Maltese people. The Mosta Basilica, one of the most iconic buildings in Malta, is known as the miracle church due to its miraculous dome. During a WWII air raid, a bomb pierced the dome, falling inside the church during a service but failed to explode, leading to the legend of the bomb. Rabat, the old town, is linked to the period of the Romans (218 BC to 879 BC) and Saint Paul, who stayed for a short period after being shipwrecked. The locals claim that the origins of Maltese Christianity started here when the saint preached to them. The tour includes a brief stop at 'Is-Sirkien', the famous pastizzeria on the island, where you can taste the delicious 'pastizzi', diamond-shaped filo pastry parcels filled with mashed peas or ricotta cheese. Mdina, the medieval city of Malta, is the pride and joy of the island. Built on a plateau in the centre of the island, Mdina has been known as Melite (Roman occupation), Medina (Arabic occupation), Citta Notabile (after Valletta was built), and Citta Vecchia (after Valletta was built). The only way to truly experience Mdina is on foot, exploring its quaint alleys, narrow streets, ancient buildings, and breath-taking views from the high bastion walls.