The awe inspiring architecture is clearly evident, especially in the UNESCO world heritage site of Valletta, Malta's capital city. With so many rich and colourful traditions and excellent gastronomy, there is plenty on these islands to tantalise your tastebuds.
This holiday gives the perspective on two different Maltese islands, Malta being the largest of the two, only 27km long and 14.5km wide so you'll see plenty of breath taking sea views with dramatic sandstone cliffs, time worn salt pans and perfect fishing villages where the traditional and colourful Luzzo boats can be seen bobbing around in the bays. In Malta you are based just outside Valletta in St Julian's, your 7 day bus pass allows you to make the most of your time on the islands enabling you to access the start of the walks and return at the end. Walk around Malta's 'fish tail' where the watch towers along the coast are evident of its history and where there are stunning views across to Gozo and Comino. Enjoy the sites of the capital Valletta, the smallest capital in Europe and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's full of narrow streets, impressive architecture, fountains and ancient city walls, however if you need a rest, there are plenty of cafes, restaurant and bars in which to stop and watch the world go by.
Your hotel in Malta is based in the quieter side of St Julian's just 350m away from the front at Balluta Bay and is tucked away in a quiet, narrow alley. A modern and contemporary hotel with striking decor, it's rooftop infinity pool is a perfect place to relax after a days walking. Your stay here is on a B&B basis as there are so many excellent restaurants nearby for you to find the best spot for dinner. Valletta is also just a short taxi ride away should you wish to spend an evening in the capital.
On day 4 of your holiday you are transferred to Gozo to discover your second island and the second largest of the three Maltese islands. At only 14km by 7km at its widest point, nowhere in Gozo is too far away, making it the ideal choice for a walking holiday. The slow pace of life along with the air of tranquillity also makes Gozo the perfect place to relax. Rich in history and culture you there is plenty to see on your walks around the island taking in exceptional coastal views as you go. The walks guide you around the island's impressive coastline and through the cobbled streets of the traditional towns and villages.Its rugged landscape ensures spectacular views including Fungus Rock, a natural stone outcrop in the centre of Dwejra Bay, and the Inland Sea. Between autumn and late spring, the countryside bursts into life, revealing an incredible wealth of flora and fauna, with colourful wildflowers and scented herbs.
Your hotel in Gozo is based in the capital Victoria. An elegant hotel in which you can relax, however being in the heart of Victoria there are a plethora of bars and restaurants to entertain you. Explore the medieval citadel with impressive walls and be enchanted by the far reaching views from the top across the entire island.
Day 1: Arrival in MaltaArrive at your hotel in the quieter area of St Julian's. Below is a suggested itinerary for your stay on each island, however you are free to pick and choose when and where you walk on each island on each day.
Hotel Holms in St Julian's
Day 2: Malta's 'fish tail'Discover Malta's 'fish tail' with breath taking cliffs beautiful beaches and stunning views to Comino and Gozo.
A shorter optional walk is also available.
Day 3: VallettaAn impressive coastal walk of Malta's capital city with UNESCO World Heritage site status, with stunning views of its surrounding natural harbours
Hotel Holms in St Julian's - breakfast included
A shorter optional walk is also available.
Day 4: Marsascala to Marsaxlokk BayDramatic sandstone cliffs and magnificent sea views between the two fishing towns of Marsascala and Marsaxlokk Bay, famous for its Sunday Fish Market!
Hotel Holms in St Julian's - breakfast included
A shorter optional walk is also available.
Day 5: Transfer to Gozo and Optional Ta'Pinu and Gharb walkToday a morning taxi transfer is provided to the ferry port where you catch the ferry (ticket included) for Gozo where a taxi transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel in the capital Victoria where you will stay for the next three nights. On arrival you can either relax, explore Victoria or do the optional walk to the Ta Pinu Santuary finshing in Gharb. This north western corner of the island is only accessible on foot, along easy to navigate farm tracks. First stop is the remarkable neo-Romanesque basilica Ta' Pinu, a huge national shrine built on the site of a miracle in 1923. Your route then leads through unique ravine-like wieds (streams) to Gharb with a stunning Baroque church dating from 1699 and traditional stone houses. The final stretch takes you along the striking cliffs of the north coast where you are rewarded with fantastic views across Gozo's famous salt pans.
Duke Hotel in Victoria - breakfast included
A shorter optional walk is also available.
Day 6: Fungus Rock and the Inland SeaTo the west coast of Gozo and the fascinating Punic burial site at Wardija Point. There's a mythical feeling here, like being on the edge of the world. Narrow stone-walled lanes lead down to bamboo groves and to Fungus Rock (named after the 'magic' plant which grew there), the former site of the Azure Window and the Inland Sea.
Duke Hotel in Victoria - breakfast included
Day 7: Bays and Towers WalkBeginning at Qala, it's an easy stroll to Dahlet Qorrot, a tiny harbour with gaily coloured boat houses. Then it's on through fragrant lemon groves and vineyards and past fig and peach trees to San Blas Bay, a hidden beach with gorgeous ochre-coloured sand. Your final stop is Nadur where the spectacular views at the end of the day are a great finale to your week.
Duke Hotel in Victoria - breakfast included
Day 8: Leave GozoDepart Victoria after breakfast
