8 days in Malta: culture, sea, sun & fun

Arrive in Malta, the small island with a big personality. After a short transfer, settle in at the Mayflower hotel, then relax by the pool and enjoy the stunning views across to Gozo and Comino; the perfect way to start the trip. Check out the itinerary and be sure to have chosen your additional activities; will it be a cooking workshop or filigree crafting; the sports activity or Hypogeum tour? Pick what suits you best, then settle into the vibrant island life for your first evening on Malta.

Valletta is a town which contains some of the most concentrated history in the world. Even if you aren't a history student, the extraordinary mix of architecture, history and culture will impress. Learn the stories of tragedy and victory on the guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the stunning Baroque masterpiece that is St John's Co-Cathedral, and delve into another site of your choice - be it the Grand Master's Palace, one of the National Museums; or perhaps a smaller gem such as the Casa Rocca Piccola or the Teatru Manoel. In the evening, it is worth going to the Upper Barraka Gardens which, as well as the beautiful gardens themselves, offer a fine panorama of the three Cities and is a great location to watch the sunset over the Mediterranean.

Having seen them across the harbour, today you will take a tour of the three Cities.  Your harbour cruise will introduce the beauty, variety and splendour of the Grand Harbour, and deliver you to each of the Cities in turn. The three are Vittoriosa - site of Fort St Angelo, the Inquisitor’s Palace, the Maritime Museum and the Collegiate Church of Saint Lawrence; Senglea - with the Church of St Philip, a stunning marina and the famous viewpoint at La Gardjola; and A Cospicua, the largest of the three, with the collegiate Church of the Immaculate Conception, the Firenzuola Fortifications, and the Margherita Lines. The day is an unforgettable feast for the eyes. For something more tangible for dinner, seek out authentic Maltese cuisine off the main tourist squares; Republic street is a good place to start.

A perfect twin to Malta, Gozo awaits today. With a quieter feel to this island, it is a place to explore at a relaxed pace. Stroll through the ancient Citadella, stop and admire the view from the Ggantija Temples, wander among the finds at the Archaeological Museum. Gozo is popular for diving too if that takes your fancy; and if the boat transfer allows, look out for one of the remaining impressive natural stone arches along the coast.

Today you can experience some of Malta's most traditional crafts and festivals

First, meet a volunteer who participates actively in making decorations for the village feast. You will learn about how villagers prepare for the"festa" for a year, what they do, why they do it and you will understand the importance of this event for the locals. Our friend, who is an artisan, will show you all the decor related to the feast: street decorations, statues, church decorations and talk about the fireworks, the village band and band club ... During the tour, you will also visit a baroque church with your guide, as well as his workshop where he makes traditional clocks and other objects.

Next, it's time to choose between a cooking class, or a lesson with a traditional filigree jewellery maker. Filifree is a precise jewellery art that involves working with fine gold or silver threads, twisted together to create a pattern. On this class you will participate in the creation of your own pendant which you will take back home with you. 

Today brings a perfect combination of sun, sea, culture and history, beginning with a visit to the sparkly, intense beauty of the Blue Grotto. Next, head over to the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk for an easy stroll around the local market and along the waterfront, before discovering the ancient history that lies within the Megalithic temples of Hagar Qim; the site pre-dates the Egyptian pyramids and is another UNESCO World Heritage site. This really is a day that shows off many sides to this jewel of the mediterranean.

The former capital of the island, founded by the Phoenecians, Mdina has become known as 'the silent city' following its decline over the centuries in favour of other centres. A popular destination, there is much to see here, including numerous Palazzos, St Paul's Cathedral and Catacombs, the Mdina dungeons and more. Some of the sites may also seem familiar, as Mdina was a film location for the TV series Game of Thrones. This is a truly dramatic location to bring this trip to Malta to a close.

Departure day; airport transfer included.