Day
3
The first of your included excursions explores island capital Valletta. Take in the award-winning Malta Experience, as well as major sights like Auberge de Castille – the former home to the Knights of St John – and the Upper Barrakka Gardens, from where the Grand Harbour can be viewed and the cannons of the 16th-century Saluting Battery fire daily at midday and 4pm.
Day
4
On today’s optional full-day excursion you’ll travel inland to Mdina. Malta's ancient, fortified former capital stands atop a rocky bluff, its beautiful ‘silent city’ of narrow streets lined with stone-built houses.
The tour will also include the town of Rabat, famous for its subterranean catacombs and where Bellini’s statue of St Paul depicts the Apostle’s shipwreck on the island. You'll also visit Mosta’s famous church, the vast unsupported dome of which survived a direct hit during World War Two, and the spectacular Dingli Cliffs.
Day
5
Our second included excursion, on Christmas Eve, explores the area across from Valletta's Grand Harbour, where three medieval 'cities' reflect the island's rich history. See one of the earliest Maltese Crosses in Vittoriosa, explore one of the Mediterranean's oldest dockyards at Cospicua, and pause for lunch at Birgu’s lovely marina.
After lunch you’ll transfer to Marsaxlokk, known for its picturesque seafront promenade and colourful fishing boats bobbing up and down in the bay. This evening, begin your festivities with a Gala Christmas Eve Celebration dinner and live entertainment at your hotel.
Day
6
Enjoy a perfect Christmas Day of rest, relaxation and celebration in the hotel and its surroundings, perhaps heading out for a traditional Christmas lunch. This evening, dinner will be served as usual at your hotel.
Day
7
Enjoy a restful day today, or perhaps join the optional excursion to delightful Gozo. Board the ferry for a crossing to the quaint port of Mgarr, and visit the island's fortified capital, Victoria, picturesque Marsalforn, famous Calypso's Cave overlooking sandy Ramla Bay and the fascinating inland sea at Dwerja.
Day
8
Return to the airport to check in for your flight home.