.JPG "Ta Pinu Church, Gozo")
Bathed in over 7,000 years of history, these beautiful isles date from the Neolithic period. Stunning scenery, with peaceful ancient hill top towns and impressive fortifications, combined with natural wonders and quaint harbours to explore. Explore these intriguing and enchanting islands with our coach tour - which now offers a NEW ITINERARY! - whilst staying in superb accommodation. We are sure you will agree that our tour offers exceptional value for money.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 - TUESDAY
Depart the UK on your regional service with Air Malta. On arrival in Malta, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Sliema for a two night stay.
Hotel: Park
DAY 2 - WEDNESDAY (BREAKFAST INCLUDED)
Today we head for the island’s capital Valletta. The scene of many battles and sieges, the Knights of St. John developed the town into a fortified bastion. On our walking tour we will wander along Republic Street, past the Auberge de Castille and then onto the Upper Barrakka Gardens where you can marvel at the view. Afterwards we visit St. Johns Co-Cathedral and the Grandmaster’s Palace. Once the tour has concluded, you can enjoy some free time, for some souvenir shopping, before heading back to the hotel. Or you can continue exploring Valletta and make your own way back to the hotel.
DAY 3 - THURSDAY (BREAKFAST INCLUDED)
After breakfast we visit the Ta' Qali Crafts Village, a great opportunity to watch the talented artisans such as the glass blowers, filigree and pottery makers at work and also purchase some of the wares. Afterwards we continue to Meridiana Wine Estate, where you will have a tour of the premises followed by wine tasting. Cheese and biscuits will be served to accompany the wines.
Meridiana was born in 1985 as a result of a conversation between Mark Miceli-Farrugia, a trader in wines for over 20 years, and a Bordeaux oenologist. The latter persuaded Mark that there was potential for high-quality wine growing in Malta. Meridiana Wine Estate was officially established in April 1987, the company's pioneering mission is to produce "World-Class Wines of Maltese Character" - internationally acclaimed wines made from wine-grapes grown exclusively in Maltese soil.
In the afternoon we travel to the former and ancient capital city Mdina. Exploration of this medieval city includes a gentle walking tour of its narrow streets and a visit of the Mdina Cathedral and the bastions, which boast breathtaking views of the island. You will also enjoy a tour of Palazzo Falson, a fantastic historic house museum which is also the best preserved medieval building in Mdina. The tour is rounded off a drink and some light refreshments on the roof top terrace, overlooking the city.
DAY 4- FRIDAY (BREAKFAST & LUNCH INCLUDED)
An early start as we head northwards. At Cirkewwa, we board the ferry for a 20-minute sail to Gozo. On arrival our first stop is at the Visit Agroturism Centre (Gozo traditions). Agrotourism is a new concept for Gozo and the centre has been created to give the visitor a peep into the traditional way of life, the farming techniques and tools which have been used by the local farmers throughout the centuries to cultivate the fields. You will also see the variety of products they produce and the methods and recipes which were used for cooking and preserving. Gozitan forefathers have cherished these traditions and passed them from father to son, and are still utilised and enjoyed by the present inhabitants of Gozo.
Lunch will be served at this venue, this will be a 'Tasting Menu' and includes different ingredients produced at the centre. Buffet-style, guests can help themselves to white & red wine, fruit wine, sundried tomatoes, capers, olives, white & pepper cheese, 2 types of pate, Gozo cheese pie, bread, biscuits, and local sweets.
After lunch you will depart on a guided tour of the island, visiting the Azure Window, an impressive rock formation in the Mediterranean and the Inland Sea at Dwejra. Here you have the chance to enjoy an optional *boat trip along the coast (dependent on weather conditions, arranged and purchased locally). Sailing in a brightly painted traditional Maltese luzzu, this 20 - 30 minute trip travels through a 100-metre long tunnel to the Mediterranean Sea. During the trip you will see magnificent views of the vertical Dwejra cliffs, enter some caves, view the Azure Window from the other side and also Fungus Rock.
In the late afternoon we transfer to our hotel for a two night stay.
Hotel: Cornucopia or St Patrick's Hotel
DAY 5 - SATURDAY (BREAKFAST INCLUDED)
After yesterday's action-packed introduction to Gozo, today will be a relaxed day spent visiting the pre-historic Ggantija Temples, Ta' Pinu Church where many attest to miraculous cures, picturesque Xlendi Bay, Calypso’s Cave where the nymph is rumoured to have enthralled Ulysses for 7 years. Victoria’s colourful open-air markets and a walk through the fortified Citadel's cobbled, ascending streets.
DAY 6 - SUNDAY (BREAKFAST INCLUDED)
After breakfast we take the short ferry crossing back to the mainland. On arrival we head to the lovely fishing village of Marsaxlokk, whose waterfront is lined with the colourful traditional luzzus, where you will have time to walk through the open-air market stalls and browse the variety of Malta made goods. Later in the morning we head to the pre-historic ruins of Hagar Qim, an ancient temple which is believed to have been a fertility shrine, and is well known for the ‘Venus of Malta’ statue and Mnajdra temple. At the Blue Grotto, famous for its crystal clear waters, you can take an optional *boat trip (dependent on weather conditions, arranged and purchased locally).
DAY 7 - MONDAY (BREAKFAST & LUNCH INCLUDED)
Formerly the residence of the Knights of St. John, the Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua have enjoyed an eventful past. Yours to discover is a wealth of medieval sights, museums (charge), including the Maritim Museum and Inquisitors Palace and also superb views of the Grand Harbour - an absorbing morning. Afterwards we head to the Village of Naxxar, where lunch will be served at Ta' Marku, a delightful old town house, now tastefully converted into a restaurant and wine bar.
The story of Ta' Marku dates back to the 18th century. For decades it served as a dwelling place for Naxxar farmers and their families, and as the saying goes ... if walls could talk! The Agius family, nicknamed Ta' Marku, took over the place approx. 150 years ago. Anglu, one of the family, married Guzeppa and lived at Ta' Marku for a number of years. Together, they had five children - Vittorja, Maria, Cikku, Felic and Peppi - strong personalities who each had a story of their own, and were all quite renowned in the quiet village of Naxxar. Cikku and his younger brother, Peppi, frequently travelled to Tunisia and Algeria for the family business and were renowned for their welcome back gatherings at the Ta' Marku residence. Peppi was notoriously known as the 'trouble maker’ of the family. His police records, dating back to 1955, state that he had been charged for: committing violation of property; throwing hard substances at an aged person; plucking fruits; fighting in the street; taking part in illegal games; and uttering blasphemous words in public. Family photos, as well as Peppi's police conduct have been safely kept and are now displayed in the front room of Ta' Marku.
After lunch, we visit Palazzo Parisio, which is a 2-minute walk away from Ta' Marku. This 18th century palace is a treasure trove of delightful artefacts and a beloved family home. On your visit you will discover the intricate nuances of Malta’s historic nobility and their enchanting way of life. At the end of the tour there is free time to explore or sit in the gardens and enjoy a coffee or snack from the coffee shop.
Afterwards we return to the hotel, we you will have time to relax before we meet up again, for our sumptuous farewell evening meal at a Maltese restaurant.
DAY 8 - TUESDAY (BREAKFAST INCLUDED)
Transfer to Malta Airport for your return flight to the UK, or, EXTEND YOUR STAY - see further for details.
EXTEND YOUR STAY With extending your stay there are plenty of things to do on these islands. For example you could enjoy the picturesque areas of Golden Bay and Mellieha Bay or spend an evening at the Knights Spectacular evening show. With endless possibilities available to enhance your holiday, call today, and let our reservations team book your ideal extended holiday!Please note that transfers are extra, please call for details. |
*IMPORTANT: If a client chooses to purchase a tour/ excursion whilst in resort, it is the client’s responsibility to ensure that the tour/excursion conforms to the current Maltese laws/regulations applicable for the chosen activities(s). As these trips are not managed/negotiated on our behalf we will not accept any liability for any damages, accidents or claims arising as a result. Any issues regarding tours and/or excursions purchased locally must be addressed with the company that these were purchased from, as we cannot intervene in these matters.
Departures Including flights Tour Only 13 March 2012 £569 £445 17 April 2012 £609 £485 08 May 2012 £595 £469 £639 £509 £759 £549 £645 £515 £599 £475 Twin rooms for sole use and 3rd adult sharing rooms available on request Contact our reservations team to book your tour top of page
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES 12 June 2012 31 July 2012 18 September 2012 09 October 2012
For more information (what's included and excluded etc) please click here
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Cornucopia Hotel
Park Hotel
