Megalithic Malta: Temples, fortifications and archaeology
11 November 2024 - 6 days for £3,199
Malta and Gozo are small islands but there is a great deal of remarkable history on each, which will satisfy even the most demanding of travellers. They hide many exceptional archaeological sites, from the ancient and mysterious temples believed to be some of the world’s oldest structures, to the fortifications of the Knights of St John, which withstood unprecedented bombardment in the second world war.
On this tour you will see some of the fascinating treasures of these islands including prehistoric temples which are thought to be the earliest accessible free-standing buildings in the world, mediaeval settlements and the walled city of Mdina.
Visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, where you will discover 7000 years of history, including unexplained carved-stone landscapes and prehistoric death cults, as well as beautiful coastlines, attractive fishing villages and fine Baroque architecture.
Every evening you will return to the indulgent five-star Corinthia Palace Hotel.
The tour will feature talks and walking seminars from award-winning journalist Juliet Rix and limited to just 22 guests.
In partnership with Kirker Holidays.
DAY 1: ARRIVE INTO MALTA
Fly to Valletta, where you will stay for the duration of the tour at the luxurious five-star Corinthia Palace Hotel. This famous hotel stands at the gateway to Valletta and has a majestic setting overlooking Marsamxett Harbour. In the evening, meet the tour leader, journalist and broadcaster Juliet Rix, who will introduce you to the tour ahead. You will then enjoy dinner with Juliet at a local restaurant in Valetta.
DAY 2: EXPLORE VALLETTA
Today will be spent exploring Valletta, which has recently undergone a series of major restorations including the impressive ramparts and Renzo Piano’s new Parliament building. You will visit St John’s Cathedral, which contains Caravaggio’s masterpiece The Beheading of St John, the Grand Master’s Palace and the beautiful jewel-like Teatru Manoel, one of the best surviving Baroque theatres in Europe.
During the afternoon, marvel at the Auberge de Provence, the Baroque residence of the Knights of Malta from the Provence region of France. This now houses the Archaeological Museum, including some of the most exquisite finds from Malta and Gozo’s prehistoric sites dating back up to 5000 years.
Your day ends with a visit to Fort St Elmo. The fort was built by the Knights Hospitaller in 1552 to guard the harbours on either side of the Sceberras Peninsula. After restoration, it reopened in 2015, and now contains the National War Museum, which covers Malta’s wartime history including the Great Siege and the country’s ordeal during the second world war.
DAY 3: MEGALITHIC SITES
Today is devoted to prehistory. You will start the day with the recently reopened Hypogeum Saflieni, a remarkable Neolithic subterranean necropolis, buried beneath the streets of Paola. Then you will travel on to the temples of Tarxien, Hagar Qim and Mnajdra, which enable you to trace the development of temple building on Malta from around 3600BC.
There will be time to explore the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk, before visiting the fascinating cave Għar Dalam, where finds include remains of long-extinct species dating back 10,000 years. The earliest evidence of human settlement on Malta, 7400 years ago, was also found here.
DAY 4: SAIL TO GOZO FOR THE GGANTIJA TEMPLES
Sail across the narrow strait to Gozo, a verdant island of fertile farmland, picturesque villages and monumental Baroque churches.
The highlight of today is exploring the prehistoric temples at Ggantija, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 1000 years older than the Egyptian pyramids and the second oldest human-built stone structure in the world. It is the earliest of the Maltese ceremonial sites and might have been used for fertility rites and animal sacrifice.
Afterwards, explore the fortified capital Victoria (Ir-Rabat). A hill settled since Neolithic times with a citadel that is visible across most of Gozo. After lunch, follow a scenic route to the charming fishing village of Xlendi. There, you will discover the enigmatic "cart ruts" that criss-cross rocky sites on both islands but have remained unexplained by archaeologists and historians.
DAY 5: FORTIFICATIONS: VALLETTA AND MDINA
Today, you will take a harbour cruise onboard a traditional Maltese "Luzzu" from the Grand Harbour, allowing you to fully appreciate the remarkable fortifications of Valletta. Then enjoy a walking tour of Malta’s first capital Mdina (The Silent City). This fortified city of just 300 inhabitants is perhaps best known today for its starring-role in the Game of Thrones TV series – with its mix of Norman and Baroque architecture, including palaces and a cathedral. You will enjoy lunch next to the 5-star Xara Palace Hotel, a stunning 17th-century palazzo and the only hotel within the walls of the city.
DAY 6: MORNING AT LEISURE THEN DEPART
The morning is free for you to relax and explore at your own pace before driving to the airport for the flight back to the UK.
If you would like to stay for additional days, our partner Kirker Holidays can arrange that for you.
Juliet Rix is an award-winning journalist working for UK national newspapers, magazines, and online media as well as the BBC. Juliet is a regular traveller to destinations throughout Europe with a special interest in Italy and the islands of Malta and Gozo. She has written extensively in the national press about travel destinations as well as numerous articles on the culture and history of the Maltese islands.
