DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN THE HEART OF THE MEDITERRANEAN
After arriving at the Malta International Airport, you will be met and taken to your new home � the SAS Bay Point Resort at St. George�s Bay. Directly overlooking the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, this resort will appeal to all your senses: from the smell of the sweet ocean air to the panoramic views from every room. The resort has not only implemented numerous environmental initiatives, it also offers all the luxuries you would expect from a five-star resort, including spa and gym activities, tennis and diving centers, and award-winning cuisine. At check-in you will be given a non-alcoholic welcome drink, and a welcome dinner will be served on hotel grounds in the evening.
DAY 2 | TREASURE OF MALTA TOUR
A full breakfast at the hotel will leave you refreshed and ready for your day. First is a morning tour of the capital city of Valletta, including a visit to the Malta Experience, a multi-vision show on Malta�s history and culture. After this 40 minute show the guide will lead you through the various places of interest in the City of Valletta, including the Palace State Rooms & The Armory. These are located in the Grand Master�s Palace (open subject to parliamentary sessions on the day, as this palace houses today�s parliament), and a number of gorgeous frescoes, period furniture and many works of art can also be seen here. Then visit St. John�s Cathedral, formerly the Conventual Church of the Order, St. John, and one of the jewels of Malta. Enjoy a typical local lunch in Palace Square, Valletta. Following lunch a short walk will transport you to another world. The lush and colorful Barracca Gardens grant a magnificent view of the Grand Harbour, one of the most beautiful harbors in Europe. You may then choose to visit a fireworks factory � a dangerous excursion not for the faint of heart! Fireworks can be seen during their typical manufacturing process, but as there are often �accidents� in these factories, this activity is optional. After you�ve taken your life in your hands, return to the Bay Point Resort for a brief rest. Tonight you will be treated to a true Maltese festa! The whole village of Vittoriosa will be decorated for the Feast of St. Lawrence, and the sights and sounds of the celebration will be something to behold. Marching bands, nougat and trinket stands, lots of drinks, and (of course) fireworks give the night a festival air. [B,L]
DAY 3 | JEEP SAFARI
After another wonderful breakfast in the hotel, you will be picked-up for full day Jeep Safari. Today all tourist spots will be avoided, and only the hidden charms of Malta discovered. Your safari leader will lead you to places even most locals do not know exist! A swimming stop is scheduled for a nice refreshing break, as there are many beautiful spots around the island at which to stop. Return to the Bay Point Resort in the later hours of the afternoon. Take the rest of the day for your own leisurely activities or exploration. [B,L]
DAY 4 | TEMPLES, SOUTH AND THE BLUE GROTTO
This morning you will be picked-up for a morning tour of the Temples and the famous Blue Grotto. First a visit the Tarxien Temples � a group of three temples portraying the skill and artistic abilities of our forefathers � and then a tour to the fishing villages in the South of Malta. A number of colorful local fishing boats are scattered in the bays of these fishing villages (locally named Luzzu). You will find a number of local stalls selling fresh fish by the waters edge, and a number of restaurants serving fresh fish from the local waters. Lunch will be served in one of these restaurants. After lunch you will visit the fabled Blue Grotto. The grotto is a geological curiosity, consisting of a natural arch and a deep-sea cave formed in the rock face of the surrounding cliffs. A boat ride will be taken into the grotto, and the red coral glowing through the water will astound you. Visit a Fireworks Manufacturing Display in the towns of Mqabba/Mosta before returning to the Bay Point Resort. This evening experience another Festa - the Festa of St. Gaetan in Hamrun. Again take in the sights and sounds of the village celebration. [B,L]
DAY 5 | THREE ISLAND HERA CRUISE
After breakfast you will be taken to the berthing point for the Hera sailing yacht. Enjoy a full day cruise (weather permitting) to the islands of Comino and Gozo. In Comino you will visit the Blue lagoon, where the crystal clear waters might entice you to take a dip. Comino is the smallest inhabited island forming part of the Maltese Archeapelago. The water here is fresh and the white sand at the bottom of the lagoon turns the water a beautiful turquoise! A mid morning snack and a full buffet lunch will be served on board. Next visit Gozo, Malta�s smaller and greener sister island, and St. Paul�s Islands. The day will come to an end with a cruise back to Malta. Evening at leisure. [B,L,D]
DAY 6 | THREE CITIES TOUR AND HARBOUR CRUISE
This morning you will be taken for a morning tour of the �Three Cities� followed by a cruise of the Grand Harbour. On this trip you will have the opportunity to discover the historical area known as the �Three Cities�: Vittoriosa, Cospicua, & Senglea. These cities are all fortified towns built by the Knights of St. John around the Grand Harbour. Each city was endowed with its individual walls and gates, and these exterior walls rendered the cities impregnable. A stronghold for the harbor, this area withstood the onslaughts of two sieges: the Turks in 1565 and the more recent Axis Powers in World War II. In Cospicua one can take a walk through narrow streets shaded by historical buildings and churches. Lunch will be served in a local Bistro situated in the 3 Cities. After lunch we will board a Maltese boat, and sail to the natural ports of Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour. From the harbour you can see magnificent views of the fortifications. Return to the SAS Bay Point Resort. [B,L]
DAY 7 | GOZO FULL DAY TOUR
This morning you should be ready for a full-day tour of Gozo! Tour to Malta�s sister island of Gozo. Although both islands are similar in history and development, Gozo has a character entirely of its own. Gozo, aptly termed as the island where time stands still, is greener and more rural than Malta. During this excursion, visits will include the temples of Ggantija (built 3500 BC), the citadel in Victoria, Xlendi Bay, and the picturesque Dwejra, from which the Inland Sea and Azure Window can be seen. Free time for shopping will also be given at Fontana Cottage � Gozo is well known for its woolen goods, handmade lace and glass. Lunch is included on the tour. Return to Malta via ferry and hit the pool, or take a nap before dinner. Tonight you will experience a traditional Maltese dinner in the heart of Mgarr village. Highlights will include the local Fenkata (Rabbit) and the delicious house wine. [B,L,D]
DAY 8 | WINE TASTING AND VILLAGE CRAFTS TOUR
Take both your breakfast (provided in the hotel) and your morning at leisure. Today�s activities will begin with a wine tasting tour at the The Meridiana Vinyard in Ta� Qali. After this is a visit to Ta� Qali crafts village in the center of Malta, where both rustic and fine quality products are manufactured. Amongst the various artisan huts you will be able to visit a glass-blowing factory, a silversmith, and various pottery and lace artists. You will have a bit to wind down before you are picked up for the evening�s entertainment � the large and glorious Festa of Santa Maria, one of the largest festas in Malta! It is held in Mosta � and you will once again enjoy Village culture at its best through local food stalls, nougat stalls, firework displays & the music of the Village Brass Band! A night to remember! [B,L]
DAY 9 | MDINA & RABAT FULL DAY TOUR
For your last full day in Malta we will do our best to show off the central part of the island, dominated by the Citadel - Mdina. This tour shows the best of Malta�s national history, religion and culture. Visits to the Mosta Dome are included (the third largest unsupported dome in the world), and a short drive will then take you to the old capital city of the island � Mdina. Other sites to see include the Metropolitan Cathedral, a 13th century gem whose magnificent architecture reveals a great deal about Malta�s history and culture. On leaving Mdina through the �Greek Gate� lunch will be served in Rabat, a suburb of the ancient city. In Rabat visits will include St. Paul�s Catacomb�s and the Roman Villa. The tour will come to an end with a drive past the stunning cliffs at Dingli. A special farewell dinner will be prepared for you tonight in the traditional Maltese fashion. Enjoy excellent Maltese cuisine while admiring the beauty of the historical ambience in the Silent City of Mdina. [B,L,D]
DAY 10 | DEPARTURE FROM MALTA
After breakfast you will be picked-up for your transfer to Malta International Airport. Although sad to see you go, we are sure you will leave with wonderful memories of the beauty and culture of the little islands of Malta. Pick-up for departure transfer to Malta International Airport. [B]
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