Valletta Shore Excursion

This full day Valletta cruise tour includes the Highlights of Valletta plus an afternoon harbor cruise and free time to enjoy lunch or to do some shopping.

After meeting your private licensed guide at the pier you drive to the city center to enjoy a walking tour of Valletta. The city was built in 1566 by a workforce of 8,000 and completed in 6 years by the Knights of St. John. It is named after Grand Master Valette, the hero who defeated the Ottoman invaders in the Great Siege.

To begin your tour you'll visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens perched high above the Grand Harbor. Here you'll really get a sense of how fantastic this port is with striking views of the fortifications and inlets around the three cities across the water. The Knights of St. John used to practice fencing here to defend their galleys anchored below.

Then you continue the short distance on foot to Valletta's most important historic and artistic treasure, St. John's Co-Cathedral. Dating to the 16th century, its interior is decorated with carved walls, ornate columns, lavish paintings and tapestries, and pavement made of four hundred inlaid marble slabs that memorialize knights from all corners of Europe. Two masterpieces by Caravaggio hang in the Oratory.

Next you tour the Grandmaster's Palace, housing the parliament and the president's office. In the Tapestry Chambers you'll linger, letting your eyes adjust to the low light and marvel at the priceless Gobelins tapestries covering the walls. You'll see suits of armor standing at attention in the halls and elaborate state rooms surrounding the complexes open courtyard. You'll even have time to visit the Fine Arts Museum located in the Palace featuring paintings by Tintoretto and other masters.

After visiting the Palace and enjoying free time to have lunch (meal not included).

In the later afternoon, you drive to Sliema Harbor and board a pleasure boat cruise. You'll visit the natural ports of Marsamxett and cruise the Grand Harbor, whose natural creek inlets make this port one of the most beautiful in Europe. The up close views of the city's fortifications from the seaward side are unique, and a treasure for photographers!

Mobility: NO wheelchair