Valletta: Half Day Guided Tour with Optional Cathedral Tour

Malta is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe that offers its visitors an array of interesting activities to indulge in. Of the many things to do in Malta, the Valletta: Half-Day Guided Tour with Optional Cathedral Tour is a must-do activity for anyone visiting the city. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most common questions asked by tourists and give you a rundown of what you can expect from this tour.

What is the Valletta: Half Day Guided Tour with Optional Cathedral Tour?

The Valletta: Half Day Guided Tour with Optional Cathedral Tour is a day trip that takes you through the historical city of Valletta. You will get an opportunity to explore the city’s iconic landmarks, walk around its stunning cobblestone streets, and acquaint yourself with the history and culture of the Maltese Islands. The tour starts in the morning and lasts for about 4 hours.

What are the highlights of this tour?

This guided tour covers some of the top tourist attractions in Valletta, such as St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Upper Barrakka Gardens, Grand Master’s Palace, and much more. You will have a chance to explore the charming city of Valletta, considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. With a knowledgeable local guide on this half-day tour, you will learn about the city’s unique architecture, rich history, and culture.

What will be the itinerary of the tour?

The tour will begin with a guided visit to St. John’s Co-Cathedral, where you can see some of the finest art pieces in Malta, admire the striking architectural brilliance of its structure, and marvel over the intricate carvings and frescoes on the walls. The tour will then continue to Upper Barrakka Gardens, which offers stunning panoramic views of the Grand Harbour. From there, you will visit the Grand Master’s Palace to view an impressive collection of artefacts and armoury, and then explore the charming streets of Valletta, admiring the splendid architecture along the way.

What does the tour cost and where can I book it?

The tour costs €33 per person, and you can book it easily through an online platform. By clicking on this link, you can directly make a reservation for this tour, and a booking confirmation will be sent to you via email. You can also select optional activities like the tour of St. John’s Co-Cathedral or choose to visit the Lower Barrakka Gardens instead.

What should I wear for the tour?

It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes as parts of the tour involve walking. For your comfort, wear light and breathable clothes as the summers in Malta can get quite hot. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a sun hat, or an umbrella for shade.

Does the tour include transportation?

The tour doesn’t include transportation. However, Valletta is well connected with all the major towns in Malta, and public transportation is cheap and easily available. You can also choose to take a taxi or rent a car to get to the starting point of the tour which is in the heart of the city easily.

When is the best time to take this tour?

This tour operates all year round, but the best time to enjoy it is during the summers when the weather is pleasant, and the daylight hours are long.

What makes this tour special?

This tour is special because it offers visitors a comprehensive guided tour of Valletta, one of Europe’s most culturally rich cities. It is an opportunity to explore some of the top attractions of the city with a local guide who has vast knowledge of the city’s history, culture and architecture.

Final thoughts

Valletta: Half Day Guided Tour with Optional Cathedral Tour is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding experiences that one can enjoy in Malta. This guided tour is not only informative and educational, but it also promises to provide you with an unforgettable experience. With so much to explore, this tour is perfect for anyone who is visiting Malta for the first time or even for those who have already visited the city before. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the charming city of Valletta and witness its rich history with this amazing tour. Book your tour today to experience the city in all its glory!

An Insider’s Guide to Valletta: Beyond the Tourist Spots

Valletta is the perfect Mediterranean destination that has something for everyone, including culture, history, food, and unforgettable experiences. While most tourists visit the popular attractions, there are many hidden gems that only the locals know about. Here is an insider’s guide to Valletta, including some off-the-beaten-path suggestions, local attractions, food culture, traditions, art and customs, and captivating stories from the city’s past.

Local Attractions: Hidden Gems Only Locals Know

Valletta is full of incredible architecture, and the Grandmaster’s Palace is one of the city’s most notable landmarks. However, visitors rarely venture beyond the palace’s façade, missing out on the hidden gem inside. The Palace Armory showcases a fantastic collection of armor and weapons from the 16th century, which are worth exploring.

For a unique experience, take a stroll down Strait Street, also known as “The Gut,” which was the hub of the city’s nightlife during the 19th and 20th centuries. The street was home to numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants, and it has now been given a new lease of life with various restaurants and bars that have opened up.

In Valletta, the Upper Barracca Gardens are a great spot to relax and enjoy a stunning view of the Grand Harbour. The gardens are a great walking escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and the garden benches and shady pavilion make it a perfect spot to wind down with a book or simply people watch.

Dining Spots: Local Cuisine And Interesting Food Culture

Maltese cuisine is a blend of different cultural influences, including Italian, Arabic, British, and Mediterranean. One of Valletta’s best-kept secrets is La Mère restaurant, where an intimate dining experience awaits you with a focus on local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. The wine pairing is also a must-try!

The unofficial food of Malta is undoubtedly pastizzi. These savory pastries, often stuffed with ricotta cheese or peas, are readily available at various street vendors, but the best ones can be found at the Crystal Palace on South Street, a favorite locals’ haunt.

To experience excellent traditional Maltese cuisine, head to Guze Bistro, located on the quiet residential street of Pjazza Teatru Rjal. With a menu that uses only locally sourced ingredients and specials every day, it is an excellent choice for a true taste of Malta.

Cultural Experiences: Insights into Valletta’s Traditions and Art

One of the best ways to experience Valletta’s culture is through its numerous museums. The Malta Experience at St. Elmo Fort provides a clear and concise overview of Maltese history, while St. John’s Co-Cathedral is full of beautiful artwork and spectacular Baroque architecture.

The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra also performs concerts in Valletta. If you’re a music lover, attending a live performance at the Teatru Manoel is an unforgettable experience. Housed in a stunning 18th-century theater, the versatile repertoire spans genres and styles.

Valletta is steeped in art—an art form that is expressed plentifully throughout the city. Visit Casa Rocca Piccola, a 16th-century palace that has been given a modern facelift and houses an impressive collection of family antiques and heirlooms. Art lovers can also visit MUZA, the city’s newest museum, which is home to a vast collection of Maltese Art and artifacts.

Local History: Fascinating Stories from the Past

To discover the city’s history, take a stroll down Republic Street, where an interactive display of the city’s history and five thousand years of history unfolds. You can also take the Valletta Underground trip, which leads you back through the city’s dark, mysterious, and sometimes sinister past.

The National War Museum inside Fort St. Elmo offers a narrative of Malta’s history from the early settlers to the end of the Second World War, including the great siege of 1565—Malta’s finest hour that underpinned Malta’s national identity.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

To experience the Maltese countryside, head to the Dingli cliffs on the west coast of Malta—a great escape from the urban hustle, just a few miles from Valletta. If you’re an adventurist, you should consider opting for a boat trip to the Blue Grotto, a spacious sea cavern where light wraps around its subterranean caverns and unique neon coral formations.

A short distance from Valletta lies the ancient city Mdina, which is one of Malta’s most impressive gems with a history dating back to the Phoenician period; it is a destination worth your visit.

Conclusion

Valletta offers an unmatched insight into Maltese culture and history. While there are numerous tourist attractions, it is essential to explore the hidden gems to gain a better understanding of the city’s soul. Ensure that you have a unique experience by following our insider’s guide, which includes local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path recommendations that are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.