| Starts | Sliema, Malta |
|---|---|
| Ends | Xlendi, Malta |
| Region | Malta |
| Duration | 8 days |
| Tour Operator | Intrepid Travel |
Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: Sliema & Finishing: Sliema
Your trip starts with arrival into Malta, the most cosmopolitan of the three islands of the Maltese archipelago – Malta, Gozo and Comino. Your accommodation is in the seaside suburb of Sliema, once the home of the Matlese upper classes, who sought to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital Valletta, which sits across the water. You can arrive at any time today as there are no activities planned until a group meeting this evening at 5.30pm. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, maybe arrive a day early so you're able to attend. If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. A 5-10 minute stroll from the hotel down to the promenade brings you good views of Valletta, and if you continue along the waterfront you’ll come across promenading families out for their daily passeggiata (evening stroll) among joggers and those out walking their dog.
Day 2 - Starting: Sliema & Finishing: Sliema
Today you’ll head into the capital and enjoy a full day’s tour of the UNESCO World heritage site of Valletta. Built in the 16th century, find out how hundreds of years of visitors and conquerors have shaped the unique Maltese culture and language. Take a walking tour around this compact, Baroque-character city (it covers only 0.5 square miles), and you’ll soon come across intriguing historical sites around every corner: votive statues, niches, gorgeous wooden balconies, fountains and coats of arms high up on parapets. Barrakka Gardens offers a fantastic bird’s eye view of the Grand Harbour of Malta, while narrow side streets are full of tiny quaint shops and cafés. Wander down the streets and travel between something like the vintage seventies, then be transported back to the present day by Valletta's main streets, lined with larger international branded shops for fashion, music, jewellery and much more. Tonight, perhaps enjoy a dinner at the Valletta waterfront, or in one of the fancy restaurants found inside 17th century palaces.
Day 3 - Starting: Sliema & Finishing: Sliema
Today is free for you to explore the Sliema and the island however you’d like, and choose from a variety of activities to make the most of your time in this Mediterranean jewel. For something both fun and chilled out, hit the water at the Splash and Fun Water Park. If a thrill is what you’re after, then the Black Hole is perfect for you – slide through a closed 120 metre long tube on a torrent of water from the height of 12 metres! For a more laidback experience, where there are family slides and pools, a wave pool, and the lazy river. Plus, there’s soapy football and a diving pool. Splash and Fun definitely lives up to its name! Another fun place is Sweethaven village, a colourful place also known as Popeye Village and used as the set of the 1980 film. It’s full of rides and games, and a good option for younger kids. For something more cultural and historical, maybe visit the end of the island fishing village of Marsaxlokk for a real slice of Maltese life, or head west to medieval Mdina, a beautiful hilltop walled town of atmospheric architectural streets. Otherwise, just relax or go horse riding along the long sandy beaches of Golden Bay.
Day 4 - Starting: Xlendi & Finishing: Xlendi
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in Malta and then catch the boat across the sea to the diminutive island of Gozo. Fourteen kilometres across at its widest point and just 8 kilometres away from the main island, it’s a world away from its bigger, busier sibling. Populated with tiny villages and pretty hills this is a delightful place to begin your Mediterranean adventure. Xlendi, your base in Gozo was once a quiet fishing village. Your hotel is only meters from the beautiful bay where you can swim or snorkel. Jump on a bike this afternoon to explore the quiet paths and trails of this lovely island. Pass through friendly villages, past old churches and ancient stone temples, cycle up to panoramic peaks and along trails seldom visited by any other sort of vehicle, let alone travellers, as well as descending into valleys filled with fruit trees. With any free time today you can enjoy the delightful harbour around Xlendi, maybe heading up its famous tower for a great overview of the town.
Day 5 - Starting: Xlendi & Finishing: Xlendi
Enjoy a pretty unique experience today as you discover a tranquil day in the life of a local shepherd at the Ager Foundation, a pioneer and promoter of eco tourism in Gozo. Gozitan shepherds still tend their sheep and goats in this pristine countryside, accompanied by dogs guiding the herd on its way. You’ll get a hands experience of a life on a farm – feeding hens, rabbits, goats and other animals, collecting freshly laid eggs, and even milking sheep and goats. You’ll also get involved in making the local Gozitan cheese, ‘gbejniet’, which is eaten fresh, sundried, salted or peppered. All this action is sure to make you hungry, so afterwards you’ll get stuck into an authentic traditional lunch with your host, featuring Gozitan cheese, olives, sundried tomatoes and crusty oven baked bread – delicious! The rest of the day is free to wander to scenic viewpoints or perfect that beach pose.
Day 6 - Starting: Xlendi & Finishing: Xlendi
Today you’ll leave Gozo and take a short boat ride out to Comino, a tiny speck of land a kilometre or so off the coast of Malta that’s now a wildlife sanctuary. Your boat trip takes you around the island to drop anchor in one of the secluded bays that mark the coastline against the clear blue water. From the boat, you and the kids can have a go at snorkelling in the Mediterranean and marvel at the fish and other marine life around the island. If snorkelling not’s your thing, why not just take a swim in the sea and let the sun’s rays wash over you, unwinding in this peaceful haven that’s almost from a dream. In the afternoon, after a short boat trip around the island, its hidden caves and tall cliffs, return to your Gozo home for the last couple of nights.
Day 7 - Starting: Xlendi & Finishing: Xlendi
This morning’s free to have a leisurely lie-in or a relaxed breakfast, before jumping in a jeep this afternoon to explore the island. Gozo is known as the fruit basket of Malta, and you’ll see much of the plants and animals of the island as you explore the more remote parts of Gozo. The safari takes in hidden villages, secret beaches and ancient temples, as well as a drive out to Dwejra Bay. Here you’ll be able to see the Azure Window, a spectacular arch formed out of the rock by thousands of years of wind and waves and the Inland Sea, a landlocked seawater lake, sheltered from the sea by an archway entrance. If the weather is right, you might even be able to take an optional boat trip from the Inland Sea to the Azure Window. Tonight, why not gather together the rest of your group and head out for a final celebratory dinner as this magnificent Malta family adventure comes to an end.
Day 8 - Starting: Xlendi & Finishing: Xlendi
This morning your trip ends after your final delicious Maltese breakfast. You will need to transfer back to Malta where there may be time for some last minute souvenir shopping, before heading back home with fond memories of Malta and Gozo. Notes: If you have booked a departure transfer arrangements for departure are as follows - The morning is free, with room check-out at 11:00 12.45 Pick up from hotel 13.30 Ferry Boat leaves Gozo 14.00 Transfer to airport 14.45 Arrival at Airport 16.55 Flight
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