Tour Operator: Captain Morgan Cruises.
This exciting new excursion has been designed to give you the freedom to absorb the fascinating, historical riches of Malta's famous Grand Harbour at your own leisure. You will be collected from your hotel and taken to ‘Sliema Ferries'.
You will have the choice of three different pick-up and departure times to suit your own agenda.
- Collection from Sliema, St. Julians & Valletta at 8:30am to depart from Sliema Ferries at 9:00am
- Collection from Sliema, St. Julians & Valletta at 9:00am to depart from Sliema Ferries at 9:30am
- Collection from Sliema, St. Julians & Valletta at 10:00am to depart from Sliema Ferries at 10:30am
- For the St. Paul's Bay / Bugibba / Qawra Area, pick-up will be 1 hour 30 minutes before the above times, i.e. at 7:30am, 8:00am & 9:00am
- For the Mellieha / Xemxija Area, pick-up will be 1 hour 30 minutes before the above times, i.e. at 7:00am, 7:30am and 8:30am
This tour will undeniably be an unforgettable experience, this is a must to complete a holiday in Malta. Packed full of fascinating, interest and charm. Including an intriquing tour around Valletta, the capital city of Malta. Valletta was officially recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980, it is overflowing with a wealth of history and culture with many places of interest including the historical forts, battlements, historical creeks and imposing fortifications, many can be admired from the sea. Valletta is located between two natural harbours, the Grand Harbour and Marsamxetto Harbour,
The Water Taxi will take you from Silema into the Grand Harbour and will drop you off in Valletta; just below the ‘Malta Experience' (entrance is included in your ticket). The 'Malta Experience' depicts 7000 years of the an intriguing history of the Maltese Islands, using vision enhanced with an exciting commentary (available in 15 Languages). Whilst in Valletta, you will have time to explore this unique city. Valletta's streets and piazzas contain a wealth of culture and wonderful historical buildings dating from the early 16th century, built during the rule of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem (Knights Hospitaller). The character of Valletta is chiefly Baroque, with elements of Mannerist, Neo-Classical and Modern architecture. However World War II left major scars on the city.
Absorb the atmosphere whilst you stroll and take in many buildings of historic importance such as, St John's Co-Cathedral, formerly the Conventual Church of the Knights of Malta. It has the only signed work and largest painting by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, the Magisterial Palace of the Grandmaster, the Auberge de Castille. Walk along Republic Street, Main Square, perhaps enjoy a coffee, at one of the pavement cafe's and watch the world go by.
Upon leaving Valletta you will be taken via Water Taxi, to the city of Birgu, located on the south side of the Grand Harbour. Birgu was founded by the Romans in 200BC until the 4th Century, developed later by the Knights of St. John in 1530AD. Birgu played the most important role during the Great Siege of 1565AD - the victorious city, hence it's other name: Vittoriosa. It is a city brimming with historical wealth, culture and intrest.
Birgu is situated on a higher level of land, projecting into the sea, with Fort St Angelo at its head and the city of Cospicua at its base. Due to it's location the city of Birgu played a significant part in military activities.
Whilst in Birgu, you will have the opportunity to visit the wonderful St. Lawrence's Church, one of the oldest churches in Malta, the Maritime Museum (optional) and the new Waterfront with a wide variety of restaurants, offering cuisine to suite all tastes. This is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely lunch in beautiful surroundings.
From Birgu you will be taken to Rinella, where you will have time to visit Fort Rinella, which houses the massive, 100 Ton Armstrong Gun and the Victorian fortifications (optional). The 100 ton guns were in active service for only 20 years; withdrawn in 1906, without ever firing a shot in anger, each shell costing as much as the daily wage of 2600 soldiers. The gun was only fired four times a year ( 1 every 3 months) for practice.
Once you have finished your tour you will then have your final pick-up and transported back to ‘Sliema Ferries' where you will find the transport to transfer you back to your hotel.