Malta Fortress Island Tour

Malta has a long and distinguished relationship with Britain and has been a popular destination for many decades. This tour, in the company of popular and erudite historian, Julian Humphrys, looks at the island’s eventful and often turbulent military history from medieval times to the Second World War, thanks to its strategic position in the Mediterranean. From the capital, Valletta to a host of forts, military museums, the Inquisitor’s Palace, the Lascaris War Rooms and a series of informal lectures, the tour will offer a comprehensive look at the island through some of the military events that shaped it. 

ITINERARY

Day 1: Fly from London Gatwick to Valletta and transfer by coach to The Embassy, Valletta, for a five-night stay. Evening welcome drink and lecture by Julian – ‘The Great Siege of Malta’ followed by dinner with wine in the hotel restaurant.

Day 2: Valletta – on foot.
This morning we head by coach to the historic and characterful capital, Valletta. There is a lot to see here as we explore its bustling streets, starting with Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum. Situated at the pinnacle of the city, the star-shaped fort was developed from 1552 and was a key site in the 1565 siege. Housed in the fort is the National Military Museum whose collection is focussed on WWII and is one of Malta’s most popular museums. From here, we’ll head to Saluting Battery for the daily Midday Salute, whose origins date back to the 1565 siege. After time for lunch (not included), we’ll head to the Grand Master’s Palace and Armoury, which dates from the late 16^th century and, for 200 years, was home to the Grand Master of the Order of St John. Return to the hotel and time to relax before a second talk from Julian – ‘Malta during WW2'. Evening at leisure.

Day 3: The Malta Experience and La Sacra Infermeria, and  a special evening at Fort Angelo.
This morning we learn about Malta's 7000 year history at The Malta Experience, followed by a visit to La Sacra Infermeria (The Knight of Malta's Hospital) which was built in the 16th century. The rest of the day is free to explore independently. In the late afternoon we transfer by traditional Maltese boat (subject to weather conditions) to Fort Angelo for a special evening visit. We start with a guided tour of the Fort followed by a drink on the bastion, then a group dinner with wine. Return to the hotel by coach. 

Day 3: Inquisitor's Palace, the Malta at War Museum and Lascaris War Rooms.
We start today with a visit to the Inquisitor’s Palace, also known as the Sacred Palace, which was the seat of the Maltese Inquisition from 1574 to 1798, which was abolished during the French occupation of that year. After free time for lunch (not included) we head to the Malta at War Museum, which centres on the island’s involvement in WWII and is housed within the 17^th century Couvre Porte. Our final visit today is to the Lascaris War Rooms, a series of underground tunnels and chambers that housed the War Headquarters and from where the island conducted its operations during WWII. Evening free.

Day 5: Morning Mdina and afternoon harbour cruise. 
This morning, we head to the medieval city of Mdina, Malta’s old capital city, where you will have plenty of time to explore the ‘Silent City’ and admire the imposing bastions that command a magnificent panorama of most of the island. Time will be allowed for a leisurely lunch in Mdina (not included), before returning to Valletta for an afternoon grand harbour cruise to end the tour. Evening free.

Day 6: Transfer to the airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 25 passengers.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager’s discretion.

INCLUDED

• Return flights from London Gatwick to Valletta
• Five nights’ accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at The Embassy Hotel, Valletta, based on shared occupancy of twin/double room
• Welcome drink on first evening
• Welcome dinner at the hotel
• Two lectures from Julian Humphrys
• Drink and dinner on night 3 at Fort Angelo
• Transfers and full touring itinerary including entrances and guided tours as specified
• Julian Humphrys and tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Holiday insurance
• Double for sole use supplement - £610
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Embassy Hotel, Valletta 

Stylish four-star hotel in the heart of the city overlooking the Cathedral, the Embassy boasts a rooftop bar and restaurant, Japanese restaurant, Courtyard Bar, outdoor pool, cinema and very comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities including en-suite bathrooms, TV, telephone, air-conditioning, safe, hairdryer, tea/coffee making facilities and complimentary water.

Hotel Website