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Explore Valletta’s historic streets, impressive fortifications and spectacular Grand Harbour views.
Step back in time in Mdina and Rabat, where centuries of Maltese history are preserved within ancient streets and catacombs.
Discover Malta’s coastline, from the colourful harbour at Marsaxlokk to the dramatic Blue Grotto sea caves.
Sample traditional Maltese food and experience the island’s culture through local cuisine, music and dance.
Travelsphere’s Discover Malta tour combines Valletta, Mdina, Rabat, Mosta and the Three Cities, with optional excursions to Gozo and the Blue Grotto.
One of the world’s smallest countries can give you the biggest of welcomes and incredible memories to treasure.
Often referred to as the “Gem of the Mediterranean”, Malta has a reputation for leaving a big impression on its visitors. Perhaps this is because they don’t know what to expect…
Memories linger, warm and vivid like a sunset over the Mediterranean. Brightly-painted wooden boats carve across Valletta’s Grand Harbour; lazy days are spent on golden sand beaches; the magnificent Blue Grotto cavern shimmers in sunlight; the scent of coffee floats through the air from cafés in sleepy side streets; a plate of slow braised rabbit in a red wine sauce is served with a generous hill of rice. Malta is a treasure trove waiting to be explored.
Valletta, Malta's capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its military fortifications, narrow streets and striking Baroque architecture always comes as a surprise. From the imposing Fort St Elmo to the elegant marble interior of St John’s Co-Cathedral, the capital is a labyrinth of hidden treasures – museums and churches, palaces and secret gardens.
You can thank the 16th century Knights Hospitaller for Valletta’s enduring grandeur and for fortifying the island against the threat of invasion. The military influence is everywhere you look, from the massive bastions that guard the Grand Harbour and its ‘Three Cities’ (Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea), to the crumbling sandstone watch towers that pepper the island’s rugged coastline.
The Upper Barrakka Gardens offer one of the best introductions to this remarkable setting, with sweeping views across the Grand Harbour towards the fortified Three Cities. Below the gardens sits the historic Saluting Battery, where a cannon is still fired at midday – a tradition you can witness during Travelsphere's tour of the capital.
Beyond Valletta, Malta’s earlier history comes into focus in Mdina and the neighbouring town of Rabat.
Once Malta’s capital, the fortified Mdina is known as the Silent City (no cars are allowed inside). This living museum boasts a labyrinth of narrow passageways adorned with elegant Patrician homes, baroque churches, convents, and opulent palaces.
Nearby Rabat reveals another layer of the island’s past. Its extensive underground catacombs date back to Roman times and provide a fascinating glimpse into early burial traditions on Malta.
No inland exploration is complete without a visit to Mosta, famed for its Rotunda – a huge domed church inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. The church became famous during the Second World War when a bomb crashed through its dome, but miraculously failed to explode. The village of Ta’Qali is not far away, where the art of glass-blowing can be learnt.
Malta’s allure extends beyond its historical cities. On the south coast you’ll find the Blue Grotto caves, a series of seven dramatic sea caves. the Blue Grotto delights thousands of visitors each year. The perfect location of these dramatic caves and the natural light combine leading to a magnificent display of blue hues on the cave walls and ceilings.
In the south, you will also find the traditional fishing village of Marsaxlokk. Its stunning bay is Malta’s second-largest natural harbour and is one of the best places on the island to see the colourful, traditional fishing boats – the Luzzus.
Both can be discovered on an optional Travelsphere excursion, with the chance to take a boat trip into the Blue Grotto caves when conditions allow.
For a different side of the Maltese archipelago, an optional trip to Gozo reveals a greener and more rural landscape. See the shrine of Ta'Pinu set amid gorgeous countryside, while Dwejra is home to an inland saltwater lagoon which is linked to the sea by a small arch-like tunnel. Make a stop at Qala Belvedere to admire the incredible views of the coast and the island of Malta in the distance.
Gozo's slower pace and open landscapes create an appealing contrast to Malta's bustling towns, while elevated viewpoints offer far-reaching panoramas across the islands and Mediterranean coastline.
No visit to Malta is complete without indulging in its culinary delights.
Sample traditional Maltese cuisine, influenced by centuries of Mediterranean and Arab flavours. Savour the rich tastes of rabbit stew, a local delicacy beloved by both locals and visitors alike. And treat your taste buds to our favourite Maltese dish – pastizzi. These savoury pastries, often filled with ricotta cheese or mushy peas, are a popular snack enjoyed across Malta.
Food is also a way to experience Malta's rural traditions. Near Dingli, Travelsphere guests enjoy lunch prepared with ingredients grown on a family-run farm and learn about the traditional production of olive oil. It's a chance to see how the island's landscape, agriculture and cuisine are closely connected. Travelsphere
There is another taste of Maltese culture during an evening of traditional food, folk music and dance, bringing some of the island's customs and stories to life.
But perhaps the true beauty of Malta lies in the warmth of its people. From the moment you set foot on its shores, you'll be greeted with genuine hospitality and a sense of belonging that will stay with you long after you've left.
Whether you're exploring ancient ruins or lounging on a sun-drenched beach, you'll find that Malta's charm lies not only in its stunning landscapes and historical treasures but in the hearts of its people.
In just one holiday, you can wander Valletta's historic streets, explore underground catacombs in Rabat, walk through the fortified lanes of Mdina, discover the waterfront communities of the Three Cities and experience traditional Maltese food and craftsmanship. Add the option to explore Gozo or the Blue Grotto, and Malta offers an impressive amount of variety within a relatively compact group of islands.
Every Travelsphere holiday offers exceptional value for money. Included in the price are return scheduled flights/rail travel and internal flights, where applicable, overseas transfers and transportation, carefully chosen hotels, many meals and excursions and the services of a Travelsphere Holiday Director or Local Guide.
Discover the best time to visit Malta.
Malta may be small, covering just 121 square miles, but it boasts a fascinating history, beautiful beaches and wonderful food. It’s a place where African, Italian and British influences collide to create a kaleidoscope of culture and where the welcome you receive from the locals is as warm as the weather.
Uncover vibrant culture, ancient history and mouth-watering cuisine on an unforgettable escape to the sun-kissed island of Malta.
