Valletta, Mdina and Three Cities 3-Day Guided Tour

This is a 3-day guided historical tour across Malta, suitable for travelers interested in Valletta, Mdina, and the Three Cities area.

Highlights

• Explore the streets of Valletta and visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral
• Discover Mdina’s medieval architecture and narrow streets
• Visit the Three Cities and take a boat tour of the Grand Harbour creeks
• Enjoy panoramic views from Senglea Garden over Grand Harbour

Description

Day 1: Valletta and Audiovisual Show
Begin with a half-day guided tour of Valletta, the fortified city built by the Knights in 1566. Admire the Grand Harbour from Upper Barrakka Gardens, then visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral optionally or during free time to see Caravaggio masterpieces and intricate marble floors. Walk along Republic Street, passing the Grand Masters’ Palace and St. George’s Square. End the day watching the audiovisual show at the Malta Experience (Monday) or Malta 5D (Wednesday), presenting Malta’s history.

Day 2: Mdina
Take a half-day guided tour of Mdina, Malta’s former capital. Explore its narrow streets dating from the Arab period and see medieval Siculo-Norman palaces and Baroque buildings. Exit through Greek’s Gate to visit the Dingli Cliffs and finish at San Anton botanical gardens near the Presidential Palace.

Day 2: Mdina Optional Add-On
Upgrade to a full-day tour with a 3-course lunch and glass of wine. Visit the early Christian Catacombs in Rabat, Ta’ Qali Crafts Village, and Mosta Church with its large dome.

Day 3: Three Cities
Explore Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Senglea, where the Knights of St. John settled in 1530. Tour Vittoriosa’s historic streets and waterfront, including a harbor boat (dghajsa) ride among the colorful harbor creeks. From Senglea Garden, view the Grand Harbour and Fort Sant Angelo, site of the 1565 Great Siege defense.

Day 3: Three Cities Optional Add-On
On Wednesdays, extend the morning tour with an afternoon harbor cruise from Sliema to see Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour by sea, followed by free time in Sliema’s shopping area and cafés. Return transfer is at 17:30.

Includes

• Half-day guided tour of Valletta (Monday or Wednesday, 5 hours)
• Half-day guided tour of Mdina, Dingli Cliffs, and San Anton Gardens (Tuesday or Friday, 4 hours)
• Half-day guided tour of Vittoriosa and Senglea in the Three Cities (Wednesday or Saturday, 4 hours)
• Audiovisual show in Valletta: Malta Experience (Monday, ~45 minutes) or Malta 5D (Wednesday, ~20 minutes)
• Visits to Upper Barrakka Gardens, Grand Masters’ Palace (exterior), and St. George’s Square in Valletta
• Walking tours of Mdina and Vittoriosa
• Visits to Dingli Cliffs, San Anton botanical gardens, and Senglea Garden
• Harbor boat tour of Grand Harbour creeks
• Round-trip air-conditioned transport from/to major hotels or designated pick-up points

Excludes

• Entrance fee to St. John’s Co-Cathedral (optional or free time)
• Full-day Mdina upgrade including Catacombs, crafts centre, Mosta Church, and 3-course lunch with wine (optional prebooked add-on)
• Wednesday afternoon harbor cruise extension in Three Cities tour including transport and free time in Sliema (optional add-on)
• Food and drinks
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses
• Accommodation

Important Information

• Pick-up time varies by location and differs each day
• Valletta tour: Monday or Wednesday (approximately 5 hours)
• Mdina tour: Tuesday or Friday (approximately 4 hours)
• Three Cities tour: Wednesday or Saturday (approximately 4 hours)
• Book the day of your first tour; subsequent tours occur on the scheduled next days (e.g., Valletta Monday, Mdina Tuesday, Three Cities Wednesday)
• St. John’s Co-Cathedral visit is optional during free time or as an add-on
• Malta Experience audiovisual show included on Mondays; Malta 5D show included on Wednesdays

Easy Cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours before the first tour for a full refund.

Book in advance and bring comfortable walking shoes. The tours are weather dependent; the best time to visit is during Malta’s milder spring or autumn months.