Explore Malta and Gozo 8 Days, Self-drive

Discover the best of Malta and Gozo during this eight-day self-drive tour! Walk through the streets of La Valletta, often referred to as “the city built by gentlemen for gentlemen”, the capital of Malta offers both culture and relaxation. Visit the famous Mosta Basilica, which is the third-largest in Europe and one of the main highlights of Malta.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Malta: here you will find prehistoric temples, hidden coves, fossil-studded cliffs and a history of remarkable intensity, packing glorious variety into its small archipelago.

Gozo: discover the natural and tranquil beauty of this little island and visit the most famous landmarks such as the Neolithic Ggantija Temples and salt pans.

Day 1: MALTA – GOZO (42 km – 1.5 hrs drive, 45 min by ferry)

Upon arrival at Malta Airport, pick up your car and drive to the Cirkewwa harbour. Depart from Malta to Gozo by ferry (please note the ferry ticket is not included). On arrival drive to your hotel and check in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Gozo.

Day 2: GOZO

Today you can prepare your comfortable shoes for an easy but impressive walk along the south coast of this island starting from the small locality of Mgarr ix-xini, proceeding to the ochre-colored cliffs to the picturesque bays. Between autumn and late spring, Gozo’s countryside bursts into life revealing an incredible wealth of flora and fauna – particularly colorful wild flowers and scented herbs. With a temperate Mediterranean climate where sun and warmth are the norm even in winter, Gozo is perfect for an out of season walking holiday. This easy walking tour will endure approximately one-hour and a half giving you enough appetite to proceed to the small village of Xlendi for a well-deserved lunch if you want to. Xlendi is a small tourist resort located in the south-west of Gozo, once a small fishing village this bay is flanked by high cliffs that attract considerable crowds throughout the whole year. A 17th Century tower rises on top of the cliffs, adding the charm to the place.

Overnight in Gozo.

Day 3: GOZO

Start your day with the temples of Ggantija, which are the world’s oldest outdoor free standing temples. This site is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Maltese Islands and is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The site consists of two temples dating back to between 3600 and 3200 B.C. next, you can head inland to the old outdoor public washing rooms still in use at Fontana Cottage where you can also pick up a few locally made souvenirs, Gozo is renowned for lace making. Afterwards you can go on a tour of the Cittadella, a historic fortified town with magnificent views of the island. After the visit to the Cittadella, continue to the capital city of Victoria, and then down to visit Dwejra Bay, where you can explore the many caves in the area (optional boat ride available at extra charge weather permitting). You can then head west to the famous Sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of ‘Ta Pinu, which is Gozo’s most visited spiritual church. Your experience of the island of Gozo can conclude with a visit to two unique places on the island, Wied il Mielah this being a natural limestone arch with spectacular Mediterranean views, before ending the day at the Xwejni Salt Pans which until this day are still a family run entity.

Overnight in Gozo.

Day 4: GOZO – MALTA/SLIEMA (45km – 1.5 hrs drive, 45 min by ferry)

Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel in Gozo and at the scheduled time drive to Mgarr Harbour to catch a ferry back to Malta. Upon arrival drive to your hotel and check in (please note that the ferry services are not included, payable at Mgarr Harbour on departure).

Overnight in Sliema.

Day 5: SLIEMA – VALLETTA – SLIEMA (15 km – 30min)

Today we suggest you explore Valetta by walking. You will be amazed by the culture, beauty and charm. Often referred to as ‘the city built by gentlemen for gentlemen’, the capital of Malta offers both culture and relaxation. You can start your day with a 30 minutes harbour cruise with gondolas. You can then visit Upper Barrakka Gardens with the lift. At noon time you can enjoy the Gun Salut at Upper Barrakka Gardens with wonderful panoramic views over the Grand Harbor and across to the 3 cities of Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua. From the Upper Barrakka Gardens, a walking tour can follow for about 1 hour and a half consisting of the Valletta Past Castille Palace, Parliament Building and Entrance to St John’s Co Cathedral – one of the top attractions of the Maltese islands, boasting a number of ornate riches, including stone wall designs, as well as a painted vaulted ceiling. One of the most famous artworks in all of Europe is housed here – Caravaggio’s “Beheading of St John the Baptist”. A walk for about 15 minutes will lead you towards to Malta Experience show. The Malta Experience is an audio-visual show that tells the dramatic story of the islands’ 7000 year history. Educational, informative and entertaining, the show runs through the turbulent history of a small island nation that has overcome almost unimaginable odds to survive and prosper. Malta’s Knights of St John are famous for repelling an invasion and their military exploits abroad. But their origins were actually those of peace and caring for the sick. This noble past is revealed on a tour of “La Sacra Infermeria” (Holy Infirmary).

Overnight in Sliema.

Day 6: SLIEMA – MOSTA – SLIEMA (20 km – 1 hr)

Today we suggested visiting Mosta, a central town famous for its Basilica. The dome of this Basilica is the third largest unsupported dome in Europe, it was built in the 18th century and became famous in 1942 when during World War II a bomb pierced the dome failing to explode, thus sparing the lives of 300 people. Your next stop can be Ta’ Qali also known as the crafts village. Here you shall visit the Mdina Glass Factory to watch the local artisans at work blowing elaborate glass art pieces, this is the perfect place to pick up some unique souvenirs. Continue your tour with a visit to the old capital city of ‘Mdina’ with its old Baroque buildings, cathedral and magnificent bastion walls that dominate the rural skyline. While in Mdina you can visit the 17th century masterpiece of St Paul’s Cathedral designed by well renowned Lorenzo Gafa.

Overnight in Sliema.

Day 7: SLIEMA – VITTORIOSA & MARSAXLOKK – BLUE GROTTO – SLIEMA (45 KM – 1.5 hrs)

You can begin with a drive to one of the famous 3 cities in the South. You stop at Vittoriosa also known as “Birgu”, one of the oldest localities on the Maltese islands. From Vittoriosa, you can continue further south to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk. This picturesque village is famous for the many multi-colored Maltese fishing boats known as ‘Dhajsa‘ moored in the harbour. On Sunday this village becomes popular for the market along the seafront. After lunch you can drive to the small locality of ‘Wied iz Zurrieq‘, which has a formation of caves with one being very popular with the name “Blue Grotto”. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of ‘Hagar Qim Temples', a unique architectural masterpiece. The temples stand on a hilltop overlooking the sea and the islet of Filfla. End the day with a drive to the magnificent Dingli Cliffs, the highest point on the Maltese Islands at over 250 meters above sea level.

Overnight in Sliema.

Day 8: SLIEMA DEPARTURE (12km – 30min)

Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel and at the scheduled time drive to Malta International Airport to return your car.

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Malta. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.