Malta
Tue, 30 Mar 2010
Bustling modern resorts, hidden coves, a rugged hinterland, a dramatic citadel capital, and above all the warmest of welcomes for British visitors - Malta has it all! Join us in this wonderful island destination, in the heart of the blue Mediterranean.
- Return flights from your chosen airport to Malta
- Return airport-to-hotel transfers
- Seven nights' bed and breakfast accommodation at your chosen hotel
- The services of a Newmarket Tour Manager
- Government taxes and service charges
Single rooms are available for a supplement
Our selected hotels are all to be found in the resorts of Sliema, St Julian's, St George's Bay and Bugibba/Qawra, on the island's eastern coast. Each has its own attractions, drawing locals and visitors alike.
Sliema
With its broad promenade fronting the busy harbour, Sliema has long been a favourite of our guests. Sit and watch the colourful craft come and go, or board a pleasure cruiser for a tour. Sliema's shops, stores and cafes bustle with life - perfect for an afternoon's souvenir-hunting followed by tea.
St George's Bay and St Julians
St George's Bay and neighbouring St Julians offer a lively but pleasant nighlife, with the resort's restaurants and bars, the famous Dragonara Casino and Bay Street Shopping Mall all open 'til late.
Bugibba and Qawra
These adjoining towns, clinging to the coastline, are every inch modern holiday resorts. Wander their pretty squares, seafront promenades and beaches, and enjoy the good selection of shops, bars and restaurants.
During your stay, you can choose to join a selection of great-value excursions to many places of interest.
Day One
Outward travel from your selected airport to Malta, and onward transfer to your hotel.
Day Two
Join our local guide for our optional half-day exploration of Valletta, the island's fascinating capital. See the Lascaris War Rooms, the WW2 Command Centre from which Malta's defence was directed, and the Auberge de Castille, magnificent former home to the Knights of St John and now the Prime Minister's office, and the Upper Barracca Gardens.
Day Three
On this full-day optional tour, you'll travel inland to Mdina, the ancient, fortified former capital with its spectacular rampart views and its narrow stone-built streets in the beautiful 'silent city'. The tour also includes the Grotto at Rabat, where Bellini's 'St Paul' depicts the apostle's shipwreck on the island, and the famous domed church at Mosta, which survived a direct hit during the WW2 bombardment of the island.
Day Four
Today you're free to relax or explore at leisure. This evening, you may like to join us to experience traditional Maltese hospitality at its best. Feast on traditional island fare - rabbit, stuffed olives and Kusksu bil-ful (a delicious stew enriched with broad beans) - and enjoy a display of traditional Maltese folk music and dancing.
Day Five
Today's optional full-day excursion will see you board the ferry for a crossing to the quaint port of Mgarr, gateway to Gozo - Malta's smaller, greener sister isle. Visit Victoria - the island's fortified capital - picturesque Marsalforn, famous Calypso's Cave overlooking sandy Ramla Bay and the fascinating 'Inland Sea' at Dwerja. We'll also stop at Qala for a panoramic view of the Gozo Channel and the Blue Lagoon on the neighbouring 'desert-island' of Comino.
Day Six
Weather-permitting, today's optional half-day tour includes a boat trip to view the extraordinary Blue Grotto sea-caves beneath the island's southern cliffs, as well as a visit to the traditional fishing village of Marsaxlokk, home to a fleet of colourful fishing 'luzzus'.
Day Seven
Today's optional half-day excursion explores the area across from Valletta's Grand Harbour, where three medieval 'cities' reflect the island's rich history. See one of the earliest Maltese Crosses in Vittoriosa; one of the Mediterranean's oldest dockyards at Cospicua; and Senglea with its waterside houses and steps down to the sea. The tour also includes a visit to the Megalythic Temples at Tarxien.
Day Eight
Transfer back to the airport for check-in and your flight home.
Wining and dining
As a modern, thoroughly European, country Malta can cater to all tastes, offering typically Mediterranean meals of fish, pasta and chicken and the usual fare. The local beer is popular (though the local wine is more of an 'acquired taste'), and if you choose not to talk the half-board options in the hotels, there are countless places in which to eat locally.
