Malta and Gozo Exploration Self-Drive

On arrival at Malta Airport, collect your hire car and drive to Cirkewwa harbour. From here, we take the ferry across to Gozo – please note that ferry tickets are not included and should be purchased at the terminal. Once on Gozo, drive to your hotel and check in. The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you wish, whether relaxing at the hotel or beginning to explore the island at your own pace. Overnight in Gozo.

Today we set out for a leisurely walk along Gozo’s scenic south coast, starting from the quiet locality of Mgarr ix-Xini. The route takes us past ochre-coloured cliffs and towards picturesque bays, offering impressive coastal views throughout. Between autumn and late spring, Gozo’s countryside is especially vibrant, with a remarkable variety of wild flowers and aromatic herbs thriving in the mild Mediterranean climate. The walk is easy and lasts around an hour and a half, leaving you with plenty of time and appetite to continue to the village of Xlendi if you wish. Once a fishing village, Xlendi is now a popular resort, known for its dramatic cliffs and the 17th-century tower overlooking the bay. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Overnight in Gozo.

We begin the day at the Ġgantija Temples, recognised as the world’s oldest free-standing outdoor temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating from 3600 to 3200 BC, these remarkable structures are among the most significant archaeological sites in the Maltese Islands. Next, you can travel inland to Fontana Cottage to see the traditional outdoor public washrooms, which are still in use today, and browse for locally made souvenirs—Gozo is especially known for its lace making. Afterwards, you can explore the Cittadella, a historic fortified town offering sweeping views across Gozo. Following your visit, continue to the island’s capital, Victoria, before heading to Dwejra Bay, where you can discover the area’s caves—an optional boat ride is available, weather permitting, for an additional charge. Later, you can visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu, Gozo’s most visited spiritual site. To round off your day, you can experience Wied il-Mielaħ, a natural limestone arch with impressive Mediterranean views, and finish at the Xwejni Salt Pans, which are still run by local families. Overnight in Gozo.

After breakfast at your hotel in Gozo, we drive to Mgarr Harbour to board the ferry back to Malta. Please note that ferry tickets are not included and are payable at Mgarr Harbour before departure. On arrival in Malta, we continue by car to your hotel in Sliema and check in. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Sliema.

Today we invite you to discover Valletta on foot. Malta’s capital is renowned for its rich history and striking architecture. You may wish to begin your day with a 30-minute harbour cruise in a traditional gondola, offering a unique perspective of the city’s impressive fortifications. Afterwards, take the lift up to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, where you can enjoy panoramic views over the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities – Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua. At midday, witness the traditional Gun Salute, a daily event that echoes Valletta’s military past.From the gardens, we suggest a guided walk of approximately an hour and a half, passing Castille Palace and the Parliament Building before reaching St John’s Co-Cathedral. This Baroque masterpiece is one of Malta’s most significant landmarks, famed for its ornate interior and Caravaggio’s celebrated painting, ‘The Beheading of St John the Baptist’.A short 15-minute walk will bring you to the Malta Experience, an engaging audio-visual show that traces 7,000 years of Maltese history. The show provides valuable insight into the island’s eventful past, including the story of the Knights of St John. Following this, you can tour La Sacra Infermeria, the historic hospital established by the Knights, which played a crucial role in caring for the sick during their rule.Overnight in Sliema.

Today we suggest a visit to Mosta, a central town renowned for its impressive Basilica. The church’s dome is the third largest unsupported dome in Europe and became notable during the Second World War when a bomb pierced the dome but failed to detonate, sparing the lives of those inside. Next, you can continue to Ta’ Qali, also known as the crafts village, where we visit the Mdina Glass Factory to observe skilled artisans creating intricate glass pieces – an ideal opportunity to find unique souvenirs. The day continues with a visit to Mdina, Malta’s former capital, known for its Baroque architecture, cathedral, and imposing bastion walls that overlook the surrounding countryside. While in Mdina, you can explore St Paul’s Cathedral, a 17th-century Baroque masterpiece designed by Lorenzo Gafà. Overnight in Sliema.

Today you can set off for the south of Malta, beginning with a visit to Vittoriosa, also known as Birgu. As one of the oldest areas on the islands, Birgu is rich in history and offers a glimpse into Malta’s past. From here, continue to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, renowned for its colourful traditional boats called ‘Dhajsa’ that line the harbour. If you visit on a Sunday, you’ll find the lively market along the seafront, popular with both locals and visitors. After lunch, you can drive to Wied iz-Zurrieq, a small locality famous for its coastal caves, including the well-known Blue Grotto. Next, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hagar Qim Temples, an impressive prehistoric complex set on a hilltop with views over the sea and the islet of Filfla. Conclude the day with a drive to Dingli Cliffs, the highest point on the Maltese Islands, offering sweeping views from over 250 metres above sea level. Overnight in Sliema.

After your final breakfast at the hotel, drive to Malta International Airport at your scheduled time. Return your hire car before checking in for your onward journey.