Valletta Half-Day Guided Tour with Optional Cathedral Tour

Valletta, MT
83% of travellers recommend this
Very Good (63 reviews)
Self-guided

Included

  • inclusion
    Other
    Entry ticket to an audio-visual show about the history of Malta
  • inclusion
    Other
    Pick-up and drop-off transfers (choose your preferred location from one of our meeting points)
  • inclusion
    Other
    Licenced tour guide
  • inclusion
    Other
    Admission ticket to St. John's Co-Cathedral (only if you book the option 'Including Cathedral')

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Other
    Optional ticket to St. John's Cathedral is not included if you book the option 'Without Cathedral'
  • exclusion
    Other
    Food and drinks
  • exclusion
    Other
    Gratuities (optional)

Pickup

Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)

Pickup Location
Aparthotel Adagio Malta Central
AX ODYCY Hotel
Bella Vista Hotel Malta
Cerviola Hotel
Corinthia Palace Malta
Corinthia St George's Bay
Db San Antonio Resort & Spa
db Seabank Resort & Spa
Doubletree By Hilton Malta
Gillieru Harbour Hotel
Grand Hotel Excelsior
Hotel Juliani
InterContinental Malta, an IHG hotel
Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa
Paradise Bay Resort
Plaza Regency Hotels
Primera Hotel
Qawra Palace Resort & Spa
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands
Radisson Blu Resort, Malta St. Julian's
Riviera Spa Resort - Adults Only
Salini Resort
Sc Club Village
Seaview Hotel
The Diplomat Hotel Malta
The Phoenicia Malta
The Preluna Hotel
The Waterfront Hotel
The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta
Topaz Hotel
Valletta Waterfront, Floriana, Malta
Verdala Wellness Hotel AX Privilege - Adults Only
Verdi St George's Bay Marina
VGQ4+7MP, Floriana, Malta
Vivaldi Hotel
Water's Edge
9:30 AM is the approximate start time of the activity and not the time when you will be picked up from your hotel (or closest meeting point). At least a few days before the date of your activity, you need to make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pick-up location and pick-up time. Your pick-up time can be any time between 8:30 AM and 9:15 AM, depending on where you are staying. If your pick-up location is a hotel, please wait outside near the main entrance. Do not wait in the lobby or inside the hotel. When the guide or driver arrives, they will have a list of names and will ask those waiting outside for identification. They will not enter the hotel to look for guests. Transportation will not wait for late arrivals. If you miss your morning pick-up, you will not be able to join the tour later. Once the tour has started, it cannot be interrupted to accommodate latecomers.

What to expect

1
Valletta

During this tour, we will walk through the bustling streets of Valletta, admiring the stunning buildings (some dating back to the 16th century) and the distinctive architecture of the city – the city is Baroque in character, with elements of Mannerist, Neo-Classical, and Modern architecture. We will walk past the Grand Master's Palace, the recently restored St. George's Square, and many other remarkable landmarks.

Duration 120 minutes
2
Upper Barrakka Gardens

A visit to the Upper Barrakka Gardens is a must; here, you can take in breathtaking views of the magnificent Grand Harbour, providing a perfect backdrop for memorable photographs. The gardens are located on the upper tier of Saints Peter and Paul Bastion, which was built in the 1560s. The bastion's lower tier contains the saluting battery. The garden's terraced arches were built in 1661 by the Italian knight Fra Flaminio Balbiani. They were originally roofed, but the ceiling was removed following the Rising of the Priests in 1775.

Duration 30 minutes
3
St. John's Co-Cathedral

Then we will visit the marvellous co-cathedral dedicated to St. John the Baptist, built by the Order of the Knights of St. John soon after the Great Siege of 1565 and completed in the year 1577; it is unquestionably one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals. Here you will be able to appreciate and admire all its riches: the adorned interiors, carved stone walls, painted vaulted ceilings, beautiful paintings, precious relics, rich baroque art, and opulent altars. The entry ticket and guided tour of the cathedral are optional (select this option when booking). If you select the option that does not include the visit to the cathedral, while the rest of the group will have a guided tour of the cathedral (approximately 45 minutes), guests booking this option will have some free time to roam around the streets of Valletta until we meet again with the rest of the group at a designated time and place.

Duration 45 minutes
Admission Admission Included
4
The Malta Experience

Before the end of this half-day tour, we will enjoy a must-see audio-visual show. 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. The audio-visual show will enrich your understanding of the islands, its people, and its rich history through beautiful imagery and a gripping commentary. The audio-visual show is generally done at the end of the tour at the Malta Experience theatre; however, the provider reserves the right to change the time and venue for the audio-visual show without prior notice.

Duration 30 minutes
Admission Admission Included

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    If you select the option that does not include the visit to the cathedral, while other guests will be visiting the cathedral, you will have some free time (approximately 30–40 minutes) to roam around the streets of Valletta until you meet again with the rest of the group at a designated time and place.
  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for travellers with mobility impairments
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    The entry ticket to St. John's Co-Cathedral is only included if you book the option that includes the visit to the Cathedral.
  • Additional information
    The time shown on the website or on your ticket is the approximate start time of the activity and not the time when you will be picked up from your hotel (or closest meeting point). At least a few days before the date of your activity, you need to make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pick-up location and pick-up time. Your pick-up time can be anytime between 8:30 AM and 9:15 AM, depending on where you are staying.
  • Additional information
    The tour in Polish will be conducted by either a Polish-speaking guide (subject to availability) or an English-speaking guide together with a native Polish host serving as a translator.
  • Additional information
    The tour in Spanish will be conducted by either a Spanish-speaking guide (subject to availability) or an English-speaking guide together with a Spanish-speaking host serving as a translator.
  • Additional information
    The tour will be guided in the language you have booked, however please note that at times, depending on operational circumstances, the commentary might be provided by a multilingual guide (limited to a maximum of 2 languages).
Provided by Robert Arrigo & Sons

What our experts say

  • icon
    Visit nearby Café Cordina for snacks
  • icon
    Stroll to the National Museum of Archaeology
  • icon
    Check local events for festivals
  • icon
    Wear comfortable shoes for walking
  • icon
    Try local pastries at pastizzeria in Valletta

More About this Experience

Introduction

Experience the rich history and beauty of Valletta, the capital city of Malta, on a half-day guided tour. Built by the Knights of St. John in 1566, Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is often referred to as an open-air museum. With its stunning fortifications, baroque palaces, magnificent churches, and beautiful architecture, Valletta is a city that will captivate your senses and transport you back in time.

What to Expect?

During this guided tour, you can expect to stroll through the vibrant streets of Valletta, marvel at the exquisite baroque architecture, and explore the iconic St. John's Co-Cathedral. You will also have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour from the terraced Upper Barrakka Gardens. Additionally, you will have the option to visit an audio-visual show about the history of Malta, which will further enrich your understanding of the island and its people.

Who is this for?

This half-day guided tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the charm and beauty of Valletta. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, this tour is designed to cater to all ages and interests. It's an ideal choice for those seeking a comprehensive overview of the city's history and landmarks.

Why Book This?

By booking this guided tour, you'll have the opportunity to explore Valletta with a knowledgeable and licensed tour guide who will provide valuable insights and stories about each landmark. You'll be able to navigate the city with ease and make the most of your time, ensuring you don't miss any of the must-see sights. Additionally, the option to visit the audio-visual show will enhance your understanding of Malta's history and make your experience even more immersive and memorable.

Good to Know

This tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, making it convenient for travelers staying in Valletta or nearby accommodations. Food and drinks are not included, so it's recommended to bring your own snacks or enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants during the tour. Tips for the tour guide are optional but appreciated. If you choose the optional entry ticket and guided tour of the St. John's Co-Cathedral, you'll have the chance to explore one of Valletta's most iconic landmarks in more detail.

Reviews

Travelers who have experienced the Valletta Half-Day Guided Tour rave about the wealth of history and stunning architecture they encountered. They were particularly impressed by the knowledgeable and passionate tour guides who brought the city to life with their stories and insights. Visitors also appreciated the convenience of hotel pick-up and drop-off, as well as the option to visit the audio-visual show, which provided a deeper understanding of Malta's fascinating history. Overall, the tour left a lasting impression and provided a memorable experience of Valletta's beauty and charm.

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