Valletta Half-Day Guided Tour with Optional Cathedral Tour
Highlights
- Discover the beauty and charm of Valletta
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Admire exquisite baroque architecture
- Take in the views of the Grand Harbour
- Learn about the history of Malta through an audio-visual show
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Duration 4 hours
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Licensed tour guide
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Pick-up and drop-off included
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Entry to audio-visual show
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Admission to St. John's Co-Cathedral
Join us on a thrilling adventure through the enchanting streets of Valletta, the capital city of Malta. Immerse yourself in the rich history and captivating beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Knights of St. John in 1566. As you stroll through the fortified city, you'll be mesmerized by its stunning baroque palaces, magnificent churches, and breathtaking architecture spanning centuries. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the iconic St. John's Co-Cathedral, a true masterpiece of art and history. Take in the panoramic views of the Grand Harbour from the terraced Upper Barrakka Gardens and be captivated by an audio-visual show that unravels the fascinating story of Malta's past. With hotel pick-up and drop-off, an entry ticket to the show, and the option to explore the cathedral, this half-day guided tour is the perfect way to discover the hidden treasures of Valletta.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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4 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in French, Spanish; Castilian, German, English, Italian, Polish
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore Valletta's rich history and stunning architecture on a guided half-day tour, including optional entry to the magnificent St. John's Co-Cathedral.
Included
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OtherEntry ticket to an audio-visual show about the history of Malta
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OtherPick-up and drop-off transfers (choose your preferred location from one of our meeting points)
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OtherLicenced tour guide
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OtherAdmission ticket to St. John's Co-Cathedral (only if you book the option 'Including Cathedral')
Excluded
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OtherOptional ticket to St. John's Cathedral is not included if you book the option 'Without Cathedral'
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OtherFood and drinks
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OtherGratuities (optional)
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
What to expect
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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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.
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Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Not recommended for travellers with mobility impairments
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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The entry ticket to St. John's Co-Cathedral is only included if you book the option that includes the visit to the Cathedral.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
What our experts say
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Visit nearby Café Cordina for snacks
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Stroll to the National Museum of Archaeology
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Check local events for festivals
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking
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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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