Vittoriosa and Senglea Tour including Boat Tour and Transport

Birgu, MT
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (1 reviews)
Self-guided

Included

  • inclusion
    Other
    Pick-up and drop-off transfers (choose your preferred location from one of our meeting points)
  • inclusion
    Other
    Boat tour of the harbour creeks on a traditional Maltese carvel-built fishing boat
  • inclusion
    Other
    Licenced tour guide

Excluded

  • 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
Locanda La Gelsomina
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
9:45 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 8:15 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
Birgu (Vittoriosa)

Your tour begins in Vittoriosa, the oldest of the Three Cities, with roots stretching back to the Middle Ages. Over time, an extraordinary mix of civilizations—including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Angevins, Aragonese, and ultimately the Ideally positioned along the Grand Harbour with natural deep-water anchorage, Vittoriosa boasts a long and distinguished maritime, mercantile, and military history. Before Valletta was built, conquering powers understood that control of the Maltese Islands depended on controlling Vittoriosa. For this reason, it became the Order’s headquarters and the de facto capital of Malta from 1530 to 1571. Its heroic defence during the Great Siege of 1565 remains one of the city’s proudest chapters. We will take a leisurely walking tour through Vittoriosa's narrow, winding streets—each corner revealing historic palaces, ancient auberges, charming piazzas, and centuries-old architectural treasures.

Duration 80 minutes
2
Vittoriosa Waterfront - Birgu Waterfront

The walk concludes at the elegant Vittoriosa Waterfront, where we board a traditional Maltese Frejgatina (a small, carvel built fishing boat) for a delightful cruise through the colourful harbour creeks.

Duration 35 minutes
Admission Admission Included
3
Senglea

Your experience continues in Senglea, a fortified city founded by Grand Master Claude de la Sengle and affectionately known as “Civitas Invicta”—the Unconquered City—for its successful resistance during the Ottoman siege of 1565. Originally an island, Senglea was later connected to the mainland by the Knights, giving it its distinctive peninsular shape.

Duration 60 minutes
4
Gardjola Gardens

At the very tip of this peninsula lie the beautiful Gardjola Gardens, home to the famous watchtower overlooking the Grand Harbour. From here, enjoy breathtaking 360° panoramic views, including the commanding Fort St. Angelo—where Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette orchestrated Malta’s defence during the Great Siege.

Duration 25 minutes

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
    Any personal belongings, including backpacks or rucksacks, must be carried with you at all times and may not be left unattended on the coach or bus.
  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Not suitable for travellers with mobility impairments.
  • Additional information
    Pets, large luggage, and large suitcases are not allowed during the tour.
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    The boat trip is always subject to favourable weather conditions; if the boat trip cannot be done due to poor weather conditions, we will spend more time visiting the cities.
  • Additional information
    The difficulty level of this tour is considered easy to moderate; however, one should take note that it’s a rather long walk.
  • 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 8:15 AM and 9:15 AM, depending on where you are staying.
  • 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 Fort St. Angelo afterwards.
  • icon
    Try a local pastry at Caffe Cordina.
  • icon
    Check weather for boat trip viability.
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    Explore the narrow streets of Birgu.
  • icon
    Arrive early to secure your pick-up spot.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Experience the enchanting allure of Malta with the Vittoriosa and Senglea Tour, a captivating journey that immerses you in the rich tapestry of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Over four unforgettable hours, travelers will wander through the ancient streets of Vittoriosa, once the stronghold of the Knights of St. John, and explore Senglea, affectionately known as the 'Unconquered City.' This tour is more than just a sightseeing venture; it's a deep dive into the heart of Malta's maritime heritage. Your adventure begins with a leisurely stroll through winding streets, where each corner reveals tales of valiant heroes and architectural marvels. You'll also revel in a scenic Frejgatina boat cruise, allowing you to soak in the stunning views of the Grand Harbour. With knowledgeable guides sharing their expertise in multiple languages, this tour promises an enriching experience for everyone who joins.

What to expect?

On this immersive tour, guests can anticipate a perfect blend of history, culture, and stunning scenery. As you step into Vittoriosa, you'll be greeted by narratives of its glorious past, from its medieval origins to its pivotal role during the Great Siege of 1565. The walking tour will lead through charming piazzas and past historic palaces, allowing you to feel the essence of this ancient city. The highlight of your journey will be the traditional boat cruise through the colorful harbour creeks, where you can appreciate the beauty of Malta's coastline from a unique vantage point. In Senglea, you’ll marvel at the iconic Gardjola Gardens, where panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and Fort St. Angelo await you. Expect engaging storytelling from your guides, who will make the history come alive, ensuring you leave with memories that linger long after the tour ends.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and anyone looking to explore the hidden gems of Malta. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple seeking romance, or a family eager for an educational outing, the Vittoriosa and Senglea Tour caters to all. It is designed for individuals of all fitness levels, making it accessible for those who enjoy leisurely walks. Families with infants can easily bring strollers, ensuring that everyone can partake in this adventure. The multilingual guides ensure that language barriers are minimal, making it inclusive for travelers from diverse backgrounds. Whether you're an experienced globetrotter or a first-time visitor to Malta, this tour offers something special for everyone.

Why book this?

Booking the Vittoriosa and Senglea Tour is not just about seeing beautiful places; it’s about experiencing Malta's vibrant history and culture in a way that few tours can offer. The unique combination of walking through historic sites and enjoying a scenic boat ride creates a memorable experience that captures the essence of Malta. This private tour allows for a more personalized adventure, giving guests the opportunity to ask questions and engage deeply with the rich narratives of the locations. With a focus on storytelling, your guides will share fascinating anecdotes that breathe life into the history of these fortified cities. Plus, the convenience of pick-up and drop-off services means you can relax and enjoy the day without worrying about transportation. This is a unique adventure, where every moment is crafted to leave you with lasting impressions of Malta's beauty and heritage.

Good to know

Before embarking on the Vittoriosa and Senglea Tour, it's essential to note a few key details for a seamless experience. Personal belongings such as backpacks must be carried with you at all times, ensuring a smooth flow throughout the tour. While the tour is guided in your chosen language, be aware that, depending on operational circumstances, commentary may occasionally be provided in two languages. The boat cruise is subject to weather conditions, and in the event of unfavorable weather, more time will be spent exploring the cities. The tour is designed to be easy to moderate in difficulty, making it suitable for travelers looking for a relaxed yet engaging experience. It's advisable to confirm your pick-up time a few days before your tour to ensure a smooth start to your adventure.

Reviews

Feedback from previous participants of the Vittoriosa and Senglea Tour has been overwhelmingly positive. Travelers rave about the knowledgeable guides who bring history to life with their engaging storytelling and personal anecdotes. Many have noted how the stunning views from Gardjola Gardens and the captivating boat ride added a memorable touch to the overall experience. Participants appreciate the leisurely pace of the tour, which allows for ample time to soak in the sights and take photos. Families have expressed gratitude for the stroller-friendly routes, making it easy for everyone to enjoy. Overall, the tour has garnered high satisfaction ratings, with many guests recommending it as a must-do experience when visiting Malta.

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