Mdina and Historic Valletta
At the start of a coach ride to Mdina, you'll see the coast and Arabic architecture. When you reach Mdina, your walking tour takes you into the city, whose name in Arabic means “walled city.” Mdina is one excellent example of a fortified Medieval town. You'll tour the 9th century cathedral there, and have some time to shop. Then, your tour proceeds yp the Upper Barraca Gardens, where you'll also experience panoramic views that include sighting the towns of Senglea, Vittorissa, and Cospica. You then proceed to your tour of St. Johns Co-Cathedral, which was dedicated in the 16th century and houses Malta's treasures of art. In the Oratory of this cathedral, you'll see Caravaggio's painting entitled “The Beheading of St. John.”
Price: Adults expect to pay around $50 for a 4 hour tour.
Booking Advice: Because of the walking involved, these tours are rated as strenuous. While cruise line excursion prices are reasonable, from all accounts, Malta is easily explored on your own and via buses in the area that are very reasonable priced. At the cruise terminal, you should be able to find very helpful maps and advise about buses as well. For 15 Euros per adult, you may also opt for Hop On/Off city tours that have audio guides. For more information about this option, check out http://www.exploremalta.com.mt/Tour.aspx?tid=2
Grand Malta Walking Tour
Following a walking tour of Barracca Gardens where you'll have incredible views, you'll proceed by coach to St. Johns Co-Cathedral which houses Malta's treasures of art including “The Beheading of St. John” by Caravaggio. You then go by coach to Tarxien, where you'll see the Three Neolithic Temples and have some time to shop. Lunch, included in this excursion, occurs in Mdina. After dining, you'll have a walking tour of the 9th century walled city of Mdina, where you'll see the old cathedral and pamparts. Your last tour destination is Handicrafts Village, where you'll witness artisans at work, and where you'll have opportunity to purchase craft items.
Price: Adults expect to pay around $105 for a 7 hour tour.
Booking Advice: Tours of Mdina and sites in Tarxien and Valletta are on foot, so these are rated as physically strenuous. Again, much of Malta is easily accessible for much cheaper rates by bus.
Harbor Cruise & Coach Tour of Three Cities
These 4 hour tours begin with a boat ride to Marsaxlokk, which is a large fishing village. After stroling about there, you'll stop long enough to take in the views at the historic village of Senglea, then drive through Cospica en route to Vittoriosa. Your tour of Vittoriosa takes you past important buildings, including the Auberges of the Knights, the Hospital, the Armoury, palaces, Fort St. Angelo, and St. Lawrence Church.
Price: Adults expect to pay $45 through the cruise lines.
Booking Advice: These tours are rated as moderate in terms of physical exertion. Online third party vendors offer some VERY competitive rates! These third party vendor cruises are shorter, but this is a guided tour via traditional “Maltese Dghajsa, or Grand Harbor.
Mdina, Mosta, and Handicrafts Village
Your tour first takes for a visit of Mdina, the walled city, where you'll see an incredible Medieval village's 9th century catholic church. You then visit the Handicrafts Village, see a glass blowing by local artisans, and have opportunity to shop for crafts from Malta. Your coach then takes you to Mosta, where you'll see the domed church, which is reportedly the 3rd largest in Europe.
Price: Adults expect to pay from $27 to $32 dollars for this 4 hour tour.
Booking Advice: Due to the walking involved, these tours are rated as moderate in terms of physical exertion. We do suggest price and agenda comparisons of similar tours offered by online third party excursions.
Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk
En route to your boat, you'll have a photo stopn at the Wied iz Zurrieq rock formations. By boat, you'll see the Blue Grotto caves as well as coral in the sea. You'll then have opportunity to walk about Marsaxlokk, a large fishing village, before heading back.
Price: Adults expect to pay around $50 for this 4 hour tour.
Booking Advice: These tours are not considered to be strenuous at all. However, you'll find more variety and excellent prices for tours of Malta via online third party vendors.