7 Days Malta & Gozo small group tour
Malta small group tours -Join our dynamic small group tour of Malta and Gozo. At the crossroads of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, Malta offers an extraordinary concentration of history and culture in an enchanting island setting. Here, Neolithic temples predate the pyramids of Egypt, Baroque architecture rivals Rome, and centuries of strategic importance have left their mark in fortresses, palaces, and museums. Valletta, Mdina, and Naxxar reveal layers of refined art, elegant cityscapes, and thriving culinary traditions, while the smaller island, Gozo, presents a quieter, pastoral counterpart shaped by folklore and dramatic coastlines.
Our carefully curated small-group tour has no more than 15 guests and offers privileged access to Malta’s most exciting experiences: guided explorations of UNESCO World Heritage sites, private tastings of the island’s distinctive wines and cuisine, and intimate boat excursions into hidden harbors and sea caves. Expert local guides will provide you with a deeper perspective on Malta’s role as a cultural and historical crossroads, all while enjoying the privacy, pace, and elegance that discerning travelers value. Come with us to the center of the Heart of the Mediterranean.
Location
Day 1:Welcome to Romantic Valletta
Discover Valletta with your local guide, exploring the city built by the Knights of St. John after 1566 and now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral, famous for its ornate interior and Caravaggio paintings, and step into the historic Grand Master’s Palace. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. You might stroll along Republic Street, explore the elegant shops and cafés, or use your included tickets for the National Museum of Archaeology. Valletta’s golden streets invite you to take your time, blending culture, charm, and a sense of discovery. Settle into your boutique hotel, an intimate retreat chosen for its central location and refined character. As dusk settles over the golden limestone streets, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner at one of Valletta’s most celebrated restaurants. Here, contemporary Mediterranean cuisine infused with local flavors offers a first taste of Malta’s culinary heritage. Surrounded by baroque architecture and the soft glow of the harbor, this evening sets the tone for a journey defined by romance, culture, and exclusive experiences.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch on your own, dinner included
Accommodation: Overnight in Valletta
Visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens where sweeping views stretch across the Grand Harbor and reveal the timeless beauty of Malta’s waterfront. From here, sail across the water in a traditional Maltese gondola, a charming way to experience the harbor up close, if the weather allows. Arriving in Vittoriosa, one of the historic “Three Cities”, you’ll step into quiet streets that once housed the Knights of St. John. Highlights include the Inquisitor’s Palace, with its richly decorated apartments and stark underground cells, and the war museum, which houses an 18th-century army barracks. Returning to Valletta, the afternoon is free for your own explorations, whether wandering through cafés and boutiques or simply relaxing at your boutique hotel.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Valletta
Following breakfast, we’ll travel by bus to the megalithic temples of Ħaġar Qim, dating back to 3600 to 3000 BC. They are regarded as one of Malta’s most evocative prehistoric sites. Take time to wander among the ancient stones and reflect on the remarkable craftsmanship of a civilization that predates the pyramids. From here, travel along the dramatic southern coast to Wied iż-Żurrieq, pausing at the famed Blue Grotto for a chance to take in the breathtaking scenery as sunlight dances across the turquoise sea caves. Continue to Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village with brightly painted boats and a lively waterfront market.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Valletta
This morning, you’ll take part in a hands-on Maltese cooking class, learning traditional recipes from local experts. It’s a warm and memorable way to connect with the island’s culture and bring a taste of Malta home with you. A special highlight follows with a private visit to an ancient palazzo, where centuries of Maltese history come to life in a setting rarely seen by visitors. In the afternoon, drive north to Cirkewwa and board the ferry for a scenic 30-minute crossing to Gozo. Known as Malta’s greener, more tranquil sister island, Gozo offers rolling hills, rural charm, and timeless villages. Settle into your elegant country hotel, where you will stay for the next two nights in serene surroundings.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included, dinner on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Gozo
Gozo has long been linked to the legend of Calypso and is famed for its rolling hills and timeless villages. Begin with a walking tour of Victoria and its historic Citadel before setting out on a scenic drive around the island. Highlights include a boat trip at Dwejra, the spiritual Ta’ Pinu Church, the red sands of Ramla Bay, and the UNESCO-listed Ġgantija Temples, among the oldest free-standing structures in the world. Stop in the fishing village of Xlendi for sightseeing and lunch at leisure before returning to your hotel. This evening, enjoy dinner at one of Gozo’s most celebrated restaurants, where traditional dishes are paired with fine local wines for an authentic taste of island life.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Gozo
After ferrying back to Malta, start the day in Rabat with a visit to the St. Paul Catacombs, the earliest and largest evidence of early Christianity on the island. Along the way, enjoy a taste of pastizzi, a beloved Maltese pastry, before exploring Mdina, the “Silent City,” where medieval streets and grand palaces transport you back in time. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner at a nearby restaurant, celebrating the rich history, culture, and flavors you’ve discovered over the week, and toast to the unforgettable landscapes and experiences that make Malta and Gozo so unique.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch on your own
Accommodation: Overnight in Rabat
After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to Malta. You’ll be transferred to the airport in comfort, carrying with you the rich experiences of the past week. From the golden streets of Valletta to the serene landscapes of Gozo, this journey has offered a rare blend of history, culture, and local flavors. We hope the memories of Malta’s ancient temples, charming villages, vibrant harbors, and culinary delights will stay with you long after your departure, leaving you inspired by the timeless beauty and unique character of this extraordinary Mediterranean island.
Meals: Breakfast included
