Malta Shore Excursion: HOHO Bus & Optional Harbour Cruise

The Malta Shore Excursion is an excellent option for travelers looking to make the most of their time on the island. This hop-on, hop-off bus tour provides access to a wealth of historic landmarks and scenic viewpoints across two comprehensive routes. Complemented by an optional harbor cruise, this excursion truly showcases the best of Malta’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this convenient and flexible tour offers a captivating way to discover the island’s must-see attractions. But the true allure lies in the hidden gems and unique experiences that await those who embark on this unforgettable journey.

Quick Points

• City Sightseeing Ltd offers a 24-hour unlimited access to two routes (North and South) with 44 stops and 11 points of interest.
• The North Route highlights include Mdina, Mosta Dome, and Dingli Cliffs, while the South Route showcases Marsaxlokk and the Blue Grotto.
• The optional harbour cruise departs from Sliema Ferries and offers scenic coastal views and historic landmarks.
• Customers have reported mixed feedback, with concerns about long wait times and bus breakdowns, suggesting arriving early and considering alternative transport.
• For limited time in Malta, alternative transport options, shorter excursions, and planning routes to avoid delays are recommended.

Excursion Overview and Ticket Details

What does the Malta Shore Excursion entail?

It’s a hop-on hop-off (HOHO) bus tour offered by City Sightseeing Ltd – Europe Malta. The tour provides 24-hour unlimited access and covers two routes, the North and South, with a combined total of 44 stops and 11 points of interest.

The ticket also includes a discount booklet for local eateries and attractions, as well as onboard audio commentary in multiple languages.

For an optional add-on, visitors can take a harbour cruise with departures from the main embarkation point at Sliema Ferries.

The excursion offers flexible access, with vouchers valid for up to 12 months from the travel date.

North Route Highlights

The North Route of the Malta Shore Excursion encompasses 26 stops and 9 points of interest, taking approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete. Visitors can hop on and off at their convenience, exploring the island’s northern attractions. The route includes key landmarks such as the historic Mdina, known as the "Silent City," and the picturesque village of Mosta, home to the impressive Mosta Dome. Other highlights along the way include the stunning views from the Dingli Cliffs and the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk.

Stop	Attraction
1	Valletta Waterfront
8	Mosta Dome
19	Mdina
24	Dingli Cliffs

South Route Highlights

The South Route of the Malta Shore Excursion covers 18 stops and 2 key points of interest, taking approximately 3 hours to complete.

This route showcases the southern part of the island, including the picturesque town of Marsaxlokk, renowned for its traditional fishing boats and bustling Sunday market.

Another highlight is the Blue Grotto, a series of sea caves with striking blue waters.

Passengers can hop-off at these locations to explore at their own pace before rejoining the bus.

The South Route offers a more relaxed pace compared to the North, allowing visitors to enjoy the local culture and natural wonders of southern Malta.

Harbour Cruise Experience

Along With the land-based tour routes, the Malta Shore Excursion also offers passengers the opportunity to explore the island’s picturesque harbors via an optional harbour cruise.

The main embarkation point for the cruise is at Sliema Ferries, with departure times at 10:30, 12:30, and 14:45. The cruise stops at Esplora (Kalkara) and Sliema Ferries, allowing passengers to admire the stunning coastal scenery and historic landmarks from the water.

Given the popularity of the harbour cruise, it’s recommended to arrive 15 minutes early to secure a spot.

Meeting Points and Accessibility

As the starting point for the Malta Shore Excursion, Sliema Ferries is the closest bus stop to the cruise port. This makes it a convenient meeting point for tour participants.

The excursion is also accessible for those in wheelchairs or with strollers, and it’s located near public transportation options. Visitors can redeem their mobile vouchers at either the Sliema Ferries (Stop 17) or the Valletta Waterfront Terminus (Stop 20).

This flexibility allows for a smooth start to the tour, regardless of where travelers are coming from. The accessibility and convenient meeting points make the Malta Shore Excursion a suitable choice for a wide range of visitors.

Customer Feedback and Insights

Customers offer a mixed assessment of the Malta Shore Excursion, with both positive and negative aspects highlighted in their feedback.

On the positive side, travelers praise the convenience of exploring the island by hop-on hop-off bus and the scenic views from the top deck.

However, the experience is marred by reports of:

1. Long wait times for buses, sometimes up to 90 minutes.
2. Issues with bus breakdowns and a lack of organization.
3. Inconsistent audio commentary and bus schedules, as well as overcrowding during peak tourist season.

Reviewers advise arriving early for the Harbour Cruise and downloading the City Sightseeing app to mitigate wait times.

For limited time in Malta, they recommend considering alternative transport options or shorter excursions to maximize sightseeing.

Recommendations for Best Practices

To get the most out of the Malta Shore Excursion, travelers should consider a few best practices.

First, arrive 15 minutes early for the Harbour Cruise to secure a spot, as demand can be high.

Plus, downloading the City Sightseeing app can help mitigate long wait times by providing real-time bus tracking information. This allows travelers to plan their routes and minimize time spent waiting.

For those with limited time in Malta, alternative transport options or shorter excursions may be more suitable to maximize sightseeing.

Advice for Limited Time in Malta

For travelers with limited time in Malta, alternative transport options or shorter excursions may be more suitable to maximize sightseeing.

While the hop-on hop-off bus can provide a convenient way to explore the island, reports of long wait times, bus breakdowns, and inconsistent schedules may hinder the overall experience.

Consider the following alternatives:

1. Take a taxi or use Malta’s public transportation system to visit key landmarks efficiently.
2. Opt for a shorter, more focused excursion, such as a harbor cruise or a walking tour of Valletta.
3. Research local bus schedules upon arrival and plan your route accordingly to avoid potential delays.

Since You Asked

What Are the Wheelchair Accessibility Options for the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus?

The hop-on hop-off bus is wheelchair accessible. It’s also stroller-friendly and located near public transportation, making it a convenient option for exploring Malta’s sights.

Can the Harbor Cruise Be Booked Separately From the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus?

The harbor cruise can be booked separately from the hop-on hop-off bus. The cruise has specific departure times and passengers can choose to just take the harbor cruise without purchasing the bus tour.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Families?

There is no information provided about any discounts for seniors or families. The tour package appears to be a standard fixed price for all passengers, without any mention of reduced rates for specific groups.

What Is the Policy for Cancellations or Changes to the Excursion?

The policy allows for flexible access, as vouchers are valid for up to 12 months from the travel date. However, there’s no information provided about cancellations or changes, so it’s best to check with the provider directly.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Ticket Price?

The ticket price doesn’t include any additional fees or taxes. Customers should be aware that they may incur extra costs for optional add-ons or activities during the excursion.

The Final Verdict

The Malta Shore Excursion’s hop-on, hop-off bus and optional harbour cruise offer an efficient way to see the island’s top sights, especially for those with limited time. Travelers can explore at their own pace, taking advantage of the two scenic routes and 44 stops covering 11 key points of interest. The harbour cruise further enhances the experience, providing stunning coastal views and historical insights. It’s an ideal excursion to maximize sightseeing in Malta.