Malta: Sightseeing Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers

Malta’s sightseeing shore excursion for cruise passengers offers an enticing opportunity to explore the island’s rich history and culture. Priced at $109.40 per person, the 4-hour tour takes visitors on a journey through iconic landmarks, including the stunning St. Paul’s Cathedral, the ancient walled city of Mdina, and the Grandmaster’s Palace. Led by expert English-speaking guides, the excursion promises a comprehensive experience. However, the mixed reviews on value for money suggest that managing expectations is crucial. As cruise passengers weigh their options, they’ll find this excursion presents a chance to uncover Malta’s captivating past and vibrant present.

Key Points

• The 4-hour Malta sightseeing shore excursion visits key landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral, Mdina, Palazzo Testaferrata, and Valletta’s Upper Barrakka Gardens.
• The tour provides an expert English-speaking guide and comfortable transportation, with a focus on showcasing Malta’s rich history and culture.
• Highlights include exploring the ancient fortified city of Mdina, discovering the Renaissance-Baroque Grandmaster’s Palace, and experiencing the ornate interior of St. John’s Co-Cathedral.
• The excursion is priced at $109.40 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, catering to the needs of cruise passengers.
• While the tour has received an average rating of 3.9/5, some customers have criticized the value for money, citing higher-than-expected costs and missing stops compared to the description.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Malta Sightseeing Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers is a 4-hour tour that promises to whisk visitors away on an engaging exploration of the island nation’s top attractions.

Priced from $109.40 per person, this popular excursion frequently sells out, though guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour departs from the Valletta Cruise Port and hits highlights like St. Paul’s Cathedral, the ancient city of Mdina, Palazzo Testaferrata, and Valletta’s Barrakka Gardens and Grandmaster’s Palace.

With an expert English-speaking guide, comfortable transportation, and the option to extend your stay in Valletta, this tour offers an immersive introduction to Malta’s history and culture.

Itinerary Highlights

Departing from the Valletta Cruise Port, this 4-hour Malta Sightseeing Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers takes visitors on a journey through the island’s most iconic landmarks.

The itinerary highlights include:

1. St. Paul’s Cathedral, a stunning Baroque-style cathedral known for its intricate interior and historical significance.

2. Mdina, the ancient fortified city nicknamed the "Silent City" for its peaceful ambiance.

3. Palazzo Testaferrata, a grand palace offering a glimpse into Malta’s aristocratic past.

4. Valletta, the capital city, where travelers can explore the Upper Barrakka Gardens, the Grandmaster’s Palace Courtyard, and the magnificent St. John’s Co-Cathedral.

Exploring Valletta

Valletta, Malta’s capital city, presents an opportunity for cruise passengers to enjoy the island’s rich history and vibrant culture.

During the tour, visitors will explore the Grandmaster’s Palace Courtyard, a magnificent Renaissance structure that once housed the Knights of St. John. The tour also includes a stop at the iconic St. John’s Co-Cathedral, renowned for its impressive Baroque architecture and stunning interior.

With 1.5 hours dedicated to discovering Valletta, passengers can wander the charming streets, browse local shops, and savor the city’s lively atmosphere.

The tour’s comprehensive itinerary ensures cruise guests make the most of their limited time ashore, discovering the highlights of Malta’s historic capital.

Visiting Mdina

Midway through the tour, visitors venture into the ancient walled city of Mdina, also known as the "Silent City."

Stepping through the impressive Baroque gateway, guests are immediately transported to Malta’s medieval past, where narrow, winding streets lined with honey-colored limestone buildings create a serene and picturesque atmosphere.

Highlights of the Mdina stop include:

1. Exploring the Baroque Cathedral of St. Paul, known for its stunning interiors and impressive dome.
2. Wandering through the charming pedestrian-only streets, admiring the traditional architecture and catching glimpses of the island’s countryside.
3. Visiting the Mdina Experience, an interactive museum showcasing the city’s long and storied history.
4. Enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from the city’s bastions and ramparts.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Discovering Grandmaster’s Palace

Visitors to Malta’s Grandmaster’s Palace are greeted by its impressive Renaissance and Baroque architectural elements.

This 16th-century palace was once the seat of power for the Knights of St. John and now houses the Office of the President of Malta.

The tour offers a chance to explore the grand Throne Room, the richly decorated halls, and the Palace Armory, which displays an impressive collection of medieval weapons and armor.

The Grandmaster’s Palace Courtyard provides a tranquil respite amidst the grandeur, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the Knights.

The 20-minute stop on the shore excursion allows just enough time to appreciate the palace’s historic significance and architectural beauty.

Experiencing St. John’s Co-Cathedral

After exploring the grandeur of the Grandmaster’s Palace, the shore excursion leads visitors to the remarkable St. John’s Co-Cathedral.

This 16th-century cathedral is a stunning example of Baroque architecture, renowned for its elaborate interior and historic significance.

Visitors will spend approximately 30 minutes exploring the cathedral, marveling at its:

1. Ornate marble floors and walls
2. Intricate gold-plated carvings and decorations
3. Impressive collection of paintings, including works by Caravaggio
4. Iconic baroque dome that dominates the Valletta skyline

The visit to St. John’s Co-Cathedral provides a deeper understanding of Malta’s rich religious and cultural heritage, leaving a lasting impression on the cruise passengers.

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes cruise port pickup and drop-off, a certified English-speaking guide, a safe professional driver, and lunch. Gratuities are optional. However, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Included	Not Included
Cruise port pickup and drop-off	Wheelchair accessibility
Certified English-speaking guide	–
Safe professional driver	–
Lunch	–
Gratuities (optional)	–

This comprehensive package ensures a seamless and informative sightseeing experience for cruise passengers exploring the highlights of Malta.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Overall, customers have provided a mixed assessment of the Malta sightseeing tour, with an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 based on 15 reviews.

While the tour’s transportation has been highly praised at 4.7/5, the overall value for money has been criticized at 2.7/5.

Some key customer feedback includes:

1. Passengers found the tour to be more expensive than expected, with certain stops not matching the description.

2. There have been complaints about missing stops compared to other tours, leading to a disconnect between the itinerary and the actual experience.

3. A few customers mentioned that the tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users, despite no clear indication of this in the tour details.

4. Despite the mixed reviews, the majority of customers have appreciated the tour’s exploration of Malta’s history and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for This Tour?

The dress code for this tour is casual and comfortable. Participants should wear lightweight, breathable clothing and sturdy walking shoes, as the tour involves walking around historical sites and gardens. No formal attire is required.

Can We Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, guests are generally allowed to take photographs during the tour. The guide may provide guidance on appropriate times and locations to ensure the group’s safety and enjoyment. Guests should be mindful of any restrictions or sensitive areas.

Is There Any Disabled Access During the Tour?

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, as the itinerary includes several stops with limited accessibility. However, the operator may be able to accommodate guests with other mobility needs if requested in advance.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?

Passengers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The package includes a lunch, and carrying outside provisions isn’t allowed. Participants should check with the tour operator about any special dietary needs or restrictions.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can reserve their spot and pay nothing today, providing flexibility to change their plans if needed.

Recap

The Malta: Sightseeing Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers offers a well-rounded tour of the island’s top attractions. While the price may give some pause, the excursion provides convenient transportation, an expert guide, and the opportunity to explore Malta’s rich history and culture. Ultimately, travelers should weigh the tour’s inclusions against their expectations to determine if it’s the right fit for their cruise experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: