Malta: Valletta and Mdina Full Day Tour

Malta’s Valletta and Mdina Full Day Tour offers travelers an immersive journey through the island’s rich history and captivating landscapes. From the ancient capital of Mdina, known as the ‘Silent City’, to the grandeur of St. John’s Cathedral and the enigmatic St. Paul’s Catacombs, this comprehensive tour provides a well-rounded experience of Malta’s cultural and architectural gems. Priced at €295 per person, the tour’s itinerary caters to those seeking to delve deeper into the island’s past, while also allowing for free time to explore the local cuisine and shops. What intrigues visitors the most about this tour is the opportunity to uncover the hidden stories that have shaped Malta’s enduring legacy.

This experience made our list of the 8 Best Full-Day Tours In Valletta.

Key Points

• The tour provides an 8-hour exploration of Mdina, the "Silent City," and Valletta, Malta’s capital, including visits to St. John’s Cathedral and St. Paul’s Catacombs.
• The tour is available in multiple languages, with pickup and drop-off locations in popular tourist areas, and offers a full refund for cancellations made 24 hours in advance.
• Transportation is provided via comfortable vans or minivans, and the tour includes a live guide throughout the entire duration.
• The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, and participants are required to adhere to a dress code for entry into St. John’s Cathedral.
• Customer reviews indicate an overall rating of 4 out of 5, with mixed ratings for value for money and organization, but high ratings for safety and tour guide service.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Malta: Valletta and Mdina Full Day Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of two of Malta’s most iconic destinations.

This full-day excursion is priced at €295 per person and lasts approximately 8 hours. Catering to a multilingual audience, the tour is available in Spanish, English, German, and Italian.

Pickup and drop-off locations span across four popular tourist hubs: Saint Julians, Valletta, Saint Pauls Bay, and Sliema.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a live tour guide is included throughout the journey.

This tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore Malta’s rich history and stunning landscapes.

Itinerary Highlights

Visitors on this tour will start by exploring Mdina, the ancient capital of Malta, often referred to as "The Silent City" for its peaceful atmosphere.

Next, they’ll venture to St. John’s Cathedral, home of the Knights of St. John, where they’ll admire Caravaggio’s masterpieces.

The tour then moves to Rabat to discover the impressive St. Paul’s Catacombs.

Afterwards, they’ll stop at the Mosta Dome, one of the largest domes in Europe.

The tour culminates with panoramic views from Mdina Belvedere and Barrakka Gardens in Valletta, before allowing free time for lunch and shopping.

Transportation and Accessibility

Comfortable vans or minivans transport guests for the 8-hour duration of this tour.

Pickup locations include Saint Julians, Valletta, Saint Pauls Bay, and Sliema, with drop-off at the same locations. Guests should be in their hotel lobby 10 minutes prior to the scheduled pickup time.

This tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments.

To ensure an enjoyable experience, guests should:

• Bring their passport or ID card
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Adhere to the dress code for St. John’s Cathedral, which prohibits sleeveless tops, heels, mini-skirts, and very short shorts.

What to Bring and Dress Code

Guests joining the Valletta and Mdina Full Day Tour should bring along their passport or ID card for identification purposes.

Plus, they’ll need to wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves a fair amount of walking. Sunglasses and a sun hat are also recommended to protect against the Maltese sun.

When visiting St. John’s Cathedral, guests must adhere to a specific dress code – no sleeveless tops, heels, mini-skirts, or very short shorts are allowed.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

According to the information provided, the Valletta and Mdina Full Day Tour has an overall rating of 4 out of 5 based on 6 customer reviews.

While the value for money was rated 3 out of 5, the tour received positive feedback in other areas:

• The safety of the tour was highly rated at 4.5 out of 5.
• The service from the tour guides was praised, earning a 4 out of 5 rating.
• The organization of the tour received a respectable 3.5 out of 5 rating.

Visiting Mdina: The Silent City

Mdina, often referred to as "The Silent City," is the ancient capital of Malta and a highlight of the Valletta and Mdina Full Day Tour.

This fortified medieval town transports visitors back in time with its narrow, winding streets and magnificent Cathedral of St. Paul. Guests will marvel at the stunning architecture and views from the Mdina Bastions, which offer panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside.

The tour also includes a stop at St. Paul’s Catacombs in nearby Rabat, an extensive underground network of burial chambers that provide a glimpse into Malta’s rich history.

Exploring Mdina’s serene atmosphere and captivating sights is undoubtedly a memorable experience on this comprehensive tour.

Exploring St. John’s Cathedral

After exploring the serene atmosphere of Mdina, the tour moves on to St. John’s Cathedral, the home of the Knights of St. John.

This magnificent cathedral features stunning Baroque architecture and houses several masterpieces by the renowned artist Caravaggio.

Visitors can admire:

• The intricate marble floors and ornate ceiling frescoes.
• The ornate altarpiece and the ornate choir stalls carved in wood.
• Caravaggio’s renowned paintings, including "The Beheading of St. John the Baptist" and "St. Jerome writing."

The cathedral’s rich history and artistic treasures provide a captivating glimpse into Malta’s past as a center of the Knights of St. John.

Discovering St. Paul’s Catacombs

Next, the tour takes visitors to explore the ancient St. Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat.

Dating back to the 4th century AD, these underground burial chambers offer a glimpse into Malta’s rich early Christian heritage.

Descending into the labyrinth of tunnels, guests can marvel at the intricate wall carvings, chapels, and burial niches that line the catacombs.

The guided tour provides insights into the region’s history, from its use as a place of worship to its role as a refuge for early Christians.

Visitors can wander through the eerie, dimly lit passages, imagining the lives and rituals of those who were laid to rest within these sacred subterranean spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Pickups Available From Other Locations Not Listed?

The tour operators do not offer pickups from additional locations beyond those listed – Saint Julians, Valletta, Saint Pauls Bay, and Sliema. Customers must depart from one of these designated pickup points to join the tour.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The tour does not offer any discounts for children or seniors. The price of €295 per person is fixed regardless of age. There are no special rates available for this full-day tour of Valletta and Mdina in Malta.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Fit My Preferences?

The tour can’t be fully customized, but customers can request modifications within reason, such as adding or removing certain sites or adjusting the itinerary. The tour operator will try to accommodate individual preferences where possible.

What Type of Food Is Available for Lunch During the Free Time?

The tour provides free time for lunch, allowing participants to explore local Maltese cuisine. Visitors can choose from a variety of traditional dishes, as well as Mediterranean-inspired fare, in the nearby restaurants and cafes in Valletta or Mdina.

Is There a Limit on the Number of Participants in the Tour?

The tour does not specify a limit on the number of participants. However, it’s likely the tour operates with a small group size to provide a more personalized experience for travelers. The exact group size may vary.

Recap

The Malta: Valletta and Mdina Full Day Tour offers an immersive journey through Malta’s rich history and stunning architecture. From the ancient capital of Mdina to the masterpieces of St. John’s Cathedral and the captivating St. Paul’s Catacombs, this comprehensive tour provides a well-rounded experience of the island’s cultural highlights. With convenient transportation and ample free time, it’s an ideal way for visitors to discover the enchanting blend of past and present that makes Malta so unique.

You can check if your dates are available here: