Malta: Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea Tour With Boat Trip

Malta’s tri-city tour through Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Senglea offers a remarkable glimpse into the island’s rich maritime heritage. With a guided boat trip through the picturesque Grand Harbour and panoramic views from the Gardjola Gardens, this experience promises an unforgettable adventure. Explore the architectural marvels and captivating history of these oldest cities, as knowledgeable guides share their expertise. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to learn about Malta’s stunning beauty, this tour provides an exceptional opportunity to uncover the hidden gems of the region.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Malta.

Key Points

• A 4-hour tour of Malta’s Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Cospicua, Senglea) with a boat trip around the Grand Harbour, priced at €36 per person.
• Explore the historical significance of the Three Cities, including their role as the capital under the Knights of Saint John.
• Enjoy a panoramic drive through Cospicua, a walking tour of Vittoriosa, and a traditional Maltese "Frejgatina" boat ride through the colourful harbour creeks.
• Marvel at the stunning views of Fort Sant Angelo from the Gardjola Gardens in Senglea, with engaging historical storytelling from knowledgeable guides.
• The tour includes pickup and drop-off transfers, air-conditioned transportation, and a licensed guide, but is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

Visiting Malta’s historic Three Cities, including Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Senglea, is the focus of this 4-hour tour.

Priced at €36 per person, the tour includes visits to these captivating locations, as well as a boat trip around the Grand Harbour.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Pickup is included, though you’ll need to confirm the location and time with the tour operator a few days prior.

With an overall rating of 4.4/5 based on over 500 reviews, this tour offers an engaging exploration of Malta’s rich history and stunning scenery.

Historical Significance of the Three Cities

The Three Cities – Cospicua, Vittoriosa (Birgu), and Senglea – hold immense historical significance. Vittoriosa is the oldest, dating back to pre-Middle Ages, and was chosen as Malta’s capital in 1530 by the Knights of Saint John. Senglea, founded by the Knights in the 16th century, is known as "Civitas Invicta" for resisting the Ottoman invasion in 1565. Cospicua is the largest of the three, a double fortified harbour city. These three cities showcase Malta’s rich history and the influence of the Knights of Saint John, who left an indelible mark on the country’s architectural and cultural heritage.

City	Historical Significance
Vittoriosa	Oldest, pre-Middle Ages, Malta’s capital in 1530
Senglea	Founded by Knights in 16th century, "Civitas Invicta"
Cospicua	Largest, double fortified harbour city

Tour Experience and Highlights

A panoramic drive through Cospicua leads to a walking tour of Vittoriosa’s narrow streets and historical sites.

Visitors then board a traditional Maltese "Frejgatina" boat to explore the colourful harbour creeks.

From the Gardjola Gardens in Senglea, guests enjoy stunning views of Fort Sant Angelo.

Throughout the tour, knowledgeable guides provide engaging storytelling, bringing the history and culture of the Three Cities to life.

The boat tour offers a unique perspective, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the maritime heritage of this picturesque region.

With a mix of sightseeing, exploration, and insightful commentary, this tour provides a well-rounded experience of Malta’s historic Three Cities.

Inclusions and Restrictions

This tour includes a number of inclusions to enhance the experience.

The tour provides pickup and drop-off transfers, as well as air-conditioned transportation and a licensed guide who’ll lead the walking tours and narrate the boat tour.

The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Guests should wear comfortable shoes, and pets, oversized luggage, baby strollers, and large bags aren’t allowed.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have overwhelmingly praised this Malta tour, with an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 584 reviews.

The tour guides received a high rating of 4.6, with customers highlighting their knowledgeable and engaging storytelling.

The transportation service also scored well at 4.5, though some reviews suggested room for improvement in providing more information during the journey.

Value for money was rated 4.2, and the overall service quality received 4 out of 5 stars.

Reviewers consistently praised the enjoyable experience, from the panoramic drive through Cospicua to the captivating boat tour and stunning views at Senglea.

Exploring Vittoriosa’s Narrow Streets

One of the highlights of the Malta tour is the opportunity to explore the narrow streets of Vittoriosa, the oldest of the Three Cities.

As visitors wander through the medieval alleyways, they’ll be transported back in time, surrounded by historic buildings, charming courtyards, and quaint shops.

The tour guide expertly navigates the labyrinth, pointing out:

1. The imposing façade of the Collegiate Church of St. Lawrence.
2. The ornate portal of the Knights’ Auberge.
3. The picturesque Vittoriosa Waterfront.
4. The remains of the original fortifications and bastions.

These intimate streets provide a glimpse into Vittoriosa’s rich past, allowing visitors to enjoy the authentic atmosphere of this ancient maritime city.

Boat Tour of Colourful Harbour

Boarding a traditional Maltese "Frejgatina" boat, visitors embark on an enchanting exploration of the colourful creeks and inlets of Grand Harbour.

The boat tour offers a unique perspective of the historic Three Cities, gliding past vibrant fishing vessels and under the imposing fortifications.

Guides share captivating stories of the harbour’s strategic importance, from the Knights of St. John to the pivotal role it played during World War II.

With stunning views of the Gardjola Gardens and Fort Sant Angelo in Senglea, the boat tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the maritime heritage of this remarkable region.

Panoramic Views From Gardjola Gardens

The Gardjola Gardens in Senglea offer visitors a breathtaking vantage point to admire the panoramic views of Grand Harbour.

From the Gardjola, a traditional watchtower, visitors can:

1. Gaze upon the colourful Maltese boats dotting the harbour waters.
2. Spot the imposing Fort Sant Angelo, a historic landmark.
3. Take in the striking skyline of Valletta, Malta’s capital city.
4. Observe the engineering feats of the Three Cities’ complex network of fortifications.

The knowledgeable guides provide engaging commentary, bringing the history and significance of this strategic location to life.

The Gardjola Gardens offer a perfect opportunity to pause and soak in the grandeur of Malta’s maritime heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t allow bringing your own food and drinks. However, there may be opportunities to purchase refreshments during the tour. It’s best to check with the tour operator about any food and drink policies before the tour.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

The tour operator does not offer discounted pricing for seniors or students. The standard price of €36 per person applies to all participants, with no special discounts available.

How Much Time Is Allotted for Each City Visit?

The tour allots approximately 1.5 hours in each of the Three Cities – Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Senglea. This allows visitors to explore the historical sites and take the boat trip around Grand Harbour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Boat Tour?

The tour does not have any age restrictions for the boat trip. Children of all ages are welcome to participate in the harbor exploration on the traditional Maltese "Frejgatina" during the 4-hour tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There doesn’t seem to be an option to extend the tour duration based on the information provided. The tour is 4 hours long, and there’s no mention of any extension possibilities.

Recap

This tour offers an immersive experience into Malta’s rich maritime history. Visitors can explore the charming streets of Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Senglea, admire the architectural marvels, and enjoy a scenic boat ride through the Grand Harbour. With knowledgeable guides, breathtaking views, and a blend of sightseeing and exploration, this tour provides an unforgettable adventure, showcasing the unique character and heritage of these historic Maltese cities.

You can check if your dates are available here: