Shore Excursion: Private Full-Day Tour of Valletta & Mdina

Malta’s captivating history and stunning architecture come alive on the Shore Excursion: Private Full-Day Tour of Valletta & Mdina. Guided by a licensed professional, this immersive experience takes travelers through the UNESCO-listed capital of Valletta and the enchanting "Silent City" of Mdina. From breathtaking views atop ancient fortifications to the exploration of magnificent churches and palaces, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to soak in the island’s captivating ambiance, this private excursion offers a unique opportunity to uncover the hidden gems that have shaped Malta’s rich cultural heritage.

Quick Points

• This private full-day tour provides an immersive experience in the UNESCO-listed capital Valletta and the former capital Mdina, known as the "Silent City".
• The tour includes pickup, a professional guide, and transportation in a chauffeur-driven, air-conditioned vehicle, with entrance fees to churches and museums covered.
• Highlights include the fortified walls, grand palaces, and ornate cathedrals of Valletta, as well as the winding alleys and panoramic views of Mdina.
• The tour is accessible for wheelchair and stroller users, and service animals are allowed, with breaks and infant seats provided for guest comfort.
• Cruise ship passengers can book the tour, which starts at 8:30 am, and must provide their ship name and docking details upon booking.

Tour Overview

The private full-day tour of Valletta and Mdina, Malta’s capital and former capital, offers visitors a chance to explore the UNESCO-listed Valletta and discover the medieval and baroque architecture of Mdina.

Guests can enjoy scenic views from the fortified walls and ancient streets of these historic cities. The tour is led by a professional guide licensed by the Malta Tourism Authority and includes hotel/port pickup and a chauffeur-driven, fully air-conditioned vehicle.

The 5-hour guided tour starts at 8:30 am, with entrance fees to churches or museums not included. The tour is accessible to wheelchair users, stroller-friendly, and allows service animals, though a moderate level of physical fitness is required.

Inclusions and Pickup

Typically, the private full-day tour includes hotel or port pickup and a return transfer to Valletta, though the return transfer isn’t included in the price. A professional guide licensed by the Malta Tourism Authority accompanies guests throughout the tour.

The tour is conducted in a chauffeur-driven, fully air-conditioned vehicle. The guided tour lasts approximately 5 hours, starting from the agreed meeting time. Entrance fees to churches or museums are covered, but food and drinks aren’t included.

Pickup is available from all hotels across the island, so guests need to provide their hotel name upon booking for necessary information. The tour starts at 8:30 am.

Accessibility and Requirements

Wheelchair accessibility, stroller accessibility, and service animal allowance make this private full-day tour suitable for a wide range of travelers. While a moderate physical fitness level is required, the tour incorporates breaks and infant seats to accommodate guests of varying abilities. Cruise ship passengers can easily join the excursion by providing their ship name, docking time, and disembarkation time at booking.

Accessibility	Requirements
Wheelchair accessible	Moderate physical fitness level
Stroller accessible	Children must be accompanied by an adult
Service animals allowed	Moderate walking involved
Infant seats available	Cruise ship passengers must provide details

Valletta: Malta’s Capital

As the capital of Malta, Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that captivates visitors with its rich history and stunning architecture. Founded in the 16th century, the city boasts an impressive network of fortified walls, grand palaces, and baroque cathedrals.

One of the highlights is St. John’s Co-Cathedral, renowned for its ornate interior and stunning paintings. Visitors can also explore the Upper Barrakka Gardens, which offer panoramic views of the Grand Harbour.

From the fortified walls, travelers can admire the picturesque streets and buildings below. Valletta’s status as Malta’s capital and its well-preserved historic center make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting the island.

Mdina: The Silent City

Mdina, often referred to the "Silent City," is a medieval walled city that served as Malta’s capital city before Valletta.

This well-preserved city offers a glimpse into Malta’s past, with its narrow streets, grand palaces, and impressive Cathedral of St. Paul.

Visitors can:

1. Stroll through the city’s winding alleys and admire the remarkable Baroque and Norman architecture.
2. Explore the Mdina Cathedral and its exquisite interiors, featuring intricate carvings and stunning frescoes.
3. Visit the Mdina Glass workshop and watch skilled artisans create stunning glassware.
4. Climb to the top of the city walls for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the distant Mediterranean Sea.

Highlights and Experiences

The essence of this private full-day tour lies in its ability to immerse visitors in the captivating histories and architectural marvels of both Valletta and Mdina. Participants will explore the UNESCO-listed capital city of Valletta, admiring its imposing fortifications, grand Baroque cathedrals, and picturesque streets. The tour then ventures to the medieval walled city of Mdina, also known as the "Silent City," where guests can marvel at the well-preserved baroque and medieval buildings lining the ancient streets. Throughout the journey, travelers will be treated to breathtaking views from the fortified walls and enjoy a thoroughly enriching experience guided by knowledgeable local experts.

Valletta Highlights	Mdina Highlights
St. John’s Co-Cathedral	Baroque Cathedral of St. Paul
Grand Master’s Palace	Bastions and Fortifications
Upper Barrakka Gardens	Narrow Winding Streets
Auberge de Castille	The Mdina Gate
Merchants Street	The Carmelite Priory

Reviews and Testimonials

Positive reviews of the private full-day tour of Valletta and Mdina highlight the exceptional expertise of the guides and the comfortable transportation provided. Reviewers praise the guides for their in-depth knowledge of Maltese history and landmarks, as well as their ability to tailor the tour to the group’s needs and interests.

The comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles also receive positive mention, making the tour a pleasant and stress-free experience. Notable highlights from the reviews include:

1. The stunning architecture of the medieval and baroque buildings in Mdina.
2. The impressive St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, a highlight for many visitors.
3. The tour’s connections to popular TV shows like "Game of Thrones."
4. The overall satisfaction with the tour’s value and the guides’ professionalism.

Booking and Contact

To book the private full-day tour of Valletta and Mdina, customers can provide the hotel name upon making their reservation.

The tour includes pickup and return transfer to Valletta, with a start time of 8:30 am.

Cruise ship passengers must provide the ship name, docking time, and disembarkation time at the time of booking.

The tour is accessible for wheelchair users, stroller users, and those with service animals.

A moderate physical fitness level is required, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Customers can contact the tour operator to discuss their needs and customize the tour to their preferences.

Since You Asked

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to the customer’s preferences. The guide is licensed by the Malta Tourism Authority and will tailor the itinerary based on the group’s needs and interests throughout the 5-hour guided tour.

How Many People Can the Private Tour Accommodate?

The private tour can accommodate a flexible number of people, though it’s designed for small groups. The tour provides a chauffeur-driven, air-conditioned vehicle, making it suitable for individuals, couples, or small families and groups.

Are There Any Additional Costs Not Mentioned in the Inclusions?

The tour overview doesn’t mention any additional costs beyond the inclusions, such as entrance fees to churches or museums, food, and drinks. The only non-included cost is the return transfer to the hotel or port.

Can the Tour Be Extended Beyond the 5-Hour Duration?

The tour can be extended beyond the standard 5-hour duration, but additional fees may apply. Travelers should consult with the tour provider to discuss options and pricing for extending the tour.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?

The tour has a flexible cancellation policy. Customers can cancel or reschedule the tour for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. There are no refunds for no-shows or cancellations within 24 hours of the tour.

The Final Verdict

Set out on a captivating journey through Malta’s rich history and stunning architecture with the Shore Excursion: Private Full-Day Tour of Valletta & Mdina. Witness the UNESCO-listed capital of Valletta and the enchanting "Silent City" of Mdina, led by a licensed professional guide. Explore magnificent churches, palaces, and charming Baroque and Norman streets, all while enjoying breathtaking views from ancient fortifications. This immersive tour promises a convenient and memorable adventure.