Malta: Valletta, the Blue Grotto & Gozo Island

Touch down in Valletta for a week of active discovery and cultural immersion. Meet your CEO for an included transfer by coach and ferry to your hotel on the island of Gozo. Prepare for a trip of a lifetime including island hikes, culinary delights, historical sights and scenic coastal walks. Every Mediterranean vista is paired with curated comfort and deep local flavours.

This morning climb into a private tuk-tuk with your CEO to navigate Gozo’s hidden, narrow streets and visit historic Victoria. Next, immerse your senses at the Gozo Cottage Factory for an artisanal foodie moment. Here you can see the making of gourmet items such as olive oil, wines, liqueurs, jams, balsamic vinegars, and distillates, while exploring the aromas, flavours, and traditional methods behind them. Enjoy a tasting of estate DOK wine, fresh local bread, and traditional delicacies at an included lunch. Return by tuk-tuk for a relaxing afternoon before dinner on your own.

This morning meet your CEO in the lobby for your included choice of excursion. Join a local guide for a hike along the Ta’ Cenc cliffs or board a kayak for a paddle along the scenic coastal coves and inlets. At the end of the excursions you will transfer by coach to the town of Hondoq where we regroup for an included local style lunch. There is also time for swimming before transferring by coach to your hotel. Your evening is free to explore as you wish.

Bid farewell to peaceful Gozo this morning as we board a high-speed ferry, cruising across the sparkling Mediterranean toward the vibrant shores of Malta. Upon arrival, dive straight into the living history of Valletta on a guided walking tour. Explore the city’s iconic waterfront, towering fortifications, and Baroque architecture. Afterwards, enjoy a culinary immersion at Is Suq Tal-Belt. This beautifully restored historic market features a bustling food court where you can navigate artisanal stalls and sample authentic Maltese flavors for lunch. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

Today you step back in time during a locally guided tour of the three cities, the fortified maritime heart of Malta whose history predates even Valletta and is the ancient cradle of Malta. Start with a walk through the historic, winding streets of Senglea (Isla) passing by St. Philip's Church, uncovering towering bastions and hidden gardens that look out over panoramic views of the Grand Harbour. Next, trace the waterfront promenade and cross the marina into medieval Birgu (Vittoriosa) pausing to absorb the deep heritage of the Knights of St. John. After working up an appetite, conclude your active morning of discovery by gathering at a handpicked local restaurant to savor a traditional Maltese lunch.

Your day begins at the stunning Blue Grotto. Board a traditional boat to glide through sea caverns, marveling at the vibrant, glowing shades of cyan and cobalt reflected on the limestone walls. Next, journey to the dramatic cliffside setting of Hagar Qim. During a self-guided exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage megalithic complex, travel back 5,000 years in time, as you walk among some of the oldest freestanding stone structures on Earth. Conclude your morning adventure at Diar il Bniet, an authentic estate farm. Here, you will gather for an estate-to-table lunch celebrating Malta's culinary traditions, packed with fresh, locally harvested ingredients.

Your morning begins at the Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens. On a guided tour of this historic quarry, discover the 22-million-year story of the golden limestone shaping Malta's architecture. Next, head to the citrus orchard, sheltered by towering quarry walls that create a lush microclimate. Here, join a hands-on Limoncello Making experience. Craft this traditional liqueur using freshly picked lemons, followed by a chilled tasting. Any remaining fruit is sustainably repurposed into refreshing sorbet. Afterward, transfer to the historic village of Naxxar for a local lunch on your own.