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Full Day Tours

Great Siege 1565
7/8 hours

Tour Description

In the 18th century, Voltaire had commented ‘rien est plus connu que la siege de Malte’ (nothing is so well known as the Siege of Malta). Few other episodes in the history of warfare have rivalled the Great Siege of 1565 for its heroism, significance and its different aspects. After more than 500 years the story of the impressive victory of the few hundred Knights and Maltese over the huge armada of Suleiman the Magnificent still manages to captivate the imagination. This was another struggle between East and West, between Christianity and Islam. The Knights Hospitallers of the Order of St John were the main protagonists of the story.

The tour relives the sequence of events from the fateful day of 6th October 1564 when Suleiman the Magnificent declared that ‘the phoney war was over to the sighting of the Turkish Armada off the north coast of Malta on the 18th May 1565. The siege, as it evolved until mid-September when finally the Turkish fleet sailed away empty-handed and defeated, will be explained. The various stops on the tour related to this incredible event include salient viewing points in Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa (Birgu), known as the Three Cities. The tour ends in the capital Valletta, and highlighting the Order’s most prestigious monuments, the Co-Cathedral of St John’s and Fort St. Elmo (section related to the Knighs of St. John)

Prices & Details:

Prices are based on the group size and are not per person. The size of transport is provided based on the number of passengers in your party.

2025 Tour Prices
Includes private transport with driver and guiding services:
eur585 for *1 to 3 passengers
eur725 for 3 to 6 passengers
eur865 for 7 to 9 passengers
eur1,005 for 10 to 12 passengers
eur1,074 for 13 to 16 passengers
Contact me for a larger group of 17 to 50+

*The 1 to 3 passenger rate is suitable for 2 adults or 2 adults and a young child, using a sedan type vehicle. 3 adults must calculate using the 3 to 6 passenger rate, which is for a small van.

Supplements
Tours on Sundays and Public Holidays are subject to a eur45 supplement.

For 2026/27 rates and bookings send an enquiry via the How to Book/Make an Enquiry form below.

Not Included
Entrance fees - To save unnecessary time-wasting and queuing we can include your entrance fees. Allow eur25 per person for St. John's Co. Cathedral, Fort St. Elmo & National War Museum.

The cost of lunch is not included in the tour rate, however free time for a lunch break will be allocated.

How to Book
To book, click on How to Book/Make an Enquiry below, complete the form and send. I normally reply within 48 hours confirming my availability.

You can check Confirming, Payment & Cancellation Policy here

LOW Season Discounts
If you are visiting between December 1 and 22 or January 5 and March 7 a discount is available on this tour.

© 2013 - 2025 Joan Sheridan Freelance Tour Guide. All rights reserved.