Tour Description

Day 1
Archaeology Museum (Valletta), Hagar Qim Temples, Mnajdra Temples, Visitors Centre, Marsaxlokk, Hypogeum
This two day tour includes the main temples and geological sites around Malta and Gozo.

We start our tour with a visit to the Museum of Archaeology in Valletta. This museum displays an exceptional array of artefacts from Malta's unique prehistoric periods, starting with the first evidence of human settlement in the Ghar Dalam Phase (5200BC) all the way to the Phoenicians (700BC). We then proceed with a visit to the Hagar Qim Complex which includes Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples. Before entering the temples we start at the new visitors centre where you can easily understand how these magnificent temples where built over 5000 years ago! We then proceed on to Hagar Qim Temple. This temple has the largest and heaviest megaliths out of all the temple sites around the Maltese Islands, some slabs weighing a staggering 20 tons. A 500 metre walk down to the other complex of Mnajdra which is tucked away in the hillside overlooking the tiny isle of Filfla. This site is probably the most atmospheric of all Malta’s temples. Also known as the Calendar in Stone because both during the Solstices and the Equinoxes the interior of the temple is lit up.

Our next stop will be the fishing village of Marsaxlokk for a late lunch break.

In the afternoon we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hal Saflieni Hypogeum. This unique,ancient underground monument is 12 metres below street level. It consists of a network of passages, chambers and caves cut on three levels, similar to the interior of a megalithic temple. An impressive part of the temple is the "Holy of Holies" and one of the most important prehistoric masterpieces known as the "Sleeping Lady" was also found here.

At this stage our tour comes to an end and we will make our way back.


Day 2
Gozo Island: Ggantija Temples & Visitor's Centre, Citadel, Calypso Cave, Xlendi Bay, Dwejra Bay, Inland Sea
We start our tour to Gozo with a pleasant 25 minute ferry crossing. The charm of Gozo is apparent the moment you arrive there. Greener, more rural and smaller than Malta. Our tour is a combination of scenic spots, historical sites, local culture and food.

We feature most of the main highlights during our tour. The first stop is at Ggantija temples, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered to be amongst the oldest free standing megalithic monuments in the world dating back over 5500 years. The adjoining visitor's centre boasts artefacts from the temple site and also from the Xaghra Circle (4100BC), studies of samples and results from which are still emerging.

A scenic drive will pass through quaint sleepy villages that characterise Gozo's unique charm. The drive also highlights the north coast. A brief stop at the Calypso Cave Belvedere, offers magnificent views over the red sands of Ramla Bay and the lush fertile valley which leads down to it. The drive takes us to Xwejni bay with its salt pans and the natural feature of Qolla l-Bajda.

We continue on to one of the most photographed sites on Gozo, Dwejra. This is a site of ecological and geological importance. The General's Rock and Inland Sea will be pointed out. One can take an optional boat trip out to the different caves (optional and operates weather permitting).

One of Gozo's most prominent sites is the Citadel, a small fortified town that dominates the heights above Victoria, Gozo's capital. This site has been inhabited since the Bronze Age period. Walking through this historical gem one can admire the medieval layout with interesting features and some excellent examples of domestic medieval architecture, blending with buildings of the Knights of St John. Once at the top, a stunning panorama of the whole island and even Malta's northern coast enfolds.

We round off our tour with a stop for lunch at Xlendi Bay. This is a very picturesque colourful bay, with a small sandy beach and with restaurants lining the waterfront.


PLEASE NOTE
The 2 day ANCIENT TEMPLES OF MALTA tour is not available during July & August due to the intense heat.