Istanbul-Malta
After completing check-in at the Turkish Airlines counters in the Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal, we will depart for Malta on Turkish Airlines' scheduled flight at ***. Upon arrival at local time ***, we will begin our city tour of the capital, Valletta, with a vehicle waiting to welcome us. Following a scenic drive around the city's historic fortifications, we will explore the vibrant streets of the capital. Our first stop will be the Barrakka Gardens, located along the upper section of the defensive walls surrounding this magnificent city. Built by the Knights of St. John, these gardens offer panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and the three ancient cities enclosed within the walls. We will then continue our tour, visiting notable landmarks such as St. John's Co-Cathedral, the Grand Master's Palace, and the Parliament Building. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay.
MALTA
After breakfast, free time is available. Guests who wish may join the Gozo Island Tour (€90). We depart early in the morning from Cirkewwa Port, located in the northern part of Malta, to reach Gozo, the country's second-largest island. During our approximately 30-minute ferry crossing, we will also view the smaller islands of Comino and Cominotto. Upon arrival, our tour includes visits to Ta' Pinu Basilica, Dwejra, the Inland Sea, the Mushroom Rock, and the fishing village of Marsalforn. Finally, we will visit Victoria, the capital of the island. After seeing the central church, city walls, Palace of Justice, and Bishop's Palace, we will have some free time in the city before returning to Malta by ferry. Following the tour, we will transfer back to our hotel for an overnight stay.
MALTA
After breakfast, guests who wish to do so can join an additional tour (Mdina & Mosta & Marsaxlokk & Vittoriosa & Senglea & Cospicua) for 90 Euros. Our tour will take us to the central region of Malta, dominated by the historic Mdina Fortress. During our visit to Mdina, Malta's former capital and a site of great historical significance, we will enjoy panoramic views of nearly 360 degrees over the island from the city's elevated position. Next, we will visit Mosta, a historic town located in the heart of Malta. Mosta is famous for its impressive Rotunda Church (Mosta Dome). This church, featuring one of the largest unsupported domes in Europe, is regarded as miraculous because it survived a bomb that fell inside during World War II without exploding. Afterward, our next stop will be Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village. Named after the Arabic word "marsa" meaning harbor and the "xlokk" wind blowing from the southeast, the town is renowned for its harbor filled with vibrantly colored traditional luzzu boats, its lifestyle closely intertwined with the sea, and its seafood restaurants. We will then visit the Three Cities: Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. These cities feature narrow stone streets, buildings surrounded by fortifications, baroque churches, and walking paths offering sea views. They were the first settlements of the Knights of Malta in the 16th century and formed the backbone of the island's military defense line. Each city bears traces of the knights' history, Ottoman sieges, and Malta's maritime heritage. Following the tour, we will transfer back to our hotel. Overnight stay at our hotel.
MALTA-ISTANBUL
After breakfast, guests who wish to do so can join the additional Popeye Village tour for 50 Euros. Built as the set of the internationally acclaimed 1980 film "Popeye," the village has now been transformed into an open-air museum and amusement park. This charming wooden village offers numerous activities for both film enthusiasts and families, including interactive shows, playgrounds, and boat tours. Following this, transfer will be arranged to the airport at a time determined by the guide. After completing baggage, ticket, and passport procedures, you will depart on a Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul. Arrival in Istanbul at *** local time. End of our tour.