Our guided tour of Valletta's vibrant streets will allow you to discover the enchanting beauty and distinctive charm of Malta's capital city, a fortified city built by the Knights of St. John in 1566.
The Order of the Knights of St. John ruled over the islands for 268 years and left a unique cultural and architectural legacy, of which Valletta is the prime example. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety, and with a history spanning almost 5 centuries, it is regarded by many as an open-air museum!
With its imposing fortifications and bastions, amazing baroque palaces, marvellous churches, gorgeous gardens, and beautiful architecture ranging from mid-16th-century baroque to modernism, Valletta is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary and charming cities you will ever visit.
During the tour, you will walk through the bustling streets of Valletta, admiring the stunning buildings (some dating back to the 16th century) and the distinctive architecture of the city. The city is baroque in character, with elements of Mannerist, Neo-Classical, and Modern architecture. A visit to the Upper Barrakka Gardens is a must; here you can enjoy breath-taking views of the imposing Grand Harbour.
You will also have the opportunity to visit MUŻA, the National Museum of Fine Arts. Located at Auberge d'Italie, the museum houses a diverse collection of works from Maltese and international artists, showcasing the major European artistic styles from the 15th to the early 21st century, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, silver pieces, works on paper, and objets d’art.
We will also make a stop to visit the Collegiate Parish Church of St. Paul’s Shipwreck. Tracing its origins to the 1570s and being completed in 1582, it is one of Valletta’s oldest churches. Inside, it boasts magnificent marble interiors and several valuable artistic works, including the magnificent altarpiece by Matteo Perez d’Aleccio, paintings by Attilio Palombi and Giuseppe Calì, and the titular statue of St. Paul, which was carved in 1659.
Before the end of the tour, you will enjoy a must-see audio-visual show. Educational, informative, and entertaining, the show runs through the turbulent history of a small island nation that has overcome almost unimaginable odds to survive and prosper. The audio-visual show will enrich your understanding of the islands, their people, and their rich history through beautiful imagery and gripping commentary.
Lunch is included during this tour.
During the whole tour, our knowledgeable and experienced guides will provide you with riveting information and enhance your experience through narration and engaging storytelling.