Malta Full Day Private Tour: Valletta, Mdina & Blue Grotto

Three UNESCO sites, a fishing village lunch, and the medieval streets of Mdina in one day

A full-day private tour of Malta with a local guide and driver, visiting three UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the island. Start in Valletta at the Auberge de Castille and St. John's Cathedral, move through the Three Cities' fortified towns and Gardjola Gardens, stop at Marsaxlokk for lunch among the traditional luzzu boats, then visit the Blue Grotto viewpoint, the megalithic temples of Hagar Qim, and end in Mdina's car-free medieval quarters with their far-reaching views from the bastion walls.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Three Cities40m
2. Blue Grotto15m
3. Hagar Qim45m
4. Ta’ Xbiex1h 20m · entry included

Full day Malta sightseeing tour

• Visit Valletta and Barraca Gardens
• Photo at Auberge de Castille
• Tour St. John's Cathedral
• Explore Three Cities and Gardjola Gardens
• Walk in Birgu-Vittoriosa town
• Visit Marsaxlokk fishing port
• Enjoy typical fish lunch
• Stop at Blue Grotto panoramic point
• Optional visit to Hagar Qim temples
• Visit Dingli Cliffs if skipping temples
• Explore Medieval city of Mdina on foot
• Free time for coffee or tea
• Return to hotel or cruise ship

The experience

The tour begins in Valletta, Malta's capital, where you'll see the Barraca Gardens overlooking the Grand Harbour and the Auberge de Castille, the former seat of the Knights Templar and now home to the Prime Minister. Inside St. John's Cathedral, you'll find masterpieces by Caravaggio. From there, the guide takes you across the harbor to the Three Cities (Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua) fortified towns that still hold their authentic character. A stop at Gardjola Gardens in Senglea gives you a panoramic view of the port before a short walk through Birgu-Vittoriosa's narrow streets.

Lunch happens at Marsaxlokk, the fishing village on the southern coast, where you'll eat at a harborside restaurant and watch the traditional luzzu boats with their painted eyes. On the way, you'll pass the Blue Grotto viewpoint for photos, then have the option to visit the megalithic temples of Hagar Qim and Mnejidra: structures older than the Egyptian pyramids. If you skip the temple interiors, the route takes you to the Dingli cliffs instead for another panoramic stop.

The day ends in Mdina, the medieval capital built on a plateau in the island's center. Known as the Silent City for its tranquil atmosphere, Mdina is explored entirely on foot through its quaint alleys and Baroque buildings, with views from the high bastion walls. You'll have free time for coffee or tea before returning to your hotel or cruise ship.

What’s included

• Private transportation with a driver.
• a local guide for the full eight hours.
• lunch at a harborside restaurant in Marsaxlokk.
• hotel or cruise ship pickup and return.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (18 to 90 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, German, Italian and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Soleto Travel

Is this one for you?The tour is eight hours of mostly walking through medieval streets and historic sites with several stops for views and photos, so comfortable shoes and a moderate pace suit it best. Children are welcome from age 12 onward.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, German, Italian and Chinese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What are the Three Cities and why do they matter to Malta's history?

The Three Cities (Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua) are fortified towns across the Grand Harbour from Valletta that protected Malta for centuries under the Knights Templar and later rulers. They still preserve the authentic Maltese character and are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites you'll visit on this tour.

Can I actually go inside the megalithic temples at Hagar Qim?

Yes, the tour includes an optional visit to Hagar Qim and Mnejidra temples. If you choose to enter, your guide will accompany you through these structures, which date back further than the Egyptian pyramids. If you prefer not to visit the temples, the route continues to the Dingli cliffs instead.

What's included in the lunch at Marsaxlokk?

Lunch is a typical fish meal at a restaurant on the harbor in Marsaxlokk, where you can watch the traditional luzzu boats. If you have food restrictions, notify your guide in advance so arrangements can be made.

Is Mdina walkable, or will there be a lot of climbing?

Mdina is explored entirely on foot through its medieval alleys and narrow streets, so you'll be walking on uneven, historic pavement. The city sits on a plateau with views from the bastion walls, and you'll have free time to explore at your own pace before heading back.