Malta: Private Island Tour with Blue Grotto & Mdina Stops

Summary

Mdina walls to Blue Grotto views Malta’s stories in every stop

You’ll wander Malta’s ancient streets in Mdina, gaze up at Mosta Dome’s painted ceiling, taste traditional sweets from your local guide, and catch salty air at Blue Grotto—all with private pickup and no rush. It’s an easy way to feel connected to Malta’s quieter side.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so small standing under the Mosta Dome. Our driver, Joseph, just grinned and handed me a piece of almond nougat while I craned my neck up at that painted ceiling. The air inside was cool and smelled faintly of wax—someone must’ve lit candles for morning prayers. We’d only just started our private Malta tour and already I felt like I was tagging along with a local friend instead of ticking off sites from a list.

Driving through the center of Malta is kind of hypnotic—dry stone walls everywhere, wild fennel poking out at odd angles. Joseph pointed out the hilltop silhouette of Mdina before we even got there. Inside those old city gates it was almost too quiet, except for a couple of kids chasing pigeons and some church bells echoing off the bastions. He told us how this used to be the capital ages ago, which made sense somehow—the place feels like it remembers everything. I tried to imagine living behind those thick walls but got distracted by a cat sunning itself on a doorstep. Happens.

The cliffs near Dingli were windy enough to mess up anyone’s hair (mine included). Joseph laughed when I tried to pronounce “Ħaġar Qim”—I definitely butchered it—but he said even Maltese kids find it tricky. We just stopped outside for a look at the megalithic stones; they’re older than Stonehenge, apparently. Hard to picture people building anything here thousands of years ago with nothing but sea wind and stubborn rock.

Blue Grotto was our last stop—a quick viewpoint, not down in the boats this time because we wanted more time wandering Mdina earlier (that’s the perk of these private tours). The water below looked unreal, almost too blue, and you could smell salt in the air mixed with something sweet from a nearby café. On the drive back I caught myself thinking how easy it is to miss these small details if you’re rushing or stuck in a big group. So yeah—I still think about that view sometimes when things get loud back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private half day tour in Malta

• Visit Mosta Dome church
• Explore medieval town of Mdina
• See Dingli cliffs viewpoint
• Stop at Ħaġar Qim temple exterior
• View Blue Grotto sea caves

Top questions

How long does this private Malta tour last?

This is a half-day tour around Malta by private vehicle.

Which attractions are included on this Malta island tour?

The itinerary covers Mosta Dome, Mdina, Dingli Cliffs, Ħaġar Qim (outside), and Blue Grotto viewpoint.

Is hotel pickup included in this Malta day trip?

The tour includes pickup; exact location can be arranged after booking.

Are entrance fees covered during the tour?

All fees and taxes are included in the price.

Can infants join this private Malta tour?

Yes—infants can ride in prams or strollers; specialized infant seats are available.

Is lunch provided during the half-day tour?

No full lunch is included but traditional Maltese sweets and bottled water are provided.

Is WiFi available during transport?

The vehicle offers free WiFi for guests during travel between stops.

How much walking is involved on this tour?

The walking is moderate; most sites are accessible by vehicle with short strolls at each stop.

What’s included

Your day includes private pickup by an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi, all entry fees and taxes covered along the way, plus bottled water and traditional Maltese sweets shared by your knowledgeable driver before returning you comfortably at the end.