Malta Private Island Tour with Local Driver & Snacks

Summary

Private Malta sightseeing tour with driver plus local flavors

You’ll taste warm ftira straight from a Valletta bakery, watch glassblowers at Ta’ Qali Crafts Village, and soak up sea air at Blue Grotto — all with your own local driver handling every turn. This private Malta tour lets you linger where you want and hear real stories along the way. It’s easygoing but full of those little moments you remember later.

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping the cool leather seat, I watched our driver — Mario, who insisted we call him by his first name — wave at someone outside a bakery in Valletta. He’d already picked up our traditional Maltese snack (“ftira,” he said, and I probably pronounced it wrong), handing it back to us still warm. The smell of olives and fresh bread filled the car as we rolled past the old stone warehouses along the Valletta Waterfront. I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed being driven around; usually I’m glued to Google Maps, but here, Mario just knew where to go.

We zigzagged through narrow streets toward Mdina — the “silent city,” Mario called it. He told us stories about St. Paul and pointed out a tiny lamp-lit alley where he used to sneak gelato as a kid (he swears the same guy still runs the shop). The air was thick with that salty Mediterranean smell, and every so often you’d catch church bells echoing somewhere far off. At Ta’ Qali Crafts Village, we watched a glassblower shape molten blue glass into something delicate — my partner tried to chat with one of the artists about filigree jewelry, but mostly just nodded and smiled because neither of us speaks Maltese.

I kept thinking Malta would be all beaches, but then there was Popeye Village — bright wooden houses perched over Anchor Bay, kids running around in sun hats while parents sipped coffee nearby. Our driver waited patiently while we wandered (he even found Wi-Fi for me when my phone gave up). Later at the Blue Grotto, sunlight bounced off the water in these weird electric blues you can’t really photograph right. Mario told us about a scene from “Troy” filmed there; I pretended to remember it but honestly just stared at the sea for ages.

By late afternoon, we were tired but not rushed — that’s what surprised me most about this private Malta tour: no schedules taped to the dashboard or awkward group photos. Just us, Mario’s stories drifting in and out like radio static, and a bag of leftover ftira crumbs on my lap. I still think about that view over Mdina’s walls at dusk — soft gold light everywhere and not much noise except for someone laughing down below.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Malta's historic and scenic sites

• Visit Mdina and St. Paul's Grotto
• Explore Ta' Qali Crafts Village
• Tour Malta National Aquarium
• Visit Popeye Village near Mellieha Bay
• See the Blue Grotto natural caves
• Swim at St Peter's Pool natural lido
• Walk along Valletta Waterfront promenade

Top questions

Is pickup included in this Malta private tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included with your private driver.

What attractions are visited on this Malta day trip?

The tour covers Valletta Waterfront, Mdina, Blue Grotto, Popeye Village Malta, Ta’ Qali Crafts Village, and more.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

A traditional Maltese snack made from local produce and bottled water are included.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

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

Does the vehicle have air conditioning and Wi-Fi?

Yes, your vehicle is air-conditioned and has Wi-Fi onboard.

Can service animals join this private Malta tour?

Service animals are allowed on this tour.

How long does it take to visit all these sites?

The timing is flexible since it’s a private day trip tailored to your pace.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by a local driver in an air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi; you’ll get bottled water plus a fresh traditional Maltese snack bought from a local shop along the way before returning whenever you’re ready.