Malta Private Tour with Local Driver & WWII Video Guides

Summary

Explore Malta’s past with a local driver and unique video guides

You’ll taste fresh Maltese snacks from a local shop, explore ancient Mdina with WWII video guides, cruise between sites in an air-conditioned minivan with your own driver, and see places like Blue Grotto and Valletta Waterfront through stories only locals tell. Expect real moments—quiet echoes underground or laughter over coffee—that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to start my Malta tour by fumbling with a little packet of pastizzi in the back of an air-conditioned minivan — but there I was, pastry flakes everywhere, grinning like an idiot. Our driver, Joseph (he insisted we call him Joe), handed them out after picking us up right on time from our hotel in Valletta. He knew all the shortcuts through the morning traffic, chatting about how his grandmother used to make these snacks “with more butter than sense.” The van smelled faintly of car air freshener mixed with that warm pastry scent — oddly comforting.

The first stop was Mdina. Joe parked just outside the old city walls and gave us a tablet loaded with these video guides — actual World War II footage layered over the places we were standing. It was surreal seeing black-and-white bombers flying over streets that now felt so peaceful. There was this moment in St. Paul’s Grotto where the only sound was our footsteps echoing off stone; I caught myself whispering without really knowing why. Joe told us how his father remembered hiding here as a child during raids — it made everything hit different.

We zigzagged across Malta after that: Blue Grotto (the water really is that blue, but don’t ask me to describe it), then Popeye Village where kids were running around shouting “Olive Oyl!” at each other in three languages. The sun got hot by midday and I almost nodded off in the van, but Joe kept telling stories — like how British soldiers named the Blue Grotto because it reminded them of Capri. At the National Aquarium, I swear one of the rays winked at me through the glass tunnel (maybe just my reflection). We ended up at Valletta Waterfront for a coffee; locals were already out for aperitivo, laughing louder than usual because some cruise ship had just docked.

I still think about that echo in Mdina sometimes, or how Joe laughed when I tried to say “grazzi ħafna” and probably butchered it. Six hours went fast — maybe too fast — but having someone local driving and sharing those little details made Malta feel less like a checklist and more like… well, someone else’s home you’re allowed to borrow for a day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Malta's historic and scenic sites

• Visit Mdina and St. Paul's Grotto
• See the Blue Grotto caves
• Tour Malta National Aquarium
• Explore Popeye Village at Mellieha Bay
• Walk along Valletta Waterfront
• Relax at St Peter's Pool swimming spot

Top questions

How long does this Malta private tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included in the Malta private tour?

Yes, complimentary pickup is available from your preferred location.

What attractions are visited on this day trip?

The itinerary includes Mdina, Blue Grotto, Popeye Village Malta, Malta National Aquarium, and Valletta Waterfront.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

A traditional Maltese snack from a local shop and bottled water are included.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, infants seats are available and small children can use prams or strollers.

Is there Wi-Fi available in the vehicle?

Yes, Wi-Fi is provided in the air-conditioned minivan.

Can service animals join this private Malta tour?

Service animals are allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes complimentary pickup from your chosen location in Malta, all transportation by private air-conditioned minivan with Wi-Fi, bottled water throughout the journey, and a traditional Maltese snack bought fresh from a local shop before returning you comfortably at the end of your adventure.