Mdina, Rabat & Dingli Cliffs: Malta Day Trip with Lunch

Summary

Walk medieval Mdina, taste Maltese lunch, see Mosta dome up close

You’ll wander Mdina’s silent lanes with a local guide, step into ancient catacombs in Rabat, and feel the sea air at Dingli Cliffs before sharing lunch together. Explore San Anton Gardens and watch craftspeople at work in Ta’ Qali village—then end your Malta day trip beneath Mosta’s immense dome. There’s something grounding about seeing so many layers of history in one day.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect Mdina to be so quiet. Not “tourist attraction” quiet — more like you can hear your own footsteps echoing off the stone. Our guide, Maria, kept pausing to point out these tiny details I’d never have noticed: a carved door handle shaped like a lion, or the way sunlight bounces off the honey-colored walls in the morning. She told us about Siculo-Norman palaces (I had to Google that later). The streets twist and double back on themselves — I lost my sense of direction almost instantly, but it felt sort of freeing.

We left Mdina through something called Greeks’ Gate (Maria explained the name but I was too distracted by a cat sunning itself on the wall to catch it all). In Rabat, we ducked into these early Christian catacombs — cool air, faint smell of earth and candle wax. It was honestly a bit eerie down there. Then suddenly we were back in daylight and driving out toward Dingli Cliffs. The wind was wild up there; you could see half of Malta spread out below. Someone from our group tried to take a selfie and nearly lost their hat — everyone laughed.

Lunch was simple but good — Maltese bread with olive oil, some kind of stew I couldn’t pronounce (Maria laughed when I tried), and sweet local tomatoes that tasted like sunshine. Afterward, we wandered San Anton Gardens near the Presidential Palace. There were peacocks strutting around like they owned the place. At Ta’ Qali crafts village I watched a glassblower shape molten glass into something delicate — his hands barely seemed to move.

The last stop was Mosta Dome. I’d seen photos before but standing under that huge ceiling made me feel small in a good way. People just sat quietly for a minute or two, heads tipped back. Even now I remember how cool the marble felt under my palms when I leaned against one of the pillars.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mdina, Rabat, Dingli, Gardens, Crafts, Mosta

• Explore medieval city of Mdina
• Visit early Christian catacombs in Rabat
• Photo stop at Dingli cliffs
• Visit San Anton botanical gardens
• Explore Ta’ Qali crafts village
• Visit Mosta’s majestic dome

Top questions

How long is this Malta day trip from Mdina to Mosta?

The tour covers several stops across central Malta and lasts most of the day.

Is lunch included on this guided Malta tour?

Yes, lunch is included as part of your day trip experience.

Are entry fees or pickups included?

The tour includes transportation by air-conditioned vehicle; hotel pickup is not specified.

Can infants join this Malta day trip?

Infants and small children are welcome; prams or strollers are allowed.

What will we see at Ta’ Qali Crafts Village?

You’ll visit local artisans working at Ta’ Qali Crafts Village during your tour.

Do we go inside Mosta Dome?

You’ll visit Mosta Dome with your guide; time inside is included.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walks through Mdina and Rabat’s catacombs, photo stops at Dingli Cliffs, entry to San Anton Gardens near the Presidential Palace (admired from outside), time exploring Ta’ Qali crafts village, a traditional Maltese lunch, and transport by air-conditioned vehicle between sites before finishing at Mosta Dome.