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Explore the hidden beauty of the Maltese Islands as you unearth two unspoilt Mediterranean islands of Malta and Gozo on an 8-day self-guided walking adventure. Uncover jaw-dropping sea views and a slew of iconic havens. Learn about Malta's fascinating past and explore its beautiful, varied landscapes, all while finding inner peace among its wild splendour as you gain the perspective on two different Maltese Islands at your own pace.
Your adventure begins in Malta, the largest of the two islands, at the bustling town of St Julians. Explore the "fish tail" area of Malta and marvel at its picture-perfect landscape and abundance of attractive beaches. Continue on to Valletta, the smallest capital city in all of Europe and also a UNESCO World Heritage Sit. Be astounded by the collection of fascinating ...
Your adventure begins in Malta, the largest of the two islands, at the bustling town of St Julians. Explore the "fish tail" area of Malta and marvel at its picture-perfect landscape and abundance of attractive beaches. Continue on to Valletta, the smallest capital city in all of Europe and also a UNESCO World Heritage Sit. Be astounded by the collection of fascinating places it has to offer, including winding alleyways, beautiful buildings, fountains, and old city walls. Between Marsascala and Marsaxlokk, embark on a breathtakingly magnificent stroll that will take you through ancient salt pans, lovely farms, stunning cliff hangings, a variety of scenery, and a well-known fish market that still boasts a significant level of Maltese leisure life. Your island exploration continues with a transfer to Gozo, the northernmost island. Here, you’ll walk to uncover the island's impressive coastline and through the cobbled streets of the traditional towns and villages. Its rugged landscape ensures spectacular views including Fungus Rock, a natural stone outcrop in the centre of Dwejra Bay, and the Inland Sea.
This package includes 7 nights accommodation on a twin-share basis. Breakfast, route directions and maps are included as specified in the itinerary. A trip perfectly planned with engaging activities to discover the region at a leisurely pace.
Escape the confines of everyday life into an adventure in the breathtaking Maltese Islands. Satiate your inner adventure, refresh your senses, and satisfy your insatiable curiosity on this 8-day self-guided trip around two Maltese Islands.
This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points.
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Making your own way from Malta Luqa Airport, your adventure begins at your hotel in the bustling town of St Julian’s just metres away from the front at the serene Balluta Bay.
Tucked away in a quiet narrow alley unwind at the rooftop infinity pool overlooking the valley and the sea, the luxury spa or the indoor heated pool. Your stay here is on a B&B basis as there are so many excellent restaurants nearby for you to find the best spot for dinner. Valletta is also just a short taxi ride away should you wish to spend an evening in the capital.
Approx. 15 km (9.3 miles), 2-3 hours walking
After a truly satisfying breakfast, the morning transcends into an eventful excursion to explore the bewildering "fish tail" of Malta. Marvel at the intricate sceneries, imposing cliffs, vibrant beaches and coasts that are sure to leave you whirling in amazement.
The views are lined up to your delight and there's no better way to see them all than from high points. Located just along the beaches, watchtowers provide the ground distance and leverage to see the surrounding expanse from their colossal heights.
From here, the fish tail of Malta comes to life with its surrounding vistas and spectacular landmarks that lie within eye's sight. Not to forget the stunning views of Gozo and Comino which can be seen in range.
Approx. 11 km (6.8 miles), 2-3 hours walking
Settle in for breakfast to start the day and get ready to explore the Valletta coastline on an explosive discovery amidst some of the most astonishing harbour sceneries.
Today's walk takes you through the lovely city of Valletta and its significant attraction to people who wish to view the outstanding architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city has a vast number of ancient monuments packed into a very compact space. In addition to the breathtaking panoramas of the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour, this city boasts a rich cultural diversity thanks to its North African, Italian, Middle Eastern, and British influences.
The Lower Barrakka Gardens are a great place to start your scenic walk on the south side of the peninsula. Wonderful vistas of the Grand Harbour and Vittoriosa may be seen from here. Heading northeast on Lvant from the gardens' entrance, you'll reach the striking Siege Bell War Memorial, dedicated in 1992 to the remembrance of the 7,000 people who sacrificed their lives during the Siege of Malta (1940-1943). For their efforts in this battle, the Maltese people were honoured by the King of England with the George Cross, a decoration that is still prominent on the flag of Malta today.
Taking Xatt Il-Barriera from here, witness how the inhabitants enjoy their wonderful city by following it downwards to the beach. Alongside the breathtaking views, you can eat and shop in one of the many establishments on the recently renovated Valletta Waterfront.
A trek across the countryside of moderate difficulty is scheduled for today. Walking between two ports on the eastern side of the island, from Marsascala to Marsaxlokk Bay, is an excellent opportunity to take in the beautiful and varied scenery that Malta has to offer.
Your exhilarating walk starts in Marsascala, an old fishing hamlet that has preserved certain aspects of its character. This stroll takes you past old salt pans, lovely farms, spectacular cliff hangings, and distinctive landscapes that still boast a portion of Maltese leisure life in between these two beautiful bays. You will come across seductive coves that can only be accessed by boat, fortifications generic to the Maltese, troglodyte cottages that are still partly in use, as well as enchanting long-distance vistas from the strategically significant cliffs of Delimara point. This walk provides an insider's look at Malta and leaves you in awe of the resiliency of its people, who have managed to maintain their own culture despite the difficulties of residing on a desert rock and weathering successive waves of invasion.
And finally, your exciting walk leads to Marsaxlokk, a little fishing village that is most known for the weekly Sunday market that it hosts. Marsaxlokk is home to a sizable tourist population, many of whom visit the town's market to partake in the large selection of fresh fish specialties and handmade arts and crafts.
A shorter optional walk is also available.
Approx. 14 km (8.7 miles), 2-3 hours walking
Today, a taxi transfer will be given to the ferry port in the morning so that you may board the ferry (ticket included) to Gozo. Once you arrive in Victoria, the capital of Gozo, a taxi transfer will be ready to take you to the hotel where you will be staying for the following three nights.
On arrival, there's an option to unwind and relax at your accommodation, venture and explore the charming city of Victoria, or for those with energy an optional trek to the Ta Pinu Sanctuary which will take you through scenic trails, iconic landmarks, postcard perfect cliffs, invigorating coastlines and finally ends in Gharb. This remote island's northwestern corner can only be reached by foot, following awe-inspiring trails that are pretty straightforward to navigate.
While here, there's quite the number of places that are not to be missed. The basilica Ta' Pinu is one place that comes highly recommended! Located in Gozo, Malta's sister island, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu is both a minor basilica and a national shrine located about 700 metres from the town of Gharb. Moving ahead, you'll make your way down a gorge carved out by seductive streams to reach Gharb, the island's westernmost point and home to a stunning Baroque church constructed in 1699 as well as traditional stone houses. The final leg of the voyage winds along the stunning cliffs on Gozo's north coast, from where you'll be able to take in panoramic views of the island's famous salt pans.
Your home for the next three nights is the quaint Duke Boutique Hotel, poised right in the heart of Victoria, the perfect location to discover the wonders of Gozo as it is just 200 m from the main bus terminal. Recline in comfort in your luxury rooms. Slip right into the soothing waters of the jacuzzi or simply absorb the views from the rooftop terrace.
Level 2, Approx. 15 km (9.3 miles), 2-3 hours walking
Today's expedition takes a different twist, this time going west, with Gozo's west coast in mind. The morning starts with a hearty breakfast in readiness for the scenic extravaganza ahead.
Walking along the western shore of Gozo is one of the best ways to experience it. You may take a leisurely walk along the cliff that runs between Ras il-Wardija in the south-western corner of Gozo and Qawra, which is more often referred to as the Inland Sea of Dwejra.
You may follow the rocky route that branches off to the left and go in the direction of Ras il-Wardija. The puzzling remnants of the Punic era are available for your amazement; It's almost as if you're standing on the edge of the earth here, which lends this place a mystic air! Further ahead, narrow stone-walled pathways lead down to bamboo gardens as well as landmarks such as the Fungus Rock (named after the magic plant which grew there), the Dwejra Tower, the Azure Window, and the towering limestone cliffs.
Level 2, Approx. 13 km (8.1 miles), 2-3 hours walking
Starting from Qala, the walk to Dahlet Qorrot, which is situated between Qala and Nadur in the northern part of Gozo, Malta, is a simple one. This is a teeny-tiny harbour with brightly painted boat houses that were excavated into the soft limestone. When you stand here and take in the magnificent architecture that went into the construction of these boathouses, you get a different sense than when you do it elsewhere.
After that, continue on through lemon fields, vineyards, and fig and peach trees until you reach San Blas Bay, a secluded beach with lovely ochre-coloured sand that is situated on the north coast of the island of Gozo and is accessible via Nadur. As a result of its location at the mouth of one of Gozo's most beautiful valleys, the beach is both private and encircled by verdant terrain. The sand at San Blas Bay is not just gorgeous, but very similar to the sand in Ramla Bay, and the crystal-clear waters in San Blas Bay boast a turquoise hue, making it a perfect place to go swimming or snorkeling among the rocks and boulders that are located on each side of the bay.
Your journey comes to a close at Nadur, which is a fitting place to do so given the breathtaking vistas that await you at the end of the day.
Savour a relaxing breakfast, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible journey before you bid farewell and make your own arrangements for your onward travel. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.
NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
- Single supplement available on request from AUD 893
- The departure point is St Julians, Malta
- The finish point is Victoria, Gozo
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to St Julians. Malta International Airport, which is also known as Luqa Airport, is the international airport which is closest to St Julians, 7.7 km away
- Airport transfers are not included. Joining location starts in your accommodation in St Julians making your own arrangements there. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.
The walking level on this trip is rated Level 2 Leisurely/Moderate.
Level 1 Leisurely: Experience is not necessary; anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk will thrive. Walks are often optional. Trails are seldom flat, so expect a reasonable number of ascents and descents. You normally walk for two to five hours per day; daily ascents will likely be around 985ft to 1,640ft (300m to 500m), perhaps with the odd day around 1,970ft (600m).
Level 3 Moderate: Expect easy, medium-length walks or harder, shorter walks. Some experience is useful, but not essential. Good health and reasonable fitness are important. There will be walks at higher altitudes and some longer, harder days. Generally, though, the underfoot conditions will be fair. A walking day is normally five to seven hours; daily ascents will likely be around 1,640ft to 2,625ft (500m to 800m), perhaps with the odd day around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m).
Level 5 Challenging: Fitness is vital with extended walking in mountainous terrain. You might also experience high altitude, challenging climates and remote locations. Trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident in your physical condition. Walking days are usually between six and eight hours, although they may be longer for passes or peaks. Daily ascents can be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Level 7 Tough: Trekking experience is essential and preferably at altitude. You need complete confidence in your ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain. You may encounter extreme altitude and weather conditions and may need to use ice axes and crampons. Stamina is essential as walking days last six to nine hours (sometimes more on occasions). Daily ascents will likely be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Split and optional grades: Where a trip falls between two grades, an intermediate or ‘split’ grade is used. For example, Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). Occasionally there are optional ascents available; in this case, the grade will be highlighted.
Malta and Gozo are blessed with a subtropical Mediterranean climate; summers are generally hot and dry, winters mild, and autumns warm and sporadically wet. Malta’s average annual temperature of 18-19°C is amongst the highest in Europe, and significant temperature fluctuations are rare. Being islands however, they can face strong winds coming off the sea, particularly in the springtime, which can make it feel a little chilly.
The walking is suitable for anyone who is reasonably fit and healthy, enjoys the occasional weekend walk and can walk 2-5 hrs per day.
The terrain is moderate with some small hills and the walking is often along ancient roads and old farm tracks. There are some steep descents to the coast and the occasional rough, stony section.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. You are provided with route notes for each day, which begin with an overview of the walk and advice on lunch, followed by detailed instructions. The route notes contain a 24 hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotel is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.Payment DetailAll pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.Single SupplementAll accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.General Cancellation Policies- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurancePlease Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.LiabilityThe participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.Child PolicyPlease consult travel consultant on age limit.Changes to ItinerariesLocal conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.Changes in PricesWhile we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age LimitsYou need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.Cancellation by The Tour OperatorThe tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement of 2 is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.Force Majeure'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.EvacuationsIn rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.In the genuine spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control.For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.Travel InsuranceIn view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.