Full-Day Mosta, Mdina, and Rabat Tour from Valletta

This full-day tour from Valletta offers a compact way to experience some of Malta’s most iconic sights for $79.15 per person. In approximately 8 hours, you’ll visit three historic cities—Mdina, Rabat, and Mosta—with highlights like the Mosta Dome, St. Paul’s Grotto, and Ta Qali Crafts Village. The tour also takes in spectacular views from Dingli Cliffs, and includes a three-course lunch at a local restaurant, making it a convenient choice for those short on time or visiting Malta for the first time.

While the tour offers good value and covers many highlights, it does have some mixed reviews regarding pacing and group size. It suits travelers who appreciate guided tours with included meals and transport, but those seeking a more relaxed or intimate experience may find it somewhat rushed or crowded.

Key Points

• Includes hotel pickup and round-trip transport, simplifying logistics.
• Visits Mdina, Rabat, and Mosta with key landmarks like the Mosta Dome and St. Paul’s Grotto.
• Enjoys a 3-course lunch at a Maltese restaurant, with vegetarian options available.
• Offers spectacular views from Dingli Cliffs and outside San Anton Gardens.
• Group size can be large, and pacing might feel rushed at some stops.
• Ideal for first-time visitors who want an overview of Malta’s cultural and scenic highlights in one day.

Starting the Day in Mdina’s Silent City

The tour begins early in the morning with hotel pickup and a drive to Mdina, known as the “Silent City”. This ancient fortified town features defense bastions dating back to the 9th century and offers a glimpse of Malta’s medieval past. The 45-minute visit provides an overview of Mdina’s narrow streets, historic architecture, and the St. Paul’s Cathedral. Visitors get a chance to see the medieval walls and enjoy panoramic views from the city walls.

The admission to Mdina is free, but the tour emphasizes the external beauty and ambiance rather than interior tours. Some reviews mention that the visit feels brief, especially if you want more time to explore the quaint streets and shops.

Visiting St. Paul’s Grotto in Rabat

Next, the guide leads the group to Rabat, just outside Mdina, where St. Paul’s Grotto is the key attraction. This site, associated with the biblical saint, is where St. Paul is believed to have taken refuge during his time in Malta. The 1 hour and 30 minutes allocated for this stop includes free time to visit the grotto (admission not included).

The tour does not include entry tickets for the grotto, so visitors should plan accordingly if they wish to see inside. After this, the group heads to a local Maltese restaurant for a three-course lunch. The lunch is appreciated as a highlight, with some reviews mentioning the quality of the food, though vegetarians are advised to specify dietary needs.

Exploring Ta’ Qali Crafts Village and Local Artisans

Following lunch, the tour visits the Ta’ Qali Crafts Village. This open-air market showcases local artisans producing Maltese glassware, silverware, and filigree jewelry. Visitors can observe artisans at work and purchase souvenirs directly from the craftspeople. The 45-minute visit provides an authentic glimpse into Malta’s artistic traditions and offers some shopping opportunities.

The Magnificent Mosta Dome

The tour includes a brief 30-minute stop at the Mosta Rotunda, famous for its massive dome which is considered the third largest in the world. While the interior is not visited (admission is not included), the exterior and the church’s impressive architecture stand out. Some reviews note that the visit is abbreviated, with only a quick look at the church façade.

San Anton Gardens and Scenic Overlooks at Dingli Cliffs

Next, travelers enjoy outside views of San Anton Gardens, located near the Presidential Palace. The 30-minute outside visit allows appreciation of its beautiful landscaping from outside, without inside access.

In the afternoon, the group proceeds to Dingli Cliffs, offering spectacular views of the open sea. The 30-minute stop provides photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate Malta’s rugged coastline. This scenic viewpoint is often highlighted as a memorable part of the tour.

Comprehensive yet Rushed Itinerary

The full-day itinerary packs in a lot of sights, from historic cities to scenic spots and artisan villages. The average group size can be large (up to 15 travelers, but some reviews mention even larger groups), which can impact the pace and the opportunity for personalized attention.

Some reviews point out that the pacing is somewhat hurried, with visitors feeling they don’t have enough free time at certain stops, especially Mdina and Rabat. The guide’s explanations are generally seen as informative, but the overall experience can feel rushed, particularly during busy season.

Transportation and Logistics

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which is a big plus for travelers staying in Valletta or nearby. The transport is by mini-bus, with some reviews mentioning that the vehicle can be old or less modern, and group sizes can be large, leading to a crowded feeling at times.

The meeting point is centrally located, and the tour starts at 8:30 am, allowing a full day of sightseeing. The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, as some walking and standing are involved, but no strenuous activity is required.

Food and Drink Included in the Tour

The three-course lunch is included, making this a convenient option for travelers who want a sit-down meal without extra planning. The menu typically features local Maltese dishes, with vegetarian options available if requested. However, some reviewers mention dissatisfaction with the quality, particularly regarding vegetarian meal options, which they found to be limited or unimpressive.

Drinks are not included, and souvenir photos can be purchased separately. Reviewers suggest that the lunch and overall experience are good value, but expectations should be realistic regarding the food quality.

Pacing, Crowd Levels, and Tour Size

The tour’s large group size can impact the experience, with some visitors feeling that free time is limited and the guide’s commentary can be difficult to hear. The pacing is described as quick, especially in Mdina and Rabat, where some prefer longer exploration time.

The crowd levels tend to be higher during peak tourist season, leading to some waiting and queuing, which is common in popular sites like Mdina and Mosta. The tour’s timing aims to maximize sightseeing in one day, but this means it might feel a bit rushed for those wanting a more relaxed experience.

Overall Value and Suitability

This tour emphasizes value for money, with hotel pickup, transport, and lunch included. It is a practical choice for first-time visitors looking to see Malta’s highlights efficiently. However, the large group size and tight schedule may not appeal to travelers seeking a more intimate or leisurely exploration.

The guide’s knowledge is acknowledged as a positive aspect, with some reviews praising their commentary and enthusiasm. But a few mention the lack of enthusiasm or feeling that the tour was rushed.

Who Should Book This Tour

The ideal audience for this tour includes first-time visitors who want a broad overview of Malta’s main sights within a single day. Those who don’t mind large groups and quick stops will find this a good value.

However, travelers who prefer more time at each site or a more personalized experience might want to consider alternatives or private tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making logistics easier for guests staying in Valletta or nearby.

Is the lunch vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, vegetarian options are available if specified during booking, though some reviews mention limited vegetarian choices.

Are entry tickets included for sites like Mdina or Mosta?
No, admission tickets for St. Paul’s Grotto and the Mosta Dome are not included. These sites are viewed from the outside or with brief visits.

How large are the groups?
Groups can be up to 15 people, but some reviews mention that larger groups or merging into bigger tour groups can occur, affecting the pace.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness. Some walking and standing are involved.

What is the maximum duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours from start to finish, including all stops and meal times.

This Maltese full-day tour from Valletta offers a solid overview of Malta’s historic towns, scenic coastlines, and artisan crafts for a fair price. While it suits those eager to see many sights in one day, prospective travelers should be aware of the potential for a fast-paced experience and large group size.