Mdina and Highlights of Malta Full Day Guided Tour Incl. Lunch and Transfers

This full-day guided tour of Malta, priced at $77.21 per person, offers a comprehensive look at the island’s most notable sights in 7 to 8 hours. Starting with a pickup from your hotel, the tour takes you through Mdina’s ancient streets, visits to Rabat and the St. Cataldus Catacombs, and continues to the Dingli Cliffs for breathtaking views. The journey also includes stops at San Anton Gardens, the Ta’ Qali Artisan Village, and the Mosta Rotunda, ending with a delicious lunch and wine.

While it’s a busy schedule, this tour provides an efficient way to see Malta’s highlights with an experienced guide, making it suitable for travelers eager for a rich overview. One limitation to keep in mind is the large group size, which can make hearing the guide challenging at times, as noted in some reviews. This tour balances sightseeing, culture, and convenient logistics, appealing most to those who prefer an organized day with minimal hassle.

Key Points

• Visit Malta’s top highlights in a single day, from Mdina to the Dingli Cliffs
• Includes a local guide and all admission fees, with round-trip hotel transfers
• Enjoy a centrally prepared lunch with a glass of wine during the day
• Stretch your legs at San Anton Gardens and explore artisan crafts at Ta’ Qali
• Not suitable for travelers with mobility issues due to walking and steps involved
• Large group size may limit personal attention and make some commentary harder to hear

Exploring Mdina: The Old City’s Charm and Heritage

The tour begins in Mdina, Malta’s ancient Medieval city renowned for its opulent palaces, fortifications, and medieval architecture. Known as Città Vecchia or The Noble City, Mdina served as the island’s capital for centuries. Its narrow streets, unchanged in over 1000 years, invite a leisurely walk through history.

A local guide leads you through Mdina’s walls and alleyways, sharing stories about its past as a center of power and culture. The opulence of its palaces and the baroque details of its buildings make this stop a highlight. The admission is free, but the atmosphere of this evocative city is what truly makes it special.

The one hour and 30 minutes spent here makes for a relaxed but informative start to the day. It’s a perfect introduction to Malta’s historical architecture and urban fabric.

Walking from Mdina to Rabat: A Historic Transition

Leaving Mdina through the Greek’s Gate, the guide walks you into Rabat, a neighboring town with a distinctive vernacular Maltese architecture. This short 30-minute stop reveals how the old city’s stone streets and traditional buildings continue the historic feel.

Walking through Rabat’s old quarter, you notice the simple yet elegant construction style that has lasted generations. It’s a chance to see the local way of life and appreciate the authentic village atmosphere. This part of the tour offers a quick, immersive glimpse into local Maltese culture.

Visiting the St. Cataldus Catacombs: Early Christian Burial Sites

In Rabat, the tour visits the St. Cataldus Catacombs, located just outside Mdina. These underground burial chambers date back to the late 2nd and 3rd centuries, making them some of the earliest archaeological sites of Christianity in Malta.

Highlights include the canopied tombs and the agape table, a circular platform used during early Christian funerary rituals. This site also features a Punica burial shaft, adding to its archaeological significance. The admission fee is included, allowing visitors to explore this fascinating glimpse into Malta’s early Christian history.

Spending about 30 minutes here provides insight into Malta’s ancient religious practices, with the site offering a quiet, contemplative atmosphere.

The Magnificent Dingli Cliffs: Highest Point with Spectacular Views

Next, the tour heads to Dingli Cliffs, situated off the village of Dingli on Malta’s western coast. These cliffs reach around 253 meters above sea level, making them the highest point of the Maltese islands.

The panoramic views are truly impressive: terraced fields stretch below, with the uninhabited island of Filfla visible on the horizon. The natural height of the cliffs also acts as a strategic natural fortification. Near the cliffs, a small chapel dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene, built in 1646, adds a touch of serenity to the dramatic landscape.

Spending about 35 minutes here, visitors enjoy breathtaking photo opportunities and a peaceful moment away from the busier sites.

Discovering the Tranquility of San Anton Gardens

The next stop is San Anton Gardens in Attard, built in the early 17th century by Grand Master Antoine de Paule. This peaceful botanical garden surrounds the San Anton Palace, which is today the residence of Malta’s President.

The gardens offer long pathways, fountains, and ponds inhabited by ducks, swans, peacocks, and turtles. The variety of exotic trees and flowers includes palm trees, cypress, jacarandas, and araucarias, some over 300 years old. The 45-minute visit provides a relaxing environment with plenty of photo opportunities among lush greenery.

It’s a favorite among visitors who enjoy botanical beauty and quiet spaces amid Malta’s historic scenery.

Ta’ Qali Crafts Village: Maltese Artisans at Work

After the gardens, the tour visits Ta’ Qali Artisan Village, located on what was once a British Royal Air Forces airfield. This restored craft hub showcases local artisans creating glass art, filigree jewelry, leather goods, pottery, and more.

Visitors have about 60 minutes here to browse the original Maltese crafts, often made using traditional techniques. The workshop displays include glassblowing, jewelry making, and artwork, giving a hands-on feel of Malta’s vibrant artisan scene.

This stop offers a great opportunity to buy authentic local souvenirs such as jewelry, lace, ceramics, and paintings, supporting local craftsmen.

The Majestic Rotunda of Mosta: The Church with a Miraculous Bombing

The tour’s highlight is Mosta’s Rotunda, known for its impressive unsupported dome, which is the third largest in the world. Built between 1833 and the 1860s, the church’s architecture is inspired by the Pantheon in Rome.

A remarkable event happened here during World War II: on April 9, 1942, a German bomb pierced the dome but failed to explode, narrowly avoiding tragedy and earning the church a reputation as a miracle site.

The 55-minute visit provides the chance to admire the neoclassical design and learn about its historical significance, with admission included. It’s a profound reminder of Malta’s resilience and history.

Enjoying Lunch with a View and a Glass of Wine

During the day, the tour includes a lunch break with a fixed menu and a glass of wine. This 1 hour and 15 minutes stop offers a chance to relax and sample local cuisine in a central location.

The experience balances satisfying your hunger with convenient logistics, allowing you to recharge before the final sites. Note that extra drinks are not included, and some reviews mention the lunch as adequate but not memorable.

Final Stop at the Mosta Dome: A Church with a Legendary Bomb

The tour wraps up at the Mosta Rotunda, where you can appreciate its architectural grandeur and the story of the bombing miracle. The large dome dominates the town’s skyline and is Malta’s largest church.

The admission ticket allows you to explore the interior, where the story of the 1942 bombing is a key highlight. The 55-minute visit leaves visitors with a lasting impression of Malta’s religious and historical heritage.

Practical Aspects: Logistics, Group Size, and Accessibility

This tour starts at 9:45 am, with pickups available from designated meeting points. The max group size is 52 guests, which can lead to crowded conditions and occasional difficulty hearing the guide, as some reviews highlight.

Transportation is in an air-conditioned coach, and all admission fees are included, simplifying the day. The walking involved is moderate but can be challenging for those with mobility issues, and the tour is not recommended for travelers with mobility impairments.

A local licensed guide leads the group, providing a knowledgeable commentary, although at times, the large groups may impact the clarity of the information.

Who Will Appreciate This Malta Tour?

This full-day experience suits travelers who want a broad overview of Malta’s key attractions without the hassle of planning individual visits. The organized schedule and included meals and admissions enhance convenience, especially for first-time visitors.

However, the large group size and pace of sightseeing mean it’s less suited to those seeking in-depth exploration or personalized attention. The moderate physical activity and walking make it advisable for those capable of standing and walking for extended periods.

Mdina and Highlights of Malta: A Practical and Rich Day

This tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Malta’s historic towns, natural scenery, religious sites, and local crafts. The expert guide shares insights across the day, making it both educational and enjoyable.

The included lunch and wine add a pleasant touch, though some may find the meal options somewhat standard. The admission fees for key sites like the Mosta Dome and St. Cataldus Catacombs are part of the package, streamlining the experience.

While some reviews mention crowded groups and noisy conditions, the efficient organization and attractive stops make this a cost-effective way to see much of Malta in a single day. The spectacular views from Dingli Cliffs and the historic charm of Mdina stand out as the tour’s highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, round-trip transfers from your Malta hotel are included, in an air-conditioned coach.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 7 to 8 hours, starting at 9:45 am and including a lunch break.

Are admission fees included?
Yes, admission tickets for the Mosta Rotunda and St. Cataldus Catacombs are included in the price.

What should I wear for the tour?
Comfortable shoes are recommended due to walking involved at multiple stops. The tour is not suitable for those with significant mobility issues.

Can I join if I’m not staying near the meeting points?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from specified meeting points, but make sure to confirm your pickup time and location in advance.

Is this tour good for families?
The tour is suitable for most travelers, but large group sizes and walking may challenge young children or those with mobility concerns.

For a full day exploring Malta’s historic sites, scenic views, and local crafts, this guided tour offers a practical and engaging experience that covers the island’s highlights efficiently.