Fortress Malta

Fly from London to Malta airport (the former RAF Luqa Bomber Command airfield) and transfer to our hotel or if making your own travel arrangements meet us at the hotel. Transfer to our Valetta hotel, our base throughout the tour. After introductions and welcome drinks, walk to nearby Upper Barrakka Gardens to enjoy sunset over the Grand Harbour before dinner. (D)

A pleasant walk along the harbour front to the northern end of Valetta peninsula with views over the Mediterranean. Enjoy the entertaining audio-visual 'Malta Experience', which portrays the island's 7000 years of history, and time to explore the National War Museum. Discuss the epic defence of Valetta by the Knights of St John in 1565 at St Elmo's Fort and visit the 'Sacra Infermeria', the original Hospital of the Order of St John, where patients famously dined on silver plates. (B,D)

Another day on foot wandering through Valetta's golden streets to trace the development of the city's fortifications & architecture during the rule of the Knights of St John after the Great Siege. Visit the Grand Master's Palace, the traditional and current seat of Maltese government, where its rich tapestries record the country's turbulent past, and its Armoury which houses one of the best collections of medieval weaponry in Europe. After lunch in the fashionable Grand Square, visit the Grand Master's magnificent Cathedral which includes a wealth of art including works by Caravaggio, Rubens, and Poussin. Explore the Knights 'auberges' and city walls to discuss the genius of Valetta's impregnable defences and see how the British subsequently adapted them for more modern uses. End the day at the Casa Rocca Piccola, home to a modern Knight of St John, the Marquis de Piro and his wife, for an intimate guided tour of their beautiful 16C Palace. (B,D)

Drive along the scenic east coast stopping at the former Pembroke Army Garrison; eponymous St Paul's Bay, where the saint was shipwrecked, and the scene of many historic events since; and Wignacourt, or St Paul's Bay, Tower, the oldest surviving coastal defence post in Malta. Follow the impressive 19th century defensive Victoria Lines to Fort Rinella with its impressive 100-ton gun and watch demonstrations of Victorian soldiering. Dinner at your own expense this evening. (B)

Visit the Knights' lookout at the Red Tower high up on Marfa Ridge with its splendid views. Ferry to Gozo and thence to the hilltop city of Ir-Rabat, or Victoria, to explore its fortified citadel, walk its dominating walls and visit the lavish Baroque cathedral. There will be some free time for personal exploration before returning to Valetta. (B,D)

Experience a relaxing boat trip around Valetta's magnificent harbours to see the site of the submarine base, discuss the Italian navy raid, the fight to save aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious and the heroic Santa Maria Convoy. Disembark at Birgu wharf for lunch break in the old town square, followed by a visit to the strategically located Fort St Angelo (the Knights' first, and the Royal Navy's last, HQ in Malta) for spectacular panoramic views across Grand Harbour. The day ends at the Second World War Museum with its underground tunnels recounting the dramatic story of the civilian population under siege. Ferry back to Valetta. (B,D)

Coach tour of central Malta with stop-offs to view evocative evidence of Land defences, barracks and hospitals ending for a lunch break at the fascinating Mdina, the magnificent ancient capital of Malta. Drive to Ta'qali, the epicentre of the Air Battle and “the most bombed airfield of the 2WW” and home to the excellent Malta Aviation Museum. Thence a drive along the dramatic Dingli cliffs to discuss their contribution. (B,D)

Visit the Lascaris War Rooms, restored to give a fascinating glimpse of how the command bunker operated during Battle for Malta and as the operational HQ for the Invasion of Italy. The firing of the Noon Day Gun is the signal to take an early lunch. Check-out and depart hotel for Malta airport for the return flight to London unless you have made your own travel arrangements. (B)