DISCOVER Malta: Historic Treasures and Local Life

Fly overnight to Malta, taking in aerial views of the archipelago’s intricate coastlines and historic fortifications as you land just outside the capital of Valletta. With its natural harbors and its location near Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, this island nation has found itself a sought-after geographical prize throughout history. Humans have lived here for nearly 7,000 years, and Malta has been governed by everyone from the Phoenicians and Greeks to the Knights of St. John and the British. Transfer to your hotel in Attard, one of the “Three Villages” where the island’s nobility built baroque palaces, hunting lodges, and gardens over the centuries. Gather tonight for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Meet for a morning briefing, then spend the day discovering the many highlights of Valletta, Europe’s smallest capital and a World Heritage site. Long the bastion of the Hospitalier Order of St. John, the city is surrounded by 16th-century ramparts that were designed to keep the Ottomans at bay. Inside, baroque buildings and monuments are packed into an area smaller than New York’s Central Park. Begin your explorations at Casa Rocca Piccola, a palace where members of the de Piro family have lived since the 16th century—and still reside today. Join a member of the de Piro family member on a private tour, gaining insight into Malta’s history—and a rare glimpse inside the lives of the Maltese aristocracy. After lunch together, visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral, built by the Knights of St. John in 1578 and home to The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, Caravaggio’s only signed painting and one of the most significant works of Renaissance art. This afternoon, savor a tasting of Maltese coffee and chocolate and take the remainder of the day to pursue your own interests. (B,L)

Step back in time in the walled enclave of Mdina, a 4,000-year-old settlement that, together with the adjacent town of Rabat, served as Malta’s medieval capital. Stroll along narrow lanes flanked with honey-hued stone palaces and learn why the tiny town is often called the Silent City. Continue your walk in Rabat, where Roman ruins and ancient catacombs coexist with grand residences of the Knights of St. John. Then meet local artisans in nearby Ta’ Qali, a craft village where traditional arts are practiced, from glassblowing and pottery to silver- and goldsmithing. Return to the hotel for lunch on your own and time to relax before heading to the village of Mqabba for a walking tour. Along the way, stop in to visit with local residents, including a cheesemaker and a beekeeper. Dine together at a local restaurant this evening. (B,D)

After a leisurely morning, a short drive brings you to the village of Siggiewi for a hands-on Maltese cooking class. With a team of local chefs, try your hand at creating a Maltese favorite: pastizzi, a flaky pastry with various savory fillings. After enjoying the fruits of your labor for lunch, the remainder of the day is yours to discover more of the island or enjoy the hotel’s amenities. (B,L)

Travel by road and ferry to Gozo, Malta’s second largest island. Here, encounter the astonishing Ggantija Temples, a series of 5,500-year-old megalithic buildings that are remarkable in their size and architecture and rank as some of the oldest freestanding stone structures in the world. Then ascend to the Citadel of Victoria, where the views are magnificent and the history is long, dating back to early Bronze Age settlements. Explore the fortress before lunch together, and check into your hotel this afternoon. The rest of the day is yours to relax or go off exploring on your own. (B,L)

Today, climb into specially modified jeeps for a full-day expedition to discover the many wonders—natural, cultural, archaeological—of Gozo. Take in dramatic views from atop vertical limestone cliffs, and venture into the tranquil canyon of Wied l-Għasri to reach a secluded cove. Follow a country road to the Mixta Cave, which offers spectacular views of Ramla Bay, and discover the remote beauty of Dwejra and the Sanap Cliffs and the crystalline waters of Xlendi Bay. Visit the Roman Catholic Basilica of Ta’ Pinu, and see glassblowers and leatherworkers plying their trades in hilltop Ta’ Dbiegi. Gather for dinner at a local restaurant this evening.  (B,D)

Take a morning ferry back to the main island, and head to Birgu, the fortified city first used as Malta’s capital by the Knights of St. John in 1530. You’ll have time to explore and enjoy lunch on your own in this historic district, which extends along the peninsula just across the harbor from Valletta. Meet up to board water taxis for a leisurely cruise along Malta’s Grand Harbour, taking in postcard-worthy views of Valletta’s golden facades and the bustling waterfront. End the day with a guided walking tour of Birgu’s alluring jumble of medieval palaces, churches, and homes. Tonight, toast your Maltese adventure at a farewell dinner this evening. (B,D)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)