16 Day Magical Malta with Deluxe Mediterranean Cruise

Welcome to Malta! On arrival at Malta International Airport you will be met by a local representative and transferred to the ferry terminal at Ċirkewwa. From here you will make the short, scenic ferry crossing to the island of Gozo independently, gliding across the channel toward its honey-coloured cliffs, quiet villages and open countryside. On arrival in Gozo you will be met by another representative and transferred to your hotel.Depending on your arrival time, the remainder of the day is yours at leisure to settle in and soak up the island's relaxed charm, perhaps unwinding on the hotel terrace with views across the water or wandering down to a nearby harbour. This evening, gather with your tour guide and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting, where your Maltese adventure truly begins. Special InformationShared arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to the ferry terminal, and met again on arrival in Gozo and transferred to your hotel.No ferry ticket is required for the crossing from Malta to Gozo. Your return ferry ticket will be provided to you on tour by your guide.If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.If you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, or booked pre-accommodation through Inspiring Vacations, airport transfers will not be included.

We begin our exploration of Gozo today. We drive to Xagħra, where our first stop is the Dream of Horses Farm, a multi-purpose Equestrian farm where we will have a tour and enjoy lunch. Afterwards we will stop at Sannat for some photographs before continuing to a local venue for a wine tasting on the veranda, with a walk through the vineyard. The venue is a tasting venue rather than a working winery. Return to the hotel in the early afternoon, with the rest of the day at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Dream of Horses farm visit Sannat photo stop Wine tasting experience Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

After breakfast we begin the day at the salt pans at Qbajjar, where sea water has been turned into geometric pans along the coast for generations. We continue to the Basilica of Ta' Pinu, a national shrine near the village of Għarb. From there we visit Dwejra, with its Fungus Rock and inland sea setting, before heading to the Citadella in Victoria, the island's former capital, where there is some free time to wander. You have some time to relax at your hotel before being taken to a local restaurant for dinner this evening. Inspiring Highlights Qbajjar salt pans Ta' Pinu Basilica Dwejra and Fungus Rock The Citadella, Victoria

We say addiju (farewell) to the island of Gozo as we are transferred back to the island of Malta. On the way to our hotel in Malta, we make a brief stop at Popeye Village to capture some memorable photos. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore the local area. Inspiring Highlights Popeye Village photo stop Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

After breakfast enjoy a guided tour of Valletta, Malta's capital. We visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens and St John's Co-Cathedral, then take in The Malta Experience, a short audiovisual presentation on the island's history at the Sacra Infermeria. Lunch is served at a restaurant in the heart of the city. You then have free time to explore Valletta on foot at your own pace. Return to the hotel in the early evening for time at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Upper Barrakka Gardens St John's Co-Cathedral The Malta Experience audiovisual show Valletta guided walking tour

We continue our exploration of Malta after breakfast, when we visit the Mosta Rotunda. Modelled on the Pantheon in Rome, it features the third-largest unsupported dome in the world. The Maltese miracle happened here, when a German aerial bomb pierced the dome during World War II and fell into the church during mass, but did not explode. We then enjoy a visit to Dingli cliffs, followed by the Buskett Gardens whose history goes back to pre-Christian times where Pagan rituals would take place. Our day is highlighted by a visit to Mdina, whose striking fortified hilltop location will take your breath away. The city was founded by the ancient trading civilisation known as the Phoenicians and was later taken over by the Romans. Mdina was the capital of Malta throughout the Middle Ages, when some magnificent buildings were built. Lunch is included before a guided walking tour. The day finishes with a cheese making and tasting experience. We return to the hotel this evening, with the evening at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Mosta Rotunda Dingli Cliffs photo stop Buskett Gardens Mdina walking tour Cheese making and tasting experience

After breakfast, we visit one of the most important archeological sites in the region, Hagar Qim. A megalithic temple complex, dating back to approximately 3600-3200 BC, these are among the most ancient religious sites on Earth. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the complex is thought to be older than sites in Mesopotamia, Egypt and Greece. Afterwards, we visit the nearby Tal-Hamrija coastal tower, built in the 17th century. We then drive through Wied iż-Żurrieq to a viewpoint over the Blue Grotto, a set of sea caves on the south coast, where photographs can be taken from the lookout, you will have free time and the option (weather permitting, additional charges apply) for a Blue Grotto boat trip. Return to your hotel in the afternoon. This evening you are collected from your hotel for a traditional folklore show with dinner at a local restaurant. Inspiring Highlights Ħaġar Qim temples Tal-Ħamrija Tower Blue Grotto photo stop Traditional folklore show with dinner

We venture out for a final day of touring with a tour fondly known as the ‘three cities tour': Vittoriosa, Senglea and Marsaxlokk. The tour itself is of three neighbouring areas to the south of Valletta's old town, and offers travellers a more off-the-beaten-track experience. One of the first settlements in the modern-day Grand Harbour, settlers in Valletta used the many harbour inlets from Phoenician times, resulting in locals identifying the three cities as the cradle of Maltese history. The area is known also for being the original settlement for Knights of St. John in the 16th century. We start visiting Vittoriosa and Senglea by foot and continue to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, known for its brightly painted luzzu boats, where lunch is included. There is time to take in the harbour or take a relaxing boat trip (weather permitting, additional charges apply) before returning to your hotel. We return to the hotel in the late afternoon, with the evening at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Vittoriosa and Senglea walking tour Marsaxlokk fishing village

Today your Maltese tour comes to an end and your Mediterranean cruise begins. Make your own way to the cruise terminal, where embarkation takes place in the afternoon before MSC Seaview sets sail from Valletta.Before boarding, there is time to wander Valletta’s streets once more, take in the harbour views from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, or stop for a coffee near the bastions. As the ship leaves port, head up on deck to watch Valletta’s fortifications fall behind. This evening, settle into your cabin, explore the ship and enjoy your first dinner on board.Special InformationMSC Seaview departs Valletta at 5:00pm. Please follow MSC’s embarkation instructions for your check-in time.

Today is a relaxed day at sea, with the ship’s facilities to enjoy at your own pace.You might start the morning with an exercise class or a stroll along the sea-view promenade, lined with shops, cafes and bars. Port talks are held during the day and are a good way to prepare for the stops ahead. Around midday the Panorama Pool deck comes alive with pool parties, or you can claim a deck chair with a drink, or find a corner of the library.For the more adventurous, MSC Seaview has the longest zipline at sea, a ropes course with water cannons and the Aquaventure water park. For relaxation, the MSC Aurea Spa is the place to unwind. In the evening there is a show in the main theatre, live music in the bars, a drink at the Champagne Bar or the casino.Special InformationSome onboard activities, such as the spa, the zipline and specialty dining, may carry an additional charge.

The ship docks in Barcelona this morning, giving you a full day in Spain’s most visited city before it departs in the evening.You might like to see Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Família, or visit Park Güell. For a taste of old Barcelona, stroll down La Rambla, browse the stalls of La Boqueria market and wander the lanes of the Gothic Quarter, finishing at Barcelona Cathedral. Barceloneta Beach is a good place to take a break from sightseeing, and the peaks of Montserrat and its Benedictine abbey are within reach for keen explorers.Special InformationThe ship is in port from 8:00am to 6:00pm. The cruise terminal is a few kilometres south of the city centre; a shuttle bus runs to near La Rambla and is paid in cash.

Today the ship calls at Marseille, the gateway to Provence.You might like to ride up to the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde for views over the city and coastline, wander the cobbled streets of Le Panier with its street art, and sit by the old harbour, Le Vieux-Port. The limestone cliffs of Calanques National Park and Château d’If, the island prison made famous by The Count of Monte Cristo, are also within reach.To go further afield, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon and the fishing port of Cassis are popular day trips. With an afternoon departure, a guided excursion is the safest way to see them and return to the ship in good time.Special InformationThe ship is in port from 8:00am to 4:00pm. The cruise terminal is around 7.5km from the Old Port; a free shuttle runs on cruise days.

The ship arrives in Genoa early this morning.You might like to explore the medieval alleyways of the old town, visit the Gothic cathedral and see the Piazza de Ferrari. Genoa is the birthplace of pesto Genovese, so a pesto pasta or a slice of focaccia is a must. Close to the port, the Genoa Aquarium is a good option for a more relaxed visit, and the fishing village of Boccadasse is a pretty place for a walk.To see more of the Italian Riviera, Portofino is a popular day trip, with its colourful waterfront and boutiques. Cinque Terre is also offered, though it makes for a long day against the afternoon departure.Special InformationThe ship is in port from 7:00am to 4:00pm. The cruise terminal is around 500m from Genova Piazza Principe station.

The ship arrives in Naples in the afternoon, staying in port into the evening.After lunch on board, there is time to stroll to Piazza del Plebiscito, around fifteen minutes from the port, with views across the bay to Mount Vesuvius. From there, head into the lively streets of Spaccanapoli, or discover Underground Naples, a network of tunnels dating back to the 4th century BC. With a late departure, you could finish the day with an early evening Neapolitan pizza in the city where it was born.Special InformationThe ship is in port from 1:00pm to 9:00pm. Pompeii is around 25km from the port; with an afternoon arrival it is only practical as a ship-organised excursion with a guaranteed return to the ship.

The final port of call is Palermo, the capital of Sicily.You might like to see the Palatine Chapel, with its mosaics, the Norman Palace, Quattro Canti and the Teatro Massimo opera house. Palermo is known for its street food, so browse the lively Capo market. Cefalù, with its Arab-Norman cathedral, and the ancient site of Segesta are popular excursions further afield. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner on board and a final show.Special InformationThe ship is in port from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

The ship arrives back in Valletta this morning and your cruise comes to an end. Upon disembarkation, make your own way to the airport for your onward journey. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.Special InformationThe ship arrives in Valletta at 9:00am. Please follow MSC’s disembarkation instructions on the final evening.To allow for disembarkation we recommend booking a flight after 1pm.Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier departure experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.