Malta in Motion

Wheels up, Wanderlust on! The adventure starts the moment we board our overnight flight. There’s a buzz in the air — playlists queued, travel journals open. By morning, the Mediterranean sun will be waiting to welcome us.

Meals: In-flight

Step off the plane and into the warmth of Maltese light — that golden glow bouncing off honey-colored stone and sparkling sea. Rest up or start exploring the neighborhood before tonight’s welcome dinner, our first taste of Malta’s melting pot: fresh seafood, spiced stews, or flaky pastizzi — all shared over laughter with new travel friends.

Meals: In-flight, Dinner

Inclusions:

• Airport transfer with purchased AESU group airfare
• Welcome orientation
• Welcome dinner

Valletta is like a time capsule splashed with street art — ancient fortresses rising beside trendy cafés. On our guided walking tour, stroll through the Upper Barrakka Gardens for sweeping views of the Grand Harbour, then continue to St. John’s Co-Cathedral, richly adorned by Knights of St. John and home to Caravaggio’s masterpieces. Enjoy a private visit to Misterium Fidei, a cloistered convent, gaining rare insight into the socio-cultural traditions woven deep into Maltese identity — where church and daily life remain closely intertwined. We finish on a lively side street buzzing with locals, the scent of fresh ftira sandwiches in the air. The afternoon is ours: sip a rooftop spritz, browse quirky boutiques, or simply people-watch as the city’s rhythm unfolds around us.

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions:

• Guided walking tour of Valletta with a local English-speaking guide
• Sights to see:
  • Upper Barrakka Gardens
  • Grand Harbour views
  • John’s Co-Cathedral
  • Misterium Fidei

Morning light spills across Hagar Qim and Mnajdra, where colossal stones — older than Stonehenge — stand defiantly against the sea. Led by a local expert, uncover the myths, rituals, and mysteries these prehistoric temples have guarded for over 5,000 years. Among the world’s oldest free-standing structures, they are a powerful testament to Malta’s ancient past. Fast-forward through the millennia and step aboard a traditional fishing boat bound for the Blue Grotto, one of the island’s most stunning natural wonders. As sunlight filters through the water, the caves ignite into glowing, neon-blue chambers. Afterwards, journey to Mdina — “The Silent City.” Its lantern-lit streets whisper of knights and nobles who once walked these paths. Our guide leads us through narrow alleys lined with noble palaces, pausing at panoramic bastions overlooking the island. We end with an early dinner at a local restaurant within the city walls, savoring Maltese flavors in this historic setting.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Inclusions:

• Guided walk with a local English-speaking expert
• Sights to see:
  • Hagar Qim temple
  • Mnajdra temple
  • Excursion to the Blue Grotto by traditional fishing boat (weather permitting)
• Guided exploration of Mdina

Today, we kick things off at the Cittadella — Gozo’s impressive hilltop fortress towering over Rabat like something out of a fantasy film. Once a military stronghold designed by master architects, it now offers 360° views and history at every turn. Then it’s off to Tuta Agrotourism Farm, where rural life takes center stage. Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cheese-making session and learn to craft ġbejna, the island’s iconic sheep’s milk cheese. Afterward, sit down to a farm-to-table lunch made entirely from seasonal ingredients sourced straight from the estate — ultra-fresh, no frills, just good food in a relaxed countryside setting. Post-lunch, we visit the former Azure Window, still one of Gozo’s most dramatic coastal viewpoints. The views? Unreal. If you’re up for it, take a dip in the Inland Sea — a natural lagoon that opens into the Mediterranean through a tunnel in the cliffs — before we hop on the ferry back.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Inclusions:

• Excursion to Gozo by ferry
• Cittadella, hilltop fortress
• Tuta Agrotourism Farm
• Cheese-making workshop
• Farm-to-table lunch
• Azure Window views
• Swim in the Inland Sea

Today is ours to shape. Diving into the turquoise paradise of Comino’s Blue Lagoon, where the water is so clear it feels unreal, or lacing up our sneakers for a hike along the dramatic Dingli Cliffs, with endless horizons and crashing seas below. Prefer something flavorful? Join an optional Brew & Culinary Journey at Farsons Brewery, a Maltese institution brewing since 1928. Go behind the scenes on a guided tour exploring the art and science of beer-making, followed by a curated tasting paired with inventive dishes — each thoughtfully crafted and infused with Farsons’ signature brews.

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions:

• Free day to explore Malta

Optional activities:

• Brew & Culinary Journey: The Farsons Experience

Across the water, the Three Cities — Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua — come alive with tales of knights, pirates and sailors who once ruled the harbors. These fortified towns were the first home of the Knights of St. John in 1530 and have played a central role in Malta’s military and maritime history ever since. With a local guide leading the way, wander narrow lanes that twist past colorful doors and hanging laundry, stopping for those postcard-perfect views that only an insider can reveal. Our day — and our journey together — concludes with a farewell dinner at a traditional Maltese restaurant, where we savor authentic local cuisine in a warm, intimate setting, raising a toast to shared memories and the adventures we have enjoyed together.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Inclusions:

• Three cities visit with a local English-speaking guide
• Sights to see:
  • Vittoriosa
  • Senglea
  • Cospicua
• Maltese farewell dinner

The journey home begins, but Malta lingers: the salt on your skin, the glow of ancient stones, the sound of waves echoing in caves, and the friendships sparked along the way. We came for an island escape — we leave with a story.

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions:

• Airport transfer with purchased AESU group airfare