Malta's Mediterranean TemplesMay 29 - June 7, 2011 (10 days / 9 nights) 
Day 1 -Sunday, May 29Collection from Malta International Airport and transfer to hotel at Mellieha(north of the island) Rest up or free time to explore locally before pre-dinner Introductions meeting Dinner at hotel Day 2 - Monday, May 30Orientation meeting with our local guide Francis Xavier Aloisio, including an introduction to earth energy dowsing to help you experience the powerful energies of the islands. After lunch we will visit our first of the many Maltese sacred sites; Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temple complexes are five and a half thousand years old. Situated overlooking the azure sea these are spectacular sites to visit. We will also discover a huge ‘ringing stone'. Free choice dinner not included 
Day 3 - Tuesday, May 31Morning visit to Ta' Hagrat temple. Many ancient temple sites in Malta were constructed in pairs and this one was twinned with Skorba. We then visit an active Christian church, Mosta Dome, the third largest unsupported dome or rotunda in Europe (after St. Peter's in Rome and St. Paul's in London). The pattern on the ceiling is influenced by sacred geometry, what other secrets might we find? Return to the hotel for lunch and a free afternoon for sunbathing, swimming or relaxing. Dinner at hotel 
Day 4 - Wednesday, June 1Today we take a short ferry ride to the neighbouring island of Gozo, often called Calypso's Island after the nymph who kept Ulysses there for seven years. We will visit Ggantija temples, renowned as the oldest free-standing structure in the world. This is a magnificent semi-ruined temple complex containing the largest stone on the islands. Ta' Cenc is the largest area of undeveloped land on Gozo and offers fabulous views of the surrounding countryside and across to Malta. The Citadel with its fortified walls sits in the center of the island and commands stunning views over the whole of Gozo. Contained within its boundaries are palaces and a cathedral. Standing out dramatically from the flat surrounding landscape is Ta' Pinu Sanctuary and finally the natural beauty of Dwejra Bay and the Azure Window complete this full day on Gozo. Free choice dinner not included Day 5 - Thursday, June 2Visit to Mdina, considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of an inhabited medieval citadel in Europe. Explore its labyrinth of narrow winding pedestrian streets and view the island from its ramparts. Just across a park lie the ancient suburbs called Rabat that are now outside the city walls. Free afternoon Dinner included Day 6 - Friday, June 3Today we explore the capital city of Valletta. Important places of interest include:
This sixteenth century walled city is best explored on foot and many of its streets are narrow or pedestrian. Being a small city perched on the rocks above the harbor it is a joy to discover palaces, churches, piazzas and glorious views round the next corner. Lovers of architecture will be in heaven here. Free choice dinner not included 
Day 7 - Saturday, June 4This morning we visit the Hal Saflieni temples at Tarxien including the Hypogeum. We will be guided through what is the most complete temple on Malta, which is an underground temple complex. This afternoon is left open for a possible visit to the Three Cities (Cospicua, Vittoriosa & Senglea) the original settlements of the Knights Hospitallers and the least touristy cities on the island or free time for relaxing. Dinner at hotel Day 8 - Sunday, June 5Morning visit to the picturesque Sunday market at Marsaxlokk, an attractive fishing village where we will have lunch in the harbor. Afternoon sightseeing boat trip around the Grand Harbour at Valletta. See the largest harbour in Europe from the best vantage point, on the water. This affords excellent views of the fortified cites of Valetta and the 'Three Cites' on either sides of the harbor. (90 minutes) Free choice dinner not included 
Day 9 - Monday, June 6This morning we take a ride in small boats from Wied iz-Zurrieq along the rocky southern coastline visiting the many flooded caves including the Blue Grotto cave. We have planned to be there at a time when the light penetrates furthest into the caves. Inside the rock is tinted pink, mauve or orange by coral and minerals and the water can change colour from indigo and navy to fluorescent azure and emerald according to the light. (50 minutes boat ride). Final afternoon free. Farewell Dinner at hotel Day 10 - Tuesday, June 7To the airport for return flights home. Bon voyage! |
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Call: UK (+44) 20 8816 7701 | USA (+1) 802-922-7507 | Background: St Paul's Catacombs, Malta |
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