Advantage Travel Conference

Excursions

As part of the conference, delegates will have the chance to discover all Malta has to offer through a selection of excursions taking in the island’s finest sights and landmarks. Sightseeing excursions are kindly provided free of charge by Malta Tourism Authority.

Note: The Valletta and Mdina tours on Thursday and Sunday each visit slightly different sights.

Thursday 26 April

Valletta, The Capital City – A City Built by Gentlemen for Gentlemen

This incomparable city mingles beautiful baroque buildings, palaces and churches and is surrounded by massive fortifications that have survived two World Wars.

Visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens for breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour and the three historical cities. Pass by Auberge de Castille et Leon, which houses the office of the Prime Minister. Walk along Republic Street to see the outside of the Grand Master's Palace, completed in 1580 and which today houses the office of the President of Malta and the Maltese Parliament. Then visit St John’s Co-Cathedral, a gem of Baroque art and architecture, to view the famous Caravaggio painting ‘The Beheading of St John’.

14.30 meet in Hilton hotel lobby to transfer by coach to Valletta (approx 20 mins)
17.30 arrive back at Hilton hotel

Mdina, The Silent City

Visit the ancient capital city of Malta, known as the Silent City. Walk through this walled city, take in beautiful medieval palaces and churches and enjoy the panoramic view of Malta from the bastions surrounding Mdina.

St Paul's Cathedral’s impressive facade wows visitors as they emerge from Mdina’s narrow streets and its magnificent dome dominates the skyline. The lavish interior hosts great works by the Calabrian artist and knight Mattia Preti and a marble inlaid floor with tombstones carrying the coats of arms and inscriptions of Mdina’s bishops.

Surviving from the original Norman church is a monumental depiction of the conversion of St Paul by Mattia Preti; a 15th-century Tuscan panel painting of the Madonna and Child; a baptismal font; and frescoes depicting St Paul’s shipwreck.

14.20 meet in Hilton hotel lobby to transfer by coach to Mdina (approx. 30 minutes)
17.40 arrive back at Hilton hotel

Sunday 29 April

Gozo, Malta’s Sister Island

On arrival at Mgarr Harbour in Gozo, depart by coach to the Belvedere at Qala. This is the best point on the island for a panoramic view of the Channel and the Blue Lagoon. Continue to Calypso's cave, the legendary home of Ulysses. The scenic spot commands breathtaking views of the red sands of Ramla Bay and Gozo's landscape.

Visit the Citadel which stands sentinel on top of a hill at Rabat (Victoria) in the centre of Gozo. At Dwejra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, admire the inland sea and Fungus Rock. Plus, visit the Ggantija Temples in Xaghra, one of the most important archaeological sites in Malta dating back to the Ggantija phase (3600 – 3200 BC).

08.30 meet in Hilton hotel lobby for coach transfer to Cirkewwa, accompanied by a guide, to board ferry to Gozo.
14.15 coach transfer to Mgarr Harbour to board ferry to Malta
16.20 arrive back at Hilton hotel.
Packed lunches from the hotel will be provided.

Valletta, The Capital City – A City Built by Gentlemen for Gentlemen

This incomparable city mingles beautiful baroque buildings, palaces and churches and is surrounded by massive fortifications that have survived two World Wars.

Visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens for breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour and the three historical cities. Pass by Auberge de Castille et Leon, which houses the office of the Prime Minister.

Walk along Republic Street to see the Grand Master's Palace, completed in 1580, which has always housed the Government in Malta, first by the knights, then the British and now hosts the President’s office.

The visit to the Grand Master's Palace includes the Tapestry Chamber; the famous Council Chamber, adorned with valuable Gobelins tapestries; the former Hall of the Supreme Council of the Knights; and the Armoury, one of the largest collections of its kind in the world.

St John’s Cathedral may be viewed from the outside (this is not open for guided visits on Sunday).

09.30 meet in Hilton hotel lobby to transfer by coach to Valletta (approx. 20 minutes)
12.30 arrive back at Hilton hotel 

Sunday 29 April

Mdina, The Silent City

Visit the ancient capital city of Malta, known as the Silent City. Walk through this walled city, take in beautiful medieval palaces and churches and enjoy the panoramic view of Malta from the bastions surrounding Mdina.

You will then visit Rabat to see The Roman Villa, renowned for its mosaic decorations. The Villa and its grounds were first excavated in 1881. The clean Neo-classical temple museum building now camouflaged by a forecourt of citrus trees was built in 1924 during the second round of excavations.

The Mdina Cathedral may be viewed from the outside (this is not open for guided visits on Sunday).

09.20 meet in Hilton hotel lobby for transfer by coach to Mdina (approx. 30 minutes)
12.40 arrive back at Hilton hotel

Excursions have now closed.