Valletta , Malta

Valletta Half-Day Guided Tour with Optional Cathedral Tour

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(57 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Our guided tour through the vibrant streets of Valletta will allow you to discover the beauty and charm of the capital city of Malta; a fortified city built by the Knights of St. John in 1566.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety and with a history spanning almost 5 centuries, Valletta is regarded by many as an open-air museum! With its imposing fortifications and bastions, amazing baroque palaces, marvellous churches, gorgeous gardens, and beautiful architecture ranging from mid-16th century baroque to modernism, Valletta is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary and charming cities you will ever visit.

Stroll past the historic buildings, admire exquisite baroque architecture and appreciate the magnificence of the St John’s Co-Cathedral, take in the views of the Grand Harbour from the terraced Upper Barrakka Gardens and enjoy a must-see audio-visual show about the history of Malta.

Available options

German Without Cathedral

Without St. John's Cathedral: With a German-speaking guide. This option does not include the entry ticket and guided tour of the St. John's Co-Cathedral. Meeting Point/Pick-Up Time: Make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pickup location (meeting point) and pickup time. Pickup included

Polish Without Cathedral

Without St. John's Cathedral: This option does not include the entry ticket and guided tour of St. John's Co-Cathedral. Polish-Speaking Guide: The tour is done with a Polish-speaking guide or with an English-speaking guide together with a native Polish translator. Meeting Point/Pick-Up Time: Make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pickup location (meeting point) and pickup time. Pickup included

Italian Including Cathedral

Including St. John's Cathedral: With an Italian-speaking guide. This option includes the entry ticket and a guided tour of the St. John's Co-Cathedral. Meeting Point/Pick-Up Time: Make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pickup location (meeting point) and pickup time. Pickup included

Spanish Including Cathedral

Including St. John's Cathedral: This option includes the entry ticket and a guided tour of St. John's Co-Cathedral. Spanish-Speaking Guide: The tour is done with a Spanish-speaking guide or with an English-speaking guide together with a Spanish-speaking translator. Meeting Point/Pick-Up Time: Make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pickup location (meeting point) and pickup time. Pickup included

Italian Without Cathedral

Without St. John's Cathedral: With an Italian-speaking guide. This option does not include the entry ticket and guided tour of the St. John's Co-Cathedral. Meeting Point/Pick-Up Time: Make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pickup location (meeting point) and pickup time. Pickup included

French Including Cathedral

Including St. John's Cathedral: With a French-speaking guide. This option includes the entry ticket and a guided tour of the St. John's Co-Cathedral. Meeting Point/Pick-Up Time: Make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pickup location (meeting point) and pickup time. Pickup included

English Without Cathedral

Without St. John's Cathedral: With an English-speaking guide. This option does not include the entry ticket and guided tour of the St. John's Co-Cathedral. Meeting Point/Pick-Up Time: Make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pickup location (meeting point) and pickup time. Pickup included

English Including Cathedral

Including St. John's Cathedral: With an English-speaking guide. This option includes the entry ticket and a guided tour of the St. John's Co-Cathedral. Meeting Point/Pick-Up Time: Make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pickup location (meeting point) and pickup time. Pickup included

French Without Cathedral

Without St. John's Cathedral: With a French-speaking guide. This option does not include the entry ticket and guided tour of the St. John's Co-Cathedral. Meeting Point/Pick-Up Time: Make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pickup location (meeting point) and pickup time. Pickup included

German Including Cathedral

Including St. John's Cathedral: With a German-speaking guide. This option includes the entry ticket and a guided tour of the St. John's Co-Cathedral. Meeting Point/Pick-Up Time: Make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pickup location (meeting point) and pickup time. Pickup included

Spanish Without Cathedral

Without St. John's Cathedral: This option does not include the entry ticket and guided tour of St. John's Co-Cathedral. Spanish-Speaking Guide: The tour is done with a Spanish-speaking guide or with an English-speaking guide together with a Spanish-speaking translator. Meeting Point/Pick-Up Time: Make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pickup location (meeting point) and pickup time. Pickup included

Polish Including Cathedral

With St. John's Cathedral: This option includes the entry ticket and a guided tour of St. John's Co-Cathedral. Polish-Speaking Guide: The tour is done with a Polish-speaking guide or with an English-speaking guide together with a native Polish translator. Meeting Point/Pick-Up Time: Make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pickup location (meeting point) and pickup time. Pickup included

What's included

Entry ticket to an audio-visual show about the history of Malta

Pick-up and drop-off transfers (choose your preferred location from one of our meeting points)

Licenced tour guide

Admission ticket to St. John's Co-Cathedral (only if you book the option 'Including Cathedral')

Detailed itinerary

During this tour, we will walk through the bustling streets of Valletta, admiring the stunning buildings (some dating back to the 16th century) and the distinctive architecture of the city – the city is Baroque in character, with elements of Mannerist, Neo-Classical, and Modern architecture. We will walk past the Grand Master's Palace, the recently restored St. George's Square, and many other remarkable landmarks.

Stop 2

A visit to the Upper Barrakka Gardens is a must; here, you can take in breathtaking views of the magnificent Grand Harbour, providing a perfect backdrop for memorable photographs.

The gardens are located on the upper tier of Saints Peter and Paul Bastion, which was built in the 1560s. The bastion's lower tier contains the saluting battery. The garden's terraced arches were built in 1661 by the Italian knight Fra Flaminio Balbiani. They were originally roofed, but the ceiling was removed following the Rising of the Priests in 1775.

Stop 3

Then we will visit the marvellous co-cathedral dedicated to St. John the Baptist, built by the Order of the Knights of St. John soon after the Great Siege of 1565 and completed in the year 1577; it is unquestionably one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals. Here you will be able to appreciate and admire all its riches: the adorned interiors, carved stone walls, painted vaulted ceilings, beautiful paintings, precious relics, rich baroque art, and opulent altars. The entry ticket and guided tour of the cathedral are optional (select this option when booking).

If you select the option that does not include the visit to the cathedral, while the rest of the group will have a guided tour of the cathedral (approximately 45 minutes), guests booking this option will have some free time to roam around the streets of Valletta until we meet again with the rest of the group at a designated time and place.

Before the end of this half-day tour, we will enjoy a must-see audio-visual show. Educational, informative, and entertaining, the show runs through the turbulent history of a small island nation that has overcome almost unimaginable odds to survive and prosper. The audio-visual show will enrich your understanding of the islands, its people, and its rich history through beautiful imagery and a gripping commentary.

The audio-visual show is generally done at the end of the tour at the Malta Experience theatre; however, the provider reserves the right to change the time and venue for the audio-visual show without prior notice.

What's not included

Optional ticket to St. John's Cathedral is not included if you book the option 'Without Cathedral'

Food and drinks

Gratuities (optional)

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT PL FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.7

38 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.5

19 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The time shown on the website or on your ticket is the approximate start time of the activity and not the time when you will be picked up from your hotel (or closest meeting point). At least a few days before the date of your activity, you need to make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pick-up location and pick-up time. Your pick-up time can be anytime between 8:30 AM and 9:15 AM, depending on where you are staying.

The tour will be guided in the language you have booked, however please note that at times, depending on operational circumstances, the commentary might be provided by a multilingual guide (limited to a maximum of 2 languages).

The tour in Polish will be conducted by either a Polish-speaking guide (subject to availability) or an English-speaking guide together with a native Polish host serving as a translator.

The tour in Spanish will be conducted by either a Spanish-speaking guide (subject to availability) or an English-speaking guide together with a Spanish-speaking host serving as a translator.

The entry ticket to St. John's Co-Cathedral is only included if you book the option that includes the visit to the Cathedral.

If you select the option that does not include the visit to the cathedral, while other guests will be visiting the cathedral, you will have some free time (approximately 30–40 minutes) to roam around the streets of Valletta until you meet again with the rest of the group at a designated time and place.

Not recommended for travellers with mobility impairments

Important notes

• The time shown on the website or on your ticket is the approximate start time of the activity and not the time when you will be picked up from your hotel (or closest meeting point). At least a few days before the date of your activity, you need to make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pick-up location and pick-up time. Your pick-up time can be any time between 8:30 AM and 9:15 AM, depending on where you are staying.

• To confirm your pick-up location (meeting point) and your pick-up time, please send an e-mail to internal-tours@robertarrigo.com at least a few days before the date of your activity. Make sure to include your booking reference number in the e-mail.

• It is very important that you arrive at your pick-up location (meeting point) at the given time; however, if transport is a bit delayed due to unexpected traffic conditions, do not become alarmed. Please allow up to 15 minutes of waiting time before contacting our emergency number.

• The entry ticket to St. John's Co-Cathedral is only included if you have booked the option that includes the visit to the cathedral.

• Out of respect for all guests who would already be waiting on the bus/coach, as well as other guests who would be waiting for their pick-up at their respective meeting points, please be aware that transport will not wait for late arrivals, as this will only cause an ensuing series of delays to the entire pick-up process and the tour; therefore, please ensure you are waiting at the correct meeting point at the given time by the provider. If you miss your transport, you will not be able to join the tour later; this is a tour in motion, and therefore joining the tour will be logistically impossible. No refunds will be given to any customers who are late for their pick-up.

About Valletta

Valletta, the capital of Malta, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. This fortified city offers a blend of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque influences, making it a unique destination for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking Mediterranean charm.

Top Attractions

St. John's Co-Cathedral

A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, St. John's Co-Cathedral is one of Valletta's most iconic landmarks. It was built by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century and features stunning interiors, including Caravaggio's famous painting 'The Beheading of St. John the Baptist'.

Religious/Historical 1-2 hours €10

Upper Barrakka Gardens

Located on the highest point of Valletta's fortifications, the Upper Barrakka Gardens offer panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. The gardens are a peaceful retreat and a perfect spot to enjoy the city's skyline and maritime heritage.

Nature/Historical 30-60 minutes Free

Grandmaster's Palace

The Grandmaster's Palace served as the residence of the Grand Masters of the Knights of St. John. Today, it houses the Maltese Parliament and the Palace State Rooms, which are open to the public. The palace is a prime example of Maltese Baroque architecture and offers a glimpse into the island's rich history.

Historical/Museum 1-2 hours €10 for the State Rooms and Armory

The National Museum of Archaeology

Housed in the historic Auberge de Provence, the National Museum of Archaeology showcases Malta's prehistoric heritage, including artifacts from the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods. The museum's highlights include the famous 'Sleeping Lady' figurine and the Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni replicas.

Museum 1-2 hours €5

Valletta Waterfront

The Valletta Waterfront is a vibrant area located along the Grand Harbour. It features a mix of historic buildings, restaurants, bars, and shops. The waterfront is a popular spot for dining, leisurely walks, and enjoying the city's maritime atmosphere.

Entertainment/Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore, varying costs for dining and activities

Must-Try Local Dishes

Ftira

A traditional Maltese bread roll, often filled with tuna, olives, capers, and fresh tomatoes. It is a popular breakfast or snack item.

Breakfast/Snack Can be made vegetarian by omitting the tuna.

Pastizzi

A flaky pastry filled with ricotta cheese or peas. Pastizzi are a popular street food item and can be found in bakeries throughout Malta.

Snack Vegetarian.

Rabbit Stew (Fenek)

A traditional Maltese dish made with rabbit, wine, garlic, and herbs. It is often served with potatoes and is a staple of Maltese cuisine.

Dinner Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Stuffed Squid (Kappunata)

A popular seafood dish made with squid stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices, then cooked in a tomato sauce.

Dinner Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Popular Activities

Boat tours Snorkeling and diving Hiking and nature walks Beach hopping Sunbathing Enjoying a spa day Exploring historic sites Visiting museums and cathedrals

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

The best time to visit Valletta is during spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant, and the tourist crowds are smaller compared to the summer peak season. These months offer ideal conditions for exploring the city's historic sites and enjoying outdoor activities.

18-30°C 64-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Maltese, English
Widely spoken: English, Italian
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Valletta is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it is essential to take basic safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services, and agree on a fare before starting your journey
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or distractions

Getting there

By air

Malta International Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from Valletta

By bus

Valletta Bus Terminus

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Valletta and Malta. The network is well-connected, affordable, and frequent. Buses are equipped with modern facilities and are accessible for passengers with disabilities.

Taxis

Available • Apps: eBolt, eCabs

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

The Three Cities Sliema Floriana

Day trips

Mdina

20 km (12 miles) from Valletta • Half day to full day

Mdina, also known as the 'Silent City,' is a medieval walled city located in the center of Malta. It is known for its historic architecture, narrow winding streets, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Mdina is a popular day trip destination for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking a glimpse into Malta's past.

Blue Grotto

10 km (6 miles) from Valletta • Half day

The Blue Grotto is a series of sea caves located on the southern coast of Malta. It is known for its stunning blue waters, dramatic rock formations, and the opportunity to take a boat tour into the caves. The Blue Grotto is a popular day trip destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Gozo

50 km (31 miles) from Valletta • Full day or overnight

Gozo is a small island located northwest of Malta, known for its stunning natural beauty, historic sites, and laid-back atmosphere. It is a popular day trip or overnight destination for travelers seeking a more relaxed pace and a chance to explore Malta's rural charm.

Festivals

Malta Arts Festival • July Valletta International Baroque Festival • January Notte Bianca • October

Pro tips

Visit Valletta during the shoulder or off-peak seasons to avoid crowds and enjoy lower prices
Explore the city's historic sites and attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds
Use public transport, walk, or rent a bicycle to get around Valletta and the surrounding areas
Try local dishes and specialties, such as pastizzi, ftira, and rabbit stew, at traditional bakeries, markets, and restaurants
Take a boat tour or ferry to explore the surrounding islands and regions, such as Gozo, Comino, and the Three Cities