Day 1
Depart Australia
Depart Australia on Emirates via Dubai.
Enjoy this wonderful introduction to the Islands of the Mediterranean in Malta. Discover the 16th century elegance of Valetta, the fortress-like hilltop towns of Vittoria and Mdina, Explore gigantic prehistoric temples and towers and an extraordinary necropolis over 5,000 years old. Relax over delicious meals in coastal restaurants and swim in the sparkling sea. Enjoy the easy-going company of the Maltese people.
Day 2
Dubai to Valetta
Arrive in Valetta and check into your gorgeous city hotel.
Day 3
Valetta
Today visit the fortress city of Valetta, built by the order of St John from 1566. Discover St John’s Cathedral, below which Knights are buried. Explore the Grand Masters’ Palace, completed in 1574.
Take a traditional horse drawn cart (karrozzini) to the harbour and enjoy a short ride in a daghjsa (like a gondola) to Vittoriosa, on a strategic promontory opposite Valletta. Enjoy a delicious lunch with breath-taking views.
This afternoon visit the Tarxien temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built between 3600 and 2500 BC. Then we proceed to Hypogeum Hal Saflieni, the most extraordinary underground pre-historic burial site.
Enjoy a very special welcome dinner tonight.
Day 4
Valetta
Travel to the south-eastern part of Malta to the delightful fishing village of Marsaxlokk and wander through the famous local fish markets. Of course, a fish lunch must be had.
The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore the nooks and crannies of beautiful Valetta on your own.
Day 5
Valetta
Today travel by ferry to the island of Gozo and absorb its myths and legends. Explore villages and enjoy the relaxed pace of life. Partake of a typical local lunch before visiting the Ggantija Temples which are older than the pyramids of Egypt, making them more than 5,500 years old and the world’s second oldest manmade religious structures.
THE GGANTIJA TEMPLES, GOZO
The evening is free for you to enjoy your sea-side resort hotel or return to Valetta to try one of its many wonderful restaurants.
Day 6
Valetta
Today enjoy a wonderful day on a luxury catamaran. Sail to the small, almost uninhabited island of Comino and swim, snorkel or just laze on the white sand of the Blue Lagoon, a sheltered inlet of shimmering aquamarine water. Return to the hotel late in the afternoon – happy and relaxed.
Day 7
Valetta to Palermo
Fly to Palermo to join the main conference group.
End of arrangements
Please note that this itinerary and costs may be subject to change.