MALTA MARVELOUS Explore Malta’s long and colorful history dating back to the dawn of civilization on this 9-day tour. Our journey begins in the capital city of Valletta, 2018’s European Capital of Culture. We’ll walk in the Upper Barrakka Gardens and enjoy a private tour of the National Library of Malta before experiencing an after-hours tour of St. John’s Co-Cathedral, home to Caravaggio’s only signed masterpiece. Day four includes wandering through the beautiful San Anton Gardens at the palace of the Maltese President and heading underground to explore the interconnected Roman cemeteries in St. Paul’s Catacombs. Then, get ready for a private tour and high tea experience in the elegant Palazzo Parisio! Day five offers a day of leisure to take advantage of the countless opportunities for shopping, dining, and sightseeing and will end with a unique experience in the silent city of Mdina. Day six will bring us to the Maltese island of Gozo by ferry. The island is greener and more rural and will have us visiting the Xwejni salt pans, sampling wines and olive oils, and venturing through the Citadel in the island’s capital. Plus, no visit to Gozo would be complete without a stop at the Ggantija Temples, the oldest freestanding structure in the world! Back on Malta, we will experience market day in the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, visit the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples, and take a boat ride through the famous caverns of the Blue Grotto. At the Dingli Cliffs, we’ll pause to take in the spectacular views and then wonder at Clapham Junction’s mysterious cart ruts. Day seven will come to an end with us joining the Maltese people in celebrating their Christian patron saints with fireworks, music, and partying! Our final day of touring begins with a visit to a small farm for a farm-to-table lunch, continues with a chance to learn about Maltese weaving, and ends with a very special farewell dinner. September 9-17, 2019 $5,799 per person, double occupancy $6,799 per person, single occupancy
Seven nights’ accommodations, 15 meals, and admission to all activities listed on the itinerary are included in the tour price. Contact 319-358-2230 or Karissa_Wikert@HillsBank.com or 319-358-2215 or Chelsea_Marsengill@HillsBank.com for more information.
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