Malta

Why Malta

Malta sits at the crossroads of Acts history, Mediterranean hospitality, and UNESCO-protected architecture—ideal for heritage-focused groups, donor retreats, and leadership summits. Valletta’s fortifications and St. John’s Co-Cathedral pair with Mdina’s quiet streets and Paul’s Grotto, while Gozo and Comino offer coastal rest. Acts 27 shipwreck sites inspire storytelling, and our partners coordinate venue bookings, boat charters, and cultural experiences so leaders can focus on people and fundraising with support from our travel commissions guide.

Top Highlights by Theme

• Valletta & Grand Harbour: Upper Barrakka Gardens, St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Knights of Malta history, and harbour cruises.
• Mdina & Rabat: Silent City alleyways, St. Paul’s Grotto and catacombs, Domus Romana, and panoramic viewpoints.
• Acts 27 Heritage: St. Paul’s Bay, Shipwreck Church, Mellieħa Sanctuary, and boat excursions tracing the apostle’s landing.
• Gozo & Comino: Victoria Citadel, Ġgantija Temples, Dwejra Bay, and Blue Lagoon swims.
• Southern Malta: Marsaxlokk fishing village, Blue Grotto boat ride, and Hypogeum (advance reservations).

Sub-Regions & Routes

Valletta & Three Cities

• Base in Valletta or Sliema for walkable UNESCO sites, gardens, and harbour ferries.
• Explore Co-Cathedral’s Caravaggio masterpieces, Knights’ auberges, and Grand Master’s Palace.
• Take dghajsa boats across to Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea, and Cospicua for fortifications and maritime history.

Mdina, Rabat & Central Malta

• Short drive to Mdina’s Silent City for morning views on the bastions overlooking the island.
• St. Paul’s Grotto in Rabat connects to Acts 27, alongside catacombs and the Wignacourt Museum.
• Dingli Cliffs and Buskett Gardens add countryside retreats and sunset outlooks.

Gozo & Comino Islands

• Ferry (20–25 min) to Gozo for Victoria Citadel, Ġgantija Temples, Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary, and coastal walks.
• Charter boats or scheduled ferries to Comino’s Blue Lagoon for rest or donor appreciation aboard a private vessel.

Southern Shores & Cultural Experiences

• Marsaxlokk Sunday fish market, Marsaskala seaside strolls, and Blue Grotto boat tours bring local life to the itinerary.
• Malta Experience multimedia show provides historical grounding; craft workshops (filigree, glass) offer donor gifts.

Extension Options

• Combine with Sicily (via ferry or short flight) for Baroque cathedrals and culinary experiences.
• Add Rome or Greece to connect Paul’s journeys across the Mediterranean.

Trip Length & Pacing

6 Days

• Arrive Malta; Valletta orientation, Co-Cathedral visit, and harbour cruise at sunset.
• Valletta museums, Three Cities dghajsa tour, and donor dinner on the waterfront.
• Mdina and Rabat pilgrimage day with St. Paul’s Grotto, catacombs, and Dingli Cliffs reflection.
• St. Paul’s Bay heritage tour, Mellieħa sanctuary visit, and afternoon rest at Golden Bay.
• Gozo day trip: Citadel, Ta’ Pinu Basilica, and coastal viewpoints; optional Blue Lagoon stop.
• Final morning for shopping or partner meetings; depart.

8 Days

• Adds Comino private charter, Marsaxlokk market visit, and Blue Grotto boat ride.
• Includes partner day with refugee support or local NGOs.
• Provides buffer afternoon for rest or leadership workshops in Valletta.

10 Days

• Comprehensive route: Valletta, Mdina, Gozo, Comino, Southern Malta, plus optional Sicily extension.
• Adds banquet night in a palazzo, retreat day at a coastal resort, and extended Acts 27 heritage study.
• Allows a rest morning, donor appreciation dinner, and multiple partner engagements.

Best Time to Go

• April–June offers mild temps (60s–80s°F), wildflowers, and lively festivals.
• September–October provides warm seas with fewer crowds; shoulder season rates are favorable.
• Summer (July–August) brings heat and higher crowds; schedule early mornings, siesta breaks, and evening events.
• Winter (November–February) is cooler (50s–60s°F) with fewer tourists; ideal for contemplative pilgrimages.

Group Logistics

• Airport: Malta International (MLA) with short transfers to main hotels.
• Transport: private coaches for island tours, ferries to Gozo/Comino, and charter boats for Acts 27 experiences.
• Typical drives: Valletta ↔ Mdina ~30 min; Valletta ↔ St. Paul’s Bay ~30 min; Gozo ferry crossing ~25 min.
• Lodging: boutique Valletta hotels, seaside resorts, or historic properties with meeting rooms.
• Meals: Maltese cuisine (pastizzi, rabbit stew, seafood), Mediterranean tapas, vineyard dinners, and harbour receptions; special diets arranged easily.
• Mobility: moderate—cobblestones, uneven steps, and ramparts; we provide rest breaks, accessible alternatives, and coach drop-offs near entrances.
• Fundraising moments: harbour cruises, palazzo banquets, Acts 27 beach programs, and Gozo vineyard sunsets.

Extensions & Combos

• Combine with Italy or Greece to trace Paul’s journeys.
• Add Israel or Turkey for biblical heritage connections.
• Pair with Spain or Portugal for Mediterranean circuits.
• Integrate a stopover in Dubai or Qatar when routing from North America.
• Continue to Egypt for North African pilgrimage context.

Safety & Stewardship Notes

FAQs

• Q: Do we need visas? A: U.S. and Canadian travelers can enter visa-free; Schengen rules apply. We provide documentation guidance for all nationalities.
• Q: How much walking is involved? A: Expect moderate walking on cobblestones and fortifications; we plan rest stops, elevator use where available, and coach proximity.
• Q: Can we host services? A: Yes—heritage halls and waterfront venues welcome groups; we manage permits, sound, and local collaboration.
• Q: What about boat transfers? A: Ferries are frequent; we reserve private charters for Blue Lagoon or Acts 27 storytelling nights.
• Q: How far ahead should we plan? A: Book 9–12 months ahead for spring/fall travel, especially if including palazzo venues, charter boats, or Gozo retreats.

Review fundraising ideas in our travel commissions guide, or add Malta to your request via the lead form when you’re ready to plan.