At a Glance
Uncover the secrets of the largest of the Maltese Islands on a 8-day self-guided walk filled with scenic discoveries as you walk at your own pace. Take on the vast island of Malta, home to picturesque sea vistas, vast historical archives and iconic landmarks, all waiting for your graceful presence. Explore, learn about and fall in sync with the unparalleled assortment of diverse wonders of Malta on this immersive adventure.
Your adventure begins at the bustling town of St Julians where you being your walk to explore the "fish tail" of Malta, a postcard perfect region speckled with alluring beaches and imposing views. Spend some time appreciating the great outdoors in Majjistral Nature Park as you learn about the many types of animals and plants that call it home, as well ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 7 nights accommodation in a hotel on a twin-share basis
- All buffet breakfasts
- Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
- Route directions and maps
- 7 day bus ticket for walking transfers
Itinerary
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Making your own way from Malta Luqa Airport, your adventure begins at your hotel in the bustling town of St Julian’s just metres away from the front at the serene Balluta Bay. Tucked away in a quiet narrow alley unwind at the rooftop infinity pool overlooking the valley and the sea, the luxury spa or the indoor heated pool. Your stay here is on a B&B basis as there are so many excellent restaurants nearby for you to find the best spot for dinner. Valletta is also just a short taxi ride away should you wish to spend an evening in the capital. |
Holm Boutique and Spa, St Julians
Breakfast |
Approx. 15 km (9.3 miles), 2-3 hours walking After a delicious breakfast, the "fish tail" of Malta is waiting to be explored as part of an exciting adventure. This location is surrounded by a region that has expansive panoramic views, as well as spectacular cliffs, coasts, and beaches. The beaches in this region are vibrant and picturesque. You may obtain a better perspective of the surrounding landscape by climbing one of the watchtowers that are located along the beaches. These vantage points offer a breath-taking glimpse of the expansive Maltese fish tail, in addition to the spellbinding views of Gozo and Comino. |
Holm Boutique and Spa, St JuliansBreakfast |
Level 1, Approx. 8.5 km (5.3 miles), 1-2 hours walking Following a hearty breakfast, the day will unfold into an exciting exploration of Xemxija Heritage Trail. Your exciting self-guided journey ups the ante, leaving you with nothing but your wits and a map to get you through these electrifying paths. Your first stop is the Cave of the Galley. The entryway prominently displays a pilgrim's cross and a galley. While the cave's primary purpose was presumably that of a burial, it also functioned as a place of residence. Further on, you'll find a network of caves. The Roman Apiary stands out due to its enormous scale and well-preserved clay jars used to collect honey. One of the best things about this place is the breathtaking side views of Xemxija bay. Next up is the "Burial cave," and to the left of it is the famed carob tree that has survived for a millennia, much to the amazement of visitors. There are placards here that explain what a magnificent tree this is. The way forward is clearly marked with comprehensible markers. Within a hundred metres, you may find one such marker, namely, the wooden signpost built by the St. Paul's Bay historical organisation. There are multiple Neolithic burial sites and what could have been a grain silo along the way. There's also a World War II-era fortification there. You'll reach a residential street with attractive landscaping towards the end of the trail. Over a long dirt road beyond the end of the street, the Heritage Trail offers breathtaking views of the valley between Xemxija and Mellieha. From this vantage point, you can view the Roman baths, which are split into many rooms by rock columns and rubble walls. The Xemxija Heritage Trail ends with a group of well visible cart ruts. The Majjistral History and Nature Park, the biggest natural park in Malta, lies beyond the trail's terminus in Xemxija and is the next stop on your excursion. Explore the area's unique ecosystem, flora and fauna through this window into the vastness of its seductive panoramas and majestic terrain. |
Holm Boutique and Spa, St JuliansBreakfast |
Approx. 8.5 km (5.3 miles), 1-2 hours walking You will be greeted with a wonderful morning as you get ready to go on with your tour of the intriguing areas of Malta. The daily schedule always begins with a scrumptious breakfast to get one in the mood for the day. Your travel today will follow a more scenic route, during which you will find stunning sites and settings that are picture-postcard perfect. You are going to explore the enormous cynosure and all of its jaw-dropping vistas in St. Paul's Bay today. Other highlights are Mistra Bay and Xemxija Bay, both of which are located before the picturesque coastline that leads to Selmun. The Xemxija Bay, which is located in the western part of Malta, is encircled by the Maltese countryside and some of the most fertile valleys in the nation. In addition, whether you want to take a stroll or get a bite to eat, Xemxija has several fantastic restaurants and a wine bar with a terrace that overlooks the bay. Moving further, you will come to Mistra sea, which is located in the northern western part of Malta, close to Mellieha. From here, you will get a view of the surrounding cliffs, which are rounded off by an entrance to St. Paul's sea. As your last hit point, St. Paul's Bay offers breathtaking views of the beaches that surround it, and it is home to a variety of small fishing vessels. While here, take in the mesmerising vista, and if you have the opportunity, go on a trip to see the other attractions that the area has to offer. Before proceeding along the picturesque beach to Selmun, a countryside hamlet in the village of Mellieha. |
Holm Boutique and Spa, St JuliansBreakfast |
Settle in for breakfast to start the day and get ready to explore the Valletta coastline on an explosive discovery amidst some of the most astonishing harbour sceneries. Today's walk takes you through the lovely city of Valletta and its significant attraction to people who wish to view the outstanding architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city has a vast number of ancient monuments packed into a very compact space. In addition to the breathtaking panoramas of the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour, this city boasts a rich cultural diversity thanks to its North African, Italian, Middle Eastern, and British influences. The Lower Barrakka Gardens are a great place to start your scenic walk on the south side of the peninsula. Wonderful vistas of the Grand Harbour and Vittoriosa may be seen from here. Heading northeast on Lvant from the gardens' entrance, you'll reach the striking Siege Bell War Memorial, dedicated in 1992 to the remembrance of the 7,000 people who sacrificed their lives during the Siege of Malta (1940-1943). For their efforts in this battle, the Maltese people were honoured by the King of England with the George Cross, a decoration that is still prominent on the flag of Malta today. Taking Xatt Il-Barriera from here, witness how the inhabitants enjoy their wonderful city by following it downwards to the beach. Alongside the breathtaking views, you can eat and shop in one of the many establishments on the recently renovated Valletta Waterfront |
Holm Boutique and Spa, St JuliansBreakfast |
After a hearty breakfast, you continue on your quest to explore the secrets of Malta. Start your walk admiring the beautiful Baroque-style Vilhena gate. Through the winding streets, you'll find that there's a lot to see in this stunning metropolis. Take note of the magnificent Aragonese structures, the Maltese doorways, and the colourful balconies dangling over the golden limestone. The narrow streets are sometimes brightened up with flowers or a dolphin doorbell. Moving ahead, Mdina offers a wide variety of wonders. Marvel at the baroque design of the Mdina cathedral museum. The highlights include visits to the St. Paul's Cathedral, Palazzo Falson and Vilhena Palace as well as a walk through the ditch gadens, a once flooded ditch that has been transformed into a garden with plenty of open areas. Where Mdina ends, the city of Rabat, a suburb, starts. Just as in Malta, you may discover colourful doors and lovely balconies in Rabat. Rabat also has several cafes and restaurants with outside seating where you may relax and enjoy a meal or snack. Just beyond the Mdina gate is the Domus Romana, a little museum housing Roman artefact. Admire a wonderful assortment of products to purchase. There is still a great deal more to discover, such as the catacombs below Rabat, a highly dreaded location with lots of history buried in its expanse. Your walk culminates as you take a final stroll towards the coasts, where you can see the dramatic cliffs in all its splendour. |
Holm Boutique and Spa, St JuliansBreakfast |
A trek across the countryside of moderate difficulty is scheduled for today. Walking between two ports on the eastern side of the island, from Marsascala to Marsaxlokk Bay, is an excellent opportunity to take in the beautiful and varied scenery that Malta has to offer. Your exhilarating walk starts in Marsascala, an old fishing hamlet that has preserved certain aspects of its character. This stroll takes you past old salt pans, lovely farms, spectacular cliff hangings, and distinctive landscapes that still boast a portion of Maltese leisure life in between these two beautiful bays. You will come across seductive coves that can only be accessed by boat, fortifications generic to the Maltese, troglodyte cottages that are still partly in use, as well as enchanting long-distance vistas from the strategically significant cliffs of Delimara point. This walk provides an insider's look at Malta and leaves you in awe of the resiliency of its people, who have managed to maintain their own culture despite the difficulties of residing on a desert rock and weathering successive waves of invasion. And finally, your exciting walk leads to Marsaxlokk, a little fishing village that is most known for the weekly Sunday market that it hosts. Marsaxlokk is home to a sizable tourist population, many of whom visit the town's market to partake in the large selection of fresh fish specialties and handmade arts and crafts. |
Holm Boutique and Spa, St JuliansBreakfast |
Savour a relaxing breakfast, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible journey before you bid farewell and make your own arrangements for your onward travel. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfastDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is St Julians.
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to St Julians. Malta International Airport, which is also known as Luqa Airport, is the international airport which is closest to St Julians, 7.7 km away
- Airport transfers are not included. Joining location starts in your accommodation in St Julians making your own arrangements there. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.
The walking level on this trip is rated Level 2 Leisurely/Moderate.
Level 1 Leisurely: Experience is not necessary; anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk will thrive. Walks are often optional. Trails are seldom flat, so expect a reasonable number of ascents and descents. You normally walk for two to five hours per day; daily ascents will likely be around 985ft to 1,640ft (300m to 500m), perhaps with the odd day around 1,970ft (600m).
Level 3 Moderate: Expect easy, medium-length walks or harder, shorter walks. Some experience is useful, but not essential. Good health and reasonable fitness are important. There will be walks at higher altitudes and some longer, harder days. Generally, though, the underfoot conditions will be fair. A walking day is normally five to seven hours; daily ascents will likely be around 1,640ft to 2,625ft (500m to 800m), perhaps with the odd day around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m).
Level 5 Challenging: Fitness is vital with extended walking in mountainous terrain. You might also experience high altitude, challenging climates and remote locations. Trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident in your physical condition. Walking days are usually between six and eight hours, although they may be longer for passes or peaks. Daily ascents can be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Level 7 Tough: Trekking experience is essential and preferably at altitude. You need complete confidence in your ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain. You may encounter extreme altitude and weather conditions and may need to use ice axes and crampons. Stamina is essential as walking days last six to nine hours (sometimes more on occasions). Daily ascents will likely be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Split and optional grades: Where a trip falls between two grades, an intermediate or ‘split’ grade is used. For example, Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). Occasionally there are optional ascents available; in this case, the grade will be highlighted.
Malta is blessed with a subtropical Mediterranean climate; summers are generally hot and dry, winters mild, and autumns warm and sporadically wet. Malta’s average annual temperature of 18-19°C is amongst the highest in Europe, and significant temperature fluctuations are rare. Being islands however, they can face strong winds coming off the sea, particularly in the springtime, which can make it feel a little chilly.
The walking is suitable for anyone who is reasonably fit and healthy, enjoys the occasional weekend walk and can walk 2-5 hrs per day.
The terrain is moderate with some small hills and the walking is often along ancient roads and old farm tracks. There are some steep descents to the coast and the occasional rough, stony section.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. You are provided with route notes for each day, which begin with an overview of the walk and advice on lunch, followed by detailed instructions. The route notes contain a 24 hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotel is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement of 2 is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
In the genuine spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
