Excursion Valletta's hidden gems tour at Valletta

Upper Barracca Gardens

Begin this scenic tour by boarding your minibus for an approximate transfer of 15 minutes to Valletta, Malta's capital city. A walk up to the Upper Barracca Gardens offers expansive views of the Grand Harbour and the 'Three Cities.'

St. Paul's Shipwreck Church

Next, walk to St. Paul's Shipwreck Church for a visit to one of Valletta's oldest churches. St. Paul is considered to be the spiritual father of the Maltese. His shipwreck is popularly considered as the greatest event in the nation's history. The church hosts fine artistic work, the treasured relic of the right wrist-bone of St. Paul, and part of the column on which the saint was beheaded in Rome.

Manoel Theatre (Or Sacra Infermeria)

Proceed to the fabulous Manoel Theatre and its accompanying museum, which is said to be the oldest theatre in Europe still functioning within its original structure. Built under the direction of Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena in 1731, this magnificent building, with its 22-carat gilded ceiling, hosts numerous performances and exhibitions every year. It was originally intended to be used as an all-purpose theatre staging tragedies, religious plays, comedies, cantatas and operas. Today you can again marvel at the Manoel in all its restored glory. It is decorated with antiques taken from the auberges and Viennese chandeliers; an excellent setting for the classical concerts and lectures that now takes place here.

After your tour of the theatre, enjoy some free time and have the opportunity to stroll down the main promenade of the city. Re-board the minibus for the brief return drive to the pier.

Points of interests

points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Upper Barracca Gardens, St. Paul's Shipwreck Church, Manoel Theatre and museum, Valletta

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking (approximately 1.4 km/0.85 miles) over uneven surfaces with approximately 15 steps to manage. Conservative attire is required and stilettos or high-heels are not allowed inside churches. A minimum number of guests per guide is required to operate this program. When Manoel Theatre is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, Sacra Infermeria (the Holy Infirmary of the Knights of St John) will be visited instead. St. Paul's Shipwreck Church might close without prior notice due to spiritual functions. St Paul’s shipwreck church is closed on Saturday afternoon, Sunday and Public Holidays ( an outside explanation will be given to the guests).