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Malta

Malta and Gozo

Prices from £2,399 pp

Single Supplement £589

Next available tour:

Tour leader: Canon Paul Miller

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The islands of St. Paul & St. John

Join us for an eight-day journey throughout the Maltese archipelago combining a wonderful wealth of biblical, medieval and cultural history. We visit the classical sights, stunning scenic spots and enjoy meals in local restaurants as well as the experience of getting to know the locals. Our hotel is in a wonderful location close to the promenade of Sliema with a roof-top pool offering views across the bay to where you can take a boat direct to the capital Valletta.

St. Paul was the first Christian to set foot on Malta and it changed the course of nation’s history. Today Malta has the highest ratio of baptised Roman Catholics to population in the world. With more than 366 churches, and many times that number of chapels, spread around the Maltese archipelago, the islands are an open museum of the Christian faith. This cultural and historical pilgrimage gives you the opportunity to follow in St. Paul’s footsteps both physically and spiritually. The Apostle’s unplanned visit to Malta, on his way from the Holy Land to Rome, would forever change this Island Nation into an enduring beacon of Christian faith.

‘’But Paul shook off the snake into the fire and was unharmed. The people waited for him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw that he wasn’t harmed, they changed their minds and decided he was a god.’’   ACTS 28:5-6

The legacy of the Knights of St. Johns rule of Malta is abundantly visible throughout the Islands, in their military engineering and architectural feats such as the forts, bastions, watch towers, aqueducts, churches and cathedrals. The charm of Gozo is apparent the moment you arrive there. Its greener, more rural and smaller than Malta. Gozo is steeped in myth, mentioned as the legendary Calypso’s Isle in Homer’s Odyssey, it’s a peaceful, mystical backwater. However, there’s more. Gozo comes complete with historical sites, forts and amazing panoramas.

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Itinerary

  1. Travel to Malta (D, DR)

    Morning: meet your group leader and check-in for your direct flight to Malta.

    Afternoon: on arrival in Malta meet your Local Guide and transfer to your hotel in Sliema for a seven-night stay. On arrival relax and enjoy the hotels facilities.

    Evening: get to know your fellow companions over a welcome drink followed by dinner in the hotel.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

  2. Treasures of Valletta (B, L, D, DR)

    Morning: meet your local guide and drive around the bay to tour the Maltese capital Valletta. You will walk through the streets to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, built on the ramparts of the St. Peter and St. Paul Bastian, with lovely views across the Grand Harbour. After, visit the Church of the Shipwreck of St. Paul and then the Casa Rocca Piccola a small palazzo dating from 1850.

    Afternoon: after lunch together in a local restaurant we proceed to the stunning St. John’s Cathedral boasting some of the most beautiful works by Mattia Preti and Caravaggio, including The Beheading of St. John.

    Evening: dinner in the hotel.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

  3. Three Cities including ‘Fregatina’ boat tour (B, L, D, DR)

    Morning: journey to the southern part of the island to discover the small area known as the Three Cities. A drive past Cospicua will bring you to Vittoriosa Malta’s maritime city chosen by the Order of the Knights of St. John as their settlement with the Grand Master creating his fort on the promontory. The fort later became HMS St. Angelo, the home of the British Mediterranean Naval fleet. You will enjoy a cruise of the harbour creeks on a ‘Fregatina’ from the old quay.

    Afternoon: after another included lunch in a local restaurant with drinks included, we visit a local charitable project to see their activities and tireless work. The remainder of the afternoon is free to relax, wander Sliema or enjoy your hotels facilities.

    Evening: dinner in a local restaurant with drinks included.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

  4. St. Paul’s Island, San Pawl Milqi in Bumarrad & Mosta Dome (B, L, D, DR)

    Morning:

    we take a private boat to visit St. Paul’s Islands, also known as Selmunett. Acts of the Apostles tell how Paul was shipwrecked on his way to Rome to face charges. In 1844 a prominent statue of Saint Paul was erected and in 1990 the islands were visited by Pope John Paul II.  Here your Tour Leader will offer a short worship. After visit the archaeological site of San Pawl Milqi in Bumarrad, the site of a Roman villa where St. Paul was given hospitality following his shipwreck. Visit and worship in the chapel here that dates back to 1616.

    Afternoon:

    enjoy an included traditional Maltese style ‘tapas’ lunch with a variety of small dishes. After, continue to Mosta to visit the Mosta Dome, actually called the Parish Church of the Assumption, with architecture based on the Pantheon in Rome and the third largest unsupported dome in the world.

    .

    Evening: dinner in the hotel.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

  5. The Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk – free afternoon (B, D, DR)

    Morning: travel to the famous Blue Grotto, an un-spoilt beauty spot and geological curiosity, consisting of a natural arch and a deep-sea cave in the rock-face of the surrounding cliffs. The colours of the crystal-clear waters here vary from turquoise to deep blue. Weather permitting a boat trip (at own cost) will be possible. After, continue to Marsaxlokk Bay, the most picturesque harbour in the Maltese Islands. Admire the vividly coloured fishing boats called Luzzu floating on the calm waters of the bayside whilst you enjoy the view from one of the many cafés and take time to wander its boutique shops.

    Afternoon: return to the hotel to enjoy a free afternoon, wander the local area in Sliema or take the short boat ride across the bay to explore Valletta further.

    Evening: dinner in a local restaurant with drinks included

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

  6. The Island of Gozo (B, L, D, DR)

    Morning: the name Gozo means ‘joy’ and you will see the charm of Gozo from the moment you arrive from the scenic ferry ride. Life is leisurely and is influenced by the agricultural seasons. You will visit the prehistoric Temple of Ggantija (Place of Giants). Containing two Neolithic temples from 7,000 years ago.

    Afternoon: included lunch together in a local restaurant visit the old capital of Gozo of Victoria with its citadel with impressive battlements and imposing Cathedral dedicated to Santa Marija. A tall belfry with five bells at the back of the Cathedral replaces the usual two belfries at the front while a 1739 painting on the ceiling inside gives the impression of a dome when in reality the roof of the cathedral is flat. This painting is such a masterpiece of perspective and trompe l’oeil that sometimes it is hard to convince first-time visitors that there really is no dome.

    Evening: dinner in the hotel.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

  7. Mdina, Rabat and San Anton Botannical Gardens (B, L, D, DR)

    Morning: Mdina is commonly referred to as ‘the silent city’, it's a place where time has stopped in the Middle Ages, as evidence by the fact that its protective walls still stand guard to protect its under three hundred inhabitants. Saint Paul stayed in the city after he was shipwrecked on the Maltese islands. After, we take the short stroll to Rabat well known for its series of catacombs, called the Catacomb of St. Paul and of St. Agatha. These were the places where in Roman times the inhabitants used to bury their dead and where Christians met in secret to worship before Christianity was made the official religion of the Roman Empire.

    Afternoon: enjoy a light lunch at the Meridiana Wine Estate with a tour of the cellar.

    After, visit Palazzo Parisio, built in the 19th century by Marquis Giuseppe Scicluna as his own private residence. It is described as a miniature of Versailles, with lavish artistic designs, decorated ceilings and murals, rare objets d’art, refined architecture and charming gardens. Finish the day at the craft village housed at the RAF’s former base during WWII. The centre allows local craftsman to flourish and age-old craft and artistry thrive.

    .

    Evening: farewell dinner in a fine dining Michelin accredited restaurant with drinks included.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

  8. Depart for the UK (B)

    Travel to the airport and bid a fond farewell to your new-found friends and local guide and depart for Luqa Airport for your direct flight back to the UK.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

Essential Information

Included excursions

  • Treasures of Valletta the Maltese Capital including the Church of the shipwreck of St. Paul, Upper Barakka Gardens, the Grand Masters Palace and St. John’s Cathedral
  • Three Cities excursion with ‘fregatina’ boat tour
  • Bost to St Paul's Islands
  • St Pawl Milqi Chapel in Bumarrad
  • Mosta & the Parish Church of the Assumption (Mosta Dome)
  • The Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk
  • Full day to Gozo
  • Rabat and Mdina including, Catacombs of St Paul and St Agatha, St Paul’s Cathedral and St Paul’s grotto
  • Palazzo Parisio and Gardens

Optional excursions 

Blue Grotto boat cruise – weather depending and bookable locally. Your Maltese Local guide will advise if this is possible on the day and payments can be made direct. All other excursions are included.

Included extras

  • Hotel porterage
  • Personal audio guiding system
  • All entrance fees
  • All hotel, guide, driver and restaurant gratuities
  • Services of a knowledgeable Local Guide on each island
  • Worship led by your Tour Leader

Included meals & drinks

Meals: all breakfasts, all evening meals and five lunches are included. The wine tasting is accompanied with snacks and samples that also constitutes a light lunch. Breakfasts will be an extensive buffet. Five evening meals will be in the hotel. All lunches and two dinners will be in local restaurants allowing you to sample local menus and a different atmosphere. The farewell dinner is in a fine restaurant accredited by Michelin with a renowned local chef.

Drinks: welcome drinks as well as water, wine and tea or coffee with all lunches and dinners taken in local restaurants are included. For meals taken in the hotel drinks will be at your own expense.

Our team in Malta

Each day will also be escorted by our knowledgeable local guide who will also offer local advice, hints and tips for you to get maximum enjoyment of your time with us. They will be with you daily as well as evening meals in local restaurants. Your Tour Leader Canon Paul Miller has led many tours and will offer worship and reflection on the story of St. Paul.

Your journey

Gatwick

The included flight is direct from Gatwick. Flights from several other UK airports offer direct services to Malta should you wish to book your own flights from an airport closer to you. We can offer a ‘land only’ deduction of £250. If booking ‘land only’ you would be responsible for your own transport between Malta Luqa Airport and the hotel. Taxi’s are readily available and the transfer time is 25 minutes.

Outbound departs: 11:55    arrives: 16:00

Inbound departs:   08:40    arrives: 10:55

Length of flight to Malta: three hours

Flight times are subject to change and confirmed with your final paperwork

Your hotels

SLIEMA: VICTORIA HOTEL (4*) - Seven-night stay

The Victoria is a charming Boutique hotel just a five-minute walk from the seaside promenade and half a mile from Sliema’s large shopping centre. The lobby offers a warm welcome with a fireplace and Chesterfield sofas.

Hotel facilities: the hotels Copperfield's Restaurant offers dishes from Mediterranean and North African cuisine and the Penny Black Bar serves English teas and refreshing cocktails. The top two floors are given over to a luxury spa with a well-equipped gym, indoor pool and rooftop pool. The spa offers a full range of massage and beauty treatments to relax and unwind.

Your hotel room: all feature Victorian or Mediterranean décor and lovely soft furnishings. All have air-conditioning/heating, flat screen TV, fridge, safe, tea & coffee making facilities and complimentary WiFi.

Hotel bathrooms: the smart tiled bathrooms come with either bath or shower and are equipped with hairdryer, complimentary toiletries and ample towels for both your room and the pool.

Practical information

Entry requirements

British Citizen and EU Citizen Passport holders can currently enter Malta freely with no restrictions or other documentation required. Stays within the EU can be up to 90 days (can be spread over multiple visits) within any 180-day period.

Please note your passport must be valid for six months after your return from Malta.

Full details of entry requirements and any required vaccinations will be detailed in your final paperwork 14 days before departure.

For the latest and most up to date travel advice including entry requirements please consult the Foreign & Commonwealth Development Office travel advice website.

www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Health & wellbeing

For travel within the EU you should ensure that you have the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which is free of charge.  You can apply for the GHIC card by calling 0191 218 1999 or applying on line at…

www.nhs.uk/ghic

The level of cover offered by the GHIC card varies by country visited and is only applicable in state-run health facilities. In some countries coverage may just be a partial contribution.

Adequate insurance cover will be required for all hospital emergencies and doctors’ visits.

Climate

In October the minimum to maximum temperature range will be 15 -  22 degrees. Coastal winds can reduce the temperature and evening thunderstorms can be a possibility.

Clothing

Dress is cool and casual throughout your time in Malta in the summer with layers for cooler temperatures in the autumn and spring. You may wish to take one or two smarter items for the evenings. Casual clothing is recommended in the day-time with evenings being smart/casual. As this tour requires a certain amount of gentle walking and guided tours, we suggest you take a pair of lined shoes. It is advisable to bring a couple of warmer items for the evenings.

Mobility

There is a certain amount of walking (and stairs) involved on a daily basis on this holiday so please make sure you pack comfy footwear for this so that you are prepared. Your Local Guides will keep you updated on a daily basis with what to expect the following day. If you are finding it difficult to keep up, then please make sure you tell your Local Guide and Group Leader who can help you to find places to rest and relax and then you can re-join the group at a later stage.

Some streets in towns and villages that you will visit will be cobbled. We suggest you take a pair of comfortable shoes with good grips or trainers. For your guided walking tours  you must be prepared to be on your feet for up to 90 minutes without the need to sit down and walk two to three flights of stairs unaided.

The McCabe Educational Trust

The McCabe Educational Trust is an independent registered charity with the aim of helping inspiring people we meet on some of our pilgrimages. As ‘the haves’ encounter the ‘have nots’ the Trust has become a practical tool for one to help the other.

McCabe Pilgrimages invite all travellers to become partners in this work. A £20 voluntary donation to the Trust’s work is added to every pilgrim’s invoice and all money raised in this way is given in full to the projects the Trust supports. This scheme is voluntary and confidential with nobody put under any pressure to participate.

Travel insurance

Ensuring that your holidays are appropriately protected is one of our main priorities. That’s why we have specifically chosen Holiday Extras as our *preferred travel insurance provider to ensure that you are protected before and whilst you are travelling. Holiday Extras offer McCabe Travel guests favourable rates for single trip, multi-trip and annual policies.

For more information or to obtain a quote click below for their website

https://www.holidayextras.com/travel-insurance

Or call them on 0800 083 3551 to speak to a friendly advisor.

Please quote AG628 upon calling to receive the best rates

Full financial security

All money paid to McCabe is fully secure. Holidays including flights are covered by our ATOL license from the Civil Aviation Authority, and holidays without flights are protected by our membership of the ABTOT bonding scheme. If a pilgrimage is cancelled, for instance through lack of numbers or for political considerations, McCabe will promptly refund all monies paid.

AITO Quality Statement

McCabe Pilgrimages is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. The Association represents Britain’s leading independent tour operators and encourages high standards of quality and service. McCabe abides by the Association’s Code of Conduct and adheres to the AITO Quality Charter.

You can read McCabe reviews on the AITO website here

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Dates

Our Programme Tour Leader Tour Dates Availability
A pilgrimage to Malta & Gozo Malta Departing From Gatwick Prices from £2399 pp Canon Paul Miller 09/10/2024 for 8 days

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