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Malta & Gozo

Malta in the Footsteps of St Paul with Revd Neil McNaught

Prices from £2,360 pp

Single Supplement £510

Next available tour:

Tour leader: The Revd Neil McNaught

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Flights from Edinburgh

The islands of St. Paul & St. John

Join us for a six-day journey throughout the Maltese archipelago combining a wonderful wealth of biblical, medieval and cultural history. The islands held happy memories for the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh and we can see why. We visit the classical sights, stunning scenic spots and enjoy the experience of getting to know the locals. Our four-star hotel is in a wonderful location close to the promenade of Sliema. The hotel offers appropriate space for worship.

Malta is one of the oldest Christian nations on earth. When St Paul was shipwrecked here in AD 60, he spent three months on the island, healing the sick and proclaiming the Gospel — and the Maltese have been keeping the faith ever since. St. Paul was the first Christian to set foot on Malta and it changed the course of the 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.

The legacy of the Knights of St. John 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.

 

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Itinerary

  1. FLY TO MALTA

    Meet your group leader and check-in for your direct flight from Edinburgh to Malta. On arrival, meet your Local Guide and transfer to your hotel in Sliema. Five-night stay at four-star Victoria hotel, just a five-minute walk from the seaside promenade. Dinner in the hotel.  (Coaches cannot park directly outside the hotel and will instead park on a nearby road, less than a five-minute walk away. Guests will need to walk to the hotel / coach with their luggage). Communion in the hotel will be followed by dinner.

  2. MARSAXLOKK, BLUE GROTTO AND A TALE OF THREE CITIES

    This morning we head to Blue Grotto (subject to weather conditions), an un-spoilt beauty spot and geological curiosity, consisting of a natural arch and a deep-sea cave in the rockface of the surrounding cliffs. The colours of the crystal-clear waters here vary from turquoise to deep blue. Leaving the Blue Grotto we head to Marsaxlokk Bay, an idyllic fishing village with colourful luzzu’s in the harbour. We then head to the Southern part of the island in order to discover the historical area known as Cottonera which is made up of three historical cities: Vittoriosa, Cospicua & Senglea. A drive past Cospicua will bring you to Vittoriosa where you shall walk through the various narrow streets shaded by many historic buildings and churches. Vittoriosa is Malta’s Maritime city.  We then take a typical ‘fregatina’ (water taxi) for a tour of the famous harbour creeks  (subject to weather conditions). Today lunch is at own cost and dinner in the hotel.

  3. TREASURE OF VALLETTA

    Meet your local guide and begin the day with a tour the Maltese capital Valletta. We begin the day with The Malta Experience, which is an audio-visual show that tells the dramatic story of the islands’ 7000 year history. Situated in a purpose-built panoramic auditorium, the show lasts for 45 minutes. After, visit the Church of the shipwreck of St. Paul and then 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. After lunch (at own costs), we continue to explore Valletta on foot by visiting the Upper Barrakka Gardens. The gardens offer some of the best views on the island. A beautifully curated garden with seasonal flowers and plenty of spaces to sit and enjoy the area. This evening dinner will be in the hotel.

  4. ST. PAUL’S ISLAND, SAN PAWL IN BUMARRAD AND MOSTA

    This morning, we 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. We then take a private boat to visit St. Paul’s Islands, also known as Selmunett (subject to weather conditions). 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. Depart for Mosta and enjoy a traditional Maltese style ‘tapas’ lunch with a variety of small dishes. After, continue to 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. Dinner in the hotel.

  5. RABAT, MDINA,WINE TASTING AND CRAFT VILLAGE

    This morning, we drive to the western coast to the Dingli Cliffs to enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of the island. Continue to Rabat for a visit to St Paul’s Grotto. The Grotto is where St Paul is said to have stayed when he arrived on the island in 60 AD. On departing Rabat, we head to Mdina for a walking tour of this walled city. 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. On arriving into the main square in the centre of the city of Mdina, you cannot miss St Paul’s co-Cathedral and will be awestruck at the sheer magnitude of it, entrance is included to the Cathedral. From Mdina we continue to visit one of Malta’s wine estates, Meridiana, to enjoy a tasting of 4 wines accompanied by a Maltese platter (light Lunch). 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. Dinner in the hotel.

  6. HOME

    We transfer to Luqa Airport for your direct flight back to the Edinburgh.

Essential Information

This tour includes:

  • Return flights Edinburgh–Malta
  • 5 nights' accommodation in Sliema
  • Daily breakfast and dinner
  • English-speaking local guide throughout
  • Individual headsets
  • All entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Coaching transfers throughout
  • Porterage
  • Gratuities included, disbursed locally

Flights from regional airports can be arranged at a supplement subject to availability, you can also book this tour without flights. For more information please ask for details.

A £500 per person non-refundable deposit is payable on confirmation. For booking received by 31 July 2026 we offer a lower deposit payment of £200. *A second deposit payment of £300 per person is due 6 weeks from booking. An instalment payment amounting to 50% of the total cost of your trip is due 26 weeks prior to departure with the final balance due twelve weeks prior to departure.

Special requests
Any special requirements, such as dietary needs, mobility requests, and any other requests should be noted at the time of booking.

Final travel documents
These will be emailed to you two weeks before departure.

Travel insurance
Travel insurance is essential. We require all travellers to have adequate cancellation and medical coverage for their journey. We are partnered with Holiday Extras who offer a comprehensive policy as well as yearly policies that also cover short UK overnight stays.

Mobility
Many of our tours and excursions are designed for those who are able to travel independently, or with the support of a companion who can assist during the trip. We recommend that participants feel comfortable with physical activity and are able to manage longer travel days, which may include early starts and extended periods on the road. We encourage you to consider your personal health and comfort when planning your adventure, and we’re happy to help if you have any specific concerns or questions about the suitability of a tour for your needs.

Practical information

About McCabe Pilgrimages
McCabe has been arranging journeys of faith, culture and spirituality for over 40 years with an unwavering focus on attention to detail and service. With a deep understanding of the unique needs and aspirations of Christian travellers, McCabe strive to make every trip a memorable and meaningful experience.

McCabe Travel Ltd. trades as McCabe Pilgrimages. McCabe Travel Ltd. is registered in England and Wales. Registered No. 2125334. VAT No: 318527355. Registered office address: McCabe Travel, The Square, Basing View, Basingstoke, RG21 4EB.

The McCabe Educational Trust
The McCabe Educational Trust is an independent registered charity which was set up in 1991 to support Christian communities. To date the Trust has distributed more than £4 million in grants. McCabe Pilgrimages supports the Trust directly by contributing to the administrative and running
costs, thus ensuring all pilgrim donations are able to go directly to the important projects supported by the MET. In 2026 McCabe Pilgrimages will
once again invite all pilgrims to make a voluntary donation of £20. In addition, McCabe will also donate £20 for every pilgrim who travels with us - regardless of whether they choose to donate - effectively doubling the impact when you do. This scheme is voluntary and confidential with nobody put under any pressure to participate.

Financial and quality assurances
All monies paid are fully protected through McCabe’s membership of the ABTOT bonding scheme. In addition, McCabe are also members of the Association of Independent Tour Operators and abide by the Association’s code of conduct.

Health advice
Please carry an adequate supply of essential medication in your hand luggage in case your checked luggage is lost.

Holiday insurance
Ensuring that your holidays are appropriately protected is one of our main priorities. That’s why we have partnered with Holiday Extras so you can get a travel insurance quote to protect you before and whilst you are travelling. Holiday Extras Cover Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and has been independently rated 5-stars by Defaqto. For more information or to obtain a quote, please go to their website at www.holidayextras.com/travel-insurance or call them on 0800 083 3551 to speak to a friendly advisor.

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Dates

Our Programme Tour Leader Tour Dates Availability
This cultural and historical pilgrimage gives you the opportunity to follow in St. Paul’s footsteps both physically and spiritually 5 night Pilgrimage to Malta with Revd Neil McNaught Departing From Edinburgh Prices from £2360 pp The Revd Neil McNaught 23/10/2027 for 6 days

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