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Malta & Gozo

The Apostle’s Island: A Taste of Christian Malta (5 Days)

Prices from £1,860 pp

Single Supplement £260

Next available tour:

Tour leader: Bishop Norman Banks

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Journey to the sunlit heart of the Mediterranean — to the island where St Paul was shipwrecked, and where the Christian faith of Malta was born.

In around AD 60, on his way to Rome as a prisoner, St Paul was shipwrecked on the shores of Malta. He and all aboard came safely to land, and in the months that followed the Apostle brought the Gospel to the islanders. Two thousand years on, that faith still shapes every corner of Malta — in its ancient churches, its soaring domes and the quiet grotto where Paul is said to have sheltered.

Led by Bishop Norman Banks, this gently paced five-day pilgrimage weaves the story of St Paul together with the treasures of Valletta, Mdina and the Three Cities — with time for daily Eucharist, prayer and the warm Maltese welcome. Whether this is your first pilgrimage or a long held hope finally fulfilled, you will find Malta a place of deep faith and easy beauty

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Itinerary

  1. To Malta

    Fly from London to Malta International Airport, where you are met and transferred to your comfortable hotel in the northern part of the island. There is time to settle in before gathering for dinner together at the hotel — a first chance to meet your fellow travellers.

  2. Treasures of Valletta

    Begin with The Malta Experience, a 45-minute panoramic audio visual show tracing the islands’ 7,000-year history. Visit the Church of St Paul’s Shipwreck, one of the island’s oldest churches, honouring the Apostle who came ashore here around AD 60, then admire the Baroque splendour of St John’s Co-Cathedral. This afternoon, stroll the Upper Barrakka Gardens for sweeping views over the Grand Harbour. Dinner at the hotel.

  3. St Paul’s Islands & the Mosta Dome

    This morning, visit San Pawl Milqi in Burmarrad — a Roman villa where St Paul is said to have been given hospitality after his shipwreck — before taking a private boat across to St Paul’s Islands (Selmunett). Continue to the great Mosta Dome, whose design echoes the Pantheon in Rome and whose dome is the third largest unsupported dome in the world, before an included traditional Maltese tapas lunch. Return to the hotel for dinner.

  4. A Tale of Three Cities

    Travel south to Cottonera, the historic Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea, for a guided walk through Vittoriosa, once home to the Knights of St John. Visit St Paul’s Grotto in Rabat, where the Apostle is said to have stayed on his arrival, then explore the silent walled city of Mdina, where entrance to the magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral is included, together with a light lunch. Dinner at the hotel.

  5. Home

    Enjoy a final Maltese morning before your transfer to Malta International Airport for the direct flight home — bidding a fond farewell to your local guide and new-found friends, and carrying the story of St Paul and the warmth of Malta with you.

Essential Information

This tour includes:

  • Return flights London–Malta
  • 4 nights at Hotel Santana, half board
  • Traditional Maltese tapas lunch on day 3
  • The Malta Experience & St John’s Co-Cathedral
  • Private boat to St Paul’s Islands
  • Valletta, Mdina, Rabat & the Three Cities
  • Return airport transfers
  • Tour leader: Bishop Norman Banks

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. After which, 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
The Apostle's Island: A Taste of Christian Malta (5 Days) Mini Malta 2027 Departing From London Prices from £1860 pp Bishop Norman Banks 04/10/2027 for 5 days Download brochure Book now Make an enquiry

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