Half-Day Guided Tour of The Three Fortified Cities with Boat Tour

Discover Malta's Historic Heart

Embark on a captivating journey into Malta's past with this half-day guided tour, commencing with a convenient hotel pick-up in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Your licensed tour guide, well-versed in the island's history, will escort you to Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua—cities that have witnessed centuries of Maltese history. Begin your tour with a panoramic drive past Cospicua, the largest of the Three Cities and known for its large dockyards and fortifications.

Next, explore Vittoriosa’s architectural treasures, including the historic Inquisitor's Palace and the ornate St. Lawrence's Church. The origins of the city date back to medieval times when Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and more contributed to the development of the city. Traverse the narrow, winding streets and discover a plethora of historic churches and buildings.

Maritime Delights and Majestic Views

Embark on a serene boat ride on a traditional Maltese ‘frejgatina’, allowing you to drink in the splendor of these fortified cities from the vibrant harbor creeks. Your last stop is at Senglea which was joined by a land bridge to Cospicua leading to the peninsular formation. Ascend to Senglea's Gardjola Gardens, where the watchtower offers panoramic vistas of the Grand Harbour and Fort Saint Angelo. The tower's eye and ear symbols tell an intriguing tale of its role in safeguarding the harbor. Immerse yourself in this rich history and return to your hotel with unforgettable memories of Malta's heart.

Half-Day Guided Tour of The Three Fortified Cities with Boat Tour

Discover the historical charm and fortified beauty of Malta's Three Cities—Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua—on this half-day guided tour that includes round-trip hotel transfers. Explore Vittoriosa (Birgu), established in 1420 as the Knights of St. John’s first home, where you'll see the 16th-century Auberge de Provence, a monumental building covering nearly 35,000 square feet that now houses Malta's National War Museum. In Senglea, visit the Our Lady of Victories Basilica, completed in 1748 and featuring an impressive facade adorned with intricate Baroque sculptures. Cospicua (Ballastra), founded in 1625, boasts Fort St. Angelo, a massive fortification standing at over 30 feet high that has played a crucial role in Maltese history since the Byzantine era. This tour covers approximately 4 miles of walking and includes stops at historic churches like St. Peter’s Church in Vittoriosa, built in 1659, and the St. Joseph Church in Cospicua, completed in 1720. The tour is available in English, Spanish, German, French, and Italian, ensuring a comprehensive experience for all visitors. With round-trip hotel transfers included, this guided sightseeing adventure provides an immersive look at Malta's rich history through its landmarks and fortified cities.

Explore Vittoriosa (Birgu)

Your tour stops at Vittoriosa, originally named Birgu, where the Knights of St. John established their first home in 1530. The city covers an area of approximately 40 acres and is filled with historic buildings such as the Auberge de Provence, a monumental structure built between 1627 and 1638 that now houses Malta's National War Museum. Visitors can spend around two hours exploring this fortified city, taking in its narrow winding streets lined with centuries-old architecture. The Grand Harbour offers stunning views of the surrounding islands, adding to the historical ambiance. Vittoriosa is unique for its well-preserved medieval and Renaissance-era buildings compared to other Maltese cities, making it a must-see destination on this tour.

Visit Senglea

Your tour takes you through Senglea, a small fortified city established in 1533 by the Knights of St. John. The city is home to several historic landmarks including Our Lady of Victories Basilica, completed in 1748 and featuring intricate Baroque sculptures. Spanning an area of about 20 acres, Senglea’s narrow streets are lined with charming houses and historical sites like Fort St. Angelo, a massive fortification standing at over 30 feet high that has played a crucial role in Maltese history since the Byzantine era. Visitors can spend around one hour exploring this fortified city before moving on to other locations. Senglea’s well-preserved architecture and strategic location make it an essential stop during your tour, offering insights into Malta's rich historical tapestry.

Discover Cospicua (Ballastra)

Your tour continues in Cospicua, also known as Ballastra, a fortified city founded in 1625 by the Knights of St. John. The city spans an area of approximately 40 acres and is filled with historic landmarks such as Fort St. Angelo, standing at over 30 feet high, and St. Joseph Church, completed in 1720. Visitors can spend around one hour exploring this fortified city, taking in its narrow winding streets lined with centuries-old architecture. Cospicua’s well-preserved medieval and Renaissance-era buildings make it a unique destination compared to other Maltese cities, offering insights into Malta's rich historical heritage.

Tour Highlights

• Embark on a half-day guided tour of the Three Cities
• Stroll through 4 miles of historic streets in Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua
• Round-trip hotel transfers included for convenience
• Explore the Auberge de Provence in Vittoriosa with Malta's National War Museum
• Visit Our Lady of Victories Basilica in Senglea completed in 1748
• Discover Fort St. Angelo standing at over 30 feet high in Cospicua
• Guided tour available in English, Spanish, German, French, and Italian
• Enjoy a traditional Maltese ‘frejgatina’ cruise through colorful harbor creeks

Perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and tourists seeking an immersive experience, this half-day guided tour provides an in-depth look at Malta's fortified cities. The four-hour format allows you to explore Vittoriosa’s Auberge de Provence, Senglea’s Our Lady of Victories Basilica, and Cospicua’s Fort St. Angelo, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the region's historical significance while enjoying its rich architectural heritage.