On the Trail of the Order of Malta
Step into a living museum where knights once walked, battles were waged, and legacies forged in gold and stone. This six-night journey through Malta traces the captivating story of the Knights of St John, also known as the Order of Malta, whose imprint is still deeply embedded across the islands. From Valletta's baroque splendour to Gozo's rugged soul, you'll uncover ancient temples, secret catacombs, artisan workshops, and private palazzos that bring Malta's rich past vividly to life.
Day 1
Arrival in Malta
You'll be met on the tarmac for a VIP airport experience before being transferred to Iniala Harbour House, perched above Valletta's Grand Harbour. Spend your first evening settling into your Grand Harbour Penthouse Suite and soaking in the views.
Day 2
Valletta – City of the Knights
Begin with a private guided tour of Valletta, a fortified city purpose-built by the Order of St John after the Great Siege. Explore the National Museum of Archaeology and witness the firing of the Saluting Battery. A private visit to the gilded St John’s Co-Cathedral reveals Caravaggio's only signed masterpiece. You'll also meet a traditional gilder still practising age-old techniques. Lunch is served at King's Own Band Club, a local institution rich in British-Maltese history.
Day 3
Ancient Malta
Today you step even further back in time with visits to the prehistoric temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra – among the oldest free-standing structures in the world. A falconry experience connects you to the age-old tradition cherished by noblemen and knights, while a private boat tour to the Blue Grotto unveils Malta’s natural beauty. End the day at the extraordinary Hypogeum, an underground necropolis with limited-access entry.
Day 4
Mdina and the Old Capital Region
Travel to Mdina, Malta's "Silent City" and former capital. Visit St Paul's Catacombs, learn to make traditional pastizzi, and meet a noble family during a private tour of their historic palazzo. Enjoy cheese tasting at a rustic sheep farm, panoramic views from Dingli Cliffs, and a sweet stop for spiced date pastries known as imqaret.
Day 5
Island of Gozo by Speedboat
Cross the waters by private speedboat to Gozo for an off-road E-Jeep adventure through dramatic coastal landscapes and timeless villages. Enjoy a chef-curated picnic in a scenic cliffside or salt pan setting, and play a round of bocci with locals. Visit the Citadel in Victoria, a hilltop fortress that has withstood centuries of invasions and sieges.
Day 6
Rural Malta & Exclusive Winery Dinner
Explore Malta’s rustic heart with a honey tasting, the Xemxija Heritage Trail, and a farm-to-table lunch in an olive grove. Meet an artisan who preserves the tradition of Maltese bagpipes, then cruise through winding lanes in a classic vintage car. Your journey ends with a private dinner at Markus Divinus, a boutique winery championing Malta's indigenous grapes.
Day 7
Farewell
Your private driver will transfer you to the airport. As you depart, you take with you the warmth of Malta's welcome and tales of her ancient knights, nobles and temples.
- Private access to St John’s Co-Cathedral
- Exclusive tour of a noble palazzo in Mdina
- Guided visit to prehistoric temples Hagar Qim and Mnajdra
- Hands-on falconry experience
- E-Jeep adventure through Gozo’s coastal and rural terrain
- Private chef-curated picnic in Gozo
Lightfoot Travel is a fully licensed global tour operator with a 24/7 support line for our guests, giving you peace of mind on your holiday . We have three core values that underpin our commitment to creating meaningful holidays for our guests.
AUTHENTICTravel your way with Lightfoot. We’ll take you into the heart of each destination and introduce you to the people and places that reveal the true essence of a country. With our trusted local connections, we create holidays that immerse you in culture, history, and everyday life. Far from the crowds, always deeply authentic.
EXPERT Travel with confidence, guided by experts. Our team boasts decades of first-hand knowledge and we are passionate about creating meaningful experiences for our guests. We specialise in unveiling the world’s most extraordinary and lesser-known destinations.
PERSONAL Your journey is as unique as you are. We take the time to understand what inspires and excites you, creating 100% tailormade itineraries that reflect your personality, interests, and holiday aspirations. Our bespoke holidays are designed to elevate every moment of your travel experience.
