Mdina Medieval Malta Historical Excursions

This tour is ideal for those guests who want to visit and experience some of Malta’s most interesting highlights in just one day. Carefully designed to make your day truly memorable, you start by visiting the ancient Medieval city of Mdina. Other attractions visited during this tour include a visit to the nearby village of Rabat, the Catacombs dedicated to St. Cataldus (a site which represents some of the earliest archaeological evidence of Christianity In Malta), The Rotunda of Mosta (which houses the third largest unsupported dome in the world), Dingli Cliffs (at around 253 metres above sea-level, these cliffs represent the highest point of the Maltese islands), the gorgeous Botanical Gardens of San Anton and the Ta’ Qali Artisan Village, where you will be able to admire the local craftsmen and learn about the ancient technique of glassblowing.

Mdina, Malta's former capital is situated on a hilltop in the central part of the island and dominates over two - thirds of Malta. It is one of Europe's finest examples of an ancient fortified city, characterized by medieval and baroque architecture. Known by the locals as the " Silent City", it encloses within its walls palaces belonging to Maltese aristocratic families, the majority of which are secondary homes.  Walking through Mdina you will feel as though the city has been frozen in time; its narrow winding streets, majestic palaces, churches and courtyards make this city unique, a must-see during your stay in Malta! Rabat, a suburb of Mdina, is also a historical town with strong religious ties. According to tradition during his 3 months stay in Malta, St Paul the Apostle lived in a grotto beneath the parish church.Your guide will lead you along some of the most typical street in Rabat highlighting the most important architectural features as you go along.

Are you a cruise passenger docking in Malta, eager to experience the island's breathtaking beauty and magic? As a first-time visitor, join us on an exceptional shore excursion that promises to captivate you. Explore the quiet charm of Mdina, the 'Silent City,' and marvel at the historic grandeur of Valletta. Discover the floral charm of Barrakka Gardens and the regal beauty of the Grandmaster’s Palace. Our experienced guides are dedicated to providing an immersive journey, unveiling the unique allure of Malta. Enjoy convenient transportation arranged for your comfort. After the tour, you have the choice to return to your ship or continue exploring Valletta, with easy access back to the pier via an elevator. We can't wait to share it with you - book this tour now with a 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy!

Explore Malta’s history and natural beauty on a private half-day tour with an English-speaking driver in a comfortable, Wi-Fi-equipped vehicle. Start at the Blue Grotto, where you can marvel at the brilliant sea caves and opt for a boat ride. Next, visit the Ħaġar Qim Temples, a prehistoric site over 5,000 years old offering insight into ancient Malta and panoramic sea views. Continue to the medieval Mdina, known as the “Silent City,” with its narrow streets, historic buildings, and stunning vistas from the bastions. End at the Dingli Cliffs, the highest point in Malta, where dramatic views of the sea await. This fully customizable, private experience includes hotel pickup and dropoff, ensuring a relaxed and scenic journey through some of the island’s most iconic landmarks.

This half day guided tour will start with a tour of Malta’s medieval city of Mdina, Malta’s former capital. The narrow, winding streets, dating back to the Arab period, lead to the imposing bastions, commanding a panoramic view of the islands. On the way there, you will discover different styles of architecture, including the medieval Siculo-Norman palaces, and other baroque buildings of great historical importance. Time stands still in this ‘Silent City’ which is a film-maker’s paradise. Leaving Mdina through Greek’s Gate, we proceed to the cliffs at Dingli. The tour ends with a visit to the San Anton botanical gardens situated near the Presidential Palace, which you will be able to admire from outside.

Tired of the same old ordinary tours? Journey through Medieval Mdina, the "Silent" city shrouded in mystery. But in the year 1425, the city was anything but peaceful. Discover why danger lurked at every turn, and civil wars raged between power-hungry nobles and seafaring, piratical Knights. Feel the weight of history as you wander through the narrow medieval off-beaten streets that have withstood the test of time and more. On this immersive and interactive walk, you’ll get a taste of what life was like during this dark, turbulent time and hear of a world of intrigue, adultery, and forbidden love. Meet Mdina's elite as they plot their way to the top during a time of civil war, sieges, and invasions. Amidst backstabbing and betrayal, the families that made Mdina great still find time bed-hopping, all while shaping the destiny of Malta in a real "Game of Thrones" Join your costumed rogue Maltese guide on a journey through their little-known but intriguing story and dark secrets

Today’s excursion takes us to the central part of Malta, dominated by the medieval fortified city of Mdina, Malta’s former capital city. The narrow, winding streets, dating back to medieval times, lead to the imposing bastions, commanding a magnificent panorama of the island. On the way there, you will discover different styles of architecture, including Siculo-Norman palaces and other baroque buildings of great historical importance. Time stands still in this ‘silent city’ which is a film-maker’s paradise. Leaving Mdina through Greeks’ Gate, we stop at one of the early Christian Catacombs in Rabat before proceeding to the cliffs at Dingli. After lunch we will visit the San Anton botanical gardens situated near the Presidential Palace, which you will be able to admire from outside. We shall also spend time at the crafts centre at Ta’ Qali. At the end of the tour, allow us to astound you with Mosta’s majestic dome, one of Europe’s largest.

Mdina, Malta's former capital is situated on a hilltop in the central part of the island and dominates over two - thirds of Malta. It is one of Europe's finest examples of an ancient fortified city, characterized by medieval and baroque architecture. Known by the locals as the " Silent City", it encloses within its walls palaces belonging to Maltese aristocratic families, the majority of which are secondary homes.  Walking through Mdina you will feel as though the city has been frozen in time; its narrow winding streets, majestic palaces, churches and courtyards make this city unique, a must-see during your stay in Malta! Rabat, a suburb of Mdina, is also a historical town with strong religious ties, as this is where St Paul the Apostle was imprisoned, according to traditional tales.

During this tour you will first visit Mosta, famous for its large dome, which is the third largest in Europe. Second stop will be at Ta'Qali Crafts Village where you will see the Glass Blowing and also Silver Filigree being made. Third and last stop is in Mdina. In Mdina you will have a walking tour and a coffee break.

Drive around the fortifications of Valletta, which are beautifully lit at night, and stop at the Valletta Waterfront in Grand Harbour. Built during the time of Grand Master Pinto, this area comes alive at night, attracting Maltese and tourists alike to its many bars and restaurants. Some free time will be given. Discover Rabat in the centre of the island and walk along its narrow winding streets before reaching Mdina, Malta’s Silent old Capital City – at night a mysterious city which looks so different from what it looks like during the day. A city of palaces and churches, once only inhabited by noblemen, its history goes back to the times of the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Normans, and the Knights of St John. From the ramparts of Mdina you will be able to see practically half the island sparkling in front of you.

During this tour you visit Mosta, Ta'Qali Crafts Village, Mdina and Valletta. The tour includes Mosta Church Entrance and also a Maltese Platter.

Take a journey back in time with this private Mdina Tour, admiring the magnificent palazzos and churches in the city’s unique mix of medieval and baroque styles, as well as the spectacular panoramas from the high bastion walls. You will learn about the colourful history of Mdina and the many sieges it endured, offering shelter and protection to the Maltese population against the frequent pirate attacks; and hear the story of how the Maltese uprising against the French in 1798 started.

Central Malta is steeped in history and tradition. Its medieval cities, ancient temples and staggering scenery hold the secret to the island's rich past and customs. On this adults-only small group tour you'll discover Mosta Basilica, St. Paul's Catacombs and the walled town of Mdina. It's known as ‘the silent city' for its peaceful streets and old-world atmosphere. First up is Mosta Basilica, famous for having the third-largest unsupported dome in Europe. After that we'll head to St. Paul's Catacombs, a network of underground cemeteries dating back to the 3rd century BC. These burial chambers are the earliest evidence of Christianity in Malta. Look out for the two carved circular stone tables, thought to have been used for funerary rites, or for celebrations honouring the dead. Once we have finished our visit we'll head to a nearby restaurant for a typical lunch prepared with locally sourced ingredients, before finishing the day with a guided tour of fortified Mdina.

While you’re in port in Malta, get to know its two capitals – Mdina, the ancient one, and Valletta, the current one – on this shore excursion that will introduce you to Malta’s history and architecture. You’ll visit many sights like the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage City, and you’ll learn of the different cultures and influences that have shaped Malta over the centuries.

I have been working for Heritage Malta, which is the national agency for cultural heritage in Malta since 1992. I was always passionate about the history and traditions of the Maltese islands since I was a young girl. I became a licensed tourist guide in 2016 specialising in small groups. I can’t wait to share my knowledge and expertise with you all to make you fall in love with this magical city as much as me! From the meeting point we will head off to Mdina gate, where we'll explore the silent cities streets stopping by palace’s, observing and admiring the facades, the cathedral, whilst making our way to the bastions to admire the beautiful view of Malta. Walking through the medieval streets of the city we’ll head to Rabat and on our way to St.Paul’s church we’ll stop for a short break at Tas-Serkin, a café which is over 100 years old where I’ll offer you the best pastizzi in Malta and a kinnie to go with it.