RURAL & HISTORICAL PATHS OF MALTA

Transcription

1 RURAL & HISTORICAL PATHS OF MALTA YOUR TOUR DOSSIER Uncover one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world on delightful walks through the Mediterranean island of Malta. With the relaxed resort of Qawra as your base, explore ornate palaces and imposing forts, follow coastal routes along elevated ridges and discover charming villages and wartime ruins on five gloriously scenic trails. This document aims to give you all the information that you require for a smooth and comfortable trip to Malta. Please take the time to read this dossier to familiarise yourself with all the aspects of our tour. It includes important information such as flight details, visa requirements and travel insurance. Your included meal guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner DAY 1: UK to Qawra D Depart London on your scheduled, direct flight to Malta. On arrival, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel, re-joining your group later tonight for a welcome dinner. DAY 2: Valletta B/D (Average 4 hours of walking including breaks, covering 3 km) Embark on a walking tour of the fortified 16th century city of Valletta, a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site founded by the Knights of St John. After a brief introduction to the city s history and growth, discover its magnificent Baroque architecture, stopping to admire St John s Co-Cathedral, the Auberge de Castille, and the Church of St Paul s Shipwreck, then visiting St. George s Square to view the opulent Grand Master s Palace. As you wander through the city, your guide will point out the new Parliament Building, the ruins of the Royal Opera House, and historic sites such as the Great Siege Monument, The Siege Bell Memorial, and Fort St. Elmo. Continue through lively Piazza Regina, then stroll around the idyllic Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens and hear about Valletta s role as the 2018 European Capital of Culture as you gaze down over the Grand Harbour. DAY 3: Marfa Ridge Country Walk B/D (Average 4.5 hours of walking including breaks, covering 11 km) Follow a countryside trail along Marfa Ridge, enjoying uninterrupted views of the bay from your elevated pathway as you pass farmland, wooded outcrops and golden cliffs. Starting at the island s largest sandy beach, Mellieha Bay, walk towards the summit of the ridge where the imposing Red Tower is located. Explore this age-old fortification, last used as a gun post in WW2, and soak in sweeping views from its rooftop before continuing along the ridge to the solitary Immaculate Conception Chapel and onward to the White Tower. Your route leads uphill to picturesque Paradise Bay and winds down to terraced fields hanging off the cliff s edge. Take in views of the Mediterranean as your trail returns to the Red Tower where you will transfer back to your hotel. DAY 4: Girgenti Country Walk B/D (Average hours of walking including breaks, covering 12.5 km) Today s country walk through Girgenti takes you to areas of lush greenery and historical sites, starting at the woodland gardens of Buskett. Enjoy time at leisure to wander along winding paths through this botanical haven, then set out on your walking trail. Pass the prehistoric Clapham Junction cart ruts, gouged into the rocky wayside, and the unique cave settlement of Għar il-kbir which was inhabited right into the 1830s. Continue to the villages of Siggiewi and Qrendi, dotted with elegant churches, chapels and a charming town square, before you finally arrive at the crater hole of Il-Maqluba, a geological feature surrounded by enduring legends and folklore. DAY 5: Victoria Lines B/D (Average 2-3 hours of walking including breaks, covering 8km) The Victoria Lines, a long, defensive wall that stretches 12km through Malta s interior, are an excellent way to view both the peaceful coastline of western Malta and the lively resort towns to the east. From your starting point in Madliena, walk down a rugged pathway and across a bridge, passing the village of Gharghur. Walking alongside the Lines, you ll come across Il Widna (Maltese for the Ear ), pre-ww2 buildings used as sound radars to alert Maltese soldiers to airplanes leaving nearby Sicily. The trail takes you past a series of historic, rock-cut cart ruts before finishing at perhaps the most spectacular scenic location on the island of Malta - Fomm Ir-Rih Bay, which boasts a long, unspoilt stretch of beach. DAY 6: M Scala to M Xlokk Tas Silg Walk B/D (Average 3-4 hours of walking including breaks, covering 10km) Experience a different aspect of rural Malta as today s route leads you alongside the island s eastern coastline. Starting from the parish church of Marsaskala, walk along the promenade and witness colourful, traditional luzzu boats, fishing trawlers and local fishermen mending their nets. Pass the immense 17th century St Thomas Tower, built to guard the entrance to the bay, then continue along the coast of idyllic St Thomas Bay. Numerous points of interest lie along your path, including the ruins of coastal batteries, lighthouses, Fort Delimara and pictureperfect views of Marsaxlokk Bay on one side and Delimara Bay on the other. Your route ends in the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk, where you will be transferred back to Valletta. DAY 7: Qawra B/D Explore the sights of Qawra at your own pace with a full day at leisure before rejoining your group later tonight for a farewell dinner. DAY 8: Malta to the UK or extension B After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK or continue on to your chosen extension. 1

2 RURAL & HISTORICAL PATHS OF MALTA TOUR DOSSIER ACCOMMODATION DETAILS & MAP Hotel information 1 Number of nights Qawra (7 nights) 4H Qawra Palace Address: Dawret Il-Qawra, Qawra SPB 1900, Malta Phone: Marfa Ridge Country Walk 7 Qawra All accommodation is at least 4H and features an en suite bathroom, heating/ air-conditioning/, satellite TV, safety deposit box and tea and coffee making facilities. Sunspot Tours has visited and inspected all the hotels to ensure that they meet the high standards of service which we require for our clients. If the hotels detailed are not available alternatives will be used of a similar standard. Please note: The hotels listed are provided for guidance only. Final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent in a document, along with your final flight information, approximately 10 days before you travel. Meals Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Dinner will be served in your hotel. Coach Walk Victoria Lines Girgenti Country Walk Valletta M Scala M Xlokk Tas Silg ON YOUR ARRIVAL On your arrival in Malta you will be met by a representative from our local agent, holding a sign displaying: Sunspot Tours. The Sunspot Tours representative will show you to your transfer vehicle and will be on hand 24 hours a day should you have any queries. However, If you need to contact your representative during your stay the details are: Sunspot Tours 97 Nicolo Isouard Street Sliema SLM 2080 Malta Office phone number: Emergency contact information (Solely for emergencies) Please find below the emergency contact details for Sunspot Tours: Contact telephone number: Francis Hili WHAT TO PACK Sunscreen, insect repellent and hat Personal first aid kit containing travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin, blister plasters etc Camera and charger An electric plug converter - the electricity in Malta & Gozo is 230 volts. The three-pin rectangular plug system is used, as in the U.K. Binoculars Sunglasses Water Bottle Anti-bacterial hand wash Daysack/ rucksack to use during walks A small torch It is recommended you take a daysack for your walking tours to keep a few belongings with you on your walks; waterproofs, fleece, sunhat, sunscreen, insect repellent, water bottle and the all-important camera! CLOTHING Lightweight breathable clothing, such as loose cotton which is ideal for the generally warm and humid conditions in Malta. Sunhat Warm clothing - A thick fleece or sweater is necessary as nights can be cold (December to February) Waterproof lightweight jacket High quality hiking socks Walking boots we recommend you bring boots with ankle support that are worn-in and comfortable before you start your walking holiday. Alternatively, you may wish to bring comfortable trail shoes Bathing suits Your initial flight is to Malta International Airport with Air Malta (KM), departing from London Heathrow Terminal 4. IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. Baggage Allowance Each passenger is entitled to 20kg of hold luggage. Hand luggage: One piece not exceeding 5kg and with maximum total dimensions not exceeding 113cm (50 cm x 45cm x 18cm). Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 2 hours before departure. Please see the What to Pack section for further details on baggage and restrictions during your trek. Airport Extras If you wish to arrange airport car parking, lounges or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on , quoting HX313. 2

3 RURAL & HISTORICAL PATHS OF MALTA TOUR DOSSIER PREPARING FOR YOUR TOUR Visas A visa is not required for your trip to Malta. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity. Insurance We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call and quote WK830 for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Sunspot Tours will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking. Health and Vaccinations It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include: your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic. ABOUT YOUR WALKING HOLIDAY Physical Accessibility and the Walking Environment During this walking holiday, walks will average 3 to 4 hours daily. Some walks will be through rural countryside following narrow trails made up of dirt or stone tracks with small inclines and declines. Whilst other walks will be through towns and villages. This holiday requires a reasonable level of fitness. If you are in any doubt as to the tours suitability, please speak to your GP as soon as possible as this is a physical holiday. Climate The Maltese islands have a pleasantly sunny climate with a daily average of around 12 hours sunshine in summer going down to 5 to 6 hours in mid-winter. Summers are hot, dry and very sunny with sea breezes. Spring and autumn are generally cooler and winters are mild, with occasional short cold spells. Annual rainfall is low, averaging 568mm a year. Bathing in the sea is possible well into the winter months, and the peak beach season can last until mid- to late October. This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met and accompanied by guides for the duration of your trip. You will be joined by a local guide in each of the cities you visit, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times. A local guide and back marker will also accompany you on all walks. Currency Exchange The currency in Malta is the Euro ( ). You can exchange your currency before you travel, or whilst you are in Malta. Cash machines will be available throughout your tour for you to withdraw money in the local currency. You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any meals where these are not mentioned on your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, drinks and snacks. Approximately per person should be sufficient for the duration of your tour. Tipping Tipping for your driver and guide will be at your discretion. Tips are accepted in the local currency, however it is asked that if you do not tip in the local currency that you only pay with notes, as coins cannot be exchanged. Group Size The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum will be 20. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date, then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable. Itinerary Changes Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, the order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving/ trekking times. WEATHER AND CLIMATE Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below. Average temperature: Valletta 3

4 YOUR TOUR DOSSIER QAWRA EXTENSION If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so. Please contact your local agent The resort of Qawra has become increasingly popular but still a quieter, more exclusive feeling. This slightly more laidback area boasts a narrow shingle beach and a selection of shops, bars and restaurants and your seafront hotel is perfectly located for exploring the area. This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your extension in Qawra. Qawra (3 nights) Hotel Information Your stay will take place at the 4H Qawra Palace on All-Inclusive. Qawra Palace boasts wonderful views of St Paul s Bay and is perfectly located on the seafront promenade. Qawra Palace is just a short walk from a variety of bars and restaurant; The hotel also has a vast array of facilities for you to enjoy including an outdoor pool and terrace, tennis court and mini golf. Air-conditioned/heated rooms have a balcony, en-suite bathroom with walk in shower, hairdryer, satellite TV, safety deposit box and a cooler Facilities Outdoor pool & terraces Indoor pool & Jacuzzi Restaurant & coffee Shop 24-hour reception FREE Wi-Fi in reception Daily evening entertainment Qawra Palace Meals Your stay will be on an All-Inclusive basis, which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner daily plus selected snacks and unlimited local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and a selection of imported drinks. Hotel details: 4H Qawra Palace Address: Dawret Il-Qawra, Qawra SPB 1900, Malta Phone: Any alternative hotels or board basis will have been confirmed at booking. Please speak to our reservations department if you are unsure. You will need to take money with you to cover any lunches, as well as personal purchases, such as souvenirs and drinks. Your stay in Qawra is not escorted by a tour guide and your time will be free to explore the area at your own pace. Transfers are included. Qawra Palace Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. 4

5 YOUR TOUR DOSSIER GOZO EXTENSION If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so. Please contact your local agent Malta s smaller sister island of Gozo enjoys a more pastoral character. Lush green hillsides surround quaint stone-built hamlets and the coastline is populated by small fishing villages with brightly painted boats. Explore the area with three nights in popular St Patrick s Hotel. This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your extension to Gozo. Gozo (3 nights) Hotel Information Your stay will take place at the 4H St Patrick s Hotel on Bed & Breakfast. St Patrick s Hotel occupies a prime location at the heart of Xlendi Bay overlooking the small inviting beach. It has a reputation for friendly service and facilities include a popular restaurant which opens directly onto the Xlendi Bay promenade and has wonderful views down the narrow bay. Victoria, with its shopping and restaurants, is only two miles from Xlendi and easily reached. Twin-bedded air-conditioned/centrally heated rooms with private facilities, cable TV with minibar, telephone and hairdryer. Facilities Rooftop terrace with plunge pool (including jacuzzi) Seaview restaurant Lounge bar with seaview and a terrace Internet café FREE Wi-Fi in public areas and at a charge in all rooms Hotel details: 4H St Patrick s Hotel Address: Pjazza Amphora, Xlendi, Gozo Phone: Any alternative hotels or board basis will have been confirmed at booking. Please speak to our reservations department if you are unsure. You will need to take money with you to cover lunches and dinners, as well as personal purchases, such as souvenirs and drinks. Your stay in Gozo is not escorted by a tour guide and your time will be free to explore the area at your own pace. Transfers are included. St Patrick s Hotel St Patrick s Hotel Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. 5