Malta FESTIVE WALKING 2017

Transcription

1 Malta FESTIVE WALKING 2017

2 WELCOME TO Malta Thank you for booking with HF Holidays. We look forward to welcoming you to Malta. This booklet will give you some essential information about your resort and holiday; please read this carefully before you travel. Your holiday will include a Guided Walking & Sightseeing programme and a free day in the middle of the week. Our experienced leaders will also ensure that the sociable atmosphere of your holiday continues into the evenings. Wishing you a great holiday from everyone at HF Holidays. Situated in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta has been influenced greatly by its neighbours, historically, culturally and linguistically. Life is usually taken at a more leisurely pace than you may be used to. The warmth of the Maltese people and the fascination of the island s 7,000 years of history enchant many of its visitors to return time and time again. The landscape of Malta is one of low hills with terraced green and brown fields. The coastline, although only 85 miles in total, is extremely varied, with cliffs, harbours, bays, creeks, sandy beaches and rocky coves. The combination of natural beauty, together with the many prehistoric sites found in every corner, make Malta an ideal island for walking and sightseeing Our holiday programme will combine an exploration of the unspoilt areas of the island with visits to some of the many interesting remains of Malta s ancient heritage, including Neolithic temples, 4th century catacombs, Roman ruins and churches built by the Knights of St John. 2 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk

3 The walks are tailored to the short daylight hours, with occasional adjustments to provide the right balance of safety and enjoyment and always with a careful eye on the weather. Each day there ll be a choice of 3 grades of walk. Easier Up to a maximum of 7 miles (11km) Medium Up to a maximum of 9 miles (14.5km) Harder Up to a maximum of 12 miles (19km) We will generally leave the house between 9.15 and 9.30am and all the walks are planned to finish by 4pm. We ll tell you more about each walk (precise distances and ascents) and answer any queries about terrain and conditions underfoot, on the holiday itself. ACCOMMODATION Pergola Hotel Adenau Street, Mellieha MLH2014, Malta Tel: This 4-star Hotel is situated close to the centre of Mellieha, one of Malta s traditional villages, away from the hustle and bustle of the main resorts. Its central location means shops and amenities are close by, making it an ideal base. Bedrooms: There are 91 en-suite bedrooms, overlooking a central area with small outdoor swimming pool. The ensuite bedrooms are comfortably furnished with a hairdryer, safe (small charge), telephone, fridge, satellite television, air conditioning / heating, Wi-Fi (small charge) and tea/coff ee making facilities. Facilities: There is a small bar in the lobby, and another bar with comfortable seating next to the Bonaventura Restaurant. The hotel has two outdoor swimming pools, the rooftop pool off ering spectacular views across Mellieha Bay and Gozo. There is a further indoor heated pool, jacuzzi, small gym. For those who really want to indulge themselves, the hotel has a Spa off ering a wide range of treatments (payable locally). Breakfast: Breakfast is served in the Bonaventura Restaurant between 7.30am and 10.00am and is a self-service buff et offering a selection of hot and cold items. Evening meal: The evening meal will be served buff et style with a selection of international and local dishes - usually including antipasti, salads and soup for starts, followed by a selection of hot savoury dishes. Desserts tend to be pies and pastries followed by tea and coffee. The hotel caters for most dietary requirements; we advise you to discuss your requirements with the restaurant staff on arrival. Our groups dine in the new rooftop Restaurant two evenings during the week and this meal is served to the table. Festive meals: We hope you enjoy the Festive Gala meal at this hotel, which will be on Christmas Eve. The arrangements for this will be slightly different from the rest of the week and your leaders will have all the details for you. Lunch: You may be able to purchase a picnic lunch from the hotel. Alternatively it is possible to buy ingredients from local shops or on some days to eat at one of the local cafés; please check your walk directions for the various options available on your day s walk. Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk 3

4 Holiday itinerary A unique feature of our Guided Walking holidays is the daily choice of walks. Each evening your leaders will give a short talk about the options for the next day and answer any questions that you may have. In Malta you ll have a choice of two guided walks on each walking day. The cost of the transport to and from your walks each day is included in the cost of your holiday. Easier Walks: 5 to 7 miles (8-11km) with up to 700ft (210m) in a day. Harder Walks: 7 to 9 miles ( km) with up to 1,400ft (420m) in a day. Your leaders will talk every evening about the next day s walks. Sightseeing costs: Please allow 20 for your sightseeing day. DAY 1: Arrival day The journey to the hotel in Mellieha is by minibus. Time permitting, your leaders will explain more about the walks on the first evening. Should this not be possible we ll meet after breakfast on the first morning of your stay. DAY 2: Dingli Cliffs to Blue Grotto or Mdina Today s visit is to the Dingli Cliffs, the highest point on Malta. We walk through Buskett Gardens (once the hunting ground of the Grand Masters) towards the Dingli Cliffs. Close to the cliffs we see the remains of Ghar-il-Kbir cave dwellings and a series of distinctive prehistoric cart ruts. This visit will be enhanced by a local guide who was brought up in the area. The afternoon is spent sightseeing with the option of: (a) visiting the 4th Century catacombs, the museum of Roman Antiquities and soaking up the atmosphere in the Silent City of Mdina or (b)visiting the temple complex of Hagar Qim, which can be seen before descending to Wied iz-zurrieq where there Easier Walk: 5 miles (8km) with up to 300ft (90m) Harder Walk: 9 miles (14km) with up to 900ft (270m) DAY 3: Marsascala and Marsaxlokk These walks link two traditional Maltese fi shing villages on the south eastern corner of the island. We start at Marsascala harbour from where we follow the coast past a series of deep-cut bays and promontories. A delightful spot for lunch and swimming is reached before we continue along the shore through the sculpture park of Peter s Pool. There is an option to continue on to Delimara Point to stand only 200 miles north of Africa. We walk to 4 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk Marsaxlokk, with its profusion of colourful fi shing boats bobbing in the harbour, and a quayside market. Easier Walk: 7 miles (11km) with up to 400ft (120m) Harder Walk: 9 miles (14km) with up to 500ft (150m) DAY 4: Free day Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are off ered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit local places of interest. Some options for your free day may include: Gozo: For guests holidaying on Malta only, a day trip to Gozo is popular. Using a hired coach it is possible to see many of the popular sights on the island including the Rotunda Church at Xewkija, the sea arch and Inland Sea at Dwejra Bay and the delightful fi shing village of Xlendi. The day is rounded off by a visit to Victoria, the island s capital, in order to walk around the ramparts of the citadel and visit the cathedral. Valletta: Although we visit Valletta on day 6, it is impossible to explore this World Heritage City in one day. On a return visit options available are the National Museum of Archaeology, where a fascinating collection of artefacts from Malta s prehistoric sites are housed; the War Museum, which tells the story of the siege of Malta during the Second World War; Manoel Theatre (a beautiful old theatre), and an inhabited 16th century patrician town house. Mdina & Rabat: Mdina is an important UNESCO Heritage Site. It is the oldest city on the island and derives its name from the Arabic word medina meaning walled city. Mdina is lamp-lit by night and often referred to as the silent city. The cathedral and cathedral museum are fascinating places with their rich cultural and religious treasures. The impressive

5 palaces are still home to some of Malta s aristocratic families. Rabat is home to the famous catacombs of St Paul and St Agatha and the impressive St Paul s Church, which stands above a grotto where St Paul is said to have taken refuge after his shipwreck on Malta. Local information website: For information on Malta please visit malta.gov.mt DAY 5: Northern Peninsula These walks explore the northern tip of Malta, from the older part of Mellieha village and onto rocky open ground to contour around the northern coastline with fi ne views of Gozo and Comino. Easier Walk: 5 miles (8km) with up to 500ft (150m) Harder Walk: 7 miles (11km) with up to 900ft (270m) DAY 6: Valletta - sightseeing excursion The World Heritage City of Valletta merits a great deal of exploration and this sightseeing day will introduce you to the key sights. Our tour starts with a walking tour around the city with a blue badge guide, stopping at Upper Barrakka Gardens with panoramic views over the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities, and concluding with a visit to St John s Co-Cathedral. There is then free time for you to explore Valletta before a not-to-be-missed harbour cruise. DAY 7: Ancient city to sandy bays From the ancient city of Mdina - the original capital of Malta we descend into the fertile Qleigha Valley and a series of manmade reservoirs called the Chadwick Lakes. There is time to view the wayside chapel and the honeycomb of ancient tombs beneath the Victorian Line fortifi cations along the escarpment ridge. After the Bingemma Gap we make our Easier Walk: 6 miles (9.5km) with up to 600ft (180m) Harder Walk: 8 miles (13km) with up to 900ft (270m) DAY 8: Departure day or transfer day for guests holidaying on Gozo. IN THE EVENINGS The friendly atmosphere of our Guided Walking holidays continues into the evening. We ll enjoy a leisurely meal. You may also like to join your leader for an evening stroll, listen to local musicians, relax with a book in a quiet lounge or enjoy a drink at the bar with your fellow walkers talking about your day. JOIN US TODAY AND BENEFIT TOMORROW HF Holidays is the only UK holiday provider that s a co-operative. We re owned by our members who help shape our business for future generations. Join our award-winning and sociably responsible society that s passionate about helping others to enjoy holidays in beautiful countryside. For a minimum purchase of shares you can benefit from: Members loyalty scheme earn points on your holidays and use as a discount on your next holiday Member-only events and holidays Members come first with advance registration for the holiday you want 10% discount at our country house bars 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoor 15% discount at Rohan 25% discount at Hi-Tec Annual interest on your shares To join or increase your investment call our Membership team on , membership@hfholidays.co.uk or visit hfholidays.co.uk/membership RECOMMEND A FRIEND AND SAVE 50 If you recommend HF Holidays to a friend who subsequently makes their first ever booking with us, we will give you 50 off your next holiday for each person recommended. Plus, as a welcome, we will also give your friend or friends 50 per person off their holiday, meaning savings for everyone! Terms & conditions apply, visit hfholidays.co.uk/raf for details. Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk 5

6 TRANSFER INFORMATION If you have booked your holiday with flight you will arrive at Malta Airport. From the UK we offer flights from London Gatwick and Manchester which may arrive at different times. Please note that meals are not provided on most European flights, although some airlines may offer a small snack. Where possible you will be met as you enter the arrivals hall by an HF Holidays leader. Your leader may be on the same flight as you or may arrive on another flight. Occasionally we will ask our transfer coach company to meet you. The driver will be in the arrivals hall holding an HF Holidays sign. The onward journey to Mellieha by coach takes approximately 45 minutes. For independent travellers: For guests who have booked their holiday without flight HF Holidays can help you to reach the hotel in the following ways: HF Holidays transfer coach from Malta airport. These are timed to meet the HF Holidays flights (provisional HF Holidays flight times can be found on hfholidays.co.uk or by calling +44 (0) ). Cost per single journey is 16. Please note that HF Holidays is not responsible for your onward travel if you fail to meet the transfer coach under any circumstance. Our Airport Taxi service operates at this resort, offering quick and easy transfers for guests booking their own flights. All prices are per taxi for single journeys, allowing you to mix and match different transfer options. From Malta Airport by taxi transfer 50 per taxi single journey. Transfers and taxis must be pre-booked. If you have not already booked your transfer or taxi please call +44 (0) Airport parking and accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend Holiday Extras. Call and quote HX031 or book online at at holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays Two weeks or more: Malta and dg Go zo If you have booked a two weeks or more holiday the transfer between resorts is included. You will be collected from the Pergola Hotel and taken by coach to the ferry port where you will cross to Gozo. The ferry takes approx 20 minutes. You will be met at Mgarr by minibus and taken to the Grand Hotel. 6 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk WALKING INFORMATION Your walking leaders: HF Holidays leaders are a pivotal feature of our Guided Walking holidays. During the day they will guide you on the walks in a caring and considerate way, showing you places of interest en route. All our leaders have been selected on an intensive residential course so you can relax and enjoy your holiday knowing that you are in safe hands. Our leaders welcome your comments on the holiday survey; constructive suggestions for things that they might do differently are very helpful. We take pride in the quality of our holidays and work closely with all our providers to ensure our holidays meet your expectations. If for any reason you are not satisfied with any element of your holiday, our leaders are the best people to help. Local interest guides: In some of our resorts we may employ the services of a local interest guide who will accompany you on a walk to enrich and enhance your enjoyment of the area by giving you an insight into its history and culture. Tips for local interest guides have not been included in the price of your holiday. This is at your own discretion and we invite you to do this directly with the local guide. Maps: Your leaders will of course carry all the maps and detailed walk instructions needed for the walks. The map available for this area is Kompass Map 235; Malta & Gozo 1:25,000 Maps can be obtained by mail order from The Map Shop, tel: or visit themapshop.co.uk. Children: We welcome unaccompanied children of 14 or over on our walks on the basis that they can take full responsibility for themselves. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. WALKING SAFETY We are committed to running our Guided Walking holidays in a safe manner and your co-operation with this is much appreciated. No outdoor activity can be 100% risk free; however, if you take sensible precautions and adhere to your leaders instructions, your holiday will be both safe and enjoyable. On the first evening of your holiday (dependent on arrival time), the leaders will give a short talk about safety on the walks we would ask everyone to attend. Walking as a group: Our leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and will show more caution over potential risks (such as bad or exceptionally hot weather) than an individual or couple might make

7 on a private outing. Walks may be modifi ed or cancelled following the leaders assessment of the day-to-day situation. Your leaders will refuse to accept any guest whose clothing, equipment, behaviour or walking ability is considered unsuitable, and where it could affect the safety and enjoyment of other guests on the proposed walk. It is your responsibility to follow the leader s guidelines, for the benefi t and safety of the group as a whole. If you leave the group, then your leader will no longer have responsibility for you. For safety reasons, we stipulate a minimum party size of two guests in addition to the leader. First aid: In line with current practice, each leader carries a group fi rst aid kit but is not able to supply any medication, including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines and antiseptic cream. Hydration: In warm weather it is very important to keep hydrated. You will need to carry a minimum of two litres of water with you on walks, more during hot weather or on more demanding walks. One good way of hydrating is to use a two litre hydration pack which allows drinking without constant stopping. This can then be fi lled up from additional water sources as required. Your leader will inform you of the possibilities for replenishing your water during the walks. Your health: It is essential that you describe on your guest registration form any health condition or disability you may have. The leaders will treat this confi dentially and may be able to take it into account on the walks; for example, by not delaying lunch if they know they have someone with diabetes in their party. EU citizens should ensure they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) prior to their holiday. There can be problems with medical authorities and insurance companies if you cannot produce this when you require treatment details are available at dh.gov. uk/travellers EHIC cards have an expiry date please check yours is valid before you travel. Insurance: Insurance is a condition of booking. Therefore if you have not already arranged insurance, it is imperative that you do so, and advise us of the insurance company and policy number. We have negotiated special holiday insurance and full details of this cover can be found in our brochure or at hfholidays.co.uk. There is no extra charge for preexisting illnesses. If you would like to purchase insurance from us please call us on or holidayservices@hfholidays.co.uk. Even with an EHIC card, medicines and out-patient treatment normally have to be paid for at the time and the costs reclaimed afterwards details are available at dh.gov. uk/travellers. Therefore insurance is extremely important, as is access to emergency money, preferably a credit card. Money: Access to emergency money, preferably via a credit card, is very important as you never know when an emergency may arise. WHAT TO WEAR & BRING To enjoy your walking comfortably and safely, it is essential that your footwear, clothing and equipment are suitable for the conditions likely to be encountered. Please note that some of our Atlantic island and Mediterranean destinations are also in mountainous areas and at height (up to 4,000ft) the temperatures can be as low as 0 C. You will need: comfortable outdoor clothing ankle supporting footwear with non-slip soles water bottle (at least 2 litres, more for hot climates) and a thermos flask if you wish sunhat, sun cream and sunglasses small rucksack In addition to the above, the following are recommended to all walkers, and are essential for mountainous and hilly areas: walking boots spare pullover or fleece hat and gloves spare high-energy food e.g. chocolate bar or Kendal mint cake torch You may also wish to consider bringing: camera personal first aid kit walking pole(s) many guests find these useful, particularly for descents FOOTWEAR We recommend wearing walking boots on all our walks, as these provide the best ankle support and grip. Modern approach shoes offer appropriate levels of grip and may be worn on some low level walks, but users should be aware that they offer less ankle support. Lightweight trainers, denim jeans and waterproof capes are not recommended for any walks. Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk 7

8 Holiday tips Language: Maltese and English Currency: Euro. Changing money: There are several ATM machines in Mellieha where you can obtain money. Tap water: Is considered safe to drink, but if you prefer, bottled mineral water can be purchased from the hotel or local supermarkets. Electricity: Same 3-pin plug as in the UK. Telephone code: If the international number you wish to call starts with a 0, you must drop the starting digit when dialling the number. To dial a UK number 0044 To dial a Maltese number Contact details HF Holidays Ltd Catalyst House 720 Centennial Court Centennial Park Elstree Borehamwood, WD6 3SY For any questions before your holiday, we re here to help, so please contact us on: (local rate) (0) (from outside the UK) Monday-Friday: 9am-7pm. info@hfholidays.co.uk Emergency contact details: In all instances during your holiday, your fi rst point of contact should be our HF Holidays leaders. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays emergency contact details are as above or: +44 (0) Friday 7pm to Monday 9am. Your feedback: We are always interested in your comments, so please complete and submit your holiday survey online at If you would prefer a paper copy please contact Holiday Services.