Malta MELLIEHA SELF-GUIDED 2018

Transcription

1 Malta MELLIEHA SELF-GUIDED 2018

2 to Malta Situated in the heart of the Mediterranean, only 200 miles from the North African coast, Malta. Many European civilisations have visited and left their mark. The warmth mof 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 although only 85 miles in total, is extremely varied, and rocky coves. The combination of natural beauty, together with the many prehistoric sites found in every corner, make Malta an ideal island for a holiday. Your self-guided holiday also includes the opportunity to visit the beautiful neighbouring island of Gozo where controls over building requirements Baroque churches and old stone farmhouses dotting the countryside. This booklet is designed to give you all the information you ll need, including information and advice about your accommodation, walks, transfers and suggestions for places to visit. our travel documents Your map of the area Your personal waterproof map case Should you have any questions about your holiday after reading the information in this pack our 2 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk Holiday Services team will be happy to help. You can contact them by telephone on (0) or at holidayservices@hfholidays.co.uk Should you require any advice, hints or tips whilst leaders will be in the resort and are also happy to share their knowledge of the local walking area and nearby activities. HF Holidays.

3 ACCOMMODATION PERGOLA HOTEL Adenau Street, Mellieha MLH2014, Malta 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 comfortable en-suite bedrooms, furnished with a hairdryer, safe (small charge), telephone, fridge, satellite television, air 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 Mellieha Bay and Gozo. There is a further indoor want to indulge themselves, the hotel has a Spa Breakfast: Breakfast is served in the Bonaventura Restaurant between 7.30am and 10.00am and is a cold items. holiday on a bed and breakfast basis allows you the opportunity to sample the local cuisine and some of the restaurants in Mellieha. For recommendations on the best places to eat in the area why not visit tripadvisor.co.uk If you have chosen the half board option dinner will be served with our guided walking group. The hotel of international and local dishes. Two evenings a week are also included at the rooftop restaurant caters for most dietary requirements; we advise you to discuss your requirements with the restaurant 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 Local Maltese and English Time: GMT + 1 hour Currency: Euro There are several ATM machines in Mellieha where you can obtain money. Electricity: 220 Volt AC with 3-pin plugs as per UK. Tap water: This is considered safe to drink, but if you prefer, bottled mineral water can be purchased from the hotel or local supermarkets. Telephone code: If the international number you wish to call starts with a 0, you must drop the starting digit when dialling the number. 4 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk To dial an UK number 0044 To dial a Maltese number Auberge d Italie, Merchants Street, Valletta VLT 1170 Tel (00356) Mellieha also has a Tourist Information before the Sanctuary Church. Supermarkets: There is a good range of shops on the main street of Mellieha which open 8.30am to 7pm Monday to Saturday. As is traditional in Malta they close for 3-4 hours mid-afternoon each day. There is also a supermarket open from 8.30am on a Sunday.

5 Your Walks separately within your pack with details of transport requirements, places of interest and recommended stops for those all important refreshment breaks Easier Walks: inland and coastal paths. Up to 700ft (210m) of ascent in a day Please note that the itinerary outlined below can be undertaken in any order you wish. However we have noted some recommendations to ensure you get the most from your day. Walk 1: Northeast peninsula A great introductory walk starting from the hotel, it explores Mellieha village, the bay and the northeast peninsula. Your route will take you through the older part of town and descends and vegetation to Mellieha Bay, before taking you to the Red Tower built by the Knights of St John in After an opportunity to explore, you retrace your route to the coastal path around Mellieha Bay and on to Armier Bay for fantastic views to Gozo, as you make your way to Ramla Bay miles (8.5km) with 600ft (180m) of ascent. Special notes: Don t forget your swimsuit, as there may be opportunities for a swim along the way. The Red Tower is operated by the Malta National Trust so, if you have a UK National Trust card, take it with you as there are reciprocal arrangements. The views from the top are stunning. Walk 2: Mdina to Golden Bay This walk gives you an opportunity to explore the ancient city of Mdina - the ancient capital of Malta. The walk itself will take you out of Mdina up to Mafra Ridge passing an old railway station before continuing past Chadwick to descend into a fertile route continues to meet a coastal path to Golden Bay, the island s best beach for a great swimming opportunity miles (11.5km) with 830ft (760m) of ascent. Walk 3: Selmun Palace, bays & Roman road This route starts from the hotel exploring the coastline to the east of Mellieha with views of St Paul s Island where St Paul was reputed to be shipwrecked in AD60. From Mellieha your route will head to Selmun Palace, built for recreational Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk 5

6 use by the Knights of St John in the 18th century, before following a lovely coastal path with information boards along the way providing an insight into the landscape. As your route continues you will see the salt pans cut into the limestone as you make your way around the coast road past Roman apiaries, pre-historic caves and tombs back to the hotel. 7 miles (11km) with 83ft (250m) of ascent. Walk 4: of Gozo to Xlendi This stunning coastal walk explores the geology of Malta s sister island Gozo to the charming resort of coastal path awaits as you as you leave the ferry terminal. The route takes you up to Fort Chambray for excellent views over to Comin and Malta before continuing to reach the charming inlet of Mgarr-ix-Xini. Then you will see the wide scenery of Gozo before heading inland to Sannat to pick up a dramatic coastal path and descending to Xlendi with its excellent array of cafés and restaurants to while away the afternoon gazing out to sea. 7 miles (11km) with 820ft (250m) of ascent. Walk 5: Mgarr to Ramla Bay the neighbouring island of Gozo and the 5,000 oldest free standing structure in the world. Your route will take you through Mgarr and before ascending to the village of Xaghra where Temples. As your walk continues it will take you past Calypso s Cave where, according to enchanting Calypso for 7 years. From here there s on Gozo. 6.5 miles (10.5km) with 460ft (140m) of ascent. Maps Included within your pack is a Kompass Map 235 to enable you to explore the area. This map is needed alongside your walks directions each day. 6 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk

7 Things are some of the attractions you may wish to visit and the hotel or local tourist Valletta No visit to Malta is complete without a visit to the city was established in the 1500s on a peninsula. Take bus 222 to Sliema and the ferry over to Valletta. Maps can be obtained from the Tourist Information National War Museum which has a collection visit which houses Maltese prehistoric artefacts or visit Lascaris War Rooms an underground complex or visit Manoel Theatre built in 1732 and reputed to be Europe s third oldest working theatre or visit Mdina St Paul s Catacombs a complex of interconnected, underground Roman cemeteries that were in use up to the 4th century AD Mdina Cathedra built on the site where governor Publius was reported to have met Saint Fontanella Tea Rooms from its terrace and famed for its chocolate, and cherry & almond cakes or visit Prehistoric Sites, built between 3600 and 2400BC during the Visit Gozo Just 20 minutes from Malta via ferry, Gozo is bursting with historical sites, forts and amazing panoramas plus one of the archipelago s best- Victoria, also known as Rabat, is the capital city of Gozo. features artefacts, relics and displays covering the cultural history of Gozo or visit You may want to book a half or full day excursion and the hotel has a tour desk with a wide variety available. You can also book via our agent, Alpine Sterling Useful guidebooks & websites This pack contains all you need for a selfguided holiday on Malta. However if you would like to further your knowledge of the area, the island s Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk 7

8 linger a little Lanzarote, Mayrhofen, Seefeld and our new selfguided destination, Tegernsee. in some 43 resorts in Europe. These holidays are guided by our experienced and friendly leaders. more of a challenge and in the summer we have have 3 Multi-centre tours. You can extend many of these 7 night holidays by booking either two weeks of walking at one resort or by combining complementary holidays, such as Malta and Gozo. so that you don t have to. See our brochure and website for more information. Leisure Activities at some of our European destinations, including Discovery or Garden Tours, Photography, Painting, or Yoga. Guided Trails Discover a great sense of achievement on a trails on famous routes and outstanding locations across Britain and Europe. Worldwide invite you to explore world famous destinations, and some lesser known gems, on six continents including Europe. SAVE ON OUTDOOR CLOTHING Visit hfholidays.co.uk/partnerships 8 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk

9 RECOMMEND A FRIEND AND SAVE 50 holidays as much as you do? Invite them to book a holiday and you ll receive 50! If you recommend HF Holidays to a friend who with us, we will holiday for each person recommended. Plus, as a welcome, we will also give your recommended friend or friends 50 per, meaning savings for everyone! Claim your 50 in three easy steps them to mention at time of booking your name and address. If they have never travelled with us before, we will give them a discount of 50 per person. future HF Holidays break for each friend you have recommended. Terms & conditions apply, visit hfholidays.co.uk/raf for details. PATHWAYS FUND Last year guests donated 19,500 to our Pathways Fund has supported, plus how to donate, please visit hfholidays.co.uk/pathways HF Holidays continues to work in partnership with the Family Holiday Association to provide Feel Good Breaks designed to reward families who break in the outdoors and the chance to spend quality time together. Help us continue this work by donating to the Pathways Fund. JOIN US TODAY AND BENEFIT TOMORROW HF Holidays is the only UK holiday owned by our members who help shape our business for future generations. Join our award-winning and sociably responsible society that s passionate beautiful countryside. For a minimum purchase of shares Members loyalty scheme earn points on your holidays and use as a discount on your next holiday Member-only events and holidays registration for the holiday you want 10% discount at our country house bars 15% discount at Rohan 25% discount at Hi-Tec Annual interest on your shares ALREADY A MEMBER? There are many ways for you to further Help choose our Board Attend member events Increase your shares at any time Top up to 1,000 shares to become an investment member with Give membership as a gift our Membership team on , membership@hfholidays.co.uk or visit hfholidays.co.uk/membership Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk 9

10 WHAT TO WEAR & BRING essential that your footwear, clothing and equipment are suitable. Changeable weather is possible throughout the year, so our advice is to come prepared comfortable outdoor clothing ankle supporting footwear with non-slip soles small rucksack water bottle (at least 2 litres, more for hot sunhat, sun cream and sunglasses The following are recommended to all walkers, and are walking boots hat and gloves spare high-energy food e.g. chocolate bar or Kendal mint cake torch particularly for descents camera Footwear: on all our walks, as these provide the best ankle appropriate levels of grip and may be worn on some waterproof capes are not recommended for any walks. WALKING SAFETY Hand in your guest registration form to the hotel receptionist at check-in Complete the walks log at the hotel reception - people in your party, contact number, route and expected time of return Take a mobile phone with you each day and note the hotel s telephone number. Make sure your mobile is suitable for use abroad Check the weather forecast before heading out Ensure you have your map and walk directions with you 10 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk aid kit, a torch, whistle, compass and those all important drinks and snacks Remember to follow the countryside code, taking any rubbish with you and closing gates after you Hydration: In warm weather it is very important to keep hydrated. You will need to carry water with you on walks, more during hot weather or on more demanding walks. pack which allows drinking without constant stopping. as required. ASSISTANCE In the event of an emergency please note the following information before calling the emergency services to 1. Your location with grid reference if possible 2. The name, gender and age of the casualty 4. The number of people in the party 5. Your mobile telephone number with international dialling code Police: 191 Ambulance: 196 ANY EMERGENCY: 112 Reception who can assist with arranging one for you. Hospital: The nearest hospital is in Sliema. Your health: 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 travellers EHIC cards have an expiry date please check yours is valid before you travel. 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. Money: Access to emergency money, preferably via a credit card, is very important as you never know when an emergency may arise.

11 Included in the cost of your holiday, your walks transport on Malta is by local bus and we have included a 7-day bus pass. This is provided to each ). These passes will be waiting at the hotel reception for you at the beginning of your holiday. You will also GETTING AROUND require two return foot passenger ferry tickets to Gozo, which will accompany the bus pass. Local buses: There are main bus stations at Valletta and Bugibba on Malta and Victoria on Gozo. Visit for further information and timetables. TRANSFER INFORMATION HF Holidays transfer coach or by calling (0) ). Cost you fail to meet the transfer coach under any circumstance and this transfer must be pre-booked. ed recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call and quote HX031 or book online at holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk 11

12 Contact details HF Holidays Ltd Catalyst House 720 Centennial Court Centennial Park Elstree hfholidays.co.uk (local rate) +44 (0) Holidays leaders. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays emergency contact details are as above or +44 (0) or