Malta
4th – 8th May 2027
Malta has long stood at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, and its history reflects the many cultures that have passed through the island over thousands of years. From the mysterious prehistoric temple builders to the Knights of St John and the dramatic events of the Great Siege of 1565, the island offers an extraordinary concentration of historical and artistic interest.
This trip will explore Malta’s remarkable archaeological sites, its magnificent Baroque architecture and the dramatic fortified city of Valletta. We will look closely at some of the earliest monumental structures in Europe, consider the artistic patronage of the Knights of St John and examine the extraordinary paintings produced by Caravaggio during his turbulent stay on the island. Despite its small size, Malta contains an astonishing richness of history and culture. The island’s towns, churches and fortifications tell the story of a place that has been both a meeting point of civilisations and a strategic stronghold in the Mediterranean for centuries.
The trip will be a mix of prehistoric archaeology, magnificent Baroque architecture, fascinating historical discussion and wonderful Mediterranean hospitality. We will stay in the heart of Valletta which provides an excellent base from which to explore and the surrounding areas.
Itinerary
Tuesday 4th May
We will land in Malta late morning and take our coach to the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk. We should arrive in time for lunch overlooking the harbour where the colourful traditional fishing boats provide a wonderful introduction to Malta’s maritime culture.
In the afternoon we will visit the extraordinary prehistoric temple complexes of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra. These remarkable sites date from roughly 3600–2500 BC and are among the oldest surviving stone structures anywhere in the world. Set dramatically above the sea on Malta’s southern coast, they provide a fascinating insight into the ritual life and architectural achievements of the island’s earliest inhabitants. We will then drive on to Valletta where we will check in to the hotel before heading out for a relaxed dinner nearby.
Wednesday 5th May
We will begin the day with a visit to the National Museum of Archaeology which is housed in a beautiful Baroque auberge originally built for the Knights of the Order of St John from Provence. The museum contains some of Malta’s most important prehistoric artefacts including the celebrated “Sleeping Lady.” From here we will explore the historic city of Valletta itself. Founded in the aftermath of the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, the city represents one of the most ambitious urban projects of the Renaissance and remains one of the most impressive fortified capitals in Europe. We will visit St John’s Co-Cathedral where we will study the extraordinary paintings by Caravaggio including St Jerome Writing and The Beheading of St John the Baptist. The cathedral itself is richly decorated and provides a vivid demonstration of the artistic ambition of the Knights of St John.
After lunch we will visit the Grand Master’s Palace to see the impressive State Rooms and the celebrated fresco cycle depicting the story of the Great Siege of Malta. There will then be some free time for further exploration of the city before dinner at a good local restaurant.
Thursday 6th May
We will leave Valletta in the morning and travel inland to the ancient city of Mdina, Malta’s former capital. Known as the “Silent City,” Mdina is one of the most atmospheric towns in the Mediterranean. We will visit St Paul’s Cathedral and discuss the long tradition that associates Malta with the shipwreck of St Paul described in the Acts of the Apostles.
After lunch we will continue to nearby Rabat where we will visit St Paul’s Grotto, traditionally believed to be the place where the apostle stayed during his time on Malta. If time allows, we may also explore some of the nearby catacombs which contain some of the earliest Christian burial sites on the island. We hope to end the day with a visit to the Hypogeum, if we are lucky enough to secure tickets. We will return to Valletta in the late afternoon and enjoy dinner together.
Friday 7th May
This morning we will explore the harbour fortifications of Valletta including Fort St Elmo which played a crucial role during the Great Siege of Malta and again during the Second World War. From here we can appreciate the extraordinary defensive architecture created by the Knights of St John and consider Malta’s strategic importance in the Mediterranean.
After lunch there will be free time for further exploration of Valletta and shopping before meeting up again for an excellent last dinner.
Saturday 8th May
In the morning we will have a private visit to the Palazzo Rocca Piccola, the first aristocratic home in Malta to open its doors to the public. The de Piro family often conduct the private tours themselves, which is a very special feature of this palazzo. Our coach will then take us to the airport for the flight home.
Further Details
Tutors
The trip will be led by Nick Ross and Grant Rogers. Both tutors have taught for AHA for many years and know the island of Malta well.
Hotels
We will stay in the Palazzo Bettini, a beautifully restored palace which we will have all to ourselves. The rooms are beautifully decorated and it has large panoramic roof terrace, complete with a swimming pool overlooking the Marina. The hotel is in Birgu, a 5 minute boat shuttle ride across the harbour to Valetta centre. This side is far quieter at night and has less tourists. The restaurants are also far superior! If you would like to upgrade your room the following total extra fees apply: Deluxe Suite £180 / Premium Suite £220 / Penthouse Suite £380.
Lunches and Dinners
Lunches are a set menu of two courses to include drinks. Dinner is by no means compulsory, but we book a table for the group each night at different restaurants and divide the bill equally between everyone. Sometimes these may also need to be a set menu, but we try our best to avoid this. We will adjust the bill for those not drinking alcohol.
Transport
We will travel in comfort in a private coach with air-conditioning.
Ability
Malta is a small island, so this is one of our less physically demanding trips. As is the case for all our courses, there is a lot of standing while we discuss the works we are looking at.
Cost
The fees are £2350 which includes accommodation and breakfast, all lunches, transfers for the recommended flight, transport when connected with teaching, entrance fees, tuition, reading lists and local advice. The single occupancy supplement is £280 (double room for single use). See above for room upgrades. Not included are flights, suppers and travel insurance. The group will not exceed 16 people.
Flights
We do not book the flights thus allowing you to travel to suit your budget, use airmiles, travel between different airports or on different dates. However, we recommend buying the following flights with British Airways:
Tuesday 4th May BA 2614 Gatwick 9:00-13:20 Malta
Saturday 8th May BA 2615 Malta 13:50-16:10 Gatwick
To register
Please complete the online registration form, having read our terms and conditions and pay a deposit of £600 per person via bank transfer once you have received the confirmation email. Please note your place is not confirmed until we have received your deposit.
NB you must buy your own flights.
