Destination: Malta

Q: Is tipping customary in Malta?

<p>If you&#8217;re on an Odyssey tour, we take care of tipping so you don&#8217;t need to give it a second thought. However, in your free time, or if travelling independently, it&#8217;s essential that you tip an appropriate amount for services. Tipping is customary in Malta, with a tip around 10% commonly accepted for most services.</p>

Q: Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Malta?

<p>Check with your cell phone provider to see whether you&#8217;re able to make calls and use data while in Malta. Many providers will allow you to pay a daily fee that allows you to make calls and check the internet while only being charged your regular rates. However, be certain to inform your provider that you&#8217;re heading overseas, because just like a bank they can turn off your service as a result of unusual activity.</p>

Malta tours for seniors.

Odyssey offers easy, convenient, and relaxed escorted small group tours across the Mediterranean and beyond. We explore Malta’s incredible natural beauty, its ancient crusader heritage, World Heritage Sites, and gorgeous seaside towns, all with some truly spectacular scenery along the way. This and more is all waiting to be explored on one of Odyssey’s small group tours of Malta, designed for the senior traveller, and led by experienced, and enthusiastic like minded people.

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Malta Tours

Crafted Tours for Mature World Travellers

Guaranteed

25 days

Apr, Sep, Oct

Mediterranean Islands Small Group Tour | Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica

Visiting Corsica, Italy

For centuries Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica held the key to the Mediterranean. Unlike other European tour companies, Odyssey provides a tour leader and local guides to share detailed itineraries about the destinations on these small group journeys. This escorted tour of western Mediterranean explores the geography, history, culture and peoples of these 4 islands. Small group tour for mature couples and solo travellers. A reasonable single supplement is charged.

From A$19,750 AUD

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Guaranteed

12 days

Apr, Oct, Sep

Malta & Sicily - Mediterranean Islands small group tour

Visiting Italy, Malta

For centuries Malta & Sicily, held the key to the Mediterranean. Unlike other European tour companies, Odyssey provides a tour leader and local guides to share detailed itineraries about the destinations on these small group journeys. For mature couples and solo travellers. A reasonable single supplement is charged.

From A$10,150 AUD

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Caravaggio’s journey Italy, Malta, Sicily escorted small group tour

20 days

May, Oct

Caravaggio’s Journey | Small Group Tour in Italy

Visiting Italy, Malta

On this small group tour of Italy and Malta for mature and senior couples and solo travellers we trace the life of Caravaggio, exploring the artistic works he left behind and the tumultuous life he led. We follow him from his birthplace in Milan to Rome, Malta, Sicily and Naples. In each place he lived Caravaggio left behind a rich legacy of art for us to admire.

From A$15,125 AUD

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Sitting at the heart of the Mediterranean, the tiny islands of Malta meld historic interest with stunning natural beauty. Phoenicians , Carthaginians, Romans, Ottomans and Nazis have all sought – and failed to get – this prized strategic location. The megalithic temples of Malta are a testament to the islands’ ancient history, as is the historic walled city of Mdina with its extraordinary mix of medieval and baroque architecture, and the walled city of Malta‘s capital Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognising the unique history of the Knights of St. John. Valletta‘s many historic buildings and Grand Harbour location makes it one of Europe‘s most beautiful cities. Other historic sites include the town of Rabat, home to the baroque St Paul’s Cathedral, and the Renaissance Verdala Palace, built in 1586 for the Knights of St. John – all to be discovered on Odyssey’s small group tours Malta for senior or mature couples and the solo traveller.

Surrounded by the stunning Mediterranean Sea, the natural beauty of Malta is unparalleled. While Bugibba, Blue Lagoon, and St Paul’s Bay are popular tourist beaches, the extensive coast means that there are plenty of hidden gems for you to find. And Malta also has a distinctive cuisine, which reflects the islands’ history in its melding of British and Italian influences. On Odyssey’s small group tours Malta‘s famous scenery and fascinating history is explored in such a way as to provide a truly authentic Malta experience.

Articles about Malta

10 Total Articles

Piecing together the life of Caravaggio

Uncovering Caravaggio The following article picks up on, and extends, our general introduction to Caravaggio. Here, we we delve further into the details of Caravaggio’s early life and relationships and use available evidence to piece…

11 Oct 19 · 19 mins read

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Caravaggio: The Definitive Reading List

Who was Caravaggio? Caravaggio became the greatest painter of religious works of the early 17th century. His dramatic but naturalistic style of painting emphasised the common humanity of his subjects, the apostles and martyrs of…

10 Oct 19 · 11 mins read

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About Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica: islands of the western Mediterranean

For senior and mature travellers taking a small group tour to Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica, this paper answers questions and provides the historical context of a small group tour for couples and solo travellers to the Historic Mediterranean sea.

25 Sep 19 · 15 mins read

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The_Inspiration_of_Saint_Matthew-Caravaggio_(1602)

Learning about Caravaggio's Paintings: The Definitive Guide for Seniors

Caravaggio’s Paintings Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610) was a leading 16th century Italian painter whose short but tempestuous life rivalled the controversy and drama he created through his highly influential art. Born in Lombardy, northern…

4 May 21 · 12 mins read

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Mediterranean Islands: Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica

Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica: An Educational Journey through Western Mediterranean This article takes you on a journey through the beautiful islands of the western Mediterranean – Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica – by tracing…

4 Oct 19 · 19 mins read

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Malta; Megalithic temples, ‘fat ladies’, and the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

Malta; Megalithic temples, ‘fat ladies’, and the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum The tiny islands that comprise Malta, set in the middle of the Mediterranean sea, are home to prehistoric art and architecture out of all proportion…

13 Sep 17 · 5 mins read

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Getting around

Odyssey travels by coach and occasionally uses local transport, including trains and ferries. Specifics are always outlined in your tour itinerary. The public bus service on the islands of Malta and Gozo provide extensively cover the two islands, and are an inexpensive way to get around. Taxi services are also widely available. To travel between islands, ferry services and water taxis are available.

Accommodation

In major cities, Odyssey stays in centrally located 3-4 star hotels, with easy access to public transport. In smaller towns or rural areas, we usually stay in family-run hotels or guesthouses. On our longstay tours, during which you spend the length of the tour in a single location, we use serviced apartments.

Tour Guides

Odyssey always engages local guides with regional knowledge to ensure an authentic experience during which you can learn as much as possible about the history and culture of places you visit.

Geography, Environment, & Weather

The country of Malta is approximately 316 square kilometres in area. Malta is comprised of a cluster of separate islands, although only the three largest (Malta, Gozo, and Comino) are inhabited. The Maltese islands are largely composed of limestone formations, with their coastlines consisting of steep cliffs, coves, bays and islets.

Malta has a mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Depending on when you intend to travel, check the weather reports and dress accordingly.

World Heritage sites

Malta has 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can view the official list of the sites here (https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/lt). The listed sites include:

City of Valletta, an area of rich history, containing 320 historical monuments in an area of just 55 hectares
Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, an immense subterranean necropolis
Megalithic Temples of Malta, ancient archaeological sites that date back to the Bronze Age.

Festivals & Events

Numerous festivals and events dot the calendar in Malta. Notte Bianca is one of Malta’s biggest yearly arts and culture festivals. Held in October, museums across the island of Malta are opened to the public and public performances and exhibitions are staged in the streets and piazzas. Carnival is another important event celebrated in Malta. Held in the lead up to Ash Wednesday, Carnival features vibrant costumes, exuberant parades and general revelry. For those fond of pyrotechnics, the Malta International Fireworks Festival is held in late April and features a dazzling display of fireworks over three nights.

Reading List

Empires of the Sea, by Roger Crowley
Splendor of Malta, by Shirley Johnston
The Knights of Malta, by H.J.A Sire
Malta, Prehistory and Temples, by David H. Trum

Eating & Drinking

Maltese food is characterised by rustic and hearty flavours, with ingredients drawn from the fields and waters of the Maltese islands. The national dish of Malta is considered to be stuffat tal-fenek, a slow-cooked stew made out of rabbit meat, tomatoes, red wine and garlic sauce. Seafood is widely consumed in Malta, and features as a key ingredient in dishes such as torta tal-lampuki (fish pie made with fresh fish, potatoes, spinach, capers, mint, and olive oil) and Ħobż biż-żejt (open-faced sandwiches with tuna, tomatoes, cheese, and onion). Regional Mediterranean influences appear throughout Maltese cooking in dishes such as cannoli (pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta) and cassata (cakes made from marzipan, almond paste, and ricotta).

Health & Safety

Generally speaking, Malta is safe to travel in, though always exercise common sense while travelling.

Electrical Supply

Whenever you travel overseas, it’s always wise to take an appropriate travel adaptor. Malta’s electricity supply runs at 240V and 50Hz. Malta uses the Type G electric plug, so make sure you have the right travel adaptor with you.

Tour Reviews

It is hard to believe that such a small country can contain so much dramatic scenery. Icecaps and glaciers, huge waterfalls, volcanos and hot bubbling mud, and those wonderful fjords and high mountain passes

Participant 2016

Iceland cultural and wilderness small group tour

Every day was different with so much to see and do. Volcanoes, craters (including the pseudo ones), bubbling mud pools, and the active Strokkur Geyser, the bird life, black sand beaches, and those beautiful Icelandic horses. The time flew by...

Participant 2016

Iceland cultural and wilderness small group tour

I was impressed by the number of places we visited. It was a very full itinerary which I like. We saw things of interest every day. I see no fault with the tour.

Participant 2017

Anglo French Tour | Normandy, Brittany, Channel Islands tour

The geographical wonders offered by Iceland and Greenland left me in awe. The grandeur and spectacle of the countryside is breathtaking. Our leader (Rob) was excellent: well-researched, friendly, organized and good-humoured.

Participant 2017

Iceland cultural and wilderness small group tour

Our guide Filiz was wonderful, very well informed, historical insights very helpful, her care for our well being exceptional. Could not have wished for a better tour leader.

Participant 2017

Small group tour of Ancient Turkey

Our guide was a great ambassador for his country, wide knowledge of literature, history, customs, industry, fishing - also a perceptive and sensitive person who inter-acted so willingly with all of us!

Participant 2016

Iceland cultural and wilderness small group tour

We felt safe in Turkey and found the people friendly and helpful. Prices were excellent and the food almost universally magnificent. There is so much to see in the natural and built environment and the wonderful archaeological sites. It is sad to see the ordinary people and businesses suffering from the lack of tourists. Mary B. Sep '17

Participant 2017

Small group tour of Ancient Turkey

The country was apparently calm and safe. People were friendly and helpful. Such a pity there has been such a down turn in tourism. Ros & Tony S. Sep '17

Participant 2017

Small group tour of Ancient Turkey

FAQs

What is the time zone?

Malta has a single time zone, Central European Standard Time (UTC+1). Daylight savings begin on the last Sunday of March and conclude on the last Sunday of October.

Is tipping customary in Malta?

If you’re on an Odyssey tour, we take care of tipping so you don’t need to give it a second thought. However, in your free time, or if travelling independently, it’s essential that you tip an appropriate amount for services. Tipping is customary in Malta, with a tip around 10% commonly accepted for most services.

What is the internet access like in Malta?

Wifi should be freely available in most hotels, cafes and restaurants when travelling in Malta.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Malta?

Check with your cell phone provider to see whether you’re able to make calls and use data while in Malta. Many providers will allow you to pay a daily fee that allows you to make calls and check the internet while only being charged your regular rates. However, be certain to inform your provider that you’re heading overseas, because just like a bank they can turn off your service as a result of unusual activity.

Articles about Malta published by Odyssey Traveller:

Malta: Megalithic temples, ‘fat ladies’, and the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum.

About Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica.

Mediterranean Islands: Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica.

Life of Caravaggio.

Caravaggio: Ten Books to Read.

Learning about Caravaggio’s Paintings.

For all the articles Odyssey Traveller has published for mature aged and senior travellers, click through on this link.

External articles to assist you on your visit to Malta:

Lonely Planet: Malta.

The Guardian: Valetta on View – the Maltese capital shows off its cultural side.

History of the Knights of St. John.

Megalithic Temples of Malta.

Responsible travel tips for Malta

Learn at least the local greetings to break the ice. Although many locals speak English, the more you know of the native language, the greater your experience of the country will be.
Carry a business card in your wallet or purse from your local hotel, to assist you with the return journey if you do become lost.
Always ensure that you are covered by travel insurance. If you need advice on this feel free to contact Odyssey and we’ll be able to help.
When travelling independently, make sure you check the opening hours of shops and museums so that you don’t miss out! Museums and galleries are often closed on Mondays. Also be certain to check whether your trip coincides with any public holidays, so you can plan accordingly.
Consider contacting your bank to inform them that you may be making purchases overseas. Otherwise, they may flag any activity on your account as suspicious. Also, check which ATMs and banks are compatible with your cards, to ensure you can withdraw cash with minimal fees.
Before departing, make sure you have a number of euros in a range of denominations. You don’t want to be carrying around enormous amounts of cash, but take enough to make it easy to pay in locations that might not accept credit card. It will also help you avoid card transaction fees, and it makes tipping a breeze.

About Odyssey Traveller

We specialise in educational small group tours for seniors, typically groups between six to 12 people from Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and Britain. Our maximum number of people on a tour is 18 mature aged travellers. We have some 150 tours and offer 300 scheduled departures on offer each year. Odyssey has been offering this style of adventure and educational programs since 1983.

Odyssey Traveller is committed to charitable activities that support the environment and cultural development of Australian and New Zealand communities.

Odyssey Traveller scholarship for Australia & New Zealand University students.

We are also pleased to announce that since 2012, Odyssey has been awarding $10,000 Equity & Merit Cash Scholarships each year. We award scholarships on the basis of academic performance and demonstrated financial need. We award at least one scholarship per year. We’re supported through our educational travel programs, and your participation helps Odyssey achieve its goals. Students can apply for the scholarship by clicking on this link to find out more details.

Join our loyalty program when you join an international small group tour.

Every International small group tour taken typically contributes to your membership level in our Loyalty Program for regular travellers. Membership of the alumni starts when you choose to take your first international small group tour with Odyssey Traveller, discounts in tour pricing for direct bookings accrue from your third tour with Odyssey Traveller. To see the discounts and benefits of being a Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond alumni member with us, please see this page.

For more information on Odyssey Traveller and our educational small group tours, visit and explore our website., remember to visit these pages in particular

Alternatively, please call or send an email.