Birgu by Foot & Harbour by Gondola: A Private Journey through History

Discover Birgu, one of Malta’s oldest and most historic cities, on a private walking tour that takes you through its winding streets, hidden corners, and impressive fortifications. Once home to the Knights of St. John, Birgu is rich in stories of battles, sieges, and everyday life. Your guide will share the city’s history while you explore landmarks such as the Inquisitor’s Palace, the so-called Collachio, and the waterfront lined with traditional houses. After the walk, enjoy a one hour peaceful gondola ride across the Grand Harbour, once the stage of naval battles and now one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. From the water, you’ll see Valletta and the Three Cities from a new perspective, with views of forts, bastions, and creeks that shaped Malta’s history. This experience combines walking and sailing, land and sea, giving you the best of both worlds in one memorable tour.

Your experience begins with a guided walk through the historic streets of Birgu, where you will explore landmarks such as the Inquisitor’s Palace, the so-called Collachio quarter once reserved for the Knights, and the waterfront lined with traditional townhouses. As you stroll, your guide will share stories of Birgu’s role during the time of the Knights and the Second World War. After discovering the city by foot, you will step aboard a traditional gondola for a one-hour trip across the Grand Harbour. From the water, you will enjoy panoramic views of Valletta’s skyline, the Three Cities, and the mighty forts that once defended the island, ending your tour with a peaceful yet striking perspective of Malta’s most famous harbour.