Shadows of the City - Valletta Highlights & St John's Co-Cathedral Tour

Take a walking tour of Valletta and experience the beauty and rich history of this baroque capital city. Learn the history of the Order of St John and see how their rich tastes have influenced Valletta's look even today. Begin the tour with a look at The Postcard of the Mediterranean - a photo-rich view of the Grand Harbour. See the scars of World War Two still visible in the streets today. Meet Jean de Valette, the Knight of St John after whom the city is named - and learn how he didn't actually like Malta. Walk through the city's streets and see the main space, St George's Square, outside the Grand Master's Palace. The tour will then enter the stunning St John's Co-Cathedral, a church like no other, which is an unforgettable example of high baroque architecture and includes two paintings by Caravaggio. If your group is larger, or you are a solo traveller, please message for a personalised tour price.

Meet Mario, your guide, at the Ticket Information office in Valletta Cruise Port. Walk a short distance to take a lift to Upper Barrakka Gardens and go up for the best view of the Grand Harbour. Walk past the Auberge de Castille and learn about the Knights of St John. Walk past the Royal Opera House and hear how it was hit during World War Two - and how its 19th-century design was badly flawed. Meet Jean de Valette, the knight after whom Valletta is named, and learn about his darker side. Visit Valletta's main public space, St George's Square, outside the Grand Master's Palace Enter St John's Co-Cathedral - skipping the line as a group - and hear about the nave, the walls covered in gold and the tombs set within 'The Most Beautiful Floor in the World'. Tour some of the side chapels, hearing about the signs and symbols left for us by the knights buried there. Hear about the dangerous life of Caravaggio and see two of his paintings, including his largest canvas - The Beheading of St John the Baptist.