HannesAustria
We had a very interesting and entertaining city tour with Sara. We were impressed by her in-depth knowledge and her warm personality. Be sure to book the 4-hour tour—there’s so much to see and learn. Thank you very much!
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Private tour in Valletta Kathryn C
The 'Grand' in Grand Harbour - Valletta Tour
5.0
(3) reviews
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4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Kathryn C.
5.0
Guide rating
20
Reviews
Tours delivered
14 hrs
Avg. response time
It's hard to imagine that an island the size of Malta has so much history and has been so involved, even influential at times, in world history. The island boasts an incredible legacy and as a fully licensed local Maltese guide, I am very proud and excited to share this with you. I read for a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Malta in English, Archaeology and History of Mediterranean Civilization. I have worked in museums abroad during my travels: The Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago and Hershey Museum and Archives, Hershey, Pennsylvania. I volunteered with the Malta Archaeological Society and the local Notarial Archives. I am also an active member of Din L-Art Ħelwa which is the local National Trust. I decided to put all this to good use and enrolled at the Institute of Tourism Studies from where I graduated first in class in tourist guiding. History can sometimes seem like a list of disjointed and distant events, so I like to give my tours a social element although always keeping to the facts. Our predecessors were, after all, just people, like us today, eking out a living to survive on our glorious rock! University of Malta. Bachelor of Arts in English, Archaeology and History of Mediterranean Civilization. Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies, Mt Carroll, IL. Collections Care Core Curriculum. Institute of Tourism Studies, Malta. Higher National Diploma in Tourist Guiding. I am not a driver. I can accompany you in your vehicle or I can arrange for a separate car and driver.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Kathryn C.
Birgu and Valletta: homes to the Order of St John
Overview of your Valletta tour
The history of the Grand Harbour is synonymous with the history of Malta. The harbour is over three kilometres in length with natural creeks making it a perfect safe haven in the middle of the Mediterranean. This natural harbour has seen the arrival of probably the island's first occupants, the Roman Empire, the Order of St John, Napoleon and the British. It witnessed the Battle of Malta in 1283, the Great Siege in 1565 and many battles during World War II. The harbour is surrounded by the three cities including Birgu, home to the Order and the Roman Inquisitor, and Valletta, built by the Order. It is protected by impressive forts and bastions. Today the harbour welcomes visitors, cruise liners, commercial enterprise and you! The tour includes a boat ride across the harbour below the mighty forts, a walk through Birgu's three-gate defence system and past many of its historical buildings while discussing the most important Maltese historical and cultural points.
Recent Reviews
Nancy H.United States
We loved our half day walking tour with Kathryn! The tour was customized perfectly for us. Her knowledge of Malta’s archeology is very deep, and so is her Maltese/Valletta history. It was also just a pleasure spending time with her too!
Margaret H.United States
Kathryn is extremely knowledgeable. And warm. She will walk you through Fort St Angelo and bring it to life. We walked the neighborhoods of Birgu and learned so much. Kathryn’s love of her home and her knowledge of the area shines through the whole tour. She made us feel so welcome and gave us so much knowledge to take home. Well worth every penny! What a great day!!
Your Valletta tour itinerary
- We will meet at Sicilia Bar, Valletta, and walk to the harbour via Victoria Gate, just as the Knights did when Valletta was first built. - Cross to Birgu in a motorized traditional Maltese boat to appreciate the grandeur of the bastions and forts. - Enter Birgu through the gates protecting the town and past many historical buildings discussing some important Maltese cultural and historical points like the Great Siege of 1565, the friendly rivalry of the band clubs and the Roman Inquisition. The walking tour alone takes around one hour so there is the option to visit one or more of the following: - The Inquisitor's Palace. - The Maritime Museum. - Fort St Angelo. - The tour finishes back in Valletta with the return boat crossing. Please note this tour can be customized. Use the 'message guide' button to contact me for a customized tour.
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Walking
Walking tour and ride in a traditional small motorized boat.
What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. €2 boat crossing each way per person. There is an additional charge for entry to the museums - ticket prices vary from €6 to €10 per person
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location
Valletta, Malta
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
History
Boat
Tour reference number
1290528
Languages
EnglishActivity level
Minimal
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Valletta best suited for?
This private tour in Valletta is perfect for history enthusiasts and those interested in Maltese culture. You'll explore significant historical sites like the Grand Harbour, Birgu, and Valletta, learning about events such as the Great Siege of 1565. It's also ideal for travellers who want to connect with a local guide, Kathryn C., for deeper insights.
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Valletta be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
Is this private tour in Valletta suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?
What languages is this tour offered in?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- The remaining balance will automatically be charged to your credit card 30 days before your tour date.