Rabat and Mdina Food Tour

Exploring Malta’s Mdina and Rabat: A Food and Film Tour

If you’re visiting Malta and want to combine a touch of history, breathtaking scenery, delicious local food, and a dash of pop culture, then the Rabat and Mdina Food Tour offers a compelling experience. This 3.5-hour guided walk takes you through two of the island’s most iconic towns—Mdina, the silent city, and Rabat, its lively neighbor—while also weaving in the filming locations of Game of Thrones. The cherry on top? Tasting some of Malta’s most beloved dishes along the way.

What really shines about this tour is the expert guidance from a local who knows the ins and outs of the area—your guide is not only passionate but also well-versed in Maltese history, culture, and food. Plus, the carefully curated food stops enable you to sample authentic Maltese treats like pastizzi and bragioli, complemented by local drinks.

However, one thing to consider is that the tour involves quite a bit of walking through narrow, often uneven streets. It’s suitable for those with a moderate level of fitness who are excited to explore on foot. If you’re a foodie, a history buff, or a Game of Thrones fan, this tour hits several sweet spots, making it a well-rounded introduction to Malta’s charm.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Flavors: The tour includes a hearty selection of Maltese delicacies—pastizzi, rabbit dishes, and bragioli—plus local drinks like Kinnie and craft beers.
• Rich Cultural Insights: Led by a fully licensed guide, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Mdina and Rabat’s history alongside their modern life.
• Game of Thrones Filming Locations: Fans will appreciate walking past sites featured in Season 1, adding a fun pop culture layer.
• Comprehensive Experience: From walking through winding medieval streets to tasting food in traditional cafes and grocery stores, the tour offers a full sensory taste of Malta.
• Value for Money: At $112, all food and drinks are included, making this a good-value experience for those who want to eat well and learn in a relaxed setting.
• Small Group Atmosphere: Limited to 10 travelers, the tour feels personalized and engaging.

The Detailed Breakdown of the Tour

Mdina: The Silent City

The adventure begins in Mdina, often called the “Silent City” thanks to its quiet, narrow streets and centuries-old architecture. As we stroll with our guide, Carl (who gets high praise for his knowledge and friendly approach), we’re treated to a walk past some key historical sites and filming spots from Game of Thrones.

What makes Mdina special? Its winding streets, medieval walls, and stunning views from the ramparts. It’s a city that feels frozen in time—perfect for wandering without the rush of modern life. Our guide points out several film locations from Season 1, giving Game of Thrones fans a behind-the-scenes perspective that makes the city even more memorable.

Rabat: The Living Neighborhood

After an hour in Mdina, we move down into Rabat, a vibrant town with a mixture of ancient and modern Maltese life. Here, the tour becomes a culinary adventure as we explore local grocery stores, wood-fired ovens, and cafes. The group visits lesser-known spots, avoiding the touristy crowds, which adds an authentic feel.

Food highlights include: Maltese pastizzi (flaky pastry filled with ricotta or peas), a large selection of local delicacies in traditional shops, and sampling ob biz-ejt, a Maltese snack you prepare yourself. We also get to try two different craft beers and finish with a glass of red wine to complement the main course—rabbit, a Maltese specialty, and bragioli, a hearty beef roll. All food and drinks are included, so you can relax and enjoy without extra costs.

The Food and Drinks

This isn’t a mini-snack tour; it’s a full meal with plenty of variety. Reviewers mention that they came hungry because the portions are generous—this is a true tasting experience. The drinks are a highlight, especially the local Kinnie soft drink and craft beers, which add a regional twist.

The Group and Guide

With a maximum of 10 travelers, the group size fosters a friendly, intimate atmosphere. Participants have described guides like Carl and Chris as knowledgeable, personable, and passionate about sharing local insights. Heather F. mentions that her guide Chris was a Rabat native who knew all the best spots and local people, which enriched the experience.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour departs at 4:30 pm from Is-Serkin at the Crystal Palace Bar in Rabat, making it a perfect late-afternoon activity that transitions seamlessly into dinner. The walking involves moderate physical activity—expect to navigate some uneven streets and narrow alleyways—but it’s manageable for most people with a moderate fitness level.

At around 3.5 hours long, the tour strikes a good balance between sightseeing, tasting, and relaxed exploration. The inclusion of all food and drinks makes this offering excellent value, especially considering the quality and authenticity of the experiences.

The tour ends back at the starting point, so it’s easy to plan your evening afterward or continue exploring the town.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for food lovers eager to try authentic Maltese cuisine in an informal setting. It’s equally suited for those interested in local culture and history, as well as Game of Thrones fans wanting to see filming locations firsthand. The small group size and enthusiastic guides make it perfect for travelers who value engaging, personalized experiences.

If you’re after a structured, chock-full meal combined with cultural insights and a touch of Malta’s film history, this tour offers very good value. However, if you have mobility issues or prefer more independent wandering, keep in mind the walking involved.

Final Thoughts

This Rabat and Mdina Food Tour offers a well-rounded, engaging way to discover Malta’s historic towns while indulging in their culinary delights. The combination of expert-guided walking, authentic local food, and a glimpse into Game of Thrones filming locations makes for a memorable outing.

The experience’s strength lies in the knowledgeable guides—like Carl and Chris—who bring history and local life alive with passion and insider tips. The included food and drinks are of high quality, and the pace allows enough time to savor each stop without feeling rushed.

For travelers who want to combine scenic strolling, delicious eating, and cultural storytelling, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy immersive experiences and are eager to go beyond the typical sightseeing route.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
While the main focus is on Maltese meat dishes like rabbit and bragioli, the tour primarily features local specialties. It’s best to check directly with the provider if you have specific dietary restrictions.

How much walking is involved?
Expect to walk through narrow streets, with some uneven pavement, in Mdina and Rabat. The tour involves moderate physical activity but is manageable for most with a reasonable fitness level.

Are drinks included?
Yes, all drinks—soft drinks like Kinnie, craft beers, and red wine—are included in the tour price.

Is the tour family-friendly?
With a duration of about 3.5 hours of walking and tasting, it’s suitable for older children and teenagers, especially those interested in food and filming locations.

Can I join if I don’t drink alcohol?
Absolutely; non-alcoholic beverages are provided, and you can opt out of the alcoholic drinks without issue.

What’s the starting point?
The tour begins at Is-Serkin, near the Crystal Palace Bar in Rabat, at 4:30 pm.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended to secure your spot, as the tour caps at 10 travelers.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour relies on good weather; if canceled due to rain or other weather issues, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How does the pricing compare to similar experiences?
At $112, with all food and drinks included, this tour offers excellent value—especially given the quality of the culinary and cultural experience.

In summary, whether you’re a foodie, a history lover, or a Game of Thrones enthusiast, this tour offers a delightful way to experience Malta’s historic towns while sampling their best flavors. It’s relaxed, friendly, and filled with local insights—a memorable addition to any Maltese itinerary.