Three Cities guided tour including harbour boat tour

A close look at the Malta Three Cities tour, including a harbor boat ride

If you’re planning to visit Malta and want a taste of its historic charm beyond Valletta, this guided tour of the Three Cities—Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Senglea—is worth considering. Combining walking, coach travel, and a traditional dghajsa boat cruise, it aims to give you a well-rounded glimpse into Malta’s storied past, especially the Knights of St. John’s influence.

What we really like about this experience is the combination of diverse perspectives—walking the narrow streets, enjoying panoramic views from gardens, and seeing the colorful harbor from a boat. That variety keeps things interesting and offers opportunities for memorable photos. But keep in mind, this tour involves quite a bit of walking and waiting, which could be tiring or frustrating for some, especially if timings aren’t perfectly coordinated.

If you’re someone who loves a mix of history, scenic views, and authentic local transport, this tour suits travelers eager for a comprehensive yet manageable day out. It’s also ideal for those who appreciate insightful guides and a chance to see Malta from different angles. However, if you prefer a more relaxed experience with less walking or are on a tight schedule, you might want to consider how the tour’s pace fits your plans.

Key Points

• Diverse experience: Combines walking, coach, and boat rides for a well-rounded day
• Authentic insights: Guided by knowledgeable locals, with a focus on Knights of St. John history
• Scenic views: From gardens, harbors, and panoramic lookout points
• Group size & logistics: Usually up to 50 travelers, with some reviews noting timing and pick-up confusion
• Value for money: At around $45, this tour offers a lot of different experiences in one package
• Photo opportunities: Plenty of gorgeous vantage points, especially at Senglea Gardens

Detailed review of the Malta Three Cities tour

Booking and general impressions

Starting with the booking experience, most travelers book about 41 days in advance, which is a good sign that this tour is popular and well-regarded. The price point of $45.28 per person seems reasonable for what’s included—a mix of guided city explorations and a harbor cruise. The tour lasts roughly 4 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity that packs in quite a bit.

The experience is run by V. Tabone Travel, a provider with a decent reputation, although some reviews mention occasional issues with logistics, specifically around pickup timings. Most travelers find the tour well-organized once underway, with air-conditioned transportation adding comfort during transfers.

The itinerary breakdown

Stop 1: Vittoriosa Waterfront & Old Town

Our journey begins in Vittoriosa (Birgu), one of the three historic cities. Here, your guide will lead you through the narrow, cobbled streets, lined with historic buildings and former auberges of the Knights of St. John. This area is a treasure trove of medieval and Renaissance architecture, and your guide will share stories about the city’s strategic importance and its role during the Great Siege of 1565.

One reviewer remarked, “We loved the way our guide, John, made history come alive with stories and anecdotes.” This personal touch is what elevates a basic sightseeing walk into an engaging experience. Expect a guided walk lasting about an hour, with plenty of time for photos and wandering at your own pace.

At the waterfront, you’ll board a traditional dghajsa—a small Maltese boat similar to a gondola, operated by local boatmen. This boat ride is the highlight for many, offering a close-up view of the colorful harbor creeks. Travelers mention that it provides a unique perspective of Valletta’s fortifications and the busy port activity.

Stop 2: Cospicua (Bormla)

Next, the tour takes you to Cospicua, another fortified city that played a key role during Malta’s defense history. While the reviews don’t specify detailed stops here, you’ll likely stroll through its historic streets and see its impressive fortifications, which are less crowded than Valletta but equally steeped in history.

Stop 3: Senglea and the Gardjola Gardens

The final stop is Senglea, renowned for its Gardjola Gardens. Here, you’ll enjoy panoramic, 360° views over the Grand Harbour, including Valletta and Fort St. Angelo. Many reviews praise this viewpoint as “breathtaking,” especially because of its strategic vantage point overlooking Malta’s historic naval defense points.

You’ll also visit the Bastion at the tip of Senglea, where the ramparts provide unforgettable photo opportunities of the harbor, and the Fort St. Angelo can be seen from afar. This spot is significant because it was the command center during the Great Siege, and the guide might share tales of those pivotal battles.

The harbor cruise experience

The harbor cruise in a dghajsa stands out as the tour’s most beloved feature. Travelers often mention that the boat ride is fun and insightful, offering a different lens on Valletta’s coastline. The boat operators are usually local and passionate about sharing their knowledge.

A reviewer shared, “The harbor cruise was definitely the highlight, and it was great to admire the coast from the boat.” Viewing the city from the water gives a more intimate perspective of Malta’s maritime history and colorful harbors.

Logistics, timings, and group size

Most travelers find the timing of the tour to be generally well-organized, although some mention waiting around during pickup or for the last of the group after the boat ride. The maximum group size is 50 travelers, which is typical for this type of tour, allowing for a lively but manageable experience.

One reviewer pointed out that pick-up times could be confusing, and some had to wait longer than expected, which can be frustrating if you’re on a tight schedule. However, once underway, the pace is brisk but manageable, with enough breaks for photos and sightseeing.

Guides and storytelling

Guides like John and Julia have received praise for their knowledgeable, engaging, and enthusiastic delivery. Many reviews highlight that guides go beyond just facts—they tell stories that bring history to life. For example, one reviewer appreciated Julia’s storytelling in Spanish, noting she made the experience both dynamic and accessible.

Price and value assessment

At around $45.28, this tour offers a lot in terms of content and experience. You’re getting a guided walk through historic cities, a scenic boat ride, and vantage points with stunning views. Many travelers feel the value is good, especially given the inclusion of a traditional Maltese boat cruise—a unique experience not always included in other tours.

However, some mentioned that the cost may seem high compared to simpler walking tours or boat rides alone, but the combination and storytelling make it worthwhile. The tour’s balance of guided commentary and free time is appreciated, offering both informative insights and photo opportunities.

What to consider

While most reviews are positive, a few point out some logistical hiccups, especially regarding pickups and the timing of the group’s return. This might be a concern if you’re on a tight schedule or need to return to a ship or hotel promptly. Be prepared for some walking and potentially a few stairs at the gardens, which could be an issue for those with mobility issues.

Final thoughts: Is this tour for you?

This tour is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a well-rounded glimpse into Malta’s Three Cities, with a healthy dose of history, scenic beauty, and authentic local experiences like the dghajsa cruise. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of walking and sightseeing from different vantage points, and who value engaging guides that make history come alive.

If you prefer more relaxed, less physically demanding experiences, or are on a very tight schedule, you might want to consider how the pace and logistics fit your plans. But for those wanting a fun, scenic, and educational tour that offers more than just a walk or a boat ride alone, this provides great value.

The stunning views from Senglea Gardens, combined with the lively harbor cruise and insightful guide commentary, make it a memorable way to explore Malta’s maritime and defensive history. And the opportunity to see the colorful harbors from multiple perspectives turns this into a memorable, photo-worthy experience.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, covering guided walks, a boat cruise, and sightseeing stops.

What is included in the tour?
It includes guided walks in Vittoriosa and Senglea, a harbor boat ride in a traditional dghajsa, and visits to key vantage points like the Gardjola Gardens.

Is pickup offered?
Yes, pickup from select hotels is available, but some reviews note that pickup timings can be confusing, so arriving on time is recommended.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are advised, as the tour involves a fair amount of walking and some stairs at gardens and viewpoints.

How many people are in the group?
The maximum group size is 50 travelers, which generally helps keep things lively but manageable.

Is there free time during the tour?
Yes, there is some free time for photos and exploring the viewpoints, especially at Senglea Gardens.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To sum it up, this guided tour of Malta’s Three Cities, combined with a harbor boat ride, offers a rich blend of history, scenic vistas, and local charm. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want to experience Malta’s maritime heritage firsthand, enjoy engaging guides, and take as many photos as possible. While logistical issues and walking might be considerations for some, overall, it provides a satisfying, value-rich way to explore a vital part of Malta’s cultural tapestry.