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Traveling around Malta with a 3-day Leisure Pass that includes unlimited bus rides, a harbour cruise, and entry to top attractions sounds like a fantastic way to soak up the island’s charm. This package, provided by iSeeMalta, promises a blend of scenic views, cultural highlights, and fun educational stops. From historic cities to underwater marvels, it offers a well-rounded taste of Maltese life.
One of the best parts? The unlimited use of the City Sightseeing buses allows you to hop on and off at your own pace, making it easy to customize your days. The harbour cruise offers a relaxing way to see the coastline and learn about Malta’s maritime history with live commentary. Plus, the inclusions like the Malta National Aquarium, Esplora Science Centre, and audiovisual shows add educational and entertainment value.
However, a potential consideration is that some attractions, like Mdina or the museums in the Three Cities, are not included in the pass. So if you’re keen on exploring every museum or historic site, there could be extra costs. Also, the pass does not cover hotel pickup or meals, so plan to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point and bring some snacks or a packed lunch.
This combo pass suits travelers who value flexibility, want a mix of sightseeing and educational activities, and prefer to explore at their own pace. It’s especially ideal for families, first-time visitors, or couples looking for a comprehensive Malta intro without the hassle of booking individual tickets.
Key Points
- Flexibility and Convenience: Unlimited bus rides and multiple attractions over three days let you tailor your trip.
- Value for Money: Entry to the aquarium, science centre, and audiovisual shows adds extra value to the price.
- Scenic and Cultural Highlights: From Valletta’s stunning views to historic cities, the itinerary covers Malta’s most photogenic spots.
- Educational and Fun: The harbour cruise with live commentary and interactive exhibits create engaging experiences.
- Online Booking and Flexibility: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel with 24 hours’ notice.
- Limited Attraction Access: Some museums and attractions in Mdina and the Three Cities are not included, so plan extra visits if interested.
A Deep Dive into the Malta Combo Experience
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Starting Point and Ease of Use
The tour kicks off at a central meeting point opposite Marks and Spencer in Malta, making it easily accessible whether you’re arriving by bus, taxi, or walking. The 3-day validity begins upon first use, giving you flexibility to activate the pass when you’re ready to start exploring. The unlimited use of the City Sightseeing bus across North and South Routes is a major plus; it means you can hop on and off multiple times, avoiding long waits and making the most of your time.
Day 1: North Malta and the Aquarium
Your adventure begins with a ride along the North Route, passing scenic coastlines and quiet villages. The highlight here is the Malta National Aquarium, a place where you’ll see local marine species, tropical fish, and learn about Malta’s underwater ecosystems. Several reviewers appreciated the exhibits’ variety, with one noting, “The aquarium’s displays are thoughtfully curated, making it a great stop for families or anyone interested in marine life.”
After exploring the exhibits, you might want to linger over lunch at a local café nearby or hop back on the bus for more coastal views. An added stop is the Ta Qali Crafts Village, which is a delightful spot to browse handmade crafts, or alternatively, visit Mdina, the famed “Silent City,” with its ancient, winding streets and stunning architecture. Although these are optional stops, they’re easy to reach and offer a glimpse into Malta’s artisanal and historic side.
One comment from a traveler mentioned, “The aquarium was a pleasant surprise, and the bus route gave us the chance to see so much of Malta’s northern coast without feeling rushed.”
Day 2: Valletta and the Heart of Malta
The second day is dedicated to Valletta, Malta’s vibrant capital. The city’s impressive architecture and compact layout make walking a pleasure. We loved how the Upper Barracca Gardens offer panoramic views of the Grand Harbour—perfect for photos or just soaking in the scenery. You can roam through Valletta’s boutiques, explore the historic sites, or relax in a café.
For a cultural boost, the Malta Experience show offers an engaging overview of Maltese history—highly recommended by visitors who called it “an entertaining and informative way to understand the country’s past.” Alternatively, the Malta 5D Show adds a fun, sensory element to your visit.
Lunch options abound, and with so many charming eateries, you’ll never be short of options. Many reviews highlight how Valletta’s mix of history and modern life makes it a must-see. We also appreciated the flexibility of the pass, which allows you to explore at your own pace.
Day 3: Harbour Cruise and the Three Cities
The highlight of the third day is the 90-minute traditional harbour cruise. With live commentary available in English and German, you’ll cruise around the two main harbours—Marsamxetto and the Grand Harbour—taking in the stunning coastline and learning about Malta’s maritime history. Reviewers have commented on how relaxing and scenic the cruise is, especially when you get views of the historic fortifications and waterfront.
Following the cruise, you’ll visit the Three Cities—Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua—each with charming narrow streets, waterfront views, and historic sites like Fort St. Angelo. Many travelers enjoy strolling through these areas, savoring Maltese snacks, and soaking up the authentic local atmosphere. One reviewer mentioned, “Walking through the Three Cities felt like stepping back in time, with beautiful views around every corner.”
Lunch here is typically at a waterfront restaurant, where you can sample local dishes. The pass doesn’t include these meals, but the options are plentiful and often excellent value.
In the afternoon, the Esplora Science Centre offers interactive exhibits and activities for all ages. It’s a playful and educational experience, perfect for families or anyone curious about science and technology. Several visitors appreciated the hands-on approach, with one noting, “The exhibits are very engaging, and the staff is friendly and helpful.”
What’s Included and What’s Not
This combo pass provides excellent value for money. You get 3 days of unlimited bus rides, access to the Malta National Aquarium, the harbour cruise, and entries to key educational attractions like the Esplora Science Centre and audiovisual shows. The flexibility is a major benefit, allowing you to craft your own itinerary.
However, it’s important to note what’s not included. There’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to coordinate your transportation to the meeting point. Meals, drinks, and any attractions in Mdina or the museums within the Three Cities are not covered, which means extra spending if you want to explore these in depth.
Transportation and Schedule
The bus routes are designed to cover Malta’s main sights, and schedules are available online. The buses are large double-deckers, offering great views from the top deck. Many travelers found the buses comfortable and easy to spot, as they run frequently throughout the day. The harbour cruise is scheduled separately, with live commentary in two languages, making it both informative and relaxing.
Accessibility and Practical Tips
The pass is wheelchair accessible, which is a benefit for travelers with mobility needs. We recommend bringing comfortable shoes since much of the exploration involves walking, especially through historic areas. Also, packing water, sunscreen, and a camera will enhance your experience.
Final Thoughts: Is the Malta Combo Pass Worth It?
This multi-activity pass offers a practical, flexible way to see Malta’s highlights without the hassle of booking individual tickets. Its value lies in the combination of transport, attractions, and scenic experiences, making it suitable for travelers who want a rundown without feeling overwhelmed.
The harbour cruise remains a key highlight—an ideal way to appreciate Malta’s rugged coastline and historic fortifications from the water. The bus system enables you to explore at your own pace, while the educational stops like Esplora and the aquarium add depth and fun to your trip.
For families, couples, or first-time visitors eager to get the most out of Malta in a short time, this pass offers balanced activities and flexibility. It’s especially suited for those who love scenic views, interesting history, and interactive learning.
Overall, you’ll find that this tour provides great value for money, with a nice mix of relaxation, sightseeing, and education—perfect for making the most of your Malta adventure.
FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered
Does the pass include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.
Can I use the bus and attractions on the same day?
Yes, the pass is valid for three days from the first use, so you can spread out your activities over multiple days or do several in one day if you prefer.
Are the boat tours suitable for children?
Yes, the harbour cruise and visits to attractions like the aquarium are family-friendly. The interactive exhibits at Esplora are also engaging for kids.
Is the pass wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the entire experience, including buses and attractions, is wheelchair accessible.
What should I bring for the trip?
Comfortable shoes, camera, water, weather-appropriate clothing, and sunscreen are recommended for a smooth experience.
Are the live commentaries available in English and German?
Yes, the harbour cruise features live commentary in both languages, ensuring you understand the sights and history.
Can I visit Mdina with this pass?
Mdina is an optional stop accessible via the bus route, but entrance to museums there is not included in the pass.
What is the best day to do the harbour cruise?
The cruise is scheduled separately, so check the online schedule—many travelers prefer doing it in the morning for better weather and views.
Is there a limit to how many attractions I can visit?
The pass provides unlimited bus rides and free entry to selected attractions during the validity period, so you can hop between sites as much as you like.
How flexible is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before your activity start for a full refund, providing peace of mind when booking in advance.
This Malta combo pass offers an engaging, flexible way to explore the island’s highlights—perfect for those who want a balance of scenic beauty, history, and fun educational stops. Whether you’re visiting for a quick getaway or an extended stay, it helps you make the most of Malta without the stress of individual bookings.
