3 Cities Tour

If you’re planning to explore Malta beyond the more touristy spots, a guided tour through the Three Cities—Cospicua, Birgu (Vittoriosa), and Senglea—is a fantastic way to get a real feel for the country’s layered history and stunning views. This particular tour, offered by Best Tours Malta, has earned a perfect 5-star rating from more than 90 reviews, and for good reason.

What really stands out about this experience is how it combines expert guidance with small-group intimacy, making it both educational and personal. Plus, the walking aspect means you’ll see more than you would on a bus or boat, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and soak up the atmosphere.

That said, this isn’t a tour for those looking for a quick, superficial overview. It’s a leisurely, detailed walk that lasts around 2 hours, focusing heavily on Vittoriosa and its surrounding areas. The main consideration? The tour is weather-dependent, so if rain or strong sun is in the forecast, be prepared.

If you’re interested in history, architecture, and scenic harbor views, this tour will likely be right up your alley. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy walking and want an authentic, less touristy experience of Malta’s maritime past.

Key Points

• Expert-guided small group ensures personalized attention and engaging storytelling.
• Focus on Vittoriosa offers a deep dive into Malta’s naval and knightly history.
• Walking tour allows for a richer experience than a bus trip, with better access to hidden corners.
• Cost-effective for the value at around $23 per person, especially considering the knowledgeable guide and historical insights.
• Great for history buffs and anyone interested in Malta’s fortifications, Caravaggio’s imprisonment, and harbor views.
• Weather sensitivity means you’ll want to check the forecast, as the tour relies on outdoor walking.

Analyzing the Experience in Detail

The Overview: What to Expect from the Tour

This guided walk lasts approximately 2 hours and starts at the Valletta Ferry Service in Cospicua, an area rich with historic waterfront views. It’s designed as a small group experience, capped at 10 travelers, which means you get a lot more interaction with your guide than on larger tours.

The key feature? This tour emphasizes exploring on foot, which is a huge plus for those who prefer wandering through streets, peering into alleyways, and standing in front of historic walls rather than just riding past on a bus. From the outset, the focus is on Vittoriosa, often less crowded and more atmospheric than Valletta, giving you a more authentic feel.

Stops & Highlights

Cospicua (Bormla)

We start in Cospicua, a stunning waterfront town with a deeply rooted maritime past. You’ll walk through its historic streets, with the tour beginning right at the waterfront—an ideal spot for photos and taking in the atmosphere. The review mentions this as a beautiful historic town, and many travelers appreciate the chance to see less touristy areas that are often missed by larger groups.

Birgu (Vittoriosa)

Next, the heart of the tour is Vittoriosa, once the headquarters for the Knights of Malta before Valletta took over that role. Here, your guide will lead you through the main city gates into the fortifications, giving insights into how the Knights built these defenses.

You’ll visit the Collacchio area, the escape route, and the oldest fortress in the harbor, where Caravaggio was once imprisoned. Many reviews highlight the depth of knowledge and storytelling—one reviewer says, “Karl provided an interesting tour for our group,” emphasizing the engaging narrative that keeps the history alive.

This part of the tour lasts about 90 minutes, and you’ll see the British Navy Headquarters and get views of the harbor—a perfect blend of military history and scenic beauty. Many reviewers note how informative and entertaining Christian (or Karl) is, making the history accessible and engaging.

The Value of Small Groups & Walking

One clear highlight from reviews is how much more you see and learn on foot than on a bus. The small group size—typically no more than 10-12 people—means the guide can give more personalized attention and answer questions throughout. It also allows the group to move at a comfortable pace, which is appreciated by travelers of varying fitness levels, especially since the walk is described as leisurely.

The Tour’s Practical Aspects

• Price: At just over $23 per person, the tour offers excellent value considering the depth of historical insights and personalized experience. Compared to larger, less intimate tours, this is a steal.
• Duration: Two hours is a good length—long enough to explore without feeling rushed, but not so lengthy as to be tiring.
• Booking: On average, travelers book about 23 days in advance, indicating it’s popular enough to fill up.
• Meeting Point & End Location: Starting at Valletta Ferry Service and ending at the Malta Maritime Museum on Birgu Waterfront makes logistical sense, especially if you’re planning to explore more afterward or catch a boat back to Valletta.

Weather & Cancellation Policy

It’s worth noting that this tour is weather-dependent—if the weather turns poor, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled, with a full refund offered if that’s the case. This is typical for outdoor walking tours, but it’s best to check the forecast beforehand.

Why Travelers Love This Tour

The reviews underline how knowledgeable guides like Christian or Karl make a difference, bringing history to life with storytelling and anecdotes. One reviewer said, “Karl’s knowledge of Malta, its people, and its history made for an enjoyable tour,” highlighting the importance of a good guide.

Many also appreciated the scenic views and the chance to see hidden spots that aren’t usually part of more commercialized tours. One reviewer even noted that they liked this tour more than others they took in Valletta, pointing to the tour’s depth and authenticity.

What Could Be Better?

While most reviews are glowing, a few mention the weather—which is outside the tour’s control—and that some might find the walk a little leisurely if they prefer a brisk pace. The tour also does not include entrance tickets to sites, but since most are free or exterior views, this isn’t a significant downside.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts who want an immersive experience and aren’t in a rush. It’s suited for travelers who enjoy walking and exploring, and those who appreciate small-group intimacy. If you’re looking for a quick overview or prefer a bus ride, this might not be ideal, but for those wanting to connect with the local atmosphere and learn from a passionate guide, it’s a winner.

FAQ

• How long is the tour?
  It lasts approximately 2 hours.

• What is the group size?
  The maximum number of travelers is 10, which helps keep the experience personal and interactive.

• Where does the tour start?
  From the Valletta Ferry Service in Cospicua.

• Is it suitable for children?
  While not explicitly stated, the leisurely walking and focus on history suggest it’s suitable for most ages, especially those interested in culture and history.

• What is included in the price?
  The price covers professional tourist guide services.

• Are there any additional costs?
  You should expect to pay gratuities if you wish, but no entrance fees are included.

• Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
  Yes, cancellations are free if you do so more than 24 hours in advance. The tour itself might be canceled due to poor weather, with a full refund or rescheduling offered.

• Is it accessible for people with mobility issues?
  Since it involves walking through historic streets, some uneven terrain might be involved, so it’s better suited for those with moderate mobility.

• Can service animals participate?
  Yes, service animals are allowed.

Final Thoughts

This Three Cities Tour offers a genuine window into Malta’s maritime and knightly past, all delivered by passionate guides who bring the history alive. It’s a fantastic choice for those wanting a deeper, more authentic experience that’s both educational and scenic.

You’ll get to see less touristy streets, learn fascinating stories, and enjoy spectacular harbor views—all at a reasonable price. The small-group format adds to the charm, making it feel more like a casual exploration than a formal excursion.

If you’re someone who loves history, appreciates good storytelling, and prefers to walk rather than ride, this tour will likely be a highlight of your Maltese adventure. Just remember to check the weather forecast and come prepared for a relaxed, insightful stroll through some of Malta’s most picturesque and historically significant neighborhoods.

In summary, this tour is ideal for curious travelers who want to experience Malta’s authentic charm and enjoy stories from knowledgeable guides in an intimate setting. It’s not for those seeking a quick, superficial overview—this is about connection, discovery, and embracing the slower pace of exploring historic towns.