Malta: 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Harbour Cruise (CMO)

Malta: 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Harbour Cruise (CMO) — A Detailed Look

If you’re planning a trip to Malta and want to maximize your time exploring without feeling rushed, the 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Harbour Cruise might just be worth considering. From what we’ve gathered, this combo ticket offers a practical way to see a lot of the island at your own pace. What makes it appealing? Well, first, the flexibility of non-consecutive days means you can spread out your sightseeing, fitting it around your preferred schedule. Plus, the harbour cruise promises scenic waterfront views, which are a highlight in Malta.

On the flip side, some reviews point out that not everything is perfect—like the often disappointing dining options at some stops. Still, if you’re someone who loves a mix of land and sea views, and wants to explore highlights like Mdina, Valletta, and the Three Cities, this could be a good fit. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate the freedom to hop on and off without strict timetables, and who want a broad overview of Malta without the hassle of organizing multiple tours.

In this review, we’ll look at what exactly the experience involves, what you can expect at each stop, and what real travelers have said about it. Our goal is to give you a balanced, honest picture so you can decide if this is the right way for you to explore Malta.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Flexible two-day pass allows non-consecutive use, giving you control over your sightseeing schedule
• Includes both land and sea experiences with bus routes and a harbour cruise
• Major attractions covered are Mdina, Valletta, Three Cities, and waterfront sights
• Accessible for all with wheelchair-friendly options and live English guides
• Great value for those wanting a broad overview without booking multiple tours separately
• Caveats include variable dining quality and potential bus crowding at peak times

An Introduction to the Experience

If you’re trying to get a good sense of Malta without tying yourself down to a tight schedule, this hop-on hop-off bus and harbour cruise combo could be just what you need. It offers a way to see the major sights comfortably, with the freedom to choose when and where to hop off. The fact that the pass is valid for two days, but on non-consecutive dates gives you some breathing room—perfect if you want to split your sightseeing across a couple of days or fit in some relaxation in between.

What we really like about this experience is the combination of land and water views, giving a more well-rounded feel of Malta’s diverse scenery. Plus, the harbour cruise, redeemable within five days, offers a chance to see the city from a different perspective—something we often find memorable and worth the extra effort.

One thing to keep in mind is that some reviews mention the dining options at certain stops don’t meet expectations—so you might want to plan your meals ahead or explore outside the stops. This tour seems best suited for travelers who want a flexible, rundown of Malta and aren’t fussed about gourmet dining on the go.

What You Get with the Ticket

The core of this experience is the unlimited travel on both the North (Blue Line) and South (Red Line) routes. You can hop on and off as often as you like, meaning you can explore Mdina, Valletta, the Three Cities, and other key landmarks at your own pace. Since the pass is valid for two non-consecutive days, you can, for example, spend a day in Valletta and another exploring Mdina or the Three Cities later.

The harbour cruise, a highlight for many, is redeemable within five days from the first activation. This scenic ride offers ample opportunities for photos and relaxing views of the waterfront, perfect for a break from bus touring.

The bus stops are conveniently located near major attractions, which means you don’t need to trek far once you hop off. Plus, the live English guides ensure that you get some commentary about the sights, history, and local stories along the way—adding value beyond just transportation.

The Routes: North and South

The North Route (Blue Line) typically covers areas like Mdina and other northern sites. Mdina, known as the silent city, is a must-see for its quiet charm and ancient walls. Expect to hop off, wander its narrow streets, and soak in its history.

The South Route (Red Line) takes you to Valletta, the capital, and the Three Cities, which are full of character. Valletta’s stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere are highlights, while the Three Cities provide a more local, less touristy vibe.

Both routes are designed to give you a broad overview of Malta’s diverse regions. You’ll love the ease of switching between the routes on different days, tailoring your experience based on your interests.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Harbour Cruise Experience

The harbour cruise is a straightforward addition but tends to be one of the most highly praised components. It offers stunning waterfront views, and you’ll enjoy seeing Malta from the sea, which adds a different dimension to your trip. The cruise is flexible in terms of when you choose to redeem your ticket, so you can plan it around your land excursions.

From the reviews, it seems the cruise is a scenic, relaxing experience. It’s a good way to take a break, especially if the day on land has been packed with walking or exploring.

What to Expect at Each Stop

• Mdina: A quiet, beautifully preserved medieval city. Perfect for wandering and snapping photos. Expect narrow streets, charming cafes, and historical sites.
• Valletta: Expect stunning baroque architecture, lively streets, and a chance to explore museums and historic sites. The city is compact, so hopping on and off makes for an efficient visit.
• Three Cities: Known for their authentic vibe, with less tourist-heavy streets and some lovely waterfront views. Good for a relaxing stroll and local flavor.
• Waterfront Views: Both from the bus routes and the harbour cruise, you’ll see Malta’s stunning coastline, marinas, and fortifications.

Some reviews mention that the dining options around stops are disappointing, with one saying, “The café restaurant we frequent is disappointing. The food served in the evenings is truly substandard. It is not worth the price.” So, consider planning ahead if eating is part of your day.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: The bus routes typically run at intervals, making it easy to hop off and explore without long waits. The harbour cruise is a separate activity you can redeem within five days, giving you flexibility.
• Price and Value: For the price of the ticket, you’re getting unlimited rides on two routes and a harbour cruise, which is a good deal if you want to see multiple parts of the island.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, which is a thoughtful touch for travelers with mobility needs.
• Timing: The pass is valid for two days from first use, but those days don’t need to be consecutive, so plan to spread them out for maximum coverage.

Authentic Traveler Insights

From the one review available, a traveler called the experience “acceptable” but noted that some dining options were disappointing, with the food not worth the price. This highlights that while the core sightseeing is solid, eating around stops might not always be satisfying.

The scenic views, especially on the harbour cruise, seem to be a highlight, with travelers appreciating the chance to see Malta from the water. The flexibility of the combination ticket allows you to tailor your experience, which many find valuable.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits active travelers who want to explore Malta at their own pace without the hassle of organizing separate transportation and tours. It’s ideal if you love mixing land and sea experiences, and if you appreciate the flexibility of non-consecutive days.

It’s also good for those who enjoy sightseeing without large groups or rigid schedules, as the hop-on hop-off format encourages spontaneous exploration. However, if gourmet dining matters a lot to you, be prepared for some variable options around stops.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a convenient, flexible way to see Malta’s main sights combining land and sea views, this 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Harbour Cruise ticks many boxes. The ability to hop on and off at major attractions like Mdina, Valletta, and the Three Cities allows for a personalized experience that adapts to your interests and pace.

While some dining options may not meet high expectations, the scenic routes and harbour cruise more than make up for it with stunning vistas. It’s a practical choice for travelers who want broad coverage of Malta without the complexity of multiple bookings, especially if they value the freedom to plan their days.

This experience offers good value for money, combining scenic views, convenient transportation, and the option to relax on a cruise. If you’re comfortable with some variability in dining options, and you like the idea of exploring at your own pace, this could be a very worthwhile way to experience Malta.

FAQ

Is the pass valid for consecutive days?
No, the 2-day hop-on hop-off pass is valid for two non-consecutive days. You can spread out your sightseeing over several days if you wish.

Can I hop on and off as many times as I want?
Yes, the ticket includes unlimited travel on the North and South routes during the valid days, allowing you to hop on and off as often as you like.

When can I redeem the harbour cruise?
The harbour cruise is redeemable within five days of your first activation, giving flexibility to schedule it when it suits you.

Is the transportation accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility needs.

Are live guides available on the bus?
Yes, the buses feature live English guides who provide commentary about the sights as you travel.

What about the stops at local restaurants?
From reviews, some dining options, like certain cafés or restaurants, have been disappointing, with some travelers calling the food substandard and not worth the price.

How long is the bus ride between major stops?
While not explicitly specified, the routes are designed for sightseeing, so expect reasonable intervals that allow for exploration at stops.

Is this tour good for families?
The information doesn’t specify family-friendliness explicitly, but since the experience is mainly about sightseeing on buses and a cruise, it’s generally suitable for most travelers, including those with children, provided they enjoy scenic rides.

If Malta is on your travel list, this combo offers a solid, flexible way to see much of what the island has to offer—just keep in mind that some dining stops may not impress, but the views and ease of travel tend to make up for it.

You can check availability for your dates here: