Maltas 3 Cities Tour & Wine Tasting

If you’re considering a short trip around Malta’s iconic historic towns combined with a taste of local wines, this Malta’s 3 Cities Tour & Wine Tasting might just be on your list. From what we’ve gathered, it offers an accessible way to experience some of Malta’s most charming neighborhoods and learn about its maritime past—all while sampling some of the island’s best wines.

What really stands out about this tour is how well-organized it seems, with many travelers praising their guides for their knowledge and friendliness. Plus, the opportunity to taste Maltese wines paired with local snacks is a nice touch that adds to the experience. On the other hand, some reviews point out that the wine portion might be a bit brief for true wine lovers, and the overall value depends on what you’re looking for.

If you’re after a relaxed, informative introduction to Malta’s history, culture, and wine scene without committing the entire day, this tour could be a good fit. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy guided walks, want a taste of local wines, and appreciate a balance of sightseeing with cultural storytelling.

Key Points

• Short, manageable duration: Four hours make it a flexible option for fitting into a busy Malta itinerary.
• Knowledgeable guides: Many reviews highlight how guides bring history to life with engaging stories.
• Great for wine enthusiasts: Tasting three types of Maltese wine paired with snacks provides insight into local wine-making traditions.
• Accessible sightseeing: Traveling by bus means less walking than some full-day walking tours.
• Focus on history and culture: The tour emphasizes Malta’s maritime, mercantile, and military past with authentic stops.
• Mixed reviews on wine tasting: Some travelers wish there was longer or more extensive wine tasting, but most appreciate the overall experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Malta 3 Cities & Wine Tour

Starting the Journey: Convenient Pickups and Comfort

We love that this tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from many popular locations across Malta—including Valletta, Sliema, and even areas like Mellieha and Qawra. This makes the experience more accessible and less stressful than navigating public transport or figuring out how to get to a meeting point. The air-conditioned bus ensures comfort during the drive, which is especially appreciated in Malta’s warm climate.

The Three Cities: Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea

The tour kicks off with a drive past Cospicua and Senglea, two of Malta’s famous fortified towns. While you might not stop for extended visits here, the views from the bus are beautiful, and your guide will likely share some interesting tidbits about these double-fortified cities along the way. The real highlight is Vittoriosa (also known as Birgu), where you get to wander through narrow, shaded streets that seem to whisper stories of Malta’s maritime past.

Many travelers rave about Vittoriosa’s charm. As one reviewer put it, “The walk through old city was beautiful,” highlighting how the city’s architecture and atmosphere make it worth a gentle exploration. The streets are quaint, with old buildings and alleys that draw you into Malta’s historic vibe. You’ll also get to visit a local church, which some find a bonus—adding a touch of spiritual history to the city’s stories.

Understanding Malta’s Maritime and Military Heritage

What makes this tour educational is the emphasis on Malta’s strategic location as a maritime hub. Your guide will explain why Vittoriosa was so vital before Valletta took prominence, especially its role in military control of the Grand Harbor. This context enriches your appreciation for the cities’ architecture and layout, turning a simple walk into a mini history lesson.

Wine Tasting at Razzett l-Antik

After soaking in the cityscapes, the tour heads to Razzett l-Antik in Qormi—a traditional Maltese wine bar. Here, you’ll learn about the history of winemaking in Malta, which many might not realize has ancient roots. The guided tasting includes red, white, and rosé wines, paired with Maltese snacks like bread and cheeses. Many reviews mention the professional, friendly staff who guide you through the tasting, making it a relaxed and educational experience.

Travelers often comment on the quality of the wines and the atmosphere of the venue. One reviewer noted that the wine expert was “very knowledgeable,” and the antipasti were “a nice treat.” While the tasting might be brief—typically a few sips per wine—it’s enough to get a sense of Malta’s full-bodied wine profile without feeling overwhelmed.

Value for Money

At $52 per person, the price seems reasonable, considering it covers transportation, a guided city walk, wine tasting, and snacks. Several travelers feel they get good value, especially given the convenience of pickup and the expert guidance. The reviews highlight that the tour offers “great value for money” and a chance to see parts of Malta that might be less accessible on your own.

What Could Be Better?

Some reviews point out that the wine tasting could be more extensive—perhaps with more variety or a longer session. Others mention that the bus rides, especially the transfers between locations, can be a bit lengthy, which might be tiring if you prefer quick stops and more walking. Plus, while the tour is family-friendly (children are served juice instead of wine), it’s primarily geared toward adults interested in culture and wine.

What’s Included and What to Expect

The tour provides:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from selected locations
• An air-conditioned bus ride through Malta’s scenic routes
• Guided commentary about the cities’ history and Malta’s maritime past
• Welcome insights about the significance of Vittoriosa
• A wine tasting session at Razzett l-Antik, featuring three wines
• Maltese snacks like bread and cheese to complement the wines

Timing and Duration

The tour lasts approximately four hours, with starting times varying depending on your pickup location. It’s a half-day commitment, making it a perfect addition if you want to combine sightseeing with a relaxed wine experience.

Group Size & Guides

Most reviews praise the guides for their knowledge and approachable manner. The group size isn’t explicitly stated, but the positive comments about the guide’s engagement suggest an experience that feels personalized rather than impersonal.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who enjoy a mix of culture, history, and local flavors, especially if you’re new to Malta and want a balanced overview. It’s ideal for those who appreciate guided tours but prefer a less physically demanding itinerary—no long hikes or full-day commitments. Families with children might find it suitable since kids are served juice, but the focus remains on history and wine, making it more appealing to adults.

If you’re a wine lover, you’ll enjoy the tasting, though seasoned connoisseurs might wish for a broader selection or a more detailed tasting. History buffs will appreciate the storytelling, and those looking for a relaxing, social outing will find this a good value.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

All in all, Malta’s 3 Cities Tour & Wine Tasting offers a charming, straightforward way to experience some of the island’s most historically significant neighborhoods, enriched with a local wine tasting. It’s well-suited for travelers who want a taste of Malta’s heritage without a full-day tour or strenuous activity.

The guides’ friendliness and knowledge, combined with the opportunity to sample Maltese wines paired with local snacks, make this a memorable short experience. The main draw—the scenic walk through Vittoriosa—is truly worth the visit, especially if you love exploring old towns and hearing stories that bring history alive.

While the wine tasting is enjoyable, those craving an in-depth or extensive wine experience might find it a bit limited. However, for a budget-friendly, well-organized introduction to Malta’s culture and flavors, this tour hits the right notes.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from various locations across Malta, making it convenient to join without extra hassle.

How long is the tour?
About four hours, including transportation, city visits, and wine tasting.

What wines are tasted?
You’ll sample red, white, and rosé wines, with guidance on their origins and characteristics.

Can children participate?
Yes, children are served juice instead of wine, making it family-friendly in that regard.

How is the wine tasting structured?
It’s guided, with staff explaining the wine-making process and pairing the wines with Maltese snacks.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since there’s some walking involved, especially in Vittoriosa.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
While the tour involves walking through narrow streets, the bus ride and short walks make it more accessible, but check with the provider if you have specific needs.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour good value for money?
Most reviews suggest yes, as it includes guided city exploration, wine tasting, snacks, and transport at a reasonable price.

Will I learn about Malta’s history?
Absolutely. The guides are praised for their knowledge and engaging storytelling, especially about Malta’s maritime and military past.

If you’re looking to get a taste of Malta’s historic vibe and enjoy some local wines, this tour delivers a relaxed, friendly, and reasonably priced experience that many travelers recommend. Keep in mind your interests—if you love deep wine tastings or extensive sightseeing, you might want to supplement this with additional activities. But for a well-rounded half-day introduction, it’s a smart choice.

You can check availability for your dates here: