Full-Day Mosta, Mdina, and Rabat Tour from Valletta

Planning a day trip around Malta’s highlights? We’ve looked into a popular full-day tour from Valletta that hits up Mdina, Rabat, Mosta, and more. If you’re short on time or new to the island, this kind of tour can be a handy way to see quite a bit without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

What we love about this experience is the convenience of included hotel pickup and drop-off, plus the value for money with a structured itinerary and a generous 3-course lunch. That said, it’s not all perfect. Some reviews mention that the group can feel quite large, and the schedule sometimes feels rushed — so you’ll want to be prepared for a busy day.

This tour is well-suited for first-time visitors eager to get a taste of Malta’s most famous sights. If you’re comfortable with a moderate pace and don’t mind a full day, it could be a solid choice. But if you prefer more relaxed sightseeing or are traveling with small children, you might want to consider how this packed schedule fits your style.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Covers Mdina, Rabat, Mosta, and scenic spots like Dingli Cliffs
• Includes essentials: Hotel pickup, transport, and a three-course lunch
• Group size considerations: Can be quite large, affecting the experience
• Structured itinerary: Packed with popular sights but possibly rushed
• Good for first-timers: Perfect for those new to Malta or short on time
• Mixed reviews: Some praise the guides and value, others note the pace and lunch quality

What to Expect on the Tour

This full-day adventure lasts around 8 hours, starting bright and early at 8:30 am. The main aim is to give you a broad overview of Malta’s most iconic locations, with a focus on culturally and historically significant sites. The tour is operated by S Mifsud & Sons Ltd, and they offer the comfort of pickup and drop-off directly from your hotel, which is a definite plus if you want to skip the hassle of finding transportation.

The Itinerary in Detail

Mdina Old City
Your first stop is Mdina, often called the “Silent City,” with its ancient walls dating back to the 9th century. We loved the way Mdina’s narrow, winding streets evoke a sense of stepping back in time. The visit lasts about 45 minutes, providing enough time to walk around and soak up the atmosphere. You won’t need an entry ticket here, as most of the charm is in wandering freely.

St. Paul’s Grotto
Next, you get some free time to visit St. Paul’s Grotto in Rabat, where tradition says St. Paul took refuge. The cave is a significant religious site, though note that the admission is not included, which might be worth considering if you want to explore thoroughly. Afterward, everyone heads to a local restaurant for a 1.5-hour lunch, featuring a three-course meal. Some reviews suggest the lunch can be hit or miss, especially for vegetarians — one traveler mentioned getting “a plate of packet frozen chopped vegetables,” which doesn’t sound gourmet, but it’s worth noting that options are available.

Ta’ Qali Crafts Village
Following lunch, you’ll visit this lively craft center. Watching artisans at work—blowing glass, creating silver jewelry, or working with filigree—is both interesting and gives you a chance to buy authentic Maltese souvenirs. It’s a quick stop, about 45 minutes, but enough to see the craftsmanship and pick up a unique gift.

Mosta Rotunda
The highlight here is the famous Mosta Dome, known for being the third-largest unsupported dome in the world. Built in the 19th century, it’s an impressive architectural feat. Entry isn’t included, so if you’re interested in going inside, be prepared for an additional fee. Some visitors found the visit brief, but the exterior alone makes it worth a quick stop.

San Anton Gardens
Near the Presidential Palace, these gardens offer a peaceful outdoor experience. We appreciate that the visit is only 30 minutes, but it’s enough to enjoy the lush greenery and grand fountains. It’s a nice breather amid the busy day.

Dingli Cliffs
The final stop is for stunning views along Malta’s rugged coast. The cliffs provide great photo opportunities and are a perfect spot to unwind and reflect on the day. It’s a natural highlight, and the scenery is genuinely spectacular. Post-lunch, you’ll spend about 30 minutes here.

San Anton Botanical Garden
If time allows, the tour might include a quick outside look at the nearby Botanical Garden, an extra dose of greenery before heading back.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses a minibus or similar vehicle, and travelers can expect a fairly full bus — reviews mention groups of up to 45 people, which can make some stops feel rushed or crowded. Some travelers noted this affected the overall experience, especially in places like Mdina, where free exploration is limited.

While the convenience of hotel pickup is great, be aware that the large group size may limit the intimacy of the experience. Some reviews remarked that the guide sometimes struggled to manage the size, leading to a feeling of being a bit rushed. Nevertheless, the included transport makes logistics straightforward, especially for visitors unfamiliar with Malta’s public transit.

Guides and Commentary

Most reviews highlight the guides as knowledgeable and friendly, with Elizabeth receiving particular praise for her expertise. Other travelers, however, felt guides lacked enthusiasm or that the commentary was rushed, especially in larger groups. If you’re a history buff or enjoy detailed explanations, this might be hit or miss depending on the guide’s style.

Food and Lunch

The included 3-course lunch is part of the package, and — depending on who you ask — it’s either good value or a bit disappointing. Some guests enjoyed the meal, but others, especially vegetarians, found it lackluster. One reviewer described the vegetarian option as “frozen chopped vegetables,” which suggests that meal quality can vary. If you have specific dietary preferences, it’s worth clarifying or bringing snacks just in case.

Is It Worth It?

The price of around $79.15 per person offers good value when you consider the round-trip transport, guided commentary, and a full day of sightseeing. It’s a practical option if you want a snapshot of Malta’s top spots without the hassle of planning individual visits or navigating public transport.

However, the tour’s success depends heavily on your expectations. If you prefer a leisurely pace, more time at each location, or a small group, this tour might feel rushed or too crowded. Some reviews mention the experience being “rushed,” especially in Mdina and during the walking stops.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for first-time visitors who want a structured overview of Malta’s key sites in one day. It’s also a good choice if you’re looking for value and don’t mind sharing the experience with a larger group. Travelers with moderate physical fitness should be comfortable with walking and standing for stretches, as the itinerary involves quite a bit of moving around.

Final Thoughts

This tour delivers on its promise of a comprehensive Malta day trip that hits up major sights, includes meals, and offers the convenience of hotel pickup. The inclusion of scenic spots like Dingli Cliffs and cultural highlights like Mdina and Mosta makes it a well-rounded introduction.

That said, the large group size and some rushed moments mean it might not suit everyone looking for a more relaxed or personalized experience. The food can be hit or miss, so if you’re a picky eater or vegetarian, plan accordingly.

If you’re after a straightforward, budget-friendly way to see Malta’s highlights on your first visit, this tour offers decent value. But if you’re after a more intimate or leisurely day, you might want to explore alternatives or tailor your own itinerary.

FAQ

Does this tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, which makes getting to and from the tour convenient, especially if you’re staying centrally in Valletta or nearby.

Are entrance tickets included for sites like Mdina or Mosta?
No, most passages like Mdina and Mosta Dome do not require admission, but if you want to go inside the churches or the dome, additional tickets will be needed.

How big are the groups on this tour?
The tour initially advertises a small group of up to 15, but reviews mention merging into larger groups of up to 45 people, which can affect the experience.

Is lunch included, and what is it like?
Yes, a 3-course lunch is included. Some travelers found it tasty, while others, especially vegetarians, thought the options were limited or not very appealing.

How long are the stops at each location?
Most stops range from 30 to 45 minutes, which is enough for a quick look and photos but not for deep exploration. Mdina and Rabat allow some free time, but overall the schedule feels tight.

Can I visit places like St. Paul’s Grotto or the Cathedral inside?
St. Paul’s Grotto is free to visit, but its admission is not included. The inside of the churches, such as Mosta Dome, typically requires an entry fee.

Would this tour be good for families or travelers with children?
It can work for families comfortable with walking and a busy schedule, but the large group size and pace might be challenging for small children or those seeking a more relaxed day.

Final Word

This full-day Malta tour from Valletta offers a solid, budget-friendly way to see many of the island’s most famous sights. You’ll appreciate the smooth logistics, the guided commentary (when it’s good), and the chance to sample Malta’s cuisine.

It’s especially suited for first-timers who want a packed but manageable itinerary. But if you prefer a more leisurely, intimate experience or have specific site interests, it’s worth exploring other options. For many travelers, the convenience outweighs the rushed feeling, making this a practical choice for a first taste of Malta’s charm.