Discovering Gozo Full Day incl. Guide, Train & Ggantija Temples

Discovering Gozo Full Day incl. Guide, Train & Ggantija Temples: An Honest Review

Planning a trip to Malta and wondering whether a full-day tour of the neighboring island of Gozo is worth it? We’ve looked into this popular excursion to help you decide if it suits your travel style. From what we’ve seen, it offers a good way to cover many of Gozo’s top sights in one day, especially if you prefer guided experiences that handle the logistics for you.

What we particularly like about this tour is the inclusion of ferry rides and a trackless train — these not only make getting around easier but also add a bit of fun and scenic flair. Plus, the Ggantija Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are definitely a highlight for those interested in ancient structures, and visiting them as part of a guided tour means you won’t miss out on the stories behind these mysterious megalithic ruins.

On the flip side, some travelers have found the overall experience a bit rushed or disorganized, especially regarding waiting times and the limited time at each site. If you’re expecting a completely seamless day or prefer a more flexible pace, this might not be the perfect fit. Still, if you’re eager to see key attractions without the hassle of organizing transport yourself, it could be a solid choice.

This tour works best for history buffs, first-time visitors wanting a broad overview, or travelers who appreciate guided commentary. If you’re traveling with friends or a family who don’t mind full days of sightseeing and some busyness, you’ll likely find this tour rewarding.

Key Points

• Convenient transportation from Malta, including hotel pickup, ferry, and train rides
• Cover many highlights of Gozo, like the Ggantija Temples, Cittadella, and Ta’ Pinu Basilica
• Guided commentary enriches the experience, especially at historic sites
• Potential for long waits and limited free time at some stops, based on reviews
• Good value considering entrance fees, ferry, and guided service included
• Weather can impact experience, especially boat rides and outdoor visits

Exploring the Full Itinerary

This tour provides an efficient way to get a feel for Gozo’s character without feeling overwhelmed. It’s designed with a carefully curated itinerary that hits most of the essential sights, making it perfect for those who want a snapshot of the island’s highlights. You’ll start early in the morning with hotel pickup, which takes a little time, but it’s a small price for the convenience of being transported straight to the ferry.

Once aboard the ferry, you’ll enjoy about a 20-minute ride across Dwejra Bay, a scenic stretch that sets the tone for your day. The ferry ride itself isn’t just transportation—it’s part of the experience, offering a chance to take in views of the blue waters and rugged coastline. Some reviews mention choppy ferry trips, especially in bad weather, so keep that in mind if you’re prone to seasickness.

Visiting Dwejra Bay

Your first stop is Dwejra Bay, famous for the Inland Sea and il-Gebla tal-General. If the weather permits, you might get to take a short boat ride, which could be a fun way to see the area from a different perspective. The boat ride is paid separately at Dwejra, and it’s worth considering if weather conditions are good. Even without the boat, the scenery here is striking, with cliffs and clear waters.

Ta’ Pinu National Shrine

Next, you’ll visit the Ta’ Pinu Basilica, perched on a cliff edge near Gharb. The basilica is a peaceful spot with an open, countryside setting and panoramic views. It’s a good place to soak in the atmosphere and take some photos. The tour includes about 45 minutes here, giving enough time for a quick look and photos, but some reviews suggest that the time can feel a bit rushed, especially if you want to explore the interior more deeply.

The Citadella in Victoria

Then, it’s time to explore Victoria’s historic citadel, which has been settled since Neolithic times. You’ll ride a trackless train into the fortified city, which simplifies navigating the narrow streets and walls. Inside, you’ll find the old prison, Courts of Justice, and stunning views from the walls. The visit lasts around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and locals still refer to it as Rabat, keeping its old name alive.

Authenticity and history shine here, and the guide’s commentary helps bring the place to life, much appreciated by visitors. However, some travelers have mentioned that the limited free time here can leave you wishing for more time to explore at leisure.

Qala and Ggantija Temples

A quick stop at Qala provides a chance for a scenic photo, often at the Belvedere, offering sweeping views of the island’s landscape. Then, it’s time for one of the tour’s top features: the Ggantija Archaeological Park. Here, you’ll see megalithic temples that predate the Egyptian pyramids, making them one of the oldest free-standing structures in the world.

The entrance fee to Ggantija is included, which adds value to the package. The site is small but packed with history, and the guide provides context for these ancient temples, which is invaluable if you’re interested in archaeology and history. The visit is about 40 minutes long—enough to see the structures and hear some stories, but not enough to do a deep dive.

How the Transportation Works

This tour’s transportation setup is designed for ease. Pickup from your Malta hotel is included, which is a relief, as organizing your own transfers can be complicated. Once on Gozo, you’ll travel by trackless train, which eliminates the hassle of walking or navigating unfamiliar streets. The ferry rides are an integral part of the experience, offering scenic views and a sense of adventure.

Total duration ranges from 8 to 10 hours, with some reviews noting that the day can stretch longer, especially if waits and delays occur. The group size is capped at 45, which helps keep things manageable, but reviews mention that in some cases, the large groups can feel a bit impersonal or hectic.

The Guide and Commentary

Most travelers agree that the guides are knowledgeable and helpful. A few reviews highlight that guides speak multiple languages and are eager to share insights, making the visits more meaningful. However, some mention that the guide’s microphone volume and clarity could be improved or that the guide was difficult to understand at times, especially in noisy or busy sites.

The Cost and What’s Included

At just over $80 per person, this tour offers a lot of value. Entrance fees to Ggantija are covered, ferry tickets are included, and you also get a guided commentary, which enriches the experience. The tour also includes hotel pickup and drop-off, saving the hassle of finding public transport.

What’s Not Included

Lunch isn’t covered, so you’ll want to plan for that. The tour doesn’t specify a designated lunch spot, which means you might find yourself grabbing something quick or bringing a snack. If you’re a big eater or want a sit-down meal, consider bringing your own or eating beforehand.

What Do Travelers Say?

Reviews are a mixed bag. Many praise the knowledgeable guides, the stunning scenery, and the value for money. One reviewer called their guide “fantastic,” and others appreciated the opportunity to see multiple sites efficiently. The Ggantija Temples, in particular, received high praise for their age and significance.

However, some reviews highlight frustrations: long waits in ferry lines, limited free time, and organizational hiccups. One person noted that the tour left out some critical sights on Gozo, which could be a dealbreaker if you want a comprehensive experience. Others found the experience too rushed, especially at the temples, where standing outside in the sun was uncomfortable for elderly travelers.

A few guests also mentioned that the large group size (around 45 people) reduces intimacy and personal attention, but most found the guide engaging and informative.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This full-day tour of Gozo offers a well-organized, accessible way to see many of the island’s key sights in one go. It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer guided experiences that take care of logistics and want to maximize sightseeing without planning every detail themselves. If you’re interested in ancient architecture, scenic views, and cultural highlights, you’ll enjoy this trip.

That said, if you’re someone who values a slow pace or deep exploration at each stop, this might feel a tad rushed. The long waits and limited free time could be frustrating, especially if weather hampers outdoor activities or ferry rides. Families or travelers with mobility issues should note that some sites involve outdoor walking and standing in the sun.

Overall, for around $80, you get a lot of value, including ferry rides, entry fees, and guided commentary. Just be prepared for a busy, sometimes hectic day, and manage expectations about the pace. It’s a good introduction to Gozo, especially if you want a snapshot of its history and scenery without the hassle of self-guided planning.

FAQ

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
The tour starts at 8:00 am, so it’s best to be ready a little earlier to ensure smooth pickup and avoid delays.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup from your Malta hotel or the nearest point is part of the package.

How long is the ferry ride?
The ferry crossing from Malta to Gozo takes approximately 20 minutes, offering scenic views of Dwejra Bay.

What places do we visit on this tour?
You’ll see Dwejra Bay, Ta’ Pinu Basilica, Victoria’s Citadella, Qala for a photo stop, and the Ggantija Temples, among other highlights.

Is there free time at each stop?
The itinerary includes specific durations at each site, but reviews note that the time can feel tight, especially at the temples and Victoria.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included. You’ll need to bring your own snacks or plan to buy lunch during the day.

What about weather?
Weather can influence certain activities, especially boat rides and outdoor visits. If the weather is rough, some parts of the tour might be less enjoyable.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the physical demands and outdoor nature suggest it’s best for travelers with moderate mobility and endurance.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 45 travelers, which helps in managing the experience but can sometimes feel crowded.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. Refunds are processed accordingly.

If you’re looking for a straightforward way to tick off Gozo’s big sights, this tour might just fit the bill—especially if you’re okay with a busy day and a guided approach. It’s a practical option that offers good value, with some caveats about pacing and organization.