Valletta

VALLETTA, MALTA

To get the best experience in Valletta, Malta, book one of our friendly local tour guides for your private shore excursion. Our guides meet cruise ship passengers directly from the port and help you discover Valletta and the surrounding area, making you feel like a local from the moment you arrive.

Whether you want to explore Valletta’s famous landmarks, discover Malta’s history and culture, enjoy local food or venture off the beaten track, your Guides4me guide is there to make it happen. Your tour can be tailored around your interests, your pace and, most importantly, your cruise ship schedule.

Nadia

Nadia speaks English, Maltese, Italian and basic Spanish and French.

Born and raised in Malta, she is a teacher by profession with a strong passion for travel, food and meeting new people. She has travelled to more than 50 countries, discovering different cultures, cuisines and traditions along the way. Over the years, she has also hosted many international visitors and has loved showing them around Malta, introducing them to local places, traditional food and authentic experiences. Friendly, fun and easy-going, she enjoys good conversation, discovering new places and making people feel welcome.

As a food tour guide, she wants visitors to experience Malta like a local. Her tours are all about enjoying Maltese food, hearing local stories, discovering the island’s culture and having plenty of laughs along the way. Come hungry, come curious and get ready to discover the real taste of Malta with her!

Total cost for the guide services of Nadia for one day (6 hours) = a booking fee of 39 Euro via Paypal, debit / credit cards, bank transfer or Crypto Currency plus 90 Euro in cash to Nadia after her services. This makes a total of 129 Euro.

This does not include any entrance fees, food & beverage or transport costs. However she can use her car for an additional 20 Eur.

“Nadia is an outstanding guide in Valletta, and I would highly recommend her to anyone visiting Malta on a cruise shore excursion. She is extremely friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable, and thanks to her, our time in Valletta was far more enjoyable and truly memorable..” – Petre, Czech.

Discover Valletta, Malta

Valletta may be one of Europe’s smallest capital cities, but it is packed with history, culture and character. Malta has more than 7,000 years of history, and Valletta itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was built by the Knights of St John and remains famous for its golden limestone buildings, narrow streets and magnificent views across the Grand Harbour.

Its compact size makes Valletta ideal for a private tour or cruise shore excursion. You can explore the main sights while also discovering quieter streets, local cafés and places many visitors simply walk past.

Things to See and Do in Valletta

One of Valletta’s highlights is St John’s Co-Cathedral. Its relatively simple exterior hides an extraordinary Baroque interior. The cathedral is also home to Caravaggio’s famous The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist. The Upper Barrakka Gardens are another must-see. They provide wonderful views across the Grand Harbour towards the Three Cities.

You can also explore the Grandmaster’s Palace, walk along Republic Street and wander through Valletta’s historic side streets. The waterfront, old fortifications and harbour viewpoints are all worth seeing. A private guide can also take you beyond Valletta. Popular options include the Three Cities, Mdina, Rabat, Marsaxlokk and Malta’s historic villages.

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Valletta?

Most cruise ships arrive at Valletta Cruise Port at the Valletta Waterfront in the Grand Harbour. The cruise port is very conveniently located for exploring the capital and is within walking distance of Valletta. Larger or additional ships can also use other nearby harbour quays when required.

The approach into the Grand Harbour is also one of the highlights of a Mediterranean cruise. Passengers get impressive views of Malta’s fortifications and historic waterfront before they have even left the ship.

Which Cruise Lines Visit Valletta?

Valletta is an important Mediterranean cruise port and welcomes ships ranging from smaller luxury vessels to some of the world’s largest cruise ships.

Cruise lines visiting Valletta include MSC Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, Costa Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Oceania Cruises, TUI Cruises, Ponant, AIDA Cruises and Regent Seven Seas, among others. Cruise schedules vary throughout the year.

Discover Gozo

Malta is not just one island. Gozo offers a quieter and more rural side of Maltese life.

Visitors can discover dramatic coastline, traditional villages, historic churches and beautiful countryside. Gozo also has its own strong traditions and food culture. It makes an excellent addition for visitors spending several days in Malta.

Visit Comino and the Blue Lagoon

Between Malta and Gozo lies the tiny island of Comino. It is best known for the spectacular Blue Lagoon, with its clear turquoise Mediterranean water. Comino is particularly popular during the warmer months and can be visited by boat. It offers a very different experience from the historic streets of Valletta.

For cruise passengers with limited time, however, it is important to plan carefully. A local guide can help create an itinerary that works with the ship’s arrival and departure times.

Experience Maltese Food

Food is an important part of Maltese culture. The cuisine has strong Mediterranean influences, particularly from Sicily, together with influences from North Africa and Malta’s long history.

Be sure to try pastizzi, the famous flaky pastries traditionally filled with ricotta or peas. Another local favourite is Maltese ftira, while traditional dishes include rabbit, fresh fish, local cheeses, olives and Maltese bread. Those with a sweet tooth should look out for imqaret, pastries filled with dates. A private food tour with a local guide is a great way to discover not only what Maltese people eat, but also the stories and traditions behind the food.

Malta’s History and Culture

Few destinations of Malta’s size can offer such a remarkable history. The islands have been influenced by the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Knights of St John, French and British. Malta later gained independence from Britain in 1964 and became a republic in 1974.

The Knights of St John played a particularly important part in Valletta’s development. Their legacy can still be seen throughout the capital in its churches, palaces and fortifications. Maltese culture today combines this history with strong family traditions, religious festivals, local food, music and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.

Book a Private Valletta Tour or Shore Excursion

Valletta is easy to explore, but travelling with a friendly local guide can show you much more than simply following a map. Your guide can explain the stories behind the buildings, introduce you to Maltese food and help you discover places that many visitors miss.

For cruise passengers, a private guide also gives you greater flexibility. Your itinerary can be planned around your interests, your pace and your ship’s schedule. Whether you want history, culture, food, famous landmarks or somewhere off the beaten track, a Guides4me local guide can help you experience Valletta and Malta like a local.

Whatever you choose to do in Malta, it will be a unique and memorable experience of a lifetime, with a Guides4me guide, who will look after you and by the end of the trip you’ve made a best friend.

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