An adventure awaits you at the heart of the Mediterranean. From the great prehistoric temples to the Knights of St. John (today’s Order of Malta – SMOM) you will experience the history and culture of these remarkable islands of Malta.
With optional Sicily extension.
Special Mass – Our Lady of Victories ; Fort St. Elmo ; St. Agatha and/or St. Paul’s Catacombs ; St. Paul’s Grotto ; Mdina Cathedral ; St. Ursula’s Monastery – Mass and veneration of the skull of Bl. Gerard, Founder of the Order of Malta ; Wine tasting at Malta’s foremost Wine Estate ; special viewing of the papal bull Pie Postulatio Voluntatis issued by Pope Paschal II in 1113O creating the Knights of St. John (Order of Malta); St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the beautiful Conventual church of the Knights of St. John ; National War Museum ; Verdala Palace ; Hagar Qim Temples ; Grand Master’s Palace ; Grand Harbor cruise ; Maritime Museum ; Full day visit to the Island of Gozo ; evening visit to a Maltese Festa ; beautiful luncheon under the Med’s oldest carob tree …and more
Typical days on your trip:
Arrive in Malta – Transfer to hotel and enjoy the afternoon exploring Valletta or relaxing pool side in the Mediterranean sun. In the evening we will be treated to a wonderful welcome dinner at a restaurant built into the fortifications of Valletta. (D)
We will start our day in Rabat with Mass and visit the Grotto of St. Paul where St. Paul is said to have taken refuge after his shipwreck on Malta. We will then visit two early catacombs then move to Mdina; the original capital of Malta. The charm of its narrow, winding streets and the silence of its medieval palaces is the setting for a feast of Baroque splendor. We will visit St. Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina, the original cathedral of Malta that has many great works by artist and knight Mattia Preti. The marble-inlaid floor with tombstones carrying the coats of arms and inscriptions of the bishops of Mdina gives the cathedral one of the most beautiful floors in the world. Leaving Mdina, we will transfer to Malta’s exceptional wine estate for wine tasting & light snacks. We will enjoy the breathtaking view of the vineyard from the upper terrace and there will be an explanation of the history of the estate followed by a tour and wine tasting. (B,D)
Our day will start with a special Mass in Valletta where we will have the opportunity to venerate a relic Blessed Gerard, founder of the Order of Malta. We will then have a rare opportunity at the National Library (former archives of the Order) to view the original Papal Bull: Pie Postulatio Voluntatis, promulgated by Pope Paschal II on February 15, 1113 which approved the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. Leaving the National Library we will visit the National Library (Knights of St. John Archives) and have the privilege (of a private viewing and commentary, rarely on public display) to see the original Paschal II Papal Bull “Pie Postulatio Voluntatis” in 1113. We then visit…St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Conventional Church of the Knights that conceals a number of invaluable treasures behind its somber facade. The ornate marble tombstones, which form the floor of the Cathedral, the sumptuous vault painted by Mattia Preti and the rich baroque statues will help you imagine the splendor which characterized the Order’s ceremonies. Housed inside the Cathedral Museum are two masterpieces by Caravaggio: The Beheading of St. John the Baptist and Saint Jerome. There will be special commentary on Caravaggio and his painting of The Beheading of Saint John. Our last stop is tSt. Paul’s Shipwreck Church. The church has some major relics including the right wrist-bone of St. Paul and part of the column from. San Paolo all Tre Fontane, on which the saint was beheaded. (B,D)
MedSeas has full itineraries available as part of the materials supplied for those who join the tour.
Airport: Private transfer to hotel on arrival
Luxury, a/c coach
Wine Tasting – Malta’s Premier Wine Estate & Order of Malta Wines
Continental breakfast daily, 1 Lunch, 5 dinners including a special Welcome and Farewell Dinner
All Lunch and dinners include beverages: water/coffee & wine at dinner
"Dick and I had a wonderful trip to the Island of Malta. We saw sights and entered places where few people are able to go. Being with a native Maltese lady opened many doors for us. On another tour…Saints, Knights & Wine, this time to Italy, we saw the beautiful wineries owned by the Order of Malta. Rocca Bernardo was breathtaking."
Dick and Theresa Martter Dallas,"The trip to Malta with you was the BEST! We enjoyed it and learned so much. We will never forget it!"
Simi Forsyth,"I can’t speak highly enough of MedSeas and their annual pilgrimages to the beautiful and Faith-filled nation of Malta. Compared to other European nations, Malta doesn’t get a lot of attention, but Catholics seeking a place where the Faith is taken seriously need to check out this beautiful, historical island nation in the Southern Mediterranean, and MedSeas is the perfect place to start."
Andrew Dunn,
How about continuing with us to Sicily?
Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Bourbons and many more contributed to the tapestry of Sicilian history that draws so many to explore this ancient island. Join us on an unforgettable journey of faith, culture and history through the beautiful Island of Sicily.
