Valletta Walking Tour and Bocci

Your guide meets you at the yacht pier for your informative walk around the clifftop city built in the 16th century by the Knights of St. John. Begin by taking the lift up to the Upper Barracca Gardens, whose high perch provides panoramic views of Malta’s two natural harbors and the trio of historic cities – Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa – that predate Valletta. Then follow your guide down the narrow streets that laid out in a neat, uniform grid by European military engineers. The palaces, churches, and historic buildings that once served the knights’ civil, military, religious and domestic needs still stand today. As you stroll, your guide will share highlights from the knights’ centuries of rule and point out key details like coats of arms and other decorative flourishes. The tour takes you inside St. John’s Co-Cathedral to admire the church’s opulent baroque décor and the collection of priceless artworks that include a Caravaggio masterpieces, “The Beheading of St John.” Continue your stroll until you reach the bocci pitch, the field for the ball game whose variations are found across Mediterranean shores. Try your hand at this classic game while enjoying light refreshments and traditional Maltese snacks. The leisurely return to the pier in the Grand Harbour will take you through the landmark Victoria Gate, built in 1885 by the British.