Boutique Malta: Gastronomy & Culture

Arriving in Malta, a private transfer will meet you at the airport to bring you to your hotel in central Valletta, a World Heritage City and UNESCO-protected site. The 19th century boutique Rosselli, beautifully reformulated but has maintained its rich history. What’s more, it’s perfectly positioned to explore the city sights; the baroque interior and limestone spires of the 16th century St John’s Co-Cathedral – Malta’s most famous church – are just a stone’s throw away. After checking in, we recommend taking the evening to introduce yourself to the city, perhaps tasting some of the local cuisine at one of its many excellent restaurants, or relax and soak up the views from the roof terrace.

Wake up to a feast for the senses with a gourmet continental breakfast spread that highlights fresh seasonal ingredients and produce. Valletta was built in the 16th Century, designed to be a fortress for the Knights of the Order of St.John. It is a walled city built on a peninsula between harbours and one landside entrance. Today, Valletta is a thriving city as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its historic buildings and palazzos house both government offices and private businesses, and bars and restaurants have sprouted in small niches in between, making its streets quirky and full of life.

You will stop at traditional artisan food shops such as Camilleri tal-Helu - a traditional sweet shop that's a landmark in Valletta, followed by a visit to Tal-Hwawar - an old spice shop where you will be given the chance to taste locally made products. Your final stop will be at a famous Cafe Cordina - another famous coffee shop loved by locals. With 175 years of history, you can taste some of the best Maltese delights, among which are the home-made traditional sweet and pastries, while admiring the unique ceiling authentic to the palazzo it is housed in.

Tonight back at your accommodation settle in for an included 6-course Degustation Menu in the Michelin starred Under Grain restaurant

After breakfast, your driver will collect you and drop you in the village of Attard to stroll through San Anton Gardens. Discover fountains, ponds, and trees from all over the world. Your walk will end at the home of Maltese chef Pippa Mattei. Pippa will accompany you to the local farmers market in Ta' Qali. Chat with the farmers who will recommend the perfect produce for your meal. A typical Mediterranean lunch with the local produce sourced from the market will be prepared. Your meal will be accompanied with the best Maltese wine from the nearby wine estate, finished off with homemade mandarin or lemon liquor.

Continue with a drive to the historic walled city of Mdina taking in the panormaic route past Malta's highest point, Dingli Cliffs. Take in the breath-taking sunset before proceeding towards Rabat and finally stop in Mdina for a night tour. Lamp-lit by night and referred to as "the silent city", the winding streets and palazzos under the shadow of the grand cathedral.

Following breakfast, you will take the short scenic ferry to the tranquil charm of Gozo - Malta's smaller, greener and more rural sister island. Enjoy the hilly countryside, gorgeous sea views and endearing people. Your first stop is the Ggantijia prehistoric temples. a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples date back to 3,500 BC and are considered the oldest man-made, free-standing structures in the world. This is followed by a visit to bustling Victoria with its fortified Cittadella - a pedestrianised 15th century fortress originally built as a refuge for the people of Gozo. 

Stop for lunch within these same walls at the renowned Ta' Rikardu, a veritable Maltese feast of sourdough bread with homemade cheeselets made from fresh goat's milk, accompanied by tomatoes, olives and capers. The homemade ricotta ravioli with tomato sauce follows.

Moving on you will head to the panoramic area of Dwerja, before stopping by the traditional open air sea saltpans and meet up with local character Leli, to hear how he harvests his "white gold". You can taste the salt with a traditional bread called Hobz Biz-Zejt and washed down with a bitter cola Kinnie. Take your sample with you

After breakfast, a private transfer will take you back to the airport to meet your flight back home.