THE SMALL ISLAND of Malta stuns with its extraordinary historical and archaeological sites, with remains of a civilization capable of complex stone temple-building a thousand years before Egypt built its Great Pyramids. Its natural harbours and strategic Mediterranean location subsequently made Malta the irresistible object of occupation for every trading or invading force in the region, from Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines and Arabs to the Sicilians, and most significantly, the Knights of St John, who held the island for over 200 years. The cultural and architectural legacy of these invaders is what makes the island such a joy to discover, as we unravel its rich and complex history.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore Valetta, the compact and beautiful fortified Crusader capital of Malta, with its fascinating Archaeological museum, as well as Mdina, the island’s stunning ancient citadel
• Ferry to Gozo to see the Neolithic temple of Ggantija, one of the world’s oldest free-standing structures, and the hilltop medieval citadel of Vittoria
• Delve deeper with insightful lectures from Professor Caroline Malone, who has led decades of fieldwork and research on Malta and Goz
• Marvel at Malta’s sophisticated Prehistoric inhabitants, exploring the 4th century BC burial site hal saflieni Hypogeum, megalithic temples Haġar-qim and mnajdra, and Elaborate tarxien temple