Afternoon Harbours Cruise With Guide and Roundtrip Transfers

Explore Malta’s captivating maritime heritage through the Afternoon Harbours Cruise. This 3-hour tour immerses visitors in the historical significance of Valletta’s iconic harbours, from the sieges of 1565 and 1942 to the city’s architectural wonders. With knowledgeable guides, air-conditioned transfers, and free time in Sliema, this experience promises a memorable adventure. What awaits beyond the scenic cruise through the Marsamxett and Grand Harbours?

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Key Points

3-hour guided tour exploring Valletta’s Marsamxett and Grand Harbours, with a cruise featuring breathtaking vistas and knowledgeable historical commentary.
Includes air-conditioned transportation, licensed guide, and boat tour, providing a convenient and engaging way to discover Valletta’s maritime heritage.
Opportunity to explore renowned landmarks, such as St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the Grand Master’s Palace, during free time at Sliema Ferries.
Vibrant seaside town of Sliema offers ample shopping, cafes, and scenic promenades, allowing guests to discover the local atmosphere at their own pace.
Knowledgeable guides bring the past to life with engaging commentary on the island’s sieges and strategic importance, enhancing the overall experience.

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Activity Overview

The Afternoon Harbours Cruise offers a 3-hour guided tour to explore Valletta’s Marsamxett and Grand Harbours. Priced from €39.00 per person, the cruise is available in English, Italian, French, Spanish, and German.

Guests can book online and select a convenient starting time. The cruise includes air-conditioned transportation, a licensed guide, and the boat tour, showcasing the historic forts, battlements, and creeks around the harbours.

After the cruise, there’s free time for shopping and sightseeing at Sliema Ferries. With a 3.7/5 rating, the tour provides an engaging way to discover Valletta’s maritime heritage.

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Experience the Harbours

Guests embark on a captivating cruise around Valletta’s Marsamxett and Grand Harbours, offering breathtaking vistas of the city’s historical forts, battlements, and creeks.

A captivating cruise around Valletta’s harbors, offering breathtaking vistas of the city’s historical forts, battlements, and creeks.

As the boat glides along the picturesque waterways, knowledgeable guides provide engaging commentary, detailing the sieges of 1565 and 1942 that shaped the island’s history.

The cruise offers a unique perspective on Valletta’s maritime heritage, allowing guests to appreciate the city’s strategic location and the importance of its harbors.

After the cruise, the group disembarks at Sliema Ferries, offering approximately 1.5 hours of free time for shopping and sightseeing.

Exploring Valletta’s Landmarks

As guests disembark at Sliema Ferries, they’ll have the opportunity to explore Valletta’s renowned landmarks during the free time provided.

They can stroll through the winding streets, admiring the elegant Baroque architecture and historic fortifications. The iconic St. John’s Co-Cathedral, with its ornate interior, is a must-see.

Nearby, the Grand Master’s Palace impresses with its grand exterior and opulent halls. Those interested in history can visit the National War Museum, housed in the historic Fort St. Elmo.

With ample time, guests can soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere and discover its rich cultural heritage.

Free Time in Sliema

During the free time at Sliema Ferries, visitors can explore the lively seaside town and its array of shops, cafes, and promenades.

The bustling Sliema Ferries area offers ample opportunities for shopping, whether browsing high-street fashion, local handicrafts, or chic boutiques.

Visitors can also indulge in a coffee or snack at one of the many cafes along the picturesque Sliema seafront.

The Sliema Promenade provides a scenic walkway to take in views of Valletta’s historic skyline across the harbor.

This unstructured time allows guests to discover Sliema’s vibrant atmosphere at their own pace.

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Knowledgeable Guides

The knowledgeable guides on the Afternoon Harbours Cruise provide insightful historical context to enrich the experience. They share the stories behind the iconic forts, battlements, and creeks that line the Grand and Marsamxett Harbours.

From the 1565 and 1942 sieges to the strategic importance of the harbours, the guides bring the past to life, captivating visitors. Their expertise offers a deeper understanding of Malta’s rich maritime history, making the cruise a truly educational and immersive experience.

The guides’ engaging commentary elevates the journey, transforming it into a memorable exploration of Valletta’s architectural and military heritage.

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Included Services

The Afternoon Harbours Cruise includes a comprehensive set of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Guests will receive hotel pick-up and drop-off, along with air-conditioned transportation via bus or coach. A licensed guide will provide historical commentary throughout the boat cruise around the Grand and Marsamxett Harbours.

The cruise also includes the boat journey itself, allowing visitors to take in the sights of Valletta’s forts, battlements, and creeks.

Food and drinks aren’t provided, but tips for the guide are optional. These inclusive services make for a hassle-free and informative harbours exploration.

Important Considerations

Cancellation of the Afternoon Harbours Cruise may occur due to unfavorable weather conditions, which can lead to rescheduling or refunds.

Guests should wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen, as well as bring cash for any optional expenses.

The cruise isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, pets, or oversized luggage.

Travelers should arrive at the designated pick-up location on time, as the tour can’t wait for late arrivals.

With a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, guests can plan their trip with confidence.

Customer Feedback

Though the Afternoon Harbours Cruise received an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5 based on 10 reviews, customers had mixed experiences.

Some were confused by pick-up times and locations, while others felt the cruise duration was shorter than expected.

However, the convenient hotel pick-up and engaging guides received praise. One reviewer noted, "The tour guide was very knowledgeable and provided great historical context."

The tour guides for the Afternoon Harbours Cruise were praised for their knowledgeability and for providing great historical context to passengers.

Despite the mixed feedback, the cruise appears to offer a practical way to explore Valletta’s harbors, with the option to disembark for shopping and sightseeing at Sliema Ferries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

No, passengers cannot bring their own food and drinks on the cruise. The activity includes complimentary food and drinks, and outside items are not permitted on board for safety and logistical reasons.

How Early Should I Arrive for the Scheduled Departure?

The operator recommends arriving at the designated pick-up location at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. This ensures you don’t miss the boat and have time to check-in with the guide.

Is There a Restroom Available on the Boat?

Yes, there are restrooms available on the boat. The cruise provides basic amenities to ensure passengers’ comfort during the 3-hour tour of the harbors.

Can I Get a Discount for Booking Multiple Tickets?

Yes, there may be discounts available for booking multiple tickets. Customers should check with the tour operator or website for any group pricing or bulk purchase discounts that may apply when booking several tickets at once.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Children?

The activity does not have a minimum age requirement for children. Children of all ages are welcome to participate, though parents should consider the 3-hour duration and ensure their child is comfortable with the cruise experience.

The Sum Up

The Afternoon Harbours Cruise offers a captivating way to explore Malta’s rich maritime heritage. With knowledgeable guides, scenic harbor views, and free time in Sliema, this 3-hour tour provides a well-rounded experience for just €39 per person. Roundtrip transfers and air-conditioned transportation ensure a comfortable and convenient adventure through Valletta’s architectural and military history.