Valletta’s compact size makes it an ideal base for exploring Malta’s diverse attractions in a single day. Whether you’re interested in historic sites, scenic coastlines, or cultural highlights, there’s a full-day tour that fits your style. We particularly enjoy tours that combine off-the-beaten-path experiences like visiting the Ggantija Temples or strolling through Mdina — both offer authentic glimpses into Malta’s past. For example, the Gozo Full Day visiting Ggantija Temples, Salt Pans & Dwejra takes you beyond the city, revealing the island’s ancient Megalithic structures and stunning coastlines. These tours help you make the most of limited time while immersing you in local culture and history.
In this guide, you’ll find four standout full-day tours: from Gozitan adventures to Malta’s historic Mdina, craft workshops, and Valletta’s city highlights. Each offers a unique perspective on Malta, helping you tailor your trip based on your interests, pace, and budget.
1. Gozo Full Day visiting Ggantija Temples, Salt Pans & Dwejra
For a full immersion into Malta’s neighbor, the Gozo Full Day tour offers a comprehensive look at the island’s ancient heritage and coastal scenery. The tour begins with a visit to the Ggantija Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back over 5,500 years. Walking through this megalithic complex is like stepping into a prehistoric world, and it’s a highlight for anyone interested in archaeology.
Afterward, you’ll ride a trackless train past Marsalforn Bay, Qbajjar Bay, and Xwejni Bay, giving you spectacular views of Malta’s rugged coastline. One unique stop is Dwejra Bay, where you’ll see the Inland Sea and the rock formation of Il-Ä ebla tal-Ä eneral — a photographer’s dream. The tour also includes a visit to a Crafts Shop to see Malta’s traditional handiwork, and a walk through Victoria, the island’s capital with its charming streets and fortifications.
Rated 3.9/5 based on 113 reviews, travelers appreciate the well-organized transport and informative guides. Many praise the balance of sightseeing and free time, especially for snapping photos or wandering the streets. The tour is ideal for those who want a balanced taste of history, scenery, and local craft in one day.
Bottom line: This tour provides a compact yet rich experience of Gozo’s highlights — perfect for archaeology lovers and coastal scenery fans alike.
2. Mosta, Crafts Village, Mdina & Valletta Full-Day inc Platter
This tour is a great choice for those wanting to see Malta’s most famous towns and crafts in one go. Starting from Mosta, home to the Rotunda Church with its massive unsupported dome, you’ll get a chance to appreciate engineering marvels and religious art. It’s the third-largest unsupported dome in the world, and the interior is impressive.
From there, the tour visits the Crafts Village where you can observe glass blowing at Mdina Glass, a quintessential Maltese craft. Then, you’ll explore Mdina, the Silent City known for its winding alleys and medieval architecture. The highlight here is the opportunity to see Malta’s ancient fortifications and enjoy some free time to wander.
The tour wraps up in Valletta, Malta’s capital, where you’ll see major sites including the Grand Harbour and St. John’s Co-Cathedral. The itinerary includes a Maltese platter lunch, giving you a taste of local flavors. At 4/5 stars from 35 reviews, travelers appreciate the relaxed pace and well-rounded overview of key sites with a good mix of guided sightseeing and free exploration.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for visitors wanting a rundown of Malta’s towns, crafts, and history without rushing.
3. Malta: Valletta, Mdina and Ta’ Qali Full-Day Shore Excursion
Designed specifically for cruise passengers, this shore excursion combines Valletta’s city highlights with a trip to Mdina and Ta’ Qali. It’s perfect if your time is limited but you want a well-structured experience.
The tour kicks off from the Valletta cruise port, with an explore on foot of the city’s historic streets and St. John’s Co-Cathedral. You also get panoramic views from the Upper Barrakka Gardens. After that, a short drive takes you to Rabat, where you can enjoy free time for lunch and explore Mdina’s quiet, narrow streets.
Then, you’ll visit Ta’ Qali, a traditional Maltese craft center, where you can see artisans at work and pick up souvenirs. The entire day is paced to optimize your time, making it a popular option for cruise travelers who want to see Malta’s essence without missing the ship’s departure.
While the reviews are positive, some mention the shorter sightseeing times but appreciate the organized nature of the tour. It’s best suited for visitors who want an efficient, guided overview of Malta with convenient logistics.
Bottom line: If your time in Malta is tight and you prefer an organized, guided experience that covers major sights, this shore tour delivers.
4. Valletta Full-Day Guided Tour in French w/ Lunch & Transport
For visitors interested in deepening their understanding of Valletta’s architecture and history, this full-day guided tour in French offers a detailed narrative of the city’s development.
The tour begins with an overview of Valletta’s incredible fortifications and key landmarks, including the Church of St. Paul’s Shipwreck and the National Museum of Fine Arts. The guide shares stories about the city’s architectural evolution and important figures, making history come alive.
A highlight is the visit to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, where you enjoy stunning views of the Grand Harbour. The tour includes a lunch, providing a restful break and local flavors. The guide’s knowledge and the small group setting ensure a personalized experience, rated 4.4/5.
This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts who want a comprehensive, culturally enriching experience and don’t mind a guided approach in French. The included transport and lunch make it convenient for travelers looking for a stress-free day exploring Valletta’s storied streets.
Bottom line: If you value a focused, educational tour and speak French, this tour offers a thorough introduction to Valletta’s architectural and cultural treasures.
How to Choose the Right Full-Day Tour in Valletta
When deciding which tour fits best, consider your budget, interests, and fitness level. For archaeology buffs, the Gozo Full Day visiting Ggantija Temples offers fascinating ancient sites. If you want a fast-paced overview of Malta’s key towns, the Mosta, Crafts Village, Mdina & Valletta provides a balanced itinerary with a delicious local platter.
Cruisers should look at the Valletta, Mdina and Ta’ Qali Shore Excursion for convenience, while those seeking a more in-depth narrative in French will find the Valletta Guided Tour suits their interests. Remember to check availability and book early, especially during peak travel seasons.
Final Thoughts
Malta offers a diverse range of full-day tours that cater to different interests and travel styles. For a rich archaeological experience combined with coast views, the Gozo tour is hard to beat. For a well-rounded visit to Malta’s towns, crafts, and historic sites, the Mosta and Mdina tour is a solid choice. Cruise visitors will appreciate the organized shore excursion that covers the highlights efficiently, and those wanting a more detailed cultural narrative should opt for the guided Valletta tour in French.
No matter which tour you choose, booking early will ensure you get your preferred date and time. Each offers a unique way to experience Malta, so pick one that matches your pace, interests, and curiosity. Enjoy your trip to Valletta, and make the most of your time exploring this fascinating Mediterranean island.