Preluna Hotel, Sliema, Malta – All Inclusive – 21 nights

We visit the beautiful UNESCO-listed Valletta, a harbour city with a wealth of elegant 16^th-century buildings, many of which have been internally converted into restaurants, boutiques and chic cafes. With everything within walking distance, it's easy to discover the capital’s museums and main attractions, such as St John’s Co-Cathedral, a wonderfully preserved Roman Catholic church, with domed ceilings and gilded walls, enveloped with intricate detailing. A peninsular, surrounded by the sea, Valletta is host to a range of eateries that sit on the scenic waterfront promenade, offering delicious authentic cuisine. Why not take a leisurely stroll, take in the views, enjoy some traditional rustic Maltese food and immerse yourself in the remarkable culture of this scenic treasure?

Resting atop one of the highest hilltops in Malta, within its golden-stone Arabic wall, is the exquisite city of Mdina, in the country's Northern region. Known as the ‘Silent City’, Mdina exudes a tranquil air of calm, while showcasing an extraordinary blend of baroque and medieval history, cultivated in its stunning buildings, enchanting palaces and winding narrow streets. Escape to a bygone world, far from the modern age and explore Saint John’s Bastion and Saint Martin’s Bastion with viewpoints of the glorious surrounding countryside. There’s also the splendid Cathedral of Saint Paul, with its luxurious décor of marble floors and awe-inspiring ceiling paintings, where you can wander the various chapels of spectacular artworks.

We leave Mdina through the Baroque-style Greek's Gate, located in the southwest corner of the city and head to Mosta in the very heart of Malta. A popular market town, at its centre, is a magnificent domed church which still bears the scars from the Nazi bombing campaign on the island.

The fishing village of Marsaxlokk is our first stop. Discover the unique character of this community and browse the long stretch of local markets along the harbourside, selling local goods such as locally produced fruit jams, honey, fruit and wine, clothing and souvenirs, while multi-coloured boats bob in the harbour, in contrast to the glistening sea. Along the bay, there’s a choice of restaurants and cafés, where you can sit and watch the world go by. We then step into a world of beauty and serenity as we visit the Blue Grotto (weather permitting – boat price not included) and the nearby complex of sea caves located on the Southern coast of Malta. Named Blue Grotto because of its incredible bright blue waters, the beauty of these caves reveals itself most with the sun shining down and reflecting off the seabed, resulting in a magical azure. Later, with the help of our guide, we explore Malta’s unspoilt villages, where we are led through a maze of winding narrow streets, all with a story to be told.

We make our way to the Grand Harbour area, known as the Three Cities – Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Sengla. The connecting cities of Cospicua and Senglea were created by the Order of St John in the 16^th and 17^th centuries, whilst Birgu dates back to the Middle Ages. Throughout history, these fortified metropolises have provided a home and fortress for those who settled on the islands. We make time in Vittoriosa for a walking tour through the narrow streets, in the shade of historical buildings. Enjoy an abundance of stunning views from the tip of the peninsula, including the impressive Fort Sant Angelo.