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MALTA
Golden Isle of the Goddess
May 4th - 13th 2008
10 days/9 nights
Itinerary
Malta is less than 20 miles by 8 miles and so there are no long journeys involved. The schedule will be kept light to allow for relaxed and meaningful time wherever we go.
All activities are of course optional allowing for you to choose from the guided schedule and more personal time catering for your own interests and needs.
Day 1 - Sunday May 4th
Collection from Malta International Airport.
Rest up or free time to explore locally before pre-dinner Introductions meeting.
Dinner at hotel.
Day 2 - Monday May 5th
Orientation meeting, including an introduction to earth energy dowsing to help you experience the powerful energies of the islands. This afternoon we visit the Hal Saflieni temples at Tarxien including the Hypogeum. We will be guided through what is the most complete temple on Malta, which is an underground temple complex. You will be able to try out your new-found dowsing skills.
Free choice dinner not included.
Day 3 - Tuesday May 6th
Morning visit to Ta' Hagrat and Skorba temples. Many ancient temple sites in Malta were constructed in pairs as were these two. We have arranged to visit during the only time in the week when they are open, on a Tuesday morning.
Then we will go to St Paul's Bay for lunch. After lunch we can explore Bugibba and Ta'Qadi temples before a visit to the Mosta Dome, the third largest unsupported dome or rotunda in Europe after St. Peter's in Rome and St. Paul's in London.
Dinner at hotel.
Day 4 - Wednesday May 7th
An introduction to the goddess culture of Malta through the ancient pottery figures that have been found at the various sacred sites, with Sina Farrugia, an expert Maltese ceramicist. After her talk Sina will accompany us to the Archeology Museum in Valletta to see some of the statuettes and artifacts found at the temples.
The rest of the day is free time to explore the capital city of Valletta. Important places of interest include:
- St. John's Co-cathedral, the magnificent and ornate church of the Knights Hospitallers
- Magnificent views of Grand Harbour from the elevated position of Barakka Gardens
- Auberge de Castille one of Valletta's finest old buildings and now the official residence of the Prime Minister
- The Sacra Infermeria the original hospital of the Knights
Free choice dinner not included.
Day 5 - Thursday May 8th
Visit to Mdina, considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of an inhabited medieval citadel in Europe. Explore its labyrinth of narrow winding streets and view the island from its ramparts. Just across a park lie the ancient suburbs, called Rabat, that are now outside the city walls. Close by is an old Roman house containing a fine mosaic pavement.
Free afternoon. Free choice dinner not included.
Day 6 - Friday May 9th
Today we take a short ferry ride to the neighbouring island of Gozo, often called Calypso's Island after the nymph who kept Ulysses there for seven years. We will visit Ggantija temples, the oldest free standing structure in the world. This is a magnificent semi-ruined temple complex containing the largest stone on the islands. Ta' Cenc is the largest area of undeveloped land on Gozo and offers fabulous views of the surrounding countryside and across to Malta.
The Citadel with its fortified walls sits in the center of the island and commands stunning views over the whole of Gozo. Contained within its boundaries are palaces and a cathedral. Standing out dramatically from the flat surrounding landscape is Ta' Pinu Sanctuary and finally the natural beauty of Dwejra Bay and the Azure Window complete this full day on Gozo.
Dinner included.
Day 7 - Saturday May 10th
This day is left open for a possible visit to the Three Cities (Cospicua, Vittoriosa and Senglea) the original settlements of the Knights Hospitallers and the least touristy cities on the island, free time for relaxing and to allow flexibility in the schedule.
Dinner at hotel.
Day 8 - Sunday May 11th
Morning visit to the picturesque Sunday market at Marsaxlokk followed by a visit to Kordin III temple site. Afternoon sightseeing boat trip around the Grand Harbour at Valletta. See the largest harbour in Europe from the best vantage point, on the water (90 minutes).
Free choice dinner not included.
Day 9 - Monday May 12th
This morning we take a boat ride from Wied iz-Zurrieq along the rocky southern coastline visiting the many flooded caves including the Blue Grotto cave. We have planned to be there at a time when the light penetrates furthest into the caves. Inside the rock is tinted pink, mauve or orange by coral and minerals and the water can change colour from indigo and navy to azure and emerald according to the light. (50 minutes boat ride).
After lunch if they have been reopened to the public after months of restoration work we will visit Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temple complexes.
Farewell Dinner at hotel.
Day 10 - Tuesday May 13th
To the airport for return flights home. Bon voyage!
