INCREDIBLE MALTA

Transfer from Lviv to the airport (Poland)

Flight to Malta. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. (Primera Hotel)

We will visit Marsaxlokk, located in the southeastern part of Malta on the sea coast. Marsaxlokk supplies fish and seafood to almost the entire island. In ancient times, this place was used by the Carthaginians, and later by the Romans, as the main harbor of Malta. Fishermen have inherited traditions and experience from their grandfathers.

To this day, boats are painted in bright colors and have talismans – “eyes” attached. Everyone knows why this is necessary, because, according to legends, such boats will find their way to their home harbor even in thick fog, and sirens and other sea monsters will not attack boats with eyes. Here you can have lunch in one of the local restaurants, where they will prepare freshly caught sea fish for you.

The Blue Grotto is located near Marsaxlokk, as well as the town of Zurrieq. The grotto was named by British soldiers in analogy with the Blue Grotto in Cyprus. The walls of the grotto and its cave system reflect the shimmering purple, orange, and pink colors of underwater flora. The landscape around the Blue Grotto is captivating: blue Mediterranean water, high cliffs, and on windy days – giant sea waves. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Liturgy.

A short cruise to St. Paul’s Island. The history related to St. Paul and other islands is described in the New Testament in the Book of Acts. In 60 AD, the Apostle Paul went to Rome to Caesar for a court decision. The apostle was put under guard on a ship, which encountered a severe storm and after long wanderings washed up on the island of Melita, now called St. Paul’s Island. Near this island, at a depth of 40 m underwater, there is a submerged statue of Jesus Christ.

Afterwards, a bus trip to Mellieha. Visit to the Church of Our Lady of Victory, built in the 15th century. The main treasure of the temple is considered to be a Byzantine fresco depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary holding Jesus Christ in her right hand. According to legend, this fresco was made by Saint Luke the Apostle himself. Transfer to Mosta, visit to St. Mary’s Church. Mosta is one of the oldest cities in Malta. It is famous for its Rotunda of Mosta (Mosta Dome), the dome of which is considered one of the largest in the world. Thanks to this Catholic church, Malta is often called the “Island of Divine Providence”. 

Visit to San Anton Gardens.

These gardens are considered one of the best botanical creations. The history of San Anton Gardens began in the mid-17th century. The Grand Master of the Order of St. John, Antoine de Paule, conceived the construction of a summer residence. In 1636, a luxurious palace grew in the municipality of Attard. It was named after Anthony of Padua – San Anton. Soon, various types of trees were planted around the beautiful structure. For many years, heads of various states visited San Anton Gardens and planted trees there in memory of their visit to Malta. This is evidenced by numerous plaques indicating the date and name of who did it. The gardens were opened to the public in 1882.

Free time, rest at the sea.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Liturgy.

Bus tour of Sliema and St. Julian’s. Boat trip around the Grand Harbour. Transfer to Rabat, visit to St. Paul’s Church. St. Paul’s Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral in the Maltese city of Mdina. It’s the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Malta. The cathedral is built on the site where, according to legend, the first bishop of Malta, Publius, met the Apostle Paul, who landed on the island after a shipwreck. The cathedral was built between 1697 and 1702 by architect Lorenzo Gafa on the site of a Norman cathedral destroyed by an earthquake in 1693. Despite this, the new temple preserved several notable works of art from the destroyed cathedral, including Mattia Preti’s painting “The Conversion of St. Paul,” a 15th-century Tuscan painting depicting the Madonna and Child, as well as frescoes in the apse depicting the shipwreck of the Apostle Paul.

Visit to Mdina, the ancient capital of Malta.

Mdina is a city consisting of a confusing labyrinth of narrow streets. It’s also called the Silent City. Here we can see St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Main and Greek Gates, St. Sophia’s Palace, the Carmelite Monastery, and St. Agatha’s Chapel.

Free time, rest at the sea.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast. Liturgy.

Transfer to Valletta – the capital of Malta. Visit to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, St. John’s Co-Cathedral, and the Church of Our Lady of Damascus, where the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church parish in Malta gathers for prayer. Initially, the church was intended for the icon of Our Lady of Damascus, brought by the knights from the island of Rhodes. It was built in 1580. The shrine was completely destroyed by a German air bomb in March 1942 (like many other Maltese temples). It was restored in 1951. St. John’s Co-Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral built by the Knights of Malta between 1573 and 1578. The cathedral has eight decorated chapels dedicated to the patron saints of the Order of Malta.

Another interesting feature is a painting by Caravaggio, which is the only signed work by the artist. There are also burial places of Maltese knights. Visit to St. Barbara Bastion, St. Paul’s Pro-Cathedral (Anglican), Valletta Hospital, and the Siege Bell. Optionally, we can see the Grand Master’s Palace.

Free time, rest at the sea.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Liturgy.

Excursion to Gozo Island. Gozo Island is the second largest island of the Maltese archipelago. It’s three times smaller than Malta. The name of the island translates as “joy”. It’s a place of calm, carefree relaxation, ideal for diving, attracting tourists from all over the world. Gozo Island is so compact that you can walk around it, but you won’t be bored and there will be plenty to see. Its attractions include historical and natural sites: citadel and churches, beaches and inland sea, cliffs and arches, as well as the oldest Neolithic temples. Gozo will enchant you with its beauty. Small villages are scattered throughout the island, attracting attention with their location on hilltops. Here we will visit the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Ta’ Pinu), where there is a miraculous icon crowned by Pope St. John Paul II and venerated by Pope Francis. This is the largest shrine on Gozo.

Next, our path will go through the small fishing village of Marsalforn, known for the statue of Jesus Christ on Ta’ Salvatur Hill. It is a smaller copy of the large statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro. Then our path will lead to Għarb – a village located in the west of Gozo Island. On the main square, you can see old houses decorated with stone balconies that were built to last for ages.

Free time, rest at the sea.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Rest at the sea. Check-out from the hotel. Transfer to the airport.

Arrival in Poland. Transfer to Lviv.