Malta’s rich history spans thousands of years, from the world’s oldest megalithic temples to the fortified cities of the Knights of St John and the heroic resilience shown during World War II. For travellers eager to explore the island’s unique cultural heritage, these curated itineraries offer the perfect way to experience ancient sites, medieval towns, stunning fortifications and wartime landmarks. Whether you have one day or a full week, Malta’s compact size makes it easy to uncover its extraordinary past at your own pace.
1. One-Day Overview: “Discover Malta’s Timeline in 24 Hours”
Morning – Valletta’s Golden Age
- St John’s Co-Cathedral (featuring Caravaggio masterpieces)
- Grand Master’s Palace courtyard
- Upper Barrakka Gardens & the Noon Gun salute
Afternoon – Medieval Mdina
- Explore Mdina’s fortified medieval streets
- Visit St Paul’s Cathedral
- Optional: Mdina Dungeons for a quick historical overview
Evening – Valletta or Sliema Waterfront
- Relax with a harbour-view dinner
- Optional night-time harbour cruise
2. Two-Day Heritage Trip: “Malta Through the Ages”
Day 1 – Prehistory & The Knights
- Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra Temples – stunning megalithic complexes
- National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta
- Walk Valletta’s impressive fortifications
Day 2 – The Three Cities & World War II
- Birgu (Vittoriosa): Fort St Angelo, Inquisitor’s Palace
- Stroll through Senglea and Cospicua
- Lascaris War Rooms + Siege Bell Memorial
3. Three-Day Deep Dive: “Malta for History Lovers”
Day 1 – Ancient Civilisations
- Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra, Tarxien Temples
- Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni (advance booking required)
Day 2 – Medieval & Baroque Malta
- Mdina: Cathedral & Palazzo Falson
- Rabat: St Paul’s Catacombs & Domus Romana
- Valletta: Co-Cathedral & Fort St Elmo
Day 3 – Malta’s Maritime Legacy
- Full Three Cities walking tour
- Birgu’s Maritime Museum
- Historic Fort St Angelo
4. Five-Day Full Heritage Experience: “The Entire Story of Malta”
Day 1 – Megalithic Malta (Gozo)
- Ġgantija Temples
- Xagħra archaeology sites
- Citadel viewpoints
Day 2 – Medieval Islands
- Gozo Citadel & old prisons
- Mdina Silent City
- Historic chapels & countryside walks
Day 3 – The Knights of St John
- Valletta walking tour
- Auberges & Manoel Theatre
- Fort Manoel (exterior)
Day 4 – Coastal Defences
- Qawra Tower, Wignacourt Tower
- Westreme Battery (Tunnara Museum)
- Vendôme Battery & Arrias Battery
Day 5 – World War II Heritage
- Lascaris War Rooms
- Ta’ Qali Aviation Museum
- Wartime shelters & Fort St Elmo
5. Half-Day Themed Itineraries (Great Add-Ons)
A) Knights of St John Trail
- St John’s Co-Cathedral
- Auberge de Castille
- Fort St Elmo
- Fort St Angelo (Birgu)
B) Ancient Temples Circuit
- Ħaġar Qim
- Mnajdra
- Tarxien Temples
C) WWII Malta Express Tour
- Lascaris War Rooms
- Siege Bell Memorial
- Valletta Air-Raid Shelters
D) Fortifications of the Grand Harbour
- Valletta bastions walk
- Senglea & Birgu waterfronts
- Grand Harbour cruise for panoramic fort views
6. Specialist Itineraries for Enthusiasts
A) Military History Fans
- Fort Rinella
- Fort Delimara
- Westreme Battery
- Madliena Battery
- Fort St Elmo
B) Archaeology Enthusiasts
- Hypogeum
- Tarxien
- Skorba & Ta’ Ħaġrat
- Ġgantija
- National Museum of Archaeology
C) Scenic Walkers + History
- Dingli Cliffs + Clapham Junction cart-ruts
- Victoria Lines
- Mellieħa Ridge defences
- Selmun historical walk
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7. Family-Friendly History Itinerary
- Mdina: Knights of Malta Experience
- Valletta: Upper Barrakka lift + waterfront
- Fort Rinella cannon show
- Birgu dungeons & waterfront stroll
- Sliema harbour cruise (storytelling narration)
Whether you're visiting for a day or immersing yourself over a full week, Malta’s compact size makes it easy to explore layer upon layer of history. These itineraries provide structured, memorable experiences for lovers of archaeology, military history, architecture, and Mediterranean culture.
