Given its strategically important location as a gateway into southern Europe, it is not surprising that Malta has been continually fought over throughout the centuries. Learn of the island's tumultuous history on this intriguing full day tour.
Kick off in Birgu, where you'll explore the medieval fortifications and the air raid shelters from the Second Great Siege of Malta. Next. Head to Valletta's Upper Barakka Gardens to watch the Saluting Battery's cannons mark midday. Then it's time for a stroll through the old town, passing the palace used by Napoleon, the Victory Kitchen, Queen Victoria's statue and the bombed-out ruins of the opera house.
In the afternoon, learn of Malta's experiences under Phoenician, Romans, Moorish, Hospitaller and British rule during a guided visit to the National War Museum in Fort St Elmo. You'll also get a fascinating insight into the Great Siege of Malta of 1565, where a small force of Knights Hospitaller and about 400 locals repelled an Ottoman army.