Valletta Excursions

Valletta and Mdina (4-4½ hr.; $50): This bus-and-walking tour of Valletta (stopping at City Gate) visits St. John's Co-Cathedral and the Palace of the Grand Masters. You are then driven by bus to the walled city of Mdina, Malta's medieval capital, where you'll find quaint winding streets and beautiful homes, as well as a cathedral dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul.

Tour of the Temples (4 hr.; $60-$85): This bus tour includes some of the world's most impressive prehistoric temples. On Malta's southern coast, you'll visit the temple of Hagar Qim, constructed in the Late Megalithic period on a slope facing the tiny island of Filfla. Near the shores of St. George's Bay at Birzebbugia, Ghar Dalam Cave was inhabited as far back as the stone age and bronze age, and has the relics to prove it. Your final visit is to the National Museum of Archaeology, which displays an array of artifacts from Malta's prehistoric periods.

The Blue Grotto (4 hr.; $50): Drive by bus for about 30 minutes to the south side of the island, where you'll find the Blue Grotto and the stunning rock formations of Wied iz Zurrieq valley. Hop in a local Maltese fishing boat to get close-up views of the caves, colorful coral formations, and beautiful clear waters. There may be time for swimming here or for browsing in the shops of Marsaxlokk, a nearby village.