July 15, 2004 -- What most people know about Malta comes from the Dashiell Hammett novel and Humphrey Bogart film, The Maltese Falcon. While the elusive, bejeweled bird is the stuff of myths, this beautiful Mediterranean island can still claim a rich 7,000-year history and the highest concentration of landmarks per square mile in the world. And now some of our favorite providers are offering packages at prices that won't set you back anything close to the legendary golden bird.
First up is Academic Tours with its smartly priced 9-day/7-night "Malta in Your Hands" package for just $945, available September 15, 2004 through October 31, 2004. For that price, you get roundtrip airfare from JFK, Newark, Boston or Washington D.C, and someone to meet and assist you at Malta International Airport. Also included are 7 nights at the 3-star Metropole Hotel, daily breakfast, a welcome drink and all local taxes. For more info, call 800/875-9171 or head over to www.academictours.com.
Amelia International is also offering an excellent 6-night package during September and October for $999. The package includes roundtrip airfare on Virgin Atlantic from New York, Boston or Washington (Dulles). And just so travelers not from the Northeast don't feel left out, you can also depart from Miami, Orlando, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Las Vegas for an additional $169 (though if you depart from San Francisco or Las Vegas, there is a forced overnight stay in London).
The package also includes 6-nights at the 4-star Kennedy Nova Hotel, roundtrip airport transfers, daily buffet breakfast, government tax and service charges, and a local host. Amelia International is still updating their packages for the fall and winter, so make sure to ring them at 800/742-4591 or drop them an e-mail at info@ameliainternational.com in addition to checking their website at www.ameliainternational.com.
Last, but not least Mediterranean Destinations' "A Unique Malta Experience" is also available now through October 31, 2004. If you leave now through August, the price is just $999 and includes roundtrip airfare from New York, Newark, Boston or Washington (additional gateways available for an add-on), airport transfers, 7-nights hotel accommodations, daily breakfast and hotel taxes. Plus, if you wait and go during September and October 2004, the same package is just $800. For more information or to book, get them on the horn at 800/247-3323 or surf over to www.ibrcusa.com.
All packages mentioned are per person double occupancy and do not include airport taxes and fees (about $140). Packages are also subject to availability and change.