The Three Fortified Cities of Malta Half Day Tour Incl. Boat Trip and Transfers

The Three Cities is a collective description of the three fortified cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa and Senglea. The oldest of the Three Cities is Vittoriosa, which has existed since the Middle Ages. The other two cities, Senglea and Cospicua, were both founded by the Order of the Knights of Saint John in the 16th and 17th centuries respectively. During this half-day tour, you will have the opportunity to appreciate these unique historical fortified cities and admire magnificent churches, traditional piazzas, incredible fortifications, and architectural treasures found all around the Three Cities area, pieces of living history kept alive by hundreds of years of preservation!

Itinerary

1. You will start your tour with a panoramic drive past the city of Cospicua, a double fortified harbour city and the largest of the Three Cities, flanked by Senglea on the West and Vittoriosa on the East. Cospicua is well known for its large dockyard and its impressive fortifications known as the Santa Margherita Lines and the Cottonera Lines. (20 min)
2. A short stretch away from Cospicua lies the city of Vittoriosa, the city occupies a promontory of land with the impressive Fort Saint Angelo at its head and the city of Cospicua at its base. The origins of this glorious city date back to the Medieval times, over the centuries Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, the Angevines, the Aragonese and the Order of the Knights of Saint John all contributed to the development of this magnificent city. Here you will enjoy a fascinating walking tour through the distinctive narrow winding streets of the city, admiring and appreciating all the historical buildings and captivating treasures found at every twist and turn. (1h 20min)
3. Upon your arrival at the stunning Vittoriosa Waterfront, we will board a traditional Maltese “Frejgatina” (a small, carvel-built fishing boat) for a delightful tour of the colourful harbour creeks. (35 min)
4. The tour will end at Senglea. Named after Claude De La Sengle, the Grand Master who founded the city, Senglea is also known as “Civitas Invicta” a name given to the city for managing to resist the Ottoman invasion during the Great Siege of Malta of 1565. Here you will enjoy another fascinating walk around this majestic city. (1h 0min)
5. During our tour of Senglea you will also visit the Gardjola Gardens. Located at the tip of the peninsula you will enjoy a stunning 360° view of the Grand Harbour, including the impressive Fort Saint Angelo, from where the Grand Master Jean Perisot De La Valette led the defence of the island during the Great Siege of Malta of 1565. (25 min)