Vittoriosa and Senglea Tour including Boat Tour and Transport

Discover the rich heritage of Malta’s fortified gems—Vittoriosa and Senglea—on a captivating journey through centuries of history. Walk through Vittoriosa’s medieval streets, once the headquarters of the Knights of St. John and a key stronghold during the Great Siege of 1565. Enjoy a traditional Frejgatina boat cruise through the colourful harbour creeks before exploring Senglea, the “Unconquered City.” At the iconic Gardjola Gardens, take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and Fort St. Angelo Throughout the tour, your knowledgeable guides bring the rich history of Vittoriosa and Senglea to life with engaging storytelling, fascinating insights, and memorable anecdotes, making your journey through these living historical gems truly unforgettable.

Itinerary

1. You’ll begin your tour with a panoramic drive through the historic city of Cospicua, the largest of the iconic Three Cities. This double‑fortified harbour town is framed by Senglea to the west and Vittoriosa to the east, creating a dramatic entrance into Malta’s maritime heart. Cospicua is renowned for its impressive dockyard and its magnificent defensive walls, including the Santa Margherita Lines and the Cottonera Lines—remarkable fortifications that stand as enduring symbols of the island’s military past.
2. Vittoriosa is the oldest of the Three Cities, with roots stretching back to the Middle Ages. Over time, an extraordinary mix of civilizations—including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Angevins, Aragonese, and ultimately the Order of the Knights of Saint John—shaped this remarkable city into a true open air museum. Ideally positioned along the Grand Harbour with natural deep-water anchorage, Vittoriosa boasts a long and distinguished maritime, mercantile, and military history. It became the Order’s headquarters and the de facto capital of Malta from 1530 to 1571. Its heroic defence during the Great Siege of 1565 remains one of the city’s proudest chapters. We will take a leisurely walking tour through Vittoriosa's narrow, winding streets—each corner revealing historic palaces, ancient auberges, charming piazzas, and centuries-old architectural treasures. (1h 20min)
3. The walk concludes at the elegant Vittoriosa Waterfront, where we board a traditional Maltese Frejgatina (a small, carvel built fishing boat) for a delightful cruise through the colourful harbour creeks. (35 min) Admission included
4. Your experience continues in Senglea, a fortified city founded by Grand Master Claude de la Sengle and affectionately known as “Civitas Invicta”—the Unconquered City—for its successful resistance during the Ottoman siege of 1565. Originally an island, Senglea was later connected to the mainland by the Knights, giving it its distinctive peninsular shape. (1h 0min)
5. At the very tip of this peninsula lie the beautiful Gardjola Gardens, home to the famous watchtower overlooking the Grand Harbour. From here, enjoy breathtaking 360° panoramic views, including the commanding Fort St. Angelo—where Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette orchestrated Malta’s defence during the Great Siege. (25 min)