Malta's British History Tour: Discovering Malta's British History
3.0
1 Rating
Birgu
Uncover the captivating story of Malta's British history on this exclusive tour. Explore fortifications, underground shelters, and relive the Second Great Siege of Malta.
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Malta - This is the only tour available in Malta which is dedicated to Malta’s British history. During the tour, we will discuss why the British came to Malta, what happened and why they left. The tour will begin in Vittoriosa where we will see the fortifications which date back to the times of the Knights and were later used by the British for their defensive purpose. We will visit the make like, underground Air Raid shelters and relive the conditions of what has been referred to as the Second Great Siege of Malta. These subterranean bomb shelters were excavated in the solid rock and were extended as the war progressed.

After we will walk to the upper Barrakka Garden which enjoys a spectacular view of the Grand Harbour, which was a British military base and the main reason why Malta came under fire as soon as Mussolini declared war on the Allied forces. A walk around the streets of Valletta will take us by the Palace which was used by Napoleon Bonaparte, the second world war Victory (soup) kitchen, Queen Victoria’s statue, and the ruins of the Royal Opera House which was destroyed at the peak of the bombings in Malta. After some free time, we will walk to the lower level of Valletta to the Malta War Museum. The museum itself is situated at Fort St. Elmo, an original defensive system built by the Knights.

What's Included
  • Tickets
  • Transport
  • Guide
Additional Information

This is the sole excursion in Malta that focuses on Malta’s British period. During the expedition, we’ll explore the reasons why the Brits came to Malta, the unfoldings, and the causes behind their departure. The journey will kick-off in Vittoriosa, where we’ll observe the fortresses that go back to the era of the Knights and were subsequently utilized by the British for their defense strategies. We will explore the bunker-like, subterranean Air Raid refuges and experience the conditions reminiscent of the so-called Second Great Siege of Malta. These underground bombing shelters were carved into the solid rock and were developed as the war ensued.

Location
Birgu
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
3.0
(1 Rating)
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Meredith_s
May 20, 2023
Would have given 5 stars but... - Mark was fantastic. I learned so much and he answered all questions I had. He was very friendly and helpful. The tour was marred only by the addition of an Italian speaking group. The guide of that group took over the tour, was totally disrespectful of Mark, and turned the tour from being about archeology into blathering randomly, a lot in Italian. I may not speak Italian but I do understand derogatory references to North Americans, which includes me as a Canadian, as well as other snide remarks about the British. I'd advise you to definitely take this tour but ask the tour operator in advance if two or more different language groups will be combined. So much time is wasted in juggling the two languages that valuable information is ignored.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
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Adult
May 2024
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