Malta: The Three Cities and Wine Tasting Tour

Malta’s "Three Cities and Wine Tasting Tour" offers travelers a unique opportunity to enjoy the island’s rich heritage and vibrant wine culture. Exploring the historic cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea, the tour delves into Malta’s maritime and military past, showcasing the country’s resilience and architectural gems. But the journey doesn’t end there – the tour culminates in a delightful wine tasting experience, where visitors can savor the flavors of the region’s finest vintages paired with savory snacks. Whether you’re a history buff or a wine enthusiast, this tour promises to leave an indelible mark on your Maltese adventure.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Mellieha.

Good To Know

• This half-day guided tour explores the historic ‘Three Cities’ of Malta, including Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea, with a wine tasting experience.
• The tour highlights the maritime, mercantile, and military heritage of these ancient cities, which have played a strategic role in Malta’s history.
• Participants can expect a guided exploration of the cities’ narrow alleyways and historic landmarks, accompanied by insights from knowledgeable guides.
• The wine tasting experience offers a sampling of regional red, white, and rosé wines, along with savory snacks, providing an educational and cultural component.
• The tour includes pickup and drop-off from multiple locations in Malta, with a free cancellation policy and lowest price guarantee for added convenience and flexibility.

Tour Overview

Exploring Malta’s historic ‘Three Cities’ on this half-day guided tour, visitors can discover the island’s maritime, mercantile, and military heritage.

The tour includes visits to the cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea, known for their historic streets, churches, and landmarks.

Pickup and drop-off at select locations across Malta is provided, along with a wine tasting experience featuring local wines and savory snacks.

With an overall rating of 3.5 stars from 81 reviews, the tour offers a comprehensive introduction to these significant sites, though some visitors have noted issues with large group sizes and limited wine options.

Historical Significance

The Three Cities of Malta – Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea – hold immense historical significance.

Cospicua is a double-fortified harbor city, historically known as Città Cottonera, and the largest of the three.

Vittoriosa boasts a significant maritime, mercantile, and military history, playing a key role in controlling the Grand Harbour.

Senglea, known as Civitas Invicta, resisted the Ottoman invasion during the Great Siege of 1565 and was shaped by its land bridge to Cospicua during the Knights of St. John era.

These ancient cities showcase Malta’s rich heritage and strategic importance throughout the centuries.

Exploring the Three Cities

During the tour, visitors can explore the historic streets, churches, and landmarks of the Three Cities. The tour guides lead guests through the narrow alleyways of Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea, sharing the cities’ rich maritime, mercantile, and military history. Along the way, visitors can admire the impressive double-fortified harbor of Cospicua, the significant role of Vittoriosa in controlling the Grand Harbour, and the resilience of Senglea during the Great Siege of 1565.

City	Historical Significance
Cospicua	Largest of the Three Cities, historically known as Città Cottonera
Vittoriosa	Key for control of the Grand Harbour, with a significant maritime, mercantile, and military history
Senglea	Known as Civitas Invicta for resisting the Ottoman invasion during the Great Siege of 1565

Wine Tasting Experience

After the guided tour through the historic streets of the Three Cities, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a wine tasting experience at a local winery.

The tour includes a sampling of the region’s finest wines, accompanied by savory snacks. Guests can expect to learn about the local wine-making process and sample a variety of red, white, and rosé wines.

The wine tasting provides a relaxing conclusion to the half-day exploration of Malta’s historic neighborhoods. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions and engage with the knowledgeable staff, enhancing their understanding of the local wine culture.

Pickup and Departure Details

Offered for convenient access, the tour departs from multiple pickup locations across Malta, including Cirkewwa, Mellieha, and Xemxija in the north, as well as Golden Bay, St. Pauls Bay, Bugibba, Qawra, St. Julians, Sliema, Valletta, and Attard.

The tour sets out at 8:30 AM, providing ample time to explore the historic Three Cities and enjoy the wine tasting experience.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly, though infants must be seated on laps.

With the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start, travelers can book with confidence, knowing they’re getting the lowest price guaranteed.

Tour Accessibility

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s stroller-friendly. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.

The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness, as it involves guided walking through the historic streets of the Three Cities. Transportation is provided by coach, making the tour accessible to those who can’t drive themselves.

However, the narrow streets and uneven terrain may pose challenges for some participants. The tour caters to a wide range of visitors, though those with mobility limitations should consider the physical requirements before booking.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

The tour has received mixed reviews from previous participants.

While some praised the interesting historical insights, knowledgeable guides, and enjoyable wine tasting experience, others found the tour misleading, with large groups causing delays and limited wine options.

Many commented on issues with the service.

The tour has an overall rating of 3.5 stars from 81 reviews.

Travelers should note the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start of the experience, as well as the lowest price guarantee.

Cancellation and Price Guarantee

Travelers can take advantage of the tour’s free cancellation policy, which allows them to cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the experience starts. This provides flexibility for those whose plans may change.

Plus, the tour offers a lowest price guarantee, ensuring customers get the best deal. If they find a lower price elsewhere, the company will match it.

This commitment to customer satisfaction is a key feature of the Malta: The Three Cities and Wine Tasting Tour. Knowing they can cancel without penalty and receive the best price gives travelers peace of mind when booking this excursion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Permitted During the Tour?

Photography is generally permitted during the tour, though visitors should be mindful of any restrictions in historic sites or churches. Guests are advised to check with the tour guide for any specific guidelines on photography.

Can Children Participate in the Wine Tasting?

Children can’t participate in the wine tasting portion of the tour. The experience is not suitable for minors, as it involves sampling alcoholic beverages. Adults must be present to enjoy the wine tasting.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Snacks?

The tour includes light snacks served during the wine tasting, but there’s no information provided about dietary restrictions. Guests with special dietary needs should contact the tour operator in advance to inquire about accommodations.

How Much Free Time Is Allotted for Exploring the Cities?

The tour provides a guided walking exploration of the historic cities, with an unspecified amount of free time for independent exploration. The duration of the free time is not explicitly stated in the overview.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration. It’s a fixed half-day tour that includes guided walks through the cities and a wine tasting. Travelers looking for more time would need to book a separate, longer tour.

The Sum Up

The Three Cities and Wine Tasting Tour offers a captivating blend of Malta’s rich history and delightful local wines. Visitors will explore the historic maritime centers of Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea, before indulging in a guided wine tasting at a renowned local winery. With convenient pickup options and a flexible cancellation policy, this tour provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking to enjoy Malta’s cultural heritage and unique flavors.