Rabat Mdina and San Anton Gardens Group Tour With St. Pauls Catacombs

The Rabat Mdina and San Anton Gardens Group Tour offers visitors a chance to explore Malta’s rich history and stunning landscapes. From the serene beauty of the San Anton Gardens to the ancient burial practices at St. Paul’s Catacombs, this half-day tour provides a rundown of the country’s cultural heritage. Led by knowledgeable guides, the experience also includes a guided tour of the medieval city of Mdina, where travelers can enjoy the region’s architectural marvels. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this tour promises to uncover the hidden gems that make Malta a truly captivating destination.

Good To Know

1. The tour offers a half-day excursion from Valletta, covering key attractions like San Anton Gardens, St. Paul’s Catacombs, and the historic city of Mdina.
2. The tour provides a comprehensive experience with included services such as hotel pickup/drop-off, local guides, entrance fees, transportation, and gratuities.
3. Visitors can explore the botanical wonders of San Anton Gardens, explore the ancient Roman burial practices at St. Paul’s Catacombs, and experience a guided tour of Mdina.
4. While the tour has received mixed reviews, the highlights include the knowledgeable guides, the interesting visit to the Catacombs, and the opportunity to explore the well-preserved medieval city of Mdina.
5. The tour is suitable for first-time visitors or those short on time, offering a concise yet immersive introduction to Malta’s history, culture, and natural beauty.

Tour Overview

This half-day tour from Valletta takes visitors on an exploration of three key attractions: San Anton Gardens, St. Paul’s Catacombs, and the ancient walled city of Mdina.

It’s an ideal experience for first-time visitors or those short on time, providing a well-rounded introduction to Malta’s history and sights.

Over 12 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 3.0 stars. The itinerary includes 30 minutes at the botanical San Anton Gardens, 45 minutes at the impressive Roman catacombs, and a guided 1-hour walking tour of Mdina.

Included services cover hotel pickup/drop-off, local guides, entrance fees, transportation, and gratuities.

While some feedback notes issues with timing and maintenance, visitors highlight the Catacombs tour and Mdina exploration as highlights.

Itinerary Details

The tour includes three key attractions during its half-day duration.

First, visitors will explore the San Anton Gardens for 30 minutes, admiring the botanical wonders at the Maltese President’s residence.

Next, they’ll visit the impressive Roman ruins of St. Paul’s Catacombs for 45 minutes, learning about ancient burial practices.

The final stop is a 1-hour guided walking tour of Mdina, Malta’s ancient capital, showcasing highlights like the Cathedral of Saint Paul and Palazzo Falzon.

Throughout the experience, travelers will enjoy included hotel pickup and drop-off, local guide services, and all necessary entrance fees and transportation.

San Anton Gardens

Visitors begin their tour at the San Anton Gardens, the botanical oasis situated at the official residence of the President of Malta.

The gardens are a 30-minute stop on the itinerary, allowing travelers to explore the diverse plant life and manicured landscapes.

While the reviews mention the gardens’ poor maintenance, visitors can still appreciate the serene setting and the opportunity to stroll through the grounds.

The included admission provides access to this picturesque locale, offering a glimpse into Maltese history and culture.

Despite the mixed feedback, the San Anton Gardens remain an integral part of this comprehensive group tour experience.

St. Paul’s Catacombs

After exploring the lush San Anton Gardens, the group moves on to the next stop – St. Paul’s Catacombs. Here, visitors spend 45 minutes immersed in the impressive Roman ruins, learning about ancient burial practices. The catacombs offer a glimpse into Malta’s rich history and the guide provides insightful commentary.

Attraction	Duration	Admission
St. Paul’s Catacombs	45 minutes	Included
Highlights	Explore Roman ruins	Learn about ancient burial practices
Insights	Knowledgeable guide	Historical context
Accessibility	Not wheelchair accessible	Stroller accessible
Ratings	Mixed reviews for maintenance and time management

Mdina Highlights

Mdina, Malta’s ancient capital, serves as the final stop on this tour.

During the one-hour guided walking tour, visitors will explore the city’s historical highlights. The star attraction is the Cathedral of Saint Paul, an impressive Baroque structure that dominates the city’s skyline.

Nearby, the Palazzo Falzon, a 17th-century palace, showcases stunning architecture and offers a glimpse into Malta’s noble past.

Wandering the quaint, car-free streets, travelers can admire the well-preserved medieval walls and fortifications that once protected the city.

This tranquil walled city provides a peaceful contrast to the energy of Valletta, allowing visitors to enjoy Malta’s rich history and culture.

Included Services

As part of the group tour package, travelers can expect a comprehensive suite of included services.

These services encompass:

1. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Valletta, ensuring a seamless start and end to the tour.
2. The services of a knowledgeable local guide who’ll provide insights throughout the excursion.
3. Entrance fees to the key attractions, including the San Anton Gardens and St. Paul’s Catacombs.
4. Transportation and local taxes, so travelers can focus on the experience without the hassle of logistics.

Plus, gratuities are included, allowing for a worry-free exploration of these historical and cultural landmarks.

Customer Feedback

Based on the customer reviews, the tour seems to have received a mix of feedback. While some praised the interesting visit to the Catacombs and the knowledgeable guide, others were disappointed with the late start, rushed experience, and poor maintenance at the San Anton Gardens. Plus, there were complaints about the bad customer service and issues with group coordination and communication. The feedback is summarized in the table below:

Positive Feedback	Negative Feedback
Interesting Catacombs visit	Late start and rushed experience
Knowledgeable guide	Poor maintenance at San Anton Gardens
Overall good trip	Bad customer service
	Issues with group coordination

The Sum Up

This comprehensive half-day group tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Malta’s cultural and historical highlights. Visitors can expect a serene stroll through the San Anton Gardens, an immersive experience in the ancient St. Paul’s Catacombs, and a guided exploration of the medieval city of Mdina. With convenient hotel pickup and knowledgeable guides, it’s an efficient way for first-time travelers to discover Malta’s rich heritage in a concise yet enriching manner.