Hi all,
We were planning on hiring a taxi for our day in Malta (during our cruise stop) to take us from the port to Hagar Qim, followed by Mdina (where we would have lunch) and then on to Valletta, where we would be dropped off for the last few hours before we headed back to the boat. Since we're traveling with our toddler, I am getting increasingly concerned about trying to hire a taxi when we get off the ship. I don't want to have to worry about the availability, etc. and thought I'd look into the cost of getting a private driver for the half day instead. Please keep in mind that since we're traveling with our toddler, we're not planning on doing any in depth touring. Rather, we just want to get a taste of those three places. The tour company in Malta that I contacted suggested this itinerary for a four hour tour (145 euros- not sure how much a cab would be but this includes an English speaking driver) and I was hoping to get your feedback. The company says that it is a waste of the 4 hours to stop for lunch and instead proposes that we wait until we get dropped off in Valletta for a lunch break (obviously we'd be bringing ample snacks for our daughter!). They also suggest adding on Marksaxlokk for a brief stop. This is what they have proposed. Not sure if it is crazy or okay since we only are planning on getting a "taste" of the places anyway... Thanks for any advice/feedback!
0900hrs depart from ship/port
0930hrs - 0950hrs visit Marsaxlokk
1010hrs - 1040hrs drive through south and stop for Blue Grotto photo
1045hrs - 1115hrs visit Hagar Qim Temples
1140hrs - 1240hrs visit Mdina Medeival city
1300hrs drop off at Barraka Gardens in Valletta
Does this itinerary sound okay for a private tour in Malta?
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I'll only respond to the blue grotto statement as I've already given my opinions on your other thread.
"Stop for Blue Grotto photo" - don't you have to get into a boat to go to the blue grotto? I was in that area and there was no grotto to see from the land. Other grottos (Capri, Gozo) involve getting into small boats and riding the waves into a "grotto." I certainly wouldn't do this with a toddler.
Thanks for the reply adrienne- I believe this is a different question than my previous Malta post, as I now have specific time frames laid out for every "stop" and I am hoping to get feedback on whether the time frames seem okay, too rushed for even our purposes, or whether we should add to one and cut from another, etc. Re: the "stop for Blue Grotto photo," after reading other posts on Malta there seems to be a point very close to Hagar Qim with a scenic lookout onto the Blue Grotto that some people suggest stopping at as long as we are going to be there anyway. So definitely no getting into a small boat with our daughter
Times look good. If you want to linger a bit longer in Marsaxlokk you can deduct the time from M'dina - it's not called the "silent city" for nothing. Not much happening there.
I would be dropped off at the Valletta gate rather than the gardens since you will be in need of refreshment by 1:00. You can always walk to the gardens after you get some lunch.
On another topic - did your grandparents do their cruise yet? If not, I would recommend staying in Taormina rather than going to Mt. Etna. I just returned from there and was rather underwhelmed by Etna.
Thanks again, adrienne. Great advice about deducting time in Mdina if we are enjoying Marsaxlokk and also getting dropped off at the gate. I am going to book the tour tomorrow.
My grandparents actually left for their cruise yesterday and based on the responses that I got from that post I suggested that they stay in Taormina and skip Mt. Etna, which is what they are going to do. Glad that you confirmed Mt. Etna would not be a good choice for them!
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