Malta and Sicily package or independent?
Feb 25th, 2004, 06:04 PM
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Malta and Sicily package or independent?
We are thinking about a possible trip to Malta during July. Given its close proximity to Sicily, we are considering a combined trip. Has anyone used Academic Tours or Amelia International for their Malta-Sicily combinations? Is this an itinerary that we could put together more economically on our own? Any comments or suggestions are appreciated.
Feb 25th, 2004, 06:32 PM
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Hello!
I went to Malta for a week with an Academic package--hotel and airfare; it was much cheaper that way than anything else I found. I stayed in the Hotel Castille in Valletta, which I loved; it's quiet in Valletta at night, but lovely, and the bus terminal is right there for getting all over the island.
I took a one day open-top jeep tour of Gozo, which was great, but I would have liked more time there.
If you'd like to see a few pix, just send an email and I'll send a Webshots invite to you. (I'm not sure how to post it on a thread...)
Malta was wonderful--oh, and one more thing: get advance tickets for the Hypogeum--it's like nothing else I've ever seen, and they only let ten people an hour in.
I went to Malta for a week with an Academic package--hotel and airfare; it was much cheaper that way than anything else I found. I stayed in the Hotel Castille in Valletta, which I loved; it's quiet in Valletta at night, but lovely, and the bus terminal is right there for getting all over the island.
I took a one day open-top jeep tour of Gozo, which was great, but I would have liked more time there.
If you'd like to see a few pix, just send an email and I'll send a Webshots invite to you. (I'm not sure how to post it on a thread...)
Malta was wonderful--oh, and one more thing: get advance tickets for the Hypogeum--it's like nothing else I've ever seen, and they only let ten people an hour in.
Feb 26th, 2004, 06:15 PM
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Amy,
What time of year did you go? How was the weather? Is there enough to see on Gozo to perhaps stay over a few nights? How far in advance do you need to reserve tix for the Hypogeum? Have you heard anything about day trips - or several-night, stay-overs in Sicily?
Thanx.
What time of year did you go? How was the weather? Is there enough to see on Gozo to perhaps stay over a few nights? How far in advance do you need to reserve tix for the Hypogeum? Have you heard anything about day trips - or several-night, stay-overs in Sicily?
Thanx.
Feb 26th, 2004, 06:50 PM
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Hi, Larz!
I went in October, and the weather was gorgeous but quite warm even then.
Gozo is more relaxed, but there are Neolithic temples there as well as on Malta island itself plus just lovely countryside. Some friends of mine stayed there for three or four days and really enjoyed it. The one day trip was good, as I only had a week, but overnight or more would be better, I'd think.
I got my Hypogeum ticket when I booked my trip; it only cost $15 to do that way, and, when I was there, people were coming in trying to get tickets for any time that week and the tickets had already been booked for up to three weeks in advance. I felt bad for them, but not bad enough to give up my precious ticket.
From what I've heard others say, Sicily as a day trip is just exhausting. I know Academic does a combo tour that might work better than trying to get there in a day.
Oh, and if you stay in Valletta, do have the lasagne at the Malta Labour Party restaurant/clubhouse on Republik Street. Terrific, and a--um--unique atmosphere!
I really enjoyed Malta, and I could have stayed longer than my week!
I went in October, and the weather was gorgeous but quite warm even then.
Gozo is more relaxed, but there are Neolithic temples there as well as on Malta island itself plus just lovely countryside. Some friends of mine stayed there for three or four days and really enjoyed it. The one day trip was good, as I only had a week, but overnight or more would be better, I'd think.
I got my Hypogeum ticket when I booked my trip; it only cost $15 to do that way, and, when I was there, people were coming in trying to get tickets for any time that week and the tickets had already been booked for up to three weeks in advance. I felt bad for them, but not bad enough to give up my precious ticket.
From what I've heard others say, Sicily as a day trip is just exhausting. I know Academic does a combo tour that might work better than trying to get there in a day.
Oh, and if you stay in Valletta, do have the lasagne at the Malta Labour Party restaurant/clubhouse on Republik Street. Terrific, and a--um--unique atmosphere!
I really enjoyed Malta, and I could have stayed longer than my week!
Feb 27th, 2004, 02:31 PM
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Larz-we were also deciding between Academic an Amelia tours for our trip to Malta and booked with AT after finding out that Amelia will not give you carrier information until you put a non-refundable deposit down. This was an issue to me as some carriers are not covered in the event of the *unexpected* (even with travel insurance and you might be left holding the bag). We knew our carrier and flight information before putting our deposit down with AT. Although Amelia seems to offer a nice package, just turned out to be more comfortable with AT. We booked our trip about 6 weeks ago, and although we're not traveling until the end of May, was having difficulty in securing flight segments, especially on the return (we're connecting in London), so I would recommend booking your trip asap with whatever company your decide on. Have read only positive things about Malta so I think we're in for a wonderful trip.
Amy - thanks for the info you've provided, especially the Hypogeum. Did you receive your ticket with your travel documents or did you pick up in Malta? It certainly sounds like a must see site-I've read that the tour lasts about an hour-is that right? I may be contacting you for more details about your trip.
Amy - thanks for the info you've provided, especially the Hypogeum. Did you receive your ticket with your travel documents or did you pick up in Malta? It certainly sounds like a must see site-I've read that the tour lasts about an hour-is that right? I may be contacting you for more details about your trip.
Feb 27th, 2004, 04:02 PM
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What area of the Island are you thinking of staying in? We have always stayed in Bugibba.
I haven't been to Malta for a few years now,but to get to Sicily the boat fare then was about £60.
I've stayed self-catering in hotels and also rented apartments independently. Next time I would like to rent a villa with private pool in a local village.
Malta is very easy to travel around cheaply on the local buses, and there are lots of very reasonably priced trips available.
In July there should be lots of local festas (celebrations of a saint's birthday). Each time we have been in July or August the first thing we do is go to the local trip organisers and book for as many festas we can!
There are usually at least three per week in various small towns or villages and I would definitely recommend them!
The trips usually leave around 7.30 -8pm,last a few hours and are a great way to see how the locals live. There are lots of fireworks and the local church is beautifully decorated.
There is a procession carrying the statue of the Saint through the streets, accompanied by a brass band.
Cheap local bars and food too,it is an experience not to be missed!
Oh, and don't miss a boat trip to the beautiful beaches on the island of Comino - we always went late afternoon, maybe 3-4pm when most people were leaving to get the beach virtually to ourselves
I haven't been to Malta for a few years now,but to get to Sicily the boat fare then was about £60.
I've stayed self-catering in hotels and also rented apartments independently. Next time I would like to rent a villa with private pool in a local village.
Malta is very easy to travel around cheaply on the local buses, and there are lots of very reasonably priced trips available.
In July there should be lots of local festas (celebrations of a saint's birthday). Each time we have been in July or August the first thing we do is go to the local trip organisers and book for as many festas we can!
There are usually at least three per week in various small towns or villages and I would definitely recommend them!
The trips usually leave around 7.30 -8pm,last a few hours and are a great way to see how the locals live. There are lots of fireworks and the local church is beautifully decorated.
There is a procession carrying the statue of the Saint through the streets, accompanied by a brass band.
Cheap local bars and food too,it is an experience not to be missed!
Oh, and don't miss a boat trip to the beautiful beaches on the island of Comino - we always went late afternoon, maybe 3-4pm when most people were leaving to get the beach virtually to ourselves
Feb 27th, 2004, 05:20 PM
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Larz: I'm going to Malta the end of April and I e-mailed the person below for info on reservations for the Hypogeum and he responsed immediately with a date reserved! Luckily, it works for me but if it didn't I'm sure we could have worked it out. You might like to try this when you have your dates set. I only did this about 3 weeks ago. I'm using Grand Circle Travel and the price is right and you're in Malta for 2 weeks in one place. They have an add-on for Sicily. This may be too long for you. I briefly checked doing it on my own but the price went way up.
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Feb 28th, 2004, 07:23 AM
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Debs, the Hypogeum is about an hour's tour; I received my ticket for it once I got to Malta from the Academic rep there; she was very nice and helpful but no-pressure--I did book the Gozo day with her, as it was simple and didn't seem overpriced. The rest of the time I used those interesting busses! (One reason why Valletta worked so well for me...that's the depot for the bus system.)
Adrienne, the Malta Labour Party restaurant is like being in somebody's kitchen/clubhouse that hasn't been renovated since about 1950; you go up a few flights of narrow stairs and sit in vlnyl chairs at formica (I'm guessing) topped tables that have been worn down with time, and there are pictures on the walls of groups of party members. And then you get an enormous portion of really good lasagne right from the oven! They have hand printed, very down-to-earth menus outside the entrance door; I imagine most of the food would be good and simple, but I only got to go once.
If anybody would like to check out a few Malta pix, go to
http//www.community.webshots.com and type in missalg where it asks you to search by name; it should bring up my album. (Warning: I'm no photographeur, I just like to take pictures.)
Adrienne, the Malta Labour Party restaurant is like being in somebody's kitchen/clubhouse that hasn't been renovated since about 1950; you go up a few flights of narrow stairs and sit in vlnyl chairs at formica (I'm guessing) topped tables that have been worn down with time, and there are pictures on the walls of groups of party members. And then you get an enormous portion of really good lasagne right from the oven! They have hand printed, very down-to-earth menus outside the entrance door; I imagine most of the food would be good and simple, but I only got to go once.
If anybody would like to check out a few Malta pix, go to
http//www.community.webshots.com and type in missalg where it asks you to search by name; it should bring up my album. (Warning: I'm no photographeur, I just like to take pictures.)
Feb 28th, 2004, 07:27 AM
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Erm, we need an edit function...you might need to go to www.webshots.com and click on community in order to get there; it seems to work differently for different servers.
Feb 28th, 2004, 08:27 AM
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Thanx for the info everyone! Amy, I understand you stayed in Valletta. I have read that Sliema and St. Julians are 2 other options for hotels. How far away are these areas from Valletta(I understand they have a bit more nightlife: pubs, live music, etc.)? How difficult would it be, say, staying in Valletta and heading over to Sliema - or vice-versa? Thanx.
Feb 28th, 2004, 02:13 PM
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There is a ferry between Sliema and Valletta, but it ends at 6PM. You can get a bus (or drive, if you're driving) but it does take quite some time.
Valletta at night wouldn't be for everyone, I'm sure; it's very quiet! There are plenty of places to get dinner, though, but it's not a nightlife place at all. It worked well for me as I usually got dinner around 8PM and, by the time I was done and back to my hotel, was quite ready to snooze after those full days. I think there are a few pubs, but I can't help much with those either, I'm afraid.
Sliema and St. Julian's, from what I saw, are very similar to a lot of other "beachy" vacation spots; nothing wrong with that, but I loved the unique atmosphere and warm service at the Hotel Castille.
Happy travels!
Valletta at night wouldn't be for everyone, I'm sure; it's very quiet! There are plenty of places to get dinner, though, but it's not a nightlife place at all. It worked well for me as I usually got dinner around 8PM and, by the time I was done and back to my hotel, was quite ready to snooze after those full days. I think there are a few pubs, but I can't help much with those either, I'm afraid.
Sliema and St. Julian's, from what I saw, are very similar to a lot of other "beachy" vacation spots; nothing wrong with that, but I loved the unique atmosphere and warm service at the Hotel Castille.
Happy travels!
Mar 2nd, 2004, 08:20 PM
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Anyone out there know anything about the Kennedy Nova Hotel in Sliema, Malta? The Castille Hotel in Valletta sounds great too! Any suggestions on getting to/from Malta to Sicily? I understand that ferry and flying are the two options(it's too far too swim!), but how frequent and expensive are they? Appeciate any thoughts or suggestions.
Mar 3rd, 2004, 09:32 AM
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We stayed at the Kennedy Nova for 5 nights in January. Modern, decent, place with a nice breakfast, but it has a lot of rooms that just look out on ventilation shafts; make sure you know what you're booking if you want a view (we only paid $22 per night, so we weren't complaining). It's at one end of Sliema, about a 10 minute walk to the ferry or main bus stop (if you're going towards Valletta there's a stop close to the hotel).
Regarding the restaurant in the Labor Party Club: it sounds kind of like the place where we ate once, across the street at the King's Own Band Club.
Regarding the restaurant in the Labor Party Club: it sounds kind of like the place where we ate once, across the street at the King's Own Band Club.
Mar 3rd, 2004, 03:22 PM
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JP - how long is the bus ride from Sliema(say from the Kennedy Nova bus stop)to Valletta? Do you remember how often the buses run to/from Valletta? Since you were there recently - any suggestions about "must see" or "must NOT see" sights in Malta or Gozo? Thanx.
Mar 3rd, 2004, 06:17 PM
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Larz-we're also staying at the Kennedy Nova, so I'll be interested in reading your trip report upon your return from Malta. In doing research for a Malta-Silicy day trip, which shows to be about 18 hrs worth of traveling, prices are falling into the $120-130/pp rate which includes the r/t 1-1/2 hr ferry ride, bus tour and maybe 1 hr or so 'independent' time. From what I've read, however, the ferry crossing can be rough and the bus trip exhausting. Hopefully someone will post who's actually made this excursion and can speak to your question in more detail. Good luck with your trip-by the way, which tour company did you finally book with?
Mar 4th, 2004, 09:39 AM
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Larz, I'd guess about 15 minutes for the bus from Valletta to Sliema. There are actually several routes between the two, and combined there are probably buses about every 5 to 15 minutes depending on time of day. There is a good site for bus information: http://www.atp.com.mt/
It's hard to decide what sights we liked best; there are so many good ones. Both cathedrals (Valletta and Mdina) are amazing; Mdina in general; the Hypogeum; the Archaeology museum (a must if you're interested in the various prehistoric sites, since this is where they brought all of the little goodies they found); Vittoriosa (especially the Inqusitor's Palace and the fort); the Palace of the Grand Masters; the church at Mosta.
We really enjoyed our day driving around Gozo. We rented a little car for 8 pounds from a shop right near the ferry dock. Diving is easy on Gozo, with relatively little traffic and free parking everywhere. The island is so small that you see just about everything from any high spot (especially from the citadel in Victoria). We saw the domed church at Xewkija, the citadel and the Ggantija Temples. My favorite spot was Dwerja Point with its spectacular sea views (cliffs, "Azure Window" arch).
It's hard to decide what sights we liked best; there are so many good ones. Both cathedrals (Valletta and Mdina) are amazing; Mdina in general; the Hypogeum; the Archaeology museum (a must if you're interested in the various prehistoric sites, since this is where they brought all of the little goodies they found); Vittoriosa (especially the Inqusitor's Palace and the fort); the Palace of the Grand Masters; the church at Mosta.
We really enjoyed our day driving around Gozo. We rented a little car for 8 pounds from a shop right near the ferry dock. Diving is easy on Gozo, with relatively little traffic and free parking everywhere. The island is so small that you see just about everything from any high spot (especially from the citadel in Victoria). We saw the domed church at Xewkija, the citadel and the Ggantija Temples. My favorite spot was Dwerja Point with its spectacular sea views (cliffs, "Azure Window" arch).
Mar 4th, 2004, 06:49 PM
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Debs - We have not decided on a tour company yet. As for the day-trip to Sicily - it does sound exhausting, and covers way too much ground, in too short a period of time for my taste. From what I've read about Taormina and Siracusa(the 2 places we want to see), I would rather have about 1 or 2 days in each - to settle in, see the sights, and really savor the history and atmosphere - without having to keep checking my watch - anticipating the next "all aboard" call! That's why we might just make the excursion to Sicily on our own (once I figure out the best way to get there - and back!)
JP - your list of "best sights" sounds great (and all of them are ones I had placed on our "things to see" list!)On Gozo, is it also possible to rent jeeps, or scooters? Can you see most of the island as a day-trip? Did you take any of the snorkling-and-lunch cruises?
JP - your list of "best sights" sounds great (and all of them are ones I had placed on our "things to see" list!)On Gozo, is it also possible to rent jeeps, or scooters? Can you see most of the island as a day-trip? Did you take any of the snorkling-and-lunch cruises?
