Has anyone used Academic Tours? I'm looking for independent tours of Malta for Oct./Nov. 2008. Any other tour companies out there?

I booked my flight only from them, not a tour. Malta is so small and accessible, you really need little help.

Used them when we visited Malta a few years back for air/hotel only and would recommend. Tours are easy enough to do independently once you're there.

Our flight connected thru London Heathrow before heading to Malta.

Suggest a visit to the Hypogeum (timed ticket reservations should be made in advance - you can book online and pick up in Malta), and a quick stop at the Tarxien Temples (which are within walking distance of the Hypogeum). A visit to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, Mdina and Gozo will help full up your time on the island.

For a relatively small island, Malta offers a lot to see and do!
ENJOY!

Thanks Yorkshire and Deb. Basically all I want to use them for is to get a better deal on the hotel and possibly flights.

I did Malta in 2004 with Grand Circle Travel. The tour was about the same price as traveling independently but we had a great program director and local guide with us and a few additional lectures about Malta culture, etc. Also a home hosted lunch.

This tour stayed in one hotel the whole time (except for an Optional overnight to Gozo which I did) and gave you a lot of free time to explore on your own. I'd recommend Grand Circle.

If you search on Malta you'll find my detailed trip report.

Let us know what hotels they are offering if you need advice. I was very pleased with my flight--they put us on Virgin and it didn't hurt that we got bumped to economy plus on the way home.

Thanks so much everyone for your help