Malta Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Historic Palaces and Noble Homes

Valletta, Malta

Discover Malta’s luxurious side while you’re in port on this shore excursion to the palaces and noble houses around Valletta. Malta has a long history with varied influences, including Roman, Greek, Arab, French and British, which has led to some beautiful architecture and sophisticated residences. As you visit Palazzo Parisio, Casa Rocca Piccola and the Upper Barrakka Gardens, you’ll see frescoes, magnificent marble, mirrored walls, trompe l'oeil art, paintings, extravagant gilding and other fantastic decor.

This private Malta shore excursion will introduce you to Maltese art and history through its stately palaces and noble homes in and around Valletta, Malta’s capital. You'll start with a visit to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for a panoramic view of Malta's natural harbors and the historic towns of Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa.

Then, your private tour guide will lead you to Valletta's main thoroughfare, passing various imposing buildings such as the Auberge of Castille (home to the office of the Prime Minister), the austere facade of St John's Co-Cathedral and the impressing Grandmaster's Palace, set in the heart of Valletta.

Next, you will arrive at Casa Rocca Piccola, a small 16th-century palace. It’s the private home of the de Piros (a noble Maltese family) and one of the last private Valletta palaces occupied today. Upon arrival, you will go on a guided tour through the chapel, library, a bedroom, two dining rooms, three drawing rooms, a collections exhibition and a WWII-era underground bomb shelter.

You’ll then leave Valletta and head to the village of Naxxar, where you will visit Palazzo Parisio, an outstanding example of Maltese opulence. The interiors are rich, and the landscaped gardens further reflect the splendor of this gracious home.

Before returning to your cruise ship, enjoy a scenic drive through Attard, Balzan and Lija in central Malta. Known as the Three Villages of Malta, these towns were home to many noble families during the Golden Age. With their charming village cores of narrow, winding streets lined with old homes and villas, the Three Villages are still considered an exclusive area.

Worry-free Shore Excursion:
We will ensure your timely return to the Valletta port for this activity. If you are not returned to the ship in time to board, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. See our terms and conditions for full details.

USD $77.00

Traveler Reviews

Review by:   conley261,    September 2017
We loved Malta. Our guide, a wonderful lady, she met us on the pier and our tour ended up being a private tour of Malta. She was amazing, knew Malta very well, and went above and beyond for our tour. We would love to return to Malta for an extended stay.

Review by:   Christine O,    July 2016
Tour guide was great and very personal (shared lots of stories about his family). Tour a bit boring though.

Review by:   archer1204,    April 2016
Josephine was extremely knowledgeable and very interesting.

Review by:   Daniel L,    January 2013
Excellent guide, Rita, expert in her field with answers to all questions,perfect English. Highly recommend.

Review by:   James D,    September 2012
Very nice to see houses off the beaten path. Our van couldn't park nearby, so the mega-buses weren't anywhere close.

All Traveler Reviews...