A Personal Look at the 2025 Malta Three Cities and Wine Tasting Tour

So, I had a day to spend in Malta, and to be honest, I was looking for something a bit different. I mean, you hear about Valletta and the Blue Lagoon all the time, right? But the ‘Three Cities and Wine Tasting Tour’ just caught my eye. It felt, I don’t know, a little more grounded, more or less a real slice of Maltese life. The idea of walking through streets older than most countries and then, you know, capping it off with local wine was really appealing. Frankly, I booked it without much hesitation. The whole thing was supposed to be a small-group affair, which I typically prefer. You actually get to ask questions and hear the guide, unlike those huge bus tours. As I was saying, I went in with high hopes for a day filled with history and some decent sips of wine. The question is that, did it live up to what I had built up in my mind? Well, let’s get into what the day was actually like.

The morning started with a pickup that was, thankfully, very prompt. Our guide for the day, a local man named Marco, introduced himself with a warm smile that, you know, instantly made you feel welcome. He explained the day’s plan, basically promising a mix of famous sites and some hidden spots that only locals know. It’s almost a perfect pitch for someone like me. Our group was small, just about ten of us, a mix of couples and a family, which was really a nice size. There was just this feeling of shared anticipation in our little van as we set off from Sliema. You could see the mix of curiosity and excitement on everyone’s faces, honestly. I was just ready to see what these famed ‘Three Cities’ were all about, away from the main tourist hubs. It just felt like the beginning of a genuine exploration.

A Walk Through History in Vittoriosa (Birgu)

Our first stop was Vittoriosa, or Birgu as the locals call it, and frankly, stepping into its streets felt like walking onto a film set. You know, Marco explained that this city was the original home of the Knights of St. John. It’s almost as if every single limestone block holds a story. The streets are incredibly narrow, sort of winding in a way that makes you wonder what’s around the next corner. We started near the waterfront, looking at the yachts, which create a sort of interesting contrast with the old fortifications. You can really feel the weight of history here. Actually, it’s not a museum piece; people still live here, you know. Their laundry hangs from balconies above streets that knights once patrolled. That mix of old and new is just something special, I think.

As we walked, Marco pointed out the ‘auberges,’ the original inns for the Knights, each one for a different nationality, or ‘langue.’ It was fascinating, honestly. You could almost picture them there, in their heavy armor, discussing strategies. We saw the Auberge de France and the Auberge d’Angleterre, and Marco had a little story for each one, which really brought the history to life. For instance, he told us how the city bravely withstood the Great Siege of 1565. He wasn’t just listing facts; he was, in a way, telling the story of his ancestors’ resilience. It’s almost impossible not to be moved by the sheer fortitude of this place. We didn’t go inside most of them, but just seeing the exteriors and hearing the tales was pretty much enough to get a sense of their past grandeur. The details on the buildings are really something you have to see for yourself.

Then we got to the Inquisitor’s Palace, which was, well, a little chilling, to be honest. Marco explained its history as the seat of the Inquisition in Malta for over two centuries. You could kind of feel the somber atmosphere just by standing outside. We peeked into the courtyards and saw the tribunal rooms where judgments were passed down. Apparently, the cells and torture chambers are still there, which is a bit intense. Marco did a good job of explaining this dark chapter without being overly dramatic, you know. He presented it as just a part of the city’s very long and complicated story. It definitely gave you a lot to think about, sort of the power structures of the past. It’s a very potent reminder of how different life was back then, right?

Discovering Cospicua (Bormla) and Senglea (Isla)

Next, we took a short drive through Cospicua, which is also called Bormla. Marco pointed out that this city is a bit larger and was heavily fortified with massive bastions, like the Santa Margherita Lines. You could literally see the defensive layers built over centuries. We didn’t walk around here as much; it was more of a driving tour through this part. Anyway, Marco explained that Cospicua suffered quite a lot of damage in World War II but has been slowly rebuilding. In some respects, you can still see the scars, but you can also see new life breathing into the old city. It’s actually a story of resilience, in a way. You get a sense of its working-class roots and its important role as a dockyard city, which is, you know, a different vibe from Vittoriosa.

Then we moved on to Senglea, or Isla, which is the smallest of the three. For me, this was a real highlight. We went straight to the Gardjola Gardens, located at the very tip of the peninsula. And wow, the view from there is just absolutely incredible. Seriously. You get this panoramic vista of the Grand Harbour, Valletta across the water, and Vittoriosa right next to you. It’s almost overwhelming. I must have taken a hundred pictures from that spot. There’s a famous watchtower there, the ‘Gardjola,’ which has an eye and an ear carved on it. Marco told us this symbolized that the guards were always watching and listening. It’s a very powerful symbol, and the view just makes it all the more memorable. We spent a fair bit of time there, just soaking it all in. Honestly, I could have stayed there for hours.

Walking through Senglea itself was a bit like Vittoriosa but felt even more intimate, perhaps a little quieter. The streets were just as charming, with colorful balconies and religious statues tucked into corners of buildings. We walked along the waterfront, watching the ‘dghajsas,’ the traditional Maltese water taxis, bobbing in the water. It was just a very peaceful and picturesque moment. Marco explained how Senglea also played a heroic part in the Great Siege, earning the title ‘Città Invicta’ or ‘Unconquered City.’ Hearing that while looking at its peaceful streets today was quite a powerful contrast. At the end of the day, these three cities are so closely connected by geography and history, yet each one has its own distinct character, which is something you can only appreciate by visiting them.

The Heart of the Tour: The Maltese Wine Tasting Experience

After all that walking and history, I mean, we were all pretty much ready for the wine. We drove a little way out of the city, and the scenery started to change to more rural landscapes. The anticipation in the van was, you know, definitely building. We arrived at what Marco called a family-run boutique winery. It wasn’t some huge, industrial place; it had a really authentic, rustic feel to it. You could see the vineyards stretching out behind the main building, and the air just smelled different, kind of earthy and sweet. The owner greeted us personally, which was a very nice touch. You could tell this was a passion for them, not just a business. It felt really genuine, you know.

We started with a short tour of the cellars. It was really interesting, actually. The owner explained how they combine traditional methods with modern techniques to produce their wines. We saw the barrels and the tanks, and he explained the whole process from grape to bottle. He was very engaging and happy to answer all our questions, from the super technical ones from a wine enthusiast in our group to my simpler questions, like, you know, “what makes Maltese wine different?”. He explained that the local climate and soil give the grapes a unique character. For instance, he talked about the indigenous grape varieties, Girgentina for white wine and Ġellewża for red, which was something I had never heard of before. It was just a really good education, presented in a simple, down-to-earth way.

And then came the tasting itself, which was obviously the main event. We were seated at a long wooden table in a lovely courtyard. We tried four different wines: a crisp white, a rosé, a light-bodied red, and a fuller-bodied red. Each wine was paired with a small plate of Maltese snacks, like ġbejniet (local cheeselets), sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and fresh Maltese bread with olive oil. This was absolutely perfect. The owner guided us through each tasting, explaining the notes to look for and why it paired well with the food. The Girgentina white was a revelation—so light and refreshing, perfect for a sunny day. The Ġellewża red was also very unique, kind of fruity but with a little bit of spice. Honestly, it was a totally relaxed and enjoyable experience. There was no pressure to buy anything, it was just about enjoying the moment, the flavors, and the good company. At the end of the day, it was the perfect way to finish the tour.

Practical Tips and What to Expect on Your Tour

Okay, so if you’re thinking about taking this tour, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, wear very comfortable shoes. I cannot stress this enough, really. You will be doing a fair amount of walking on cobblestone streets that are often uneven and hilly. So, like, leave the heels at home. Light, comfortable clothing is also a good idea, especially in the warmer months. And of course, a hat and sunscreen are pretty much non-negotiable in the Maltese sun. The tour provides water, which is a great help, but it’s always good to have your own bottle handy, just in case.

The tour is a half-day trip, usually lasting around four to five hours, which, I think, is just about the right amount of time. It doesn’t feel rushed, but it also doesn’t drag on. The pacing was actually one of the things I was most impressed by. We had enough time at each stop to look around and take photos without feeling like we were being herded. Marco, our guide, was excellent at managing the time. He was also a fountain of knowledge, but he delivered it in such a conversational and often humorous way that it never felt like a boring history lesson. That, to be honest, makes a huge difference. I would say this tour is great for almost everyone: history buffs will love the stories, foodies will love the wine tasting, and photographers will find endless inspiration. However, it might be a little tough for those with serious mobility issues due to the nature of the streets in the Three Cities.

Another thing is that the small group size is a real asset. It makes the whole experience feel more personal and less touristy. You get to interact with the guide and the winery owner in a way that just wouldn’t be possible with a crowd of fifty people. So, in that case, booking in advance is a really good idea, as these smaller tours can fill up fast, especially during peak season. You get picked up and dropped off at or near your hotel, which is super convenient and takes all the stress out of the logistics. Basically, you just need to show up ready to explore and enjoy.

My Honest Thoughts: Was It Worth It?

So, the big question is, would I recommend it? Absolutely, yes. As a matter of fact, it was one of the highlights of my trip to Malta. It offered this really amazing blend of culture, history, and culinary delight. It’s almost the perfect package for a short excursion. The tour took us beyond the typical tourist path and showed us a side of Malta that felt incredibly authentic and rich with stories. You know, you can read about the Great Siege in a book, but standing on the bastions where it happened is a completely different experience. It’s something that kind of sticks with you.

The standout moments for me were definitely the view from the Gardjola Gardens in Senglea and the wine tasting experience. The view was just one of those breathtaking moments that travel is all about. And the wine tasting was the perfect, relaxed conclusion to a day of exploration. It wasn’t just about drinking wine; it was about experiencing a piece of modern Maltese culture and hospitality. The passion of the winery owner was honestly infectious. The quality of the guide was also a huge factor. Marco’s storytelling ability and genuine love for his country made all the difference. It felt like we were being shown around by a knowledgeable friend, not just a tour guide.

Were there any downsides? Frankly, not many. If I had to be picky, I would say that I wished we could have spent a little more time walking through Cospicua, but I understand that time constraints make that difficult in a half-day tour. Other than that, the experience was pretty seamless. So, if you’re looking for an activity that gives you a deep appreciation for Malta’s incredible history while also letting you relax and enjoy its local produce, then this tour is, in my opinion, a fantastic choice. It delivers exactly what it promises, and it does so with a lot of heart and character. It’s pretty much an experience I would gladly do again.

A Few Quick Takeaways

• Authentic Experience: You really get to see a part of Malta that feels less touched by mass tourism, which is quite refreshing.
• Knowledgeable Guide: The quality of a guide can make or break a tour, and in this case, it was a definite highlight. The storytelling was superb.
• Perfect Pacing: The tour covers a lot of ground but is paced well, so you never feel rushed. It’s a very well-balanced half-day trip.
• Stunning Views: The panoramas from Senglea are simply spectacular and provide one of the best photo opportunities in Malta.
• Delicious Finale: The wine tasting is more than just an add-on; it’s a genuine cultural and culinary experience with high-quality local products.
• Comfort is Key: You absolutely must wear comfortable walking shoes to enjoy the historic, cobbled streets.

Read our full review: [Malta The Three Cities and Wine Tasting Tour Full Review and Details]
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