Malta Travel Forum

I go to Qawra in 2 weeks and have more-or-less got an idea of the trips I would like to go-on whilst on holiday.
I am sure my tour rep will try to sell me lots of trips but I wondered how other members arranged their trips? Did you use a local operator or go it alone using the buses or a hire car etc?
I want to see Sicily in order to get a flavour of the place (I would love to see Mt Etna) and must surely see the blue Lagoon and Blue Grotto which are mentioned in all the guide books.
Any tips?

Staying in Qawra some years ago, I did a mixture of organised trips which I found useful e.g. for going to Gozo, as it can be difficult to get all over the islands otherwise (I don't drive). Qawra has the advantage of having its own little bus terminal - so you have a chance of getting a seat at busy times! - and you can get from there to anywhere on the island.
For Sicily you can take an excursion with Virtu Ferries, which will save the hassle of organising everything separately. I didn't do it, though, as I had already been all over Sicily.
http://www.virtuferries.com/index.aspx?p=20
http://www.viamare.com/virtu-index.html
Note that you have to be at the Sea Passenger Terminal at Pinto Wharf, Valletta, ONE HOUR before sailing time, which may require a taxi from Qawra if you have an early departure. It's on the Grand Harbour side of Valletta/Floriana:
http://www.mma.gov.mt/port_valletta_map.htm

Not to duplicate the previous answer I can only confirm that you can book for everything at one of the multitude of shops locally.

Qawra is meant for tourists and as such you will fall over things to do, including your present desires.

I suggest the Hypogeum if so inclined.

thanks - all tips noted! Cheers!

I have just returned from a holiday in Malta.
We took an afternoon excursion to the Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk. Before you book ask about whether the boats are running at the Blue Grotto. When we got to the Blue Grotto we were told the boats dont work when the water is choppy - although it was a really hot day. We weren't told this before we booked the excursion and because the boats weren't working, we drove on to Marsaxlokk and ended the excursion an hour early. I cant remember the name of the company but think it had the word Deals in it.

Can recommend the cruise around the Harbour.

To add to the previous posters suggestion of visiting the Hypogeum there is currently a 10 day wait to get tickets (as of yesterday when we returned)

We used buses a lot but it is hot there at the moment which is why we tried an excursion (as above) we also found it was possible to negotiate the price of excursions when booking at last minute

The local buses go everywhere and are great fun to use but beware. They only go on the top road past the blue grotto, there is a long walk down to the boats if you want to do it on the cheap. The walk down is OK but it is a long way back up!

You should know the Blue Grotto is more spectacular before noon when there is more Sun. The walk up and down from main road is 15 min max

more great advice - many thanks!

Hi,
I am going to Bugibba on the 6th July and I have booked a day trip to the Blue Lagoon including transfer and lunch through a Maltese Co www.sundreamstravel.com they also have other trips as well.I think the trip is operated by Captain Morgan and is from the Sliema ferry point. you can book direct with them also online.

Michael