Malta Sightseeing - Hop on, Hop off Open Top Bus tours! See the most popular sights and attractions in Malta from an Open Top Bus. You can explore your destination at leisure using the Hop On and Hop Off Option. All tours have a detailed audio commentary in 8 languages.

North/Blue Tour Timetable - 17 stops!

Departure from Sliema Ferries

1. Manoel Island - A small island fortified by Grandmaster Manoel de Vilhena, who also built the theatre in Valletta. The architect of this project was Frenchman Françoise de Mondion, who was also the architect of Louis XIV. The island is now being conserved and converted into an exclusive residential area.

2. Ta' Xbiex Harbour (passing) - The area is studded with beautiful villas many of which have now been transformed into embassies.

3. Msida Yacht Marina (passing) - A magnificent yacht marina with first class berthing facilities.

4. Valletta - City gate is outside Malta's capital city which was built by the Knights of the Order of St. John in 1568 and transformed over the years into the finest example of baroque. The city is studded with historical palaces, museums, churches, gardens, cafés, restaurants and shops.

5. Hamrun & Sta Venera (passing)

6. San Anton Gardens - Probably the best known of the island's gardens. San Anton Garden was laid out by Grandmaster Antoine de Paule (1623-1636) as grounds for his summer residence. The garden is a botanical delight with mature trees, old stone urns, fontanels, ponds, aviaries, and formal flower beds.

7. Mdina Glass - you may visit Mdina Glass which is a unique company in Malta, specializing in glass blowing glass fusion and lamp work.

8. Ta' Qali Crafts Village & Aviation Museum - The former World War II military aerodrome was converted into a hand-crafts centre. Here one can buy something completely unique to take home. Beyond the crafts village is the Aviation Museum displaying aircrafts. The Museum (open daily from 09:00 - 17:00 except Good Friday, Easter Sunday, 15th August, Christmas Day & New Year's Day) is situated in a former RAF station and among the artifacts are a rebuilt Spitfire Mk IX and a Hawker Hurricane Ila.

9. Mosta - Mosta lies at the heart of Malta. It is a busy market town. At its centre is a magnificent domed church (completed in 1860). The Mosta Rotunda is the third largest unsupported church dome in Europe. In the World War II, the church took a direct hit from a German bomb that pierced the dome, but failed to explode. Other Mosta attractions include the Victoria Lines, the World War II shelters, the cave chapel of St. Paul the Hermit in a picturesque valley the Chapel of Our Lady of Hope. In its limits there are also prehistoric remains such as catacombs under Fort Mosta and Bronze Age dolmens.

10. Mdina - Mdina is the old capital of Malta and its origins may be traced back to 1500BC. Mdina has had different names and titles depending on its rulers and its role but its medieval name describes it best - "Citta' Nobile": the noble city. Impressive palaces line its narrow, shady streets. Mdina is one of Europe's finest examples of an ancient walled city and extraordinary in its mix of Medieval and Baroque architecture.

11. Rabat & the Domus Romana - Rabat played a major role in Malta's history. The large provincial township was part of the Roman city of Melita. The town is a commercial centre and acts as a market for its large agricultural hinterland. it is also well established on the tourist map due to its archaeological and historical sites: The Domus Romana Museum (open daily from 09:00 to 17:00 except on public holidays), Catacombs, St, Paul's Grotto and the fine churches and monasteries.

12. Bingemma - Dwejra Lines.... Chapel.... Catacombs....Cart Ruts.

13. Mgarr - Mgarr is a typical rural village. It is surrounded by rich farmland. The area is ideal for country walks with several picturesque spots - Bingemma, Wardija, Fomm ir- Rih and Gnejna Bay. Mgarr's parish church dedicated to St. Mary was built in 1912. Mgarr is also home to two of Malta's oldest prehistoric sites; Ta' Hagrat (opening Tuesdays from 09:30 to 11:00) and Skorba (opening Tuesdays from 11:30 to 13:00). On the way to Golden Bay you will pass the Roman Baths. This heritage site is temporarily closed.

14. Golden Bay - One of the island's beautiful sandy beaches. Together with its adjoining beach, Ghajn Tuffieha, it is un-spoilt and secluded. Well worth a visit and if the weather is fine, a great bathing spot.

15. Bugibba Square - Bugibba and its neighbours Qawra & St. Paul's Bay, are Malta's largest seaside resort towns. The coastline has been developed into a distinct resort with hotels and numerous holiday apartments. The water on both verges of the bay is not deep and is ideal for swimming off the rocks. The bay is popular throughout the summer.

16. Malta Sightseeing Terminus in Bugibba (near Santana Hotel)

17. Qawra Palace & Suncrest Hotel

18. St. Julian's - St. Julian's is now a major residential and tourist centre and home to some of Malta's newest hotels. St Julian’s merges with Paceville, Malta's main nightlife centre with clubs, casinos, restaurants, cafés & bars.

19. Balluta Bay - A small bay between St. Julian’s and Sliema. It's shores are full of cafés, kiosks, and restaurants. The skyline is dominated by the Carmelite Church and the Victorian Balluta Building.

20. Sliema - Sliema is Malta's main coastal resort. It is a centre for shopping, restaurants and café life. Sliema is also a major commercial and residential area and houses several of Malta's most recent hotels. The coastline promenade, which runs for several kilometers from St. Julian's to Gzira & Ta' Xbiex, is ideal for walkers and joggers.

*Tour runtime without "hopping off" is approximately three hours.

*Maximum of six stops may be made.

*Museum opening hours are indicative. Please check before your visit.

South/Red Tour Timetable - 16 stops (including market!)

Departure from Sliema Ferries

1. Manoel Island - A small island fortified by Grandmaster Manoel de Vilhena, who also built the theatre in Valletta. The architect of this project was Frenchman Françoise de Mondion, who was also the architect of Louis XIV. The island is now being conserved and converted into an exclusive residential area.

2. Ta' Xbiex Harbour (passing) - The area is studded with beautiful villas many of which have now been transformed into embassies.

3. Msida Yacht Marina (passing) - A magnificent yacht marina with first class berthing facilities.

4. Valletta Bus Terminus - The point of entry to Malta's capital city built by the knights of the Order of St. John in 1568 and transformed over the years into the finest example of baroque. The city is studded with historical palaces, museums, churches, garden cafés, restaurants and commercial outlets.

5. Valletta Upper Baracca - A public garden over Valletta's bastions. Valletta with magnificent views of the Grand Harbour and the three cities, the hub of naval activities of the order of St. John.

6. Valletta Harbour - A drive round Valletta's harbour and the magnificent bastions. Valletta is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites and is one of the few surviving inhabited walled cities.

7. Valletta War Museum - Malta suffered greatly during the wars and this museum is a testimony to the hardship of those years. Exhibits include equipment, uniforms and photos.

8. Fort St. Elmo - The fort at the tip of the Valletta peninsula. Historians are the opinion that the site was always built since the Punic period (c. 200. S.C). The fort is only partially opened to the public.

9. Mediterranean Conference Centre - The building serves as a sate-of-the-art conference centre with relative facilities. It was built by the Order of St. John as the main hospital of the knights. Of great importance is the long hall which served as the hospital’s medical ward and is hailed to be the longest roofed hall in Europe. The most important even host in this building in recent time was the summit between Bush and Gorbachov in 1989 which marked the end of the Cold War.

10. Fort St. Angelo - (Photo Opportunity) - The bus will stop for a few moments to see across the water Fort St. Angelo which for centuries guarded the Grand Harbour. The site and Fort witnessed and withstood two Great Sieges, one in 1565 by the Ottoman Empire and the other in 1944 by the Axis command.

11. Valletta Waterfront - A latest attraction which serves a cruise liner terminal. Every year this magnificent view greets around half a million tourist who arrive to Malta by sea. Within the site you can find a number of commercial outlets, restaurants and cafés.

12. Malta Shipbuilding.

13. Hypogeum - A site not to be missed. An underground Neolithic temple complex from 2500 B.C. complete with niches, oracles altars and wall paintings. Another UNESCO world heritage site. Entrance is restricted to those who have pre-booked. Tarxien Temples - Another megalithic temple and a UNESCO world heritage site. Built in about 2000 B.C the site continued to be used until the early Bronze Age (1500 B.C)

14. Senglea Point - Unique chance to see Valletta and its bastions from the other side of the harbour.

15. Vittoriosa Waterfront - The area has recently been conserved and transformed into one of the finest marinas in the Mediterranean with berthing facilities for super-yacht. The area also houses Malta's Maritime Museum.

16. Bieb Is-Sultan (passing by) - A magnificent triumphal gate built by Grand Master Nicholas Cotoner in 1675.

17. Marsaxlokk Fishing Village - A typical Mediterranean fishing village with colourful boats, market and fish restaurants. Mix with the locals and enjoy the fresh and relaxed atmosphere.

18. St. Lucian Tower - A fine example of fortification, the watch tower was by the Order of St. John. Today, it is a national aquaculture centre and visiting is restricted.

19. Ghar Dalam Cave and Museum - One of the oldest on the island dating back 500,000 years. Skeletons of animals long extinct from the island have been found in this cave. The area is also idea for rambling.

20. Blue Grotto - A natural Water cave with crystal blue waters. A small fishing village which fisherman on the read to take you on a short boat trip round this natural wonder.

21. Hagar Qim & Mnajdra - Another two pre-historical temples which are situated in the same area with a short distance from each other.

22. Limestone Heritage - A museum which explains the importance stone always had with the island. Exhibits include tools used in bygone eras to quarry and work stone

23. Malta Falconry Centre - Watch falconers fly several different specials of well-trained birds of prey and see these majestic birds in free flight.

24. Montekirsto Estates - Imposing centre-piece château, extensive wine vaults and working vineyards.

25. Back to Sliema Ferries

*Tour runtime without "hopping off" is approximately three hours.

*Maximum of six stops may be made.

*Museum opening hours are indicative. Please check before your visit.

Malta by Night/Black Tour Timetable - (Operating from April - October)

Departure from Sliema Ferries

1. Paceville - The long, warm summer nights of Malta lend themselves to a vibrant nightlife, especially in the traffic-free zones of Paceville. Evenings start late and for many clubbers the revelry last into the late hors of the morning.

2. St. Julian’s & Sliema - The area of St. Julian’s and Sliema is one of Malta’s major commercial and residential areas with a number of restaurants, shops and hotels. The history of this area is generally linked to the nineteenth and twentieth century and it became very popular during the British period. In 1814 as a result of the Treaty of Paris, Malta officially became part of the British Empire and remained so until Independence in 1964. Today, the area is a popular holiday

3. Ta’ Xbiex - This area known as Ta’ Xbiex has, since the time of the British, been one of the Malta’s prime sites for real estate, due to its wonderful views of the harbour and Valletta, hence the number of impressive buildings of Baroque and Victorian architecture, many of which are now embassies and offices.

4. Msida - Msida lies on the shores of Msida Creek, once a quiet haven fro fishermen and today and important marina where beautiful luxurious yachts are seen berthed next to the local fishing boats.

5. Harbours - Malta has a number of deep natural harbous. The two in this area are Marsamxett Harbour and the very impressive Grand Harbour.

6. Valletta - In 1530, the Islands were given to the Order of St. John after they were ousted from Rhodes. Suleyman the Magnificent, Sultan of the much feared Otoman Empire, laid siege on the island 1565 using a large force of fighting ships are troops. The Knights and the Maltese put up a defiant fight from their stronghold in the Three Cities overlooking the Grand Harbour and were eventually victorious After their victory, the aid by the Grand Mater La Valette on 28th March 1566 and the city was called Valletta.

7. Castille - The monumental Baroque building, know to this day as the Auberge de Castille or simply as Castille was the official seat of the Knights of the Langue of Castille, Leon and Portugal who were responsible for the deference of the part of Valletta known as St. Barbara Bastions. Today these are the Offices of the Prime Minister of Malta.

8. Fort St. Elmo - During the Great Siege, the fort of St. Elmo was overcome by the Ottoman fighters but it heroically diminished the enemy’s strength as it battled the invaders. Within this fort, one will find the War Museum and the George Cross medal which was given to the Maltese people by King George VI in 1942 as a sign of their bravery.

9. Mediterranean Conference Centre - The Mediterranean Conference Centre was originally built as the hospital of the Knights of St. John,. At the time it had one of the longest halls in Europe. The patients were served on silver plates and with silver cutlery for reasons of hygiene.

10. The Aqueducts - The aqueduct was funded in 1610 by Grand Master de Wignacourt Now redundant, these silent arches once played a fundamental role by bringing water to VALLLETTA. Due to the geological structure of the land, Malta’s sources of water are nowhere near the city and are restricted to areas where blue clay is found, mainly to the north of the island,. The inhabitants of the “new” city of Valletta lived with a serious lack of water for about forty five years since the only natural spring was outside the city, a few kilometers away.

11. Balzan, Lija & Attard - The Three Villages of Balzan, Lija & Attard are very old and picturesque, with beautiful houses of character, old churches, niches, gardens and palaces.

12. Naxxar - Ancient historical records show that Naxxar has been a parish since the early 15th century. Today, Naxxar is thriving town of over eleven thousand people living in the traditional village centre or in the more modern areas with its wide avenues and pleasant surroundings.

13. Mosta - One possible interpretation of the name ‘Mosta’ derives from the fact that the town is right in the centre of the island. Most church is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and was built between the years 1833 and 1869 by the architect George Grognet de Vasse as an enlarged version of Rome’s famous Pantheon. It is one of the largest unsupported domes in the world after St. Peter’s in Rome and Haghia Sophia Istanbul. Mosta’s Feast Day falls on 15th August, which is Malta’s most popular feast and is celebrated in many parishes across the Island.

14. Rabat & Mdina - Archaeological findings and historical records show that since time immemorial, there would have been a settlement of people on the high grounds of Rabat and Mdina. The number of catacombs, cart ruts and artifacts and witnesses to this. Today, Mdina is one of the main attractions with its old medieval streets and baroque cathedral and palaces. The mosaic pavements in the ruins of Roman Domus, or Roman House, probably date back to the first century B.C. and rank amongst the finest and oldest mosaic compositions in the western Mediterranean.

15. Back to Bugibba

16. Paceville

17. St. Julian’s and Sliema