Valletta, MaltaCruised into the port along the Grand Harbor -- WOW, this is impressive! Malta is a filming location for Game of Thrones. As fans, we're very excited to be here.
Awesome views from where the ship is docked at Lascaris Wharf right next to buildings with colorful windows & doors. The "Fierce stone fortress towers high above the water built in 16th-century by Knights of St John." Across the harbor are the Three Cities.
EXCURSION - Rabat, Mdina, Dingli Cliffs (9:15-1:15; Bus and walking)
Great views along the highway lined with oleanders (reminded us of St Pete); passing the Mosta Dome Church, Medina Walled City, stone walls of farmers' fields.
Great views along the highway lined with oleanders (reminded us of St Pete); passing the Mosta Dome Church, Medina Walled City, stone walls of farmers' fields.
DINGLE: Drove through the town. Stopped at Dingle Cliffs on edge of sea. Tiny chapel of St Mary Magdalene (14th century) is the highest point on island.
Great land and sea views.
RABAT: Short bus ride, then walk to Catacombs through narrow streets with all kinds of religious statues on houses; neat place. St. Paul is said to have lived here in 60AD.
St Paul's Catacombs: The tour guide started in the common area with stone table where Romans would have cheese & wine. Then the lights went out for about 15 seconds (not on purpose)--EERIE! On our own to walk around the very small passageways. Could not see much. Read about a few murals in the catacombs, but we didn't see any and the guide didn't point anything out.
Continued the guided walk through Rabat Streets to Mdina; past Square with Catholic Church on San Kataldu street; Piazza Della Chiesa Parrocchiale next to church.
Short stop at Crystal Palace, supposed to be best place for making Pastizzi--flaky pastries filled with ricotta cheese or mushy peas, the two traditional fillings.
MDINA: "Great golden-stone walls encircle the labyrinth of narrow lanes and piazzas of this 18th century hilltop medieval fortress constructed by the Knights of St John."
In Game of Thrones this is "King's Landing." So cool walking through the limestone Main Gate with the Coat of Arms at the top as the horse-drawn carriages clip-clop past.
Strolling through the maze of streets with a guide certainly is an education and time saver. Walked to St Paul's Square with St Paul's Cathedral (12th century) very opulent and Palazzo Santa Sofia (12th century) across the square from the cathedral.
Then through more streets and squares to the very back ramparts with sweeping views of farmlands and towns.
On our own for about 30 min. Oh my gosh, we are strolling around "Kings Landing," even horse-drawn carriages to add to the feeling of being in Westeros!
The group met again in Bastion Square and walked to the courtyard square where Little Finger's Brothel scenes were filmed. Exited through Greek Gate, where the bus was waiting. What a great place; felt like being in a different century.
VALETTA
Spending the afternoon exploring the Old Walled City. Easy walk from the ship along the harbor street almost to the City Gate.
The tunnel through the wall goes to the Bakkarra Elevator up to Old Town.
Spending the afternoon exploring the Old Walled City. Easy walk from the ship along the harbor street almost to the City Gate.
The tunnel through the wall goes to the Bakkarra Elevator up to Old Town.
UPPER BARAKKA GARDENS date back to 18th cenury and was originally the private garden of Italian Knights. Lots of statues, plaques, monuments commemorating Maltese history. This is the best place for impressive panoramic views since it overlooks the Grand Harbor, which is 4th largest port for luxury yachts in world.
OLD TOWN
Spent the afternoon walking through the beautiful Streets and Squares. Interesting white sculpture of donkey with wings. Apparently there are others thoughout the town and are based on different proverbs. This one is "I'll win the lottery when donkeys fly."
Spent the afternoon walking through the beautiful Streets and Squares. Interesting white sculpture of donkey with wings. Apparently there are others thoughout the town and are based on different proverbs. This one is "I'll win the lottery when donkeys fly."
Leaving port were fabulous up-close views from our balcony of Fort Ricasoli (17th-century) that doubled as the Red Keep in Game of Thrones (also used for Gladiator and Assassin's Creed). The sandstone-colored buildings seem to reflect the sunlight in a very special way.
Could spend days in this remarkable place--one of the most concentrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world.
2025-05-22