- Winter Escape 2017 - Sea Princess, Regal Princess, Hurtigruten Polarys: Valletta

Valletta, Malta

Our scheduled time for arrival into the port of Valletta was 12md but the Captain announced early in the morning that we were ahead of schedule and our eta was now 11am. We had a private tour organised with Theresa (T) from Karlito's Way.

T picked us up at 12.30 as organised and we headed off on our trek around Malta.

We covered just about every inch of the island. We headed south to the beautiful picturesque village of Marsaxlokk via the three old cities which are quite close to the port and a photo stop at the Blue Grotto.

After a brief stop at Marsaxlokk we headed north via authentic isolated villages such as Siggiewi, Qrendi where the Hagar Qim ruins are and the impressive Dingli Cliffs.

Our lunch stop was at Mgarr in a typically local cafe/restaurant. Lunch consisted of stewed rabbit, grilled rabbit, pork, marrow filled with savoury mince, veal rolled with mince inside and slow cooked, baked potatoes with melted cheese, fries, olive and tuna mix on fresh thinly sliced bread, rice baked with mince.... a bit like a risotto and much more! The wine was surprisingly drinkable seeings it is "just made by the local farmers". We bought a couple of bottles for 4 euros each. Our meal was finished off with milk coffee, a cold bread pudding a bit like Christmas plum pudding (but not as nice) and halva which is made with crushed/creamed sesame seeds.

After lunch we travelled further north to checkout Gnejna Bay, Riviera and Golden Bay beaches which were all very busy mainly with tourists as it is the European holiday season. Further on we went to the lookout where the Red Tower is and at the top of the island where the ferries leave for Gozo. There were spectacular views across to Gozo although a little hazy and down into a very busy Paradise Bay.

Making our way back now to Valetta via St Paul's Bay, Buggiba, and the Victorian Lines which the British used to separate the island. Onward bound to Mosta which is famous for its large domed church (apparently in the top 3 in the world) then through the very touristy and busy towns of St Julians and Sliema. These areas have lots of high rise unit and Hotel blocks which reminded me of the Gold Coast in Australia.

Once back at Valetta we were dropped at the main gate and we ambled our way through the streets to the lift to take us back down to the ship. As it was after 7.30pm and the sun was setting there was not much open or to see but a pleasant temperature to walk around and soak up the atmosphere.

Quick facts:

Founded: although there were Stone Age remnants scattered throughout the island, the Phoenicians were the first to colonise around 800 BC.

Population: 6,098 (2008)

Climate: Mediterranean

Language: Maltese and English

Currency: Euro

Malta is around 35 kms long and 17kms wide. There are over 350 churches... almost one for each day of the week.

One sea day to recover then four port days in a row!.... next port Civitavecchia.