Your private guide will meet you in your hotel lobby from where you will commence your tour, enjoying a scenic 20 minute drive, passing through typical local villages as you make your way to the first stop; The impressive Mosta Dome, built in 1860 – also known as the Big Rotunda, due to its massive dome; the 4th largest in the world.

During World War II, Mosta Dome, came close to obliteration, when a 500kg bomb was dropped through the dome without it actually exploding. Today a similar bomb is on display inside the church Ask your guide for the complete story about this astonishing event.

Citrus Luxury’s 5 star suggestion

Climb up to the rotunda for a bird’s-eye view and a great photography vantage point.

Next on your agenda is the town of Rabat, where you drive north to explore the Wignacourt Museum – a baroque residence of the Chaplains of the Knights of Malta – inaugurated by Grand Master Aloph de Wignacourt (1601-1622). It is situated outside the walls of the old Roman City of Malta and is linked to St Paul’s Grotto; the cradle of Christianity in Malta, where St Paul the Apostle, in A.D. 60, is believed to have founded the first Christian community on the island.

The building was completed in 1749 and forms part of a complex which is set over three levels.  – The underground level consists of a labyrinth of Punic, Roman and Christian Hypogea with fascinating architectural features such as World War II shelters. – The ground floor is graced by a garden that formed part of the mealtime refectory of the Chaplains of the Order. Later, during World War II, the stone oven was used to bake as many as 2000 bread loaves daily for the population of Rabat. – The main floor hosts an impressive art gallery with works by Mattia Preti, Antoine Favray, and other Maltese and European artists. It also boasts a collection of 17^th – 19^th century Spanish, Italian and Maltese silver. A particularly interesting artefact is a wooden altar used for the celebration of Mass on the galleys of the Order of the Knights of Malta. Feast your eyes on a collection of old relics and sculptures, maps, coins, prints and rare books – among which is King Henry VIII’s ‘Septem Sacramants” written to confute Martin Luther. Don’t leave without taking a look at the Baroque chapel for the private devotions of the residing chaplains.

If time permits, we highly recommend the following sites:

• Domvs Romana
• Casa Bernard
• Paul’s Agatha’s Catacombs
• Dominic Priory & Cave Chapel

Mdina is the old capital city of Malta, which was founded nearly five millennia ago and chosen for its strategic and defensive position atop a steep hill. The local gentry came to own property here, a situation that remains to this day where it is a compact and charming gem.

As you will most certainly experience first hand while visiting, Mdina has an air of grace about it that will offer you a vivid and sensory look into the past. You can connect to deep history at every corner, and intuitively know that each narrow street is laced with enchanting stories as much as every magnificent house is.

Get a birds-eye view from the belvedere terrace and viewing gallery at the back of the city, a magical experience not to be missed.

While visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral admire the incredible stained-glass windows, then proceed to the Cathedral museum to admire the beautiful treasures and art works kept there.

Citrus Luxury’s 5 star suggestion

Palazzo Falzon – an authentic medieval townhouse purposely built as a family residence by and for the Maltese nobility.

Leaving magestic Mdina behind, we proceed on to Palazzo Parisio, a stately home located in the residential town of Naxxar. The palace was built in the 19th century by Marquis Giuseppe Scicluna as his own private residence. It is described as a mini Versailles, with lavish artistic designs, and murals, rare objets d’art and refined architecture. The Ballroom of Mirrors has an elaborate and lively style, making it an ideal location for weddings and special functions. The splendid gardens are the only private gardens in Malta that are open to visitors. They have a classic baroque style that combines symmetry and Mediterranean flowers all year long.

After you’ve enjoyed an easy stroll through the palace or opted to sit down with a cup of tea or glass of champagne, your driver will take you back to your hotel.

Disclaimer:

Citrus Luxury tours are private, for groups of any size. Tours are available in a number of languages, led by a professional and licensed guide. Itineraries are flexible, where the time and locations can be catered to your needs. We can also arrange for a luxury chauffeur driven vehicle for pick-up and drop-off from your venue.