Seven Days in Magical Malta


A small archipelago nation amongst much larger neighbors, Malta is a destination that often goes unnoticed. However, with an astounding amount of history on display, awe-inspiring natural beauty and a culture that’s warm and welcoming, it’s unlikely this Mediterranean jewel will remain a secret much longer. Here’s how to spend a week exploring the fascinating islands of Malta.
Day One
4:00 PM
6:45 PM
At Villa Corinthia, enjoy a beautiful dinner of quail with miso, pomegranate, eggplant and walnuts.
Day Two
9:00 AM
Your privately guided tour of Valletta begins after breakfast! One of the most densely concentrated historic sites in the world, this UNESCO-protected city includes the St. John's Co-Cathedral, Grandmaster's Palace, and Barrakka Gardens. Lunch comes with a view of the Three Cities.
7:30 PM
Dinner at Under Grain, a Michelin star restaurant in Valletta serving modern Mediterranean cuisine.
Day Three
8:15 AM
After breakfast at the hotel, your private guide will take you to the "silent city" of Mdina. With a history that traces back more than 4000 years, this traditional home of nobility is one of Europe's most well-preserved ancient walled cities and is elaborately marbled with quiet, narrow lanes. You'll also explore the nearby city of Rabat and St. Paul's Catacombs before stopping for lunch.
2:30 PM
Stand 830 feet above water- the highest point in the Maltese islands-at the Dingli Cliffs on the western coast.
6:30 PM
Unwind poolside for a few hours, then enjoy dinner on the patio at the hotel's Summer Kitchen restaurant.
Day Four
6:30 AM
In order to have one of Malta's most brilliant natural sites to yourself, you're up with the sunrise! By private charter (with a packed breakfast to go), you drive north, then sail to the Blue Lagoon off the western coast of Comino Island. After a swim in its cerulean waters, spend the morning visiting other extraordinary coastal sites by boat, including the Ta' Cenc Cliffs and Fungus Rock (which is better than it sounds, we promise).
4:00 PM
Indulge in the Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa's famous Afternoon Tea, opting for the "Maltese Twist" menu to go along with steaming pots of Darjeeling Jungpana and the hotel's signature robust blend of Earl Grey, Oolong and Assam.
8:00 PM
With appetites still satisfied by your afternoon tea, you enjoy a few small dishes under the stars at Rickshaw.
Day Five
7:15 AM
An early breakfast and early departure to Malta's northern coast, where you board a private charter to Gozo, the second largest island in the Maltese archipelago.
10:00 AM
With an expert local guide, explore this fascinating island on a private tour. First stop is one of the world's most important archeological sites: the megalithic ?gantija Temples.
1:00 PM
Following lunch at Latini Restaurant Xaghra Gozo, a quick drive north brings you to the Marsalforn salt pans; there you'll witness fifth-generation salt farmers laboring over a glimmering, patterned landscape made up of shallow pools.
1:45 PM
Next stop is the monumental shrine to Our Lady of Ta' Pinu, a 20th-century architectural masterpiece with sculptures carved of Maltese stone.
2:45 PM
To round out a busy day, stop for a swim at the unique Wied il-Ghasri, an inlet of blue water that creeps inland between dramatic cliffs.
6:15 PM
Exhausted after hours of traversing Gozo, it's back to the Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa for room service for dinner tonight!
Day Six
9:30 AM
After breakfast, savor a slow morning of hot stone massages, personalised facials and the vitality suite circuit at the hotel's Athenaeum Spa.
2:00 PM
Your final afternoon in Malta sees you visit the remarkable ?al Saflieni Hypogeum, a massive prehistoric subterranean burial site with the ancient remains of around 7000 individuals.
3:30 PM
Following the hypogeum, it's a quick drive southeast to see the colorful fishing village of Marsaxlokk, where locals flock on Sundays to buy the day's catch.
Day Seven
7:45 AM
Breakfast in the Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa's beautiful villa dining room and one last swim in the pool before checking out.