
Malta Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Historic Palaces and Noble Homes
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Malta Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Historic Palaces and Noble Homes worth booking?
Malta Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Historic Palaces and Noble Homes is a 4-hour experience in Mellieha, Malta, from $355 per person. It scores 34 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 5 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 34 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (5)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $355 per person
Discover Malta’s luxurious side while you’re in port on this shore excursion to the palaces and noble houses around Valletta. Malta has a long history with varied influences, including Roman, Greek, Arab, French and British, which has led to some beautiful architecture and sophisticated residences. As you visit Palazzo Parisio, Casa Rocca Piccola and the Upper Barrakka Gardens, you’ll see frescoes, magnificent marble, mirrored walls, trompe l'oeil art, paintings, extravagant gilding and other fantastic decor.
What you get
About this experience
Discover Malta’s luxurious side while you’re in port on this shore excursion to the palaces and noble houses around Valletta. Malta has a long history with varied influences, including Roman, Greek, Arab, French and British, which has led to some beautiful architecture and sophisticated residences. As you visit Palazzo Parisio, Casa Rocca Piccola and the Upper Barrakka Gardens, you’ll see frescoes, magnificent marble, mirrored walls, trompe l'oeil art, paintings, extravagant gilding and other fantastic decor.
What's included
Included
- Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee
- Private vehicle
- Port pickup and drop-off
- Private tour guide
Not included
- Food and drinks, unless specified
What you'll see and do
Upper Barrakka Gardens
From these gardens you can enjoy unrivalled views across one of the world's largest and deepest natural harbours, Grand Harbour, and over to the Three Cities.
10 minutes here
Casa Rocca Piccola
This 16th century palazzo is a private residence, which is open to the public. The value of Casa Rocca Piccola lies in its ability to provide unique historical evidence into the customs and traditions of the Maltese nobility over the last 400 years. You can also see a collection of furniture, silver and paintings that add to the aesthetic riches of this country.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Palazzo Parisio & Gardens
Palazzo Parisio is a stately home with a history, architecture and interior unique in Malta. The house owes its splendour to the Marquis Giuseppe Scicluna, whose vision and passion in the late 1890s inspired its magnificent interior. Described as a miniature Versailles, this opulent house is a showcase of Maltese craftsmanship at the turn of the 19th century. It houses the most ornate ballroom on the Islands, lavishly-decorated ceilings and frescoes, magnificent antique furniture, paintings and bronzes. Its gardens originally stretched for half a mile, and today are still an impressive example of classic, baroque formality. The Palazzo has been carefully restored by the family and is open to the public.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- If you cancel at least 2 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- A.von Brockdorff Services Ltd.
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- At time of booking, Cruise Ship passengers must provide the following details under Special Requirements: Ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- Face masks must be worn in vehicles and in museums
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
1 mentionReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Small groups
1 mentionThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Malta Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Historic Palaces and Noble Homes. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
We loved Malta. Our guide, a...
<p>We loved Malta. Our guide, a wonderful lady, she met us on the pier and our tour ended up being a private tour of Malta. She was amazing, knew Malta very well, and went above and beyond for our tour. We would love to return to Malta for an extended stay.</p>
via Viator
Tour guide was great and very...
<p>Tour guide was great and very personal (shared lots of stories about his family). Tour a bit boring though.</p>
via Viator
Josephine was extremely knowledgeable...
<p>Josephine was extremely knowledgeable and very interesting.</p>
via Viator
Excellent guide, Rita, expert in her...
<p>Excellent guide, Rita, expert in her field with answers to all questions,perfect English. Highly recommend.</p>
via Viator
Very nice to see houses off the...
<p>Very nice to see houses off the beaten path. Our van couldn't park nearby, so the mega-buses weren't anywhere close.</p> <p>The guide, Frederick, was excellent. He even made an "off-program" detour for us.</p>
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Price range
- $355 to $573
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by A.von Brockdorff Services Ltd., who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 41.5.
See everything A.von Brockdorff Services Ltd. runsWhy this scores 34
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Malta Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Historic Palaces and Noble Homes: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Mellieha.
How much does Malta Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Historic Palaces and Noble Homes cost?
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Prices start at $355 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Mellieha usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Malta Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Historic Palaces and Noble Homes take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Mellieha is not rushed.
Is Malta Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Historic Palaces and Noble Homes worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 34 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Mellieha, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Malta Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Historic Palaces and Noble Homes?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Malta Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Historic Palaces and Noble Homes suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Malta Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Historic Palaces and Noble Homes?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Mellieha can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Mellieha and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Malta Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Historic Palaces and Noble Homes start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Mellieha within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Mellieha?
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On Outty we rank every Mellieha experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Malta: Gozo Full Day Buggy Tour with lunch and Comino Stop, Gozo All Inclusive Chauffeured Tuk Tuk Day Tour - Blue Lagoon, Gozo Quad Bike Day Tour - All-inclusive + Blue Lagoon. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Mellieha?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Mellieha?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Malta Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Historic Palaces and Noble Homes?
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Included: Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee; Private vehicle; Port pickup and drop-off; and Private tour guide. Not included: Food and drinks, unless specified. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Malta Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Historic Palaces and Noble Homes include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 3 listed pickup locations in and around Mellieha. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Malta Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Historic Palaces and Noble Homes offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Malta Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Historic Palaces and Noble Homes?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Malta Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Historic Palaces and Noble Homes wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Malta Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Historic Palaces and Noble Homes if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Mellieha. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about Malta Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Historic Palaces and Noble Homes?
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Across 5 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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