The Three Fortified Cities of Malta Half Day Tour Incl. Boat Trip and Transfers
Traveler rating
4.1/5
Based on 161 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is The Three Fortified Cities of Malta Half Day Tour Incl. Boat Trip and Transfers worth booking?
The Three Fortified Cities of Malta Half Day Tour Incl. Boat Trip and Transfers is a 4-hour experience in Mellieha, Malta, from $46 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 161 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 4.1/5 (161)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $46 per person
The Three Cities is a collective description of the three fortified cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa and Senglea. The oldest of the Three Cities is Vittoriosa, which has existed since the Middle Ages. The other two cities, Senglea and Cospicua, were both founded by the Order of the Knights of Saint John in the 16th and 17th centuries respectively. During this half-day tour, you will have the opportunity to appreciate these unique historical fortified cities and admire magnificent churches, traditional piazzas, incredible fortifications, and architectural treasures found all around the Three Cities area, pieces of living history kept alive by hundreds of years of preservation!
What you get
About this experience
The Three Cities is a collective description of the three fortified cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa and Senglea. The oldest of the Three Cities is Vittoriosa, which has existed since the Middle Ages. The other two cities, Senglea and Cospicua, were both founded by the Order of the Knights of Saint John in the 16th and 17th centuries respectively. During this half-day tour, you will have the opportunity to appreciate these unique historical fortified cities and admire magnificent churches, traditional piazzas, incredible fortifications, and architectural treasures found all around the Three Cities area, pieces of living history kept alive by hundreds of years of preservation!
What's included
Included
- Pick-up and drop-off transfers (choose your preferred location from one of our meeting points)
- Boat tour of the harbour creeks on a traditional Maltese carvel-built fishing boat
- Licenced tour guide
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities (optional)
What you'll see and do
Cospicua (Bormla)
You will start your tour with a panoramic drive past the city of Cospicua, a double fortified harbour city and the largest of the Three Cities, flanked by Senglea on the West and Vittoriosa on the East. Cospicua is well known for its large dockyard and its impressive fortifications known as the Santa Margherita Lines and the Cottonera Lines.
20 minutes here
Birgu (Vittoriosa)
A short stretch away from Cospicua lies the city of Vittoriosa, the city occupies a promontory of land with the impressive Fort Saint Angelo at its head and the city of Cospicua at its base. The origins of this glorious city date back to the Medieval times, over the centuries Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, the Angevines, the Aragonese and the Order of the Knights of Saint John all contributed to the development of this magnificent city. Here you will enjoy a fascinating walking tour through the distinctive narrow winding streets of the city, admiring and appreciating all the historical buildings and captivating treasures found at every twist and turn.
80 minutes here
Vittoriosa Waterfront - Birgu Waterfront
Upon your arrival at the stunning Vittoriosa Waterfront, we will board a traditional Maltese “Frejgatina” (a small, carvel-built fishing boat) for a delightful tour of the colourful harbour creeks.
35 minutes here
Senglea
The tour will end at Senglea. Named after Claude De La Sengle, the Grand Master who founded the city, Senglea is also known as “Civitas Invicta” a name given to the city for managing to resist the Ottoman invasion during the Great Siege of Malta of 1565. Here you will enjoy another fascinating walk around this majestic city.
60 minutes here
Gardjola Gardens
During our tour of Senglea you will also visit the Gardjola Gardens. Located at the tip of the peninsula you will enjoy a stunning 360° view of the Grand Harbour, including the impressive Fort Saint Angelo, from where the Grand Master Jean Perisot De La Valette led the defence of the island during the Great Siege of Malta of 1565.
25 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 90 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
With Spanish-Speaking Guide
The tour is done with a Spanish-speaking guide or with an English-speaking guide together with a Spanish-speaking translator. Meeting Point/Pick-Up Time: Make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pickup location (meeting point) and pickup time. Pickup included
With French-Speaking Guide
Meeting Point/Pick-Up Time: Make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pickup location (meeting point) and pickup time. Pickup included
With German-Speaking Guide
Meeting Point/Pick-Up Time: Make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pickup location (meeting point) and pickup time. Pickup included
With English-Speaking Guide
Meeting Point/Pick-Up Time: Make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pickup location (meeting point) and pickup time. Pickup included
With Italian-Speaking Guide
Meeting Point/Pick-Up Time: Make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pickup location (meeting point) and pickup time. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Wed, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Robert Arrigo & Sons
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The time shown on the website or on your ticket is the approximate start time of the activity and not the time when you will be picked up from your hotel (or closest meeting point). At least a few days before the date of your activity, you need to make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pick-up location and pick-up time. Your pick-up time can be anytime between 8:15 AM and 9:15 AM, depending on where you are staying.
- The tour will be guided in the language you have booked, however please note that at times, depending on operational circumstances, the commentary might be provided by a multilingual guide (limited to a maximum of 2 languages).
- The tour in Spanish will be conducted by either a Spanish-speaking guide (subject to availability) or an English-speaking guide together with a Spanish-speaking host serving as a translator.
- The boat trip is always subject to favourable weather conditions; if the boat trip cannot be done due to poor weather conditions, we will spend more time visiting the three cities.
- The visit to Cospicua is a panoramic drive-by; we will not be stopping there.
- Pets, large luggage, and large suitcases are not allowed during the tour.
- Any personal belongings, including backpacks or rucksacks, must be carried with you at all times and may not be left unattended on the coach or bus.
- The difficulty level of this tour is considered easy to moderate; however, one should take note that it’s a rather long walk.
- Not suitable for travellers with mobility impairments.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 159 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
159 verified traveler reviews for The Three Fortified Cities of Malta Half Day Tour Incl. Boat Trip and Transfers. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A good experience in Malta
The tour guide Donna didn’t make the trip terrific just because of her history, knowledge and kind manner She made sure everyone was looked after given options and enjoyed the experience Yesterday I had another tour and though the woman was well versed it was routine to her, even though it may have been the only experience a visitor to Malta would ever have So today was a pleasure. The boat ride was especially refreshing after a lot of walking at the end of the day. Thank you
via Viator
3 Cities
Danielle, our guide, was excellent. Very knowledgeable and allocated the correct amount of time/stops. The Three Cities very worthwhile.
via Viator
Great tour
Great overview of the 3 cities with lots of information and a bit of free time to explore. Boat trip was nice.
via Viator
The ticket states the...
The ticket states the start time as 9:45 which is when we arrived at the stated location. It did not state anything about an early departure on the ticket. We called and she said they had sent an email with early pickup and location and we were a no show. We had purchased 3 tours and did not which tour the email referred to. Very poor communications. The ticket should state the departure time will be 45 minutes to an hour earlier. Very disappointing. She offered to reschedule us but we were flying out that day.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review. Unfortunately, the facts seem to have been left behind somewhere along the way. Your pick-up time was never changed. You were informed of your pick-up details more than once, including on the very same day you made your booking, so there was certainly no shortage of information provided to you. Also, 9:45 is the start time of the tour — it is not your pick-up time. This is stated clearly in the listing and repeated in at least three separate sections of your ticket. At that point, this is not a case of unclear information; it is simply a case of information being provided and not being read. There are also clear instructions telling you to contact us and confirm your pick-up. You chose not to do so. Despite that, we still proactively communicated your pick-up information to you more than once, including on the very same day you made your booking. We genuinely understand that mistakes happen. What is rather harder to understand is blaming someone else for information that was clearly provided, repeatedly communicated, and written in several places for precisely the purpose of avoiding this kind of misunderstanding. We appreciate that reading the information provided may apparently require an unreasonable amount of effort for you. However, distinguishing between a tour start time and a pick-up time is not exactly a complicated concept. The information was not hidden, ambiguous, written in tiny print, or buried in some obscure corner of the booking. It was right there — repeatedly. In fact, anyone applying basic common sense would understand the distinction: 9:45 = tour starts; pick-up = the separate time provided to you. A pick-up necessarily takes place before a tour starts, as one cannot simply appear at the starting location magically. Your pick-up time was provided separately and communicated to you multiple times. Perhaps next time, taking the two minutes required to actually read the booking information and follow the very clear instructions would be a worthwhile investment. It may even prevent you from having to write a negative review blaming a company for information you were given but chose not to read. We are always happy to help, clarify information, and answer questions. What we cannot do is compensate for a decision not to read the information provided — no matter how many times it is provided, how clearly it is written, or how many different places it appears. We can provide the information, repeat the information, and even highlight the information. Unfortunately, we cannot provide the common sense required to simply read and understand it.
via Viator
3 fortified city tour of Malta
Our pick up time was changed without our knowledge. Our Viator app says that the pickup time is 9:45. We waited for the tour operator and they did not show up
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review. Unfortunately, the facts seem to have been left behind somewhere along the way. Your pick-up time was never changed. You were informed of your pick-up details more than once, including on the very same day you made your booking, so there was certainly no shortage of information provided to you. Also, 9:45 is the start time of the tour — it is not your pick-up time. This is stated clearly in the listing and repeated in at least three separate sections of your ticket. At that point, this is not a case of unclear information; it is simply a case of information being provided and not being read. There are also clear instructions telling you to contact us and confirm your pick-up. You chose not to do so. Despite that, we still proactively communicated your pick-up information to you more than once, including on the very same day you made your booking. We genuinely understand that mistakes happen. What is rather harder to understand is blaming someone else for information that was clearly provided, repeatedly communicated, and written in several places for precisely the purpose of avoiding this kind of misunderstanding. We appreciate that reading the information provided may apparently require an unreasonable amount of effort for you. However, distinguishing between a tour start time and a pick-up time is not exactly a complicated concept. The information was not hidden, ambiguous, written in tiny print, or buried in some obscure corner of the booking. It was right there — repeatedly. In fact, anyone applying basic common sense would understand the distinction: 9:45 = tour starts; pick-up = the separate time provided to you. A pick-up necessarily takes place before a tour starts, as one cannot simply appear at the starting location magically. Your pick-up time was provided separately and communicated to you multiple times. Perhaps next time, taking the two minutes required to actually read the booking information and follow the very clear instructions would be a worthwhile investment. It may even prevent you from having to write a negative review blaming a company for information you were given but chose not to read. We are always happy to help, clarify information, and answer questions. What we cannot do is compensate for a decision not to read the information provided — no matter how many times it is provided, how clearly it is written, or how many different places it appears. We can provide the information, repeat the information, and even highlight the information. Unfortunately, we cannot provide the common sense required to simply read and understand it.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Wed, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 56
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Robert Arrigo & Sons, who run 42 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.2.
See everything Robert Arrigo & Sons runsWhy this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
The Three Fortified Cities of Malta Half Day Tour Incl. Boat Trip and Transfers: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Mellieha.
How much does The Three Fortified Cities of Malta Half Day Tour Incl. Boat Trip and Transfers cost?
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Prices start at $46 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 The Three Fortified Cities of Malta Half Day Tour Incl. Boat Trip and Transfers 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 The Three Fortified Cities of Malta Half Day Tour Incl. Boat Trip and Transfers worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 161 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Mellieha, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule The Three Fortified Cities of Malta Half Day Tour Incl. Boat Trip and Transfers?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is The Three Fortified Cities of Malta Half Day Tour Incl. Boat Trip and Transfers 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 The Three Fortified Cities of Malta Half Day Tour Incl. Boat Trip and Transfers?
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Around 56 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 The Three Fortified Cities of Malta Half Day Tour Incl. Boat Trip and Transfers 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 The Three Fortified Cities of Malta Half Day Tour Incl. Boat Trip and Transfers?
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Included: Pick-up and drop-off transfers (choose your preferred location from one of our meeting poi; Boat tour of the harbour creeks on a traditional Maltese carvel-built fishing boat; and Licenced tour guide. Not included: Food and drinks; and Gratuities (optional). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does The Three Fortified Cities of Malta Half Day Tour Incl. Boat Trip and Transfers include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 57 listed pickup locations in and around Mellieha. Be ready about 90 minutes before the start time.
What languages is The Three Fortified Cities of Malta Half Day Tour Incl. Boat Trip and Transfers offered in?
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It is offered in German, English, Italian, French and Spanish. 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 The Three Fortified Cities of Malta Half Day Tour Incl. Boat Trip and Transfers?
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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 The Three Fortified Cities of Malta Half Day Tour Incl. Boat Trip and Transfers wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Not suitable for travellers with mobility impairments. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to The Three Fortified Cities of Malta Half Day Tour Incl. Boat Trip and Transfers 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: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about The Three Fortified Cities of Malta Half Day Tour Incl. Boat Trip and Transfers?
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Across 161 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
What booking options are available for The Three Fortified Cities of Malta Half Day Tour Incl. Boat Trip and Transfers?
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There are 5 options to choose from, including With Spanish-Speaking Guide, With French-Speaking Guide, With German-Speaking Guide, With English-Speaking Guide. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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