Discovering Gozo

Code: DISGOZO

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Every Monday and Friday, an opportunity awaits to step away from the bustling energy of Malta and immerse yourself in the unique character of its sister island, Gozo. Just a short twenty-minute ferry ride separates the two, yet upon arrival, you’ll be immediately struck by Gozo’s distinct personality. While sharing a similar history and developmental path, Gozo boasts a greener, more picturesque landscape, punctuated by its iconic three hills. This day trip offers a captivating journey through the heart of this enchanting island.

Our adventure begins with a visit to The National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu, a magnificent Roman Catholic basilica and a national shrine. Perched on the edge of a cliff just outside the village of Gharb, the basilica not only offers a spiritual sanctuary but also breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The serene atmosphere and stunning vista make it a truly memorable experience.

Next, we travel to Dwejra Bay, a place of dramatic beauty and historical significance. While the iconic Azure Window, a natural arch, succumbed to the sea in 2017, the area still holds a captivating charm. Here you’ll witness the striking Inland Sea and the imposing Il-Gebla tal-General (Fungus Rock). If the weather allows, you might even choose to embark on a short boat ride, allowing for a unique perspective of the rugged coastline.

No trip to Gozo is complete without a visit to a Crafts Shop. This is a treasure trove of local artistry, showcasing exquisite stonework, marble creations, traditional culinary delights, delicate Gozitan lace, and a diverse array of other handcrafted items. This is the perfect place to find a special souvenir, a tangible reminder of your unforgettable Gozo experience.

The journey continues to Victoria, the capital city of Gozo. Officially named Victoria in 1897 by the British in honor of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee (a name proposed by the Bishop of Malta), locals still frequently refer to it by its former name, Rabat. This vibrant city, situated atop a hill near the island’s center, has been inhabited since Neolithic times. The heart of Victoria is dominated by The Cittadella, a historic fortified city. Also known as The Citadel, it’s a testament to the island’s rich heritage and is under consideration by UNESCO to be added to their list of World Heritage Sites. Within the Cittadella’s walls, you’ll find an old prison and the Courts of Justice. Here, you’ll have free time to explore and find a delicious spot for lunch, immersing yourself in the local atmosphere.

As our day draws to a close, we’ll drive towards Mgarr Port, taking a scenic detour through Qala Belvedere. Prepare to be amazed by the breath-taking views from this vantage point, offering one last panoramic sweep of Gozo’s stunning landscape. Finally, we’ll take a short ferry crossing back to Malta, where you will be dropped off at your hotel, leaving you with cherished memories of Gozo’s unique charm and beauty.

PICK UP POINTS:

MELIEHA – SEABANK HOTEL 09:00

GOLDEN BAY – APPLE’S PIE 08:50

ST PAUL’S BAY -TOPAZ HOTEL , Gillieru hotel 08:30

BUGIBBA – HSBC BANK BUGIBBA SQUARE, QAWRA CHURCH, DOLMEN HOTEL, SANTANA HOTEL 08:35

QAWRA – BELA VISTA HOTEL, SUNCREAST HOTEL 08:40

ST. JULIAN’S – SPRACHCAFFE PEMBROKE, ROUNDABOUT NEAR CORINTHIA SAN GORG, PARANGA RESTAURANT ST. GEORGES BAY, WESTIN DRAGONARA HOTEL, DRAGONARA CASINO ARCH, OPPOSITE WEMBLEY GARAGE,MC DONADLS ST. JULIANS,BALLUTTA BAS STOP OPPOSITE THE CHURCH 08:15

SLIEMA – CARLTON HOTEL,DIPLOMAT HOTEL, PRELUNA HOTEL, BAYVIEW, MALTASIGHTSEEING TERMINUS (opposite Mc Donalds) 08:00

After a twenty minute crossing, on setting foot in Gozo you will note that although both islands are similar in history and development, Gozo has a character entirely of its own. Gozo, which is a three hilled island, is greener and more picturesque than Malta. During this tour you will visit The National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu which is a Roman Catholic basilica and national shrine located 700 metres from the village of Gharb. The basilica is located in the edge of a cliff in open countryside which allows visitors to enjoy beautiful views of the area. You will then visit Dwejra Bay where you could see until 8th March 2017, a natural arch featuring a table-like rock over the sea. Here, you will also see The Inland Sea & il-Gebla tal-General. If weather permits, you can also purchase a short boat ride. A visit to a Crafts Shop is a must. At this shop you will see stone works, marble, traditional food, local lace and many other items. This is the perfect place where you can buy a souvenir which will remind you of Gozo. You will then visit Victoria which is the capital of Gozo. Victoria is the name given in 1897 by the British government on the occasion of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, at the request of the Bishop of Malta, Mons. Sir Pietro Pace. However Gozitans still often refer to it by its old name, Rabat. The area around Victoria, situated on a hill near the centre of the island has been settled since Neolithic times. In the centre of Victoria lies The Cittadella, a historic fortified city. The Cittadella also called at The Citadel, is on Malta’s tentative list of future World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, who describes it as a small fortified town. An old prison is located within the city, as are the Courts of Justice. After this visit you will stop for lunch in a restaurant in Rabat. Finally you will drive to Mgarr Port via Qala Belvedere where breath-taking scenes can be enjoyed. You will then have a short ferry crossing back to Malta and will be dropped-off at your hotel.

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Rated 5 out of 5

Mira – 30 May 2023

My husband and I were on Malta in the middle of May. Marina meet us at the arrival and was very cheerful and friendly. She helped us to choose what is the most important to see in 5 days we spent there. Also, she was always available and made our stay in Malta relaxing and full of activities.
Gozo was our first choice and it was amazing: church in Ta’Pinu, unbelievable blue water, beautiful silver jewelry made by local people, patisseries with ricotta cheese…That day was perfect and Marina made it possible for us.
I hope we will return soon and discover a lot of places we didn’t manage visit now.
With Marina’s help of course.
- Marina Stevancevic – 30 May 2023
  
  It was my pleasure to host such a great people. Best regards and thank you for such a positive review
Rated 5 out of 5

Uros – 13 May 2023

Dear Leona Travel, after returning from Malta, the impressions subsided, so I would like to address you in this way and write a few sentences. I would like to thank you for allowing us to get to know Malta as it really is Thank you for showing us part of the beauty that Malta has and allowing us to record beautiful memories and take pictures of beautiful scenes, which will adorn our albums and the walls of our homes. I owe a special thanks to our guide Marina. Marina, thank you, thank you for being our guide through Malta, our GPS, our encyclopedia, thank you for every minute of your time, thank you for every word spoken. I’ll see you soon, I’m sure. I would like to attach a couple of photos and once again express a big thank you. Thank you
Rated 5 out of 5

Glenda – 10 October 2020

My husband and I did this tour, it was an amazing day, we were picked up outside our hotel and taken to the ferry and dropped back at the end of the day.
Loved visiting the citadel it was amazing, there are so many great places to explore in Gozo. Went to the Azure window even though it’s no longer there you still get the fantastic views and the power of the sea is just stunning. Rabat was very quaint, loved exploring the local shops had lunch at one of the local restaurants, the local food was lovely.
Ta’ Pinu was beautiful. Great tour would definitely recommend doing it.