Dubai to Sliema, Malta: A 7-Day Cultural and Coastal Getaway

Day 1: Arrival & Sliema Stroll

Sliema, Malta on August 25, 2025

9:00am

Arrival at Malta International Airport and Transfer to The Howard Hotel

Arrive at Malta International Airport and take a taxi or shuttle to The Howard Hotel in Sliema, your comfortable base for the trip.
EUR30, 1h0m

11:00am

Breakfast at Café Cuba

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Café Cuba located in Sliema, famous for fresh coffee and Mediterranean-inspired breakfast dishes.
EUR12, 1h0m

12:30pm

Explore Sliema Promenade

Walk along Sliema's beautiful promenade overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, with shops and cafes to explore at a leisurely pace.
Free, 2h0m

3:00pm

Visit The Point Shopping Mall

Browse through The Point, Malta's largest shopping mall, offering retail, dining, and entertainment options.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Ta' Kris Restaurant

Dine at Ta' Kris, a traditional Maltese restaurant serving local dishes made with fresh ingredients; perfect introduction to Maltese cuisine.
EUR25, 2h0m

Day 2: Valletta Exploration

Valletta, Malta on August 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Howard Hotel

Enjoy a continental breakfast offered by your hotel to start your day.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Bus to Valletta

Take the bus from Sliema to Valletta; the journey offers great views and takes about 20 minutes.
EUR2, 0h20m

9:30am

Upper Barrakka Gardens

Visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens for panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and historic fortifications.
Free, 1h0m

10:45am

St. John's Co-Cathedral

Explore the stunning baroque cathedral, famous for its intricate interior and Caravaggio paintings.
EUR15, 1h15m

12:15pm

Lunch at Nenu The Artisan Baker

Enjoy traditional Maltese dishes like Ftira (local bread) in a cozy Valletta eatery with authentic flavor.
EUR20, 1h30m

2:00pm

National Museum of Archaeology

Discover Malta's prehistoric heritage including artifacts from Neolithic temples.
EUR10, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Sliema

Take the bus back to your hotel in Sliema to relax after a full day of sightseeing.
EUR2, 0h20m

7:30pm

Dinner at the Surfside Bar and Grill

Dine by the sea at Surfside Bar and Grill, offering great seafood and Mediterranean dishes with a casual ambiance.
EUR30, 2h0m

Day 3: Historic Mdina & Rabat

Mdina & Rabat, Malta on August 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a hearty hotel breakfast before heading out for the day.
Included, 1h0m

8:45am

Drive to Mdina

Take a taxi or rent a car to Mdina, the 'Silent City' known for its medieval streets and architecture (approx. 30 min).
EUR25 (taxi), 0h30m

9:30am

Walk the Mdina Old City

Explore the fortified city’s narrow alleys, ancient palaces, and breathtaking views from the bastions.
Free, 2h0m

11:45am

Visit St. Paul's Catacombs in Rabat

Tour the early Christian underground burial sites notable for their historical and archaeological significance.
EUR5, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Fontanella Tea Garden

Enjoy lunch and famous cakes with panoramic views from Mdina’s city walls.
EUR18, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Mdina Cathedral Museum

See religious art and artifacts housed within the historic cathedral museum.
EUR5, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Sliema

Travel back to Sliema to rest before dinner.
EUR25 (taxi), 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Palazzo Preca

Savor refined Maltese and Mediterranean cuisine in one of Sliema’s popular fine-dining restaurants.
EUR35, 2h0m

Day 4: Gozo Island Adventure

Gozo, Malta on August 28, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast to prepare for a full day trip to Gozo island.
Included, 1h0m

7:30am

Ferry to Gozo from Cirkewwa

Take a taxi to Cirkewwa and catch the ferry to Gozo; enjoy scenic views during the 25-minute crossing.
EUR5 ferry + EUR20 taxi, 1h30m

9:15am

Visit Ġgantija Temples

Explore the ancient megalithic temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back over 5,500 years.
EUR10, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Victoria (Rabat) Citadel

Walk around the fortified Citadel perched above Gozo’s capital city with fascinating museums and stunning views.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ta’ Karolina

Relish fresh seafood dishes at this authentic Gozo restaurant near the waterfront in Marsalforn.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Relax at Ramla Bay Beach

Spend a few leisurely hours at Ramla Bay, famous for its red sand beach and clear waters.
Free, 2h30m

5:45pm

Return to Malta and Sliema

Take the ferry and taxi back to The Howard Hotel to unwind after the day’s adventure.
EUR5 ferry + EUR20 taxi, 1h30m

8:00pm

Light Dinner: Dinner at Mint

Enjoy a casual dinner featuring creative Mediterranean dishes ideal after a long day.
EUR28, 1h30m

Day 5: Leisure & Fort Exploration

Sliema, Malta on August 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Paper Moon Café

Start your day with a hearty breakfast including pastries and excellent coffee in a popular café in Sliema.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Beach Day at Fond Ghadir Beach

Relax on the sandy beach and swim in the crystal-clear waters just a short walk from your hotel.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Il-Merill

Taste traditional Maltese and Mediterranean dishes in a charming local restaurant near Sliema seafront.
EUR20, 1h15m

2:30pm

Visit Fort Tigné

Explore this 18th-century coastal fort with panoramic views and learn about Malta’s military history.
Free, 1h30m

4:15pm

Coffee Break at The Coffee Bar

Enjoy a relaxing coffee or gelato at this popular spot while watching the promenade activity.
EUR8, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gululu Restaurant

Savor authentic Maltese cuisine with a great atmosphere, including specialties like rabbit stew and pastizzi.
EUR30, 2h0m

Day 6: Southern Malta Gems

Marsaxlokk & Blue Grotto, Malta on August 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast at The Howard Hotel to get ready for your day trip.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Marsaxlokk Fishing Village

Take a taxi or bus to Marsaxlokk, Malta’s charming fishing village famous for its colorful luzzu boats and fish market.
EUR15 taxi or EUR5 bus, 0h40m

9:15am

Stroll Marsaxlokk Market

Explore the lively Sunday fish market and enjoy the local atmosphere with waterfront views.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Blue Grotto Boat Tour

Take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto sea caves, famous for their stunning blue waters and natural beauty (open 9am-5pm).
EUR12, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Tartarun Restaurant

Experience exquisite seafood dining in Marsaxlokk with a beautiful sea view.
EUR28, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Hagar Qim Temples

Tour the prehistoric megalithic temple site set on the scenic southern coast (open 9am-7pm).
EUR10, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Sliema

Head back to Sliema to rest and freshen up at the hotel before dinner.
EUR15 taxi, 0h40m

7:00pm

Dinner at Alessandro Restaurant

Enjoy Italian and Mediterranean dishes with a cozy ambiance close to your hotel.
EUR30, 2h0m

Day 7: Relax & Departure

Sliema, Malta on August 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a relaxing final breakfast at The Howard Hotel to enjoy the last morning in Malta.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Leisurely morning walk along Sliema promenade

Take a gentle stroll to soak up the seaside atmosphere, visit local shops or take photos.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Check out from The Howard Hotel and Taxi to Malta Airport

Prepare for your departure and take a taxi for the 20-minute ride back to Malta International Airport.
EUR30, 0h30m