The experiences in Malta that most visitors never get to have

Priority access to the ancient world’s most restricted archaeological site. An invitation-only WWII collection led by an academic. A Malta that exists beyond the postcards – if you travel with the right operator

To truly get to know a place, you have to get away from the guidebook. That can be easier said than done when you have limited time and a multitude of options. It’s particularly true of a destination like Malta, a sun-drenched Mediterranean archipelago just south of Italy which sports some of Europe’s richest history.

With origins dating back to roughly 6400 BCE, and centuries marked by successive occupations under the Phoenicians, Ottomans, French and British, Malta has earned a reputation as a historic destination to rival even the most celebrated ancient civilisations. 

But to experience its most impressive treasures is not guaranteed, with the most significant sites often booked up months in advance. Thankfully, when you travel with Ormina Tours, you’ll visit in the knowledge that you won’t have to queue for entry, miss out on a city’s best sites or wait your turn to examine those captivating artefacts. Ormina’s exclusive access tours are exactly that, and in Malta, that means visiting places and seeing things that few others will.

Take one of the country’s most prized sites: the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum. This 5,000-year-old, 500-square-metre burial complex is hidden beneath the streets of Paola, just five miles south of Valletta, and was one of Malta’s first entries into the UNESCO World Heritage list. 

Today, visitors flock to its ancient passages and chambers to witness evidence of a civilization which lived between 6,000 and 3,500 years ago, living, dying and worshipping in a complex built before even the Great Pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge. On its accidental discovery in 1902, the hypogeum revealed a wealth of priceless artefacts, from human bones and pottery to figurines which would go on to become synonymous with the country, such as the Sleeping Lady of Malta, a 5,000-year-old Neolithic clay model. 

Precisely because it’s one of the world’s most historic monuments, the hypogeum is popular, meaning tickets are often sold out months in advance (they’re restricted to 80 per day) and leaving many travellers disappointed. If you travel with Ormina Tours, however, you’ll benefit from the company’s longstanding local relationships and knowledge, meaning that even if tickets are unavailable, you’ll get access to stand-by tickets, dramatically increasing your chances of accessing an ancient site few people ever get to see.  You’ll hear from a specialist historian about how the singular structure was built alongside the secrets the mysterious chambers still hold today.

If modern history is more your speed, something special awaits you too. Malta’s role in both World Wars was considerable, the tiny islands serving as a prominent military base for the Allies and suffering some of the biggest bombardments of the whole conflict. Marks of its heroics are everywhere, from the Lascaris War Rooms and Mosta’s broken church dome (complete with unexploded bomb) to the claustrophobic corridors of air raid shelters tunnelled across the islands;  World War Two aficionados will have their fill. But top of the list should be Ormina Tour’s WWII Insider Experience. 

On this two hour-long experience, Ormina Tour guests are given access to a private collection of wartime artefacts held within the National War Museum in Fort St Elmo, at the tip of Valletta’s distinctive headland. After taking in the majesty of the fort’s storied walls and browsing the museum’s extensive exhibitions (which include original armour from the Knights of St John and the George Cross which was awarded by the King of England in 1942) guests will be invited into a section off limits to general ticket holders. Here, a military historian will tell stories of what Maltese life looked like during the war, relate tales of heroism from locals and soldiers and explain just how the Allies succeeded in fending off the Axis powers. The WWII Insider Experience gives guests a deeper look into Malta’s impressive history via photographs, medals and personal effects belonging to those who risked their lives.

Drawn to Malta’s monumental history? Thankfully it’s easy to enjoy as Malta is only a short flight from Europe, so bolting it onto a European trip is simple. Let us know what interests you about Malta with our quick survey.

When you think of Malta as a holiday destination, which of the following best describes your reaction?

• Excited to visit
• Curious to learn more
• Interested but not sure what there is to do
• Feels busy or overwhelming
• Not currently on my travel radar

What most interests you about visiting Malta?

• Food and dining
• Culture and heritage
• Shopping
• Nature and outdoor experiences
• Major events (e.g. Malta International food Festival)
• Family attractions
• Nightlife and entertainment 

How likely are you to choose Malta for a future trip?

• Likely
• Maybe/Unsure
• Unlikely
• Very likely