Malta - independently or through an excursion

[columbusnj]

I'm taking a Med cruise in September and one of the stops is Malta. We'll be there from 8am to 6pm.

Is it doable to tour Malta on our own - independently or would we be better offer doing an excursion either through the ship or privately?

I've read some postings that say Malta is difficult to do independently.

[uktog]

If you can hire a car it is really doable - go up to Mdina, Mosta and then drive around the costal vilages. The local buses are something else - lovely old buses full of character but not known for running to their timetable :)

[twoputt.plusone]

Whether it's difficult or not depends on what you want to do. We were there last fall and did it on our own and had a wonderful time. We saw the Temples of Tarxien, toured the Hypogeum and wandered around Valletta. Maybe if you're wandering further afield, you might want to hire a guide but you certainly don't need one if you're planning to stay near town. My best recommendation would be to do your research and plan according to your own comfort level. Either way - have a great time!

 

2P.P1

[columbusnj]

Did you take the bus or rent a car?

[taxatty]

We had an excellent private tour experience with this company, and it surprisingly wasn't too expensive for a guide AND a private car/driver--much cheaper than a similar tour in Italy.

 

http://www.maltatravelnet.com/malta_tours_and_cruises.htm

 

Les

[columbusnj]

Thanks for the info

[twoputt.plusone]

Did you take the bus or rent a car?

 

We used the public bus. The main terminal area is right at the top of the hill near the pier. It was convenient, went where we needed to go and was inexpensive. All the drivers we had spoke fluent English, so getting directions was easy.

 

2P.P1

[itsjb1]

We used Joan Sheridan of Malta Travelnet as our driver and guide in July 2007. We had a wonderful day with her. She is charming and is also very knowledgeable. We spent time in Valetta, Mdina , the Terxian Temples and a fishing village for lunch.