We invite you to join us on this amazing spiritual adventure on the exquisite Mediterranean island of Malta. Learn more about the story of the Apostle Paul and where he lived, preached and witnessed to the people of Malta during his 3-month stay after the ship that carried him was shipwrecked on it's way to Rome.
Along the way Pastor Doug will travel with you sharing stories, discussions and studing His word as you visit some of the greatest ruins of the ancient world, enjoy delicious cuisine and the extraordinarily beautiful scenery of this fascinating island country. Experience the joys of traveling the world together in Christian fellowship and discover a deeper connection to your faith.
Itinerary
Day 1 Depart U.S.A.
Day 2 Arrive Valetta, Malta
Upon arrival at Malta International airport, you will collect your luggage and be met for your group private transfer to the luxurious Dolmen Hotel and Spa located on the water's edge overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, where you will stay for the next 5-nights.
Day 3 Valetta (Breakfast)
Visit Valetta, Malta’s capital, a World Heritage site nothing short of an open-air museum! Our guide will lead us on a walking tour through this vibrant and colorful city sharing the history and important landmarks includinga visit to St. John's Co-Cathedral- dedicated to St. John the Baptist. (Admission fees payable onsite approx. 15Euro). Afterwards we return to the hotel.
If time permits, consider a cruise on St. Paul’s Bay to the island where the shipwreck is said to have occurred. This can be arranged onsite on your own.
Day 4 Mdina, Rabat (Breakfast)
This morning we travel inland to Mdina and visit St. Paul’s square, the Cathedral and Museum. We continue to Rabat to see St. Paul’s Church and Grotto where the Apostle lived during his three-month stay on Malta (Acts 28:7-10) after the ship that carried him, Luke and Aristarchus were shipwrecked here on its way to Rome. Next, we visit St. Paul’s Catacombs and the Roman Villa to see the well-preserved mosaics. Paul quickly became known as a “healer” as described in the story of the snake incident (Acts 28:3-6). Along our drive we’ll see small wayside chapels which distinctly dot and mark the Maltese landscape. One of which is San Pawl Milqi, where Paul is said to have baptized the Maltese. (Admission payable onsite 20Euro)
Day 5 Gozo (Breakfast)
After a short twenty-minute ferry crossing you will reach Mġarr Harbour, which immediately sets the pace to Gozo’s unique atmosphere. Your guide will lead you around the Megalithic temples of Ggantija, the oldest free-standing monuments in the world, pre-dating the Pyramids of Egypt. This will be followed by visits to the medieval citadel in Victoria, the fjord-like bay at Xlendi and Dwejra with its dramatic coastal formations. Gozo is well-known for its crafts, particularly handmade lace and knitted garments. Visitors will be impressed with the island’s splendid countryside, its serene atmosphere, and how different it is from the larger island of Malta. (Admission fees payable onsite approx. 10Euro)
Day 6 Antiquities of Malta, Blue Grotto (Breakfast)
The tour begins with a visit to one of Malta’s oldest Limestone quarries to learn about one of Malta’s leading skills dating back thousands of years. The magic of Malta’s antiquity will be explained at Hagar Qim, Malta’s main pre-historic site, overlooking the wide expanse of the blue Mediterranean and the islet of Filfla. From here you will proceed to Wied iz-Zurrieq where (weather permitting) you can take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto, renowned for its crystal-clear waters. After time for a lunch break, you will drive through the local vineyards to the idyllic fishing village of Marsaxlokk. You will have time to stroll through the local market set out on its waterfront. Afterwards, proceed to the cave at Ghar Dalam where archaeologists have unearthed ample proof that Malta once formed part of the European landmass. (Admission fees payable onsite approx. 35Euro)
Day 7 Departure to USA (B) This morning our group will transfer from our hotel to the airport for our return flight to the U.S.A.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS- All travelers must travel with a valid passport, valid for at least 6-months beyond the return travel date. Non US passport holders contact LT for credentials required to travel to the countries included in this tour. LT reserves the right to alter itinerary if necessary. Please read our LT Booking Agreement Terms and Conditions of Travel including cancellation and change policy.
Country and company protocols around COVID-19 can and likely will continue to change between the time a customer books and the travel date. Here are the current regulations and requirements for travel to Malta and return to USA as pertains to Corona Virus.
LutherTours requires travelers to complete and sign a Travel Well Pledge which confirms that you have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and passed a PCR COVID-19 test within 72-hours of arrival of your destination, that you are free of virus-related symptoms, and that you have not been in close contact with anyone diagnosed with Covid-19.
Entry to Malta
Fully vaccinated* travelers from the 39 approved states in the USA including Virginia, District of Columbia and Maryland travelling to Malta are required to be in possession, prior to boarding the aircraft in the USA, of a CDC vaccination certificate, a completed Passenger Locator and Health Declaration Form-
visit https://www.maltairport.com/covid19/arrival together with a negative result of a COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test taken not later than 72 hours before arriving in Malta.
Travelers can arrange for this specific test with their local clinic, health care provider, doctor for the departure to Malta.
For additional details visit Malta Visitors https://www.mta.com.mt/en/covid-19
*People are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.
For re-entry into the USA
Passengers are required to get tested no more than 3 days before you travel by air into the USA and show your negative result of a COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 3 days prior to arrival in the USA, to the airline before you board your flight to return to the USA. For example, if a passenger’s flight is at 1pm on a Monday, the passenger could board with a negative test that was taken any time on the prior Friday or after. Location, day and cost of test in Malta to be advised.
For additional details visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html
International travel poses additional risks and even fully vaccinated travelers are at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading new COVID -19 variants.
Covid -19 regulations in Malta as of June 01, 2021
As regulations change you will be updated.
Guests must have their own face masks and/or visors and should be encouraged to carry their own sanitizer gel or wipes.
Guests must wear face masks and/or visors at all times, except when sitting in a restaurant, or on the beach.
Guests should maintain social distance of 2 meters when waiting / queueing for entries, boat or flight board.
Guests should not sit next to coach driver unless there is a physical separation (Perspex screen) on coaches, or sit in the row of seats immediately behind the driver/guide.
Guests to retain the same seat during the entire service.
Guests should maintain a social distance of 2 meters from any person outside their group when following the guide’s explanation during the excursion.
Guide and guests will comply with the specific protocols applicable for any sites / museums /restaurants which are included in the itinerary.
Restaurants can have a maximum of 6 people at each table.
These are subject to change, by September. You will be advised of updated measures as they are announced.
TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES
Pr. Doug will accompany the group throughout the journey sharing stories and studying His word
Relaxed Pace, time for reflection and spiritual inspiration
Group Airport Transfers upon arrival and departure
Private Transportation and English-speaking Professional Guide for Sightseeing as indicated
5-Nights First-Class 4* star Dolmen Hotel Seaview Accommodations with Private Bathroom
Breakfast Daily and Hotel Tax
Life Enriching Activities, Spiritual and Cultural Experiences
All Sightseeing including Private Guide as indicated in the itinerary (admission fees payable on site)
See details below regarding COVID- 19 travel requirements, regulations while in Malta, and return to USA
TOUR PRICE
$990 Per Person based on Double Occupancy (2 per room)
$180 Additional for Single Occupancy
Tour price subject to currency fluctuation. Itinerary and accommodations subject to change if necessary.
PAYMENT
Nonrefundable Deposit $350 per person
Balance due July 21, 2021
TOUR LEVEL: MODERATE ACTIVE TRAVELER, WALKING SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Most sightseeing tours are walking tours and the historic sites you will visit date back hundreds of years and may not provide such amenities as elevators and ramps for the physically challenged. If you or you will be traveling with someone who has special needs (use a wheelchair, walker), hearing or visually impaired please contact LutherTours.
NOT INCLUDED
Gratuities for the professional local guides, van driver; Passport fee, Visa fee for non-US passport holders; Expenses associated with tests or other necessary requirements pertaining to COVID-19, Meals and beverages not listed in itinerary; Personal items such as internet, Wi-Fi charges, phone calls, admission fees (subject to change) payable onsite as indicated in itinerary.
Are You Prepared? There are many travel insurance companies available for your consideration. Consider a Travel Guard policy with Cancellation, Interrruption and Medical Insuranace- learn more about the benefits of purchasing a Travel Guard Travel Insurance plan.
Consider the broadest form of travel insurance coverage available. A written declinations of travel insurance will be required by LutherTours before departure. Returning to the U.S. may not be as easy as it has been, it is possible travelers may be barred from re-entry — and that the added travel costs will be your responsibility.
AIRFARE AND FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE
Airfare is available from most cities nationwide and is separate from the tour cost. If you would like assistance with purchasing flight arrangements, contact LutherTours.
We continue to monitor the situation around the globe and as the situation improves/changes we will make adjustments accordingly and issue updated tour departure announcements. Mandates and rules for travel can change on a dime. Please be prepared for the unexpected. In this time of uncertainty, travelers must be prepared for changes and possibility of denied entry by a supplier (a museum or cultural landmark, for example).