Private Maltese Historic Homes and Palazzos Private Tour

Private Maltese Historic Homes and Palazzos Tour (Valletta, Casa Rocca Piccola)
Excursion Highlights:
  • Experience the breathtaking panoramic views of Malta's natural harbors from the Upper Barrakka Gardens in the capital city, Valletta.
  • Discover the richness of Maltese history with a guided tour of Casa Rocca Piccola, a 16th-century palazzo that's still occupied today.
  • Marvel at the opulence of Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar, famed for its frescoes, mirrored walls, extravagant gilding, and picturesque landscaped gardens.
  • Savor local delicacies and tour Palazzo Falson, one of Mdina's oldest buildings, brimming with unique art objects and historical artifacts.
  • Stroll through the narrow streets of Mdina, appreciating the Sicolo-Norman architecture and astonishing views from the city's bastions.
From $170.00/person to $840.00/person (Select "Individuals" below) Price varies based on number of individuals in your group
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Summary
Shore Excursion Size ? Private
Shore Excursion Type Private Sightseeing
Shore Excursion Duration 7 Hours
Activity Level ? Moderate
Shore Excursion Leaves From ? Cruise Ship Pier
Food/Beverage Provided A tasting of local specialties is included.
Recommended Dress We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and sensible, flat-soled walking shoes. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are suggested.
Restrictions Guests must be able to walk over paved as well as cobblestone surfaces, many of which are uneven. There are steps at several locations during the tour.

Private Maltese Historic Homes and Palazzos Private Tour

Leaving the pier, you will be driven to the capital city Valletta, where you will first visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens for a panoramic view of Malta's natural harbors and the historic cities of Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa.

Next, proceed to Casa Rocca Piccola, a small 16th-century palazzo. It is not a museum, but the actual private home of the De Piro family, and one of the last private Valletta palaces still occupied today. Upon arrival, you will be taken on a guided tour through the chapel, library, four-poster bedroom, 2 dining rooms, 3 drawing rooms, a collections exhibition and a WWII-era underground bomb shelter.

From Valletta you will proceed to the village of Naxxar, where you will visit Palazzo Parisio, an outstanding example of Maltese opulence. The interiors are rich with frescoes, magnificent marble, mirrored walls, trompes de l'oeil, paintings, and extravagant gilding. The landscaped gardens further reflect the splendor of this gracious home.

Then drive to Mdina, Malta's former capital, where you will visit Palazzo Falson, one of the oldest buildings in Mdina. Here you will first have the opportunity to taste some local specialties in the Palazzo's own cafeteria. Afterwards, you will tour this fascinating Palazzo, which was bought by Olof Frederick Gollcher OBE in 1927, a great philanthropist and an artistic man who was an ardent collector of objets d'art and historical relics. The palazzo and its contents have been recently restored to their former glory, thus fulfilling Gollcher's wish by bringing to the general public this unique and extraordinary treasure-trove.

From Palazzo Falson, you will take a short walk through the narrow streets of Mdina that will enable you to appreciate the fine Sicolo-Norman architecture of this old city's buildings and admire the panoramic view from the bastions. Following your guided tour you will return to your transport for the drive back to the ship.

Please Note: Casa Rocca Piccola is closed on Sundays and Palazzo Falson is closed on Mondays. On either day, the Grand Master's Palace State Rooms will be visited in place of the closed palazzo. The order in which the sites are visited may change according to the logistical needs of the day.