MALTA AND GOZO, SPRINGTIME HIKING - 4-STAR HOTEL (MARCH 21 - 25)

Let's visit Malta and Gozo for some hiking fun in the spring sunshine!

Nights - 4. Accommodation - 4 star hotel - half board.

Cost - £399 for twin (or double) share and £479 for single occupancy (double room for single use).

The Maltese islands of Malta and Gozo lie in the heart of the Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast and have a history stretching back seven millennia.

Malta may be a small country, but it packs in plenty of diversity for hikers. A combination of dramatic coastlines, lush countryside with exotic flora, colourful villages, and unique historic sites makes walking on Malta and Gozo exceptionally varied and fascinating.

On this trip we will explore some of the best sights and natural features these small, but versatile islands have to offer, from spectacular clifftop trails and beautiful beaches to megalithic temples and medieval watchtowers.

Spring is the perfect time to hike in Malta, when the climate is moderate and the entire island is in bloom. Vibrant colours blanket the Maltese countryside with a backdrop of azure Mediterranean waters.

Join us to discover the beauty of Malta and Gozo on an exhilarating spring hiking adventure!

ACCOMMODATION:

We have booked modern and comfortable twin/double and single occupancy rooms in the 4-star Solana Hotel & Spa. Our lovely hotel is set in Malta’s scenic north, within the vibrant village of Mellieħa.

All rooms have balconies and the hotel has four inviting pools, a spa with sauna and gym. The rooftop terrace offers panoramic rooftop vistas and breath-taking sunsets.

ITINERARY:

Fri 21/03 - Arrival in Malta. Rooms ready for check in from 3PM.

Sat 22/03 - Hike from our hotel to Mġarr along scenic and dramatic cliffs. Our route passes Golden Bay (one of the country's most popular beaches) and a viewpoint to see the famous Victoria Lines, a historic defensive wall that runs across Malta (20km, 420m up/down).

Sun 23/03 - Hike from the famous Blue Grotto, a complex of sea caves, (transfer from hotel to start of hike included) to Rabat and the fortified medieval town of Mdina. Offering more splendid coastal views including the famous Dingli Cliffs, highlights on this walk include Ħaġar Qim, a megalithic temple complex over 5000 years old, the Buskett Gardens park and Verdala Palace, official residence of the President of Malta (18km, 520m up, 420m down).

Mon 24/03 - We will take the scenic ferry ride across to the captivating island of Gozo. Our hike from Mġarr harbour takes us along the beautiful rugged west coast to Xlendi Bay, a picturesque and popular seaside town (13.5km, 400m up/down). Those up for a longer walk can continue along the rocky coastline to San Lawrenz, via the interesting Dwerja Bay (an extra 8km with 330m up/210 down).

Tue 25/03 - Trip finish, check out from the hotel by 11AM.

DIFFICULTY:

Hikes on this trip are moderate but the terrain can sometimes be rocky and uneven. You will need the fitness to cover up to about 12 miles with 500m of ascent and descent.

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• 4 nights twin/double or single occupancy (double for single use) accommodation in a 4 star hotel (on a half board basis)
• 4 buffet style breakfasts
• 4 buffet style dinners
• An itinerary of organised hikes
• 1 transfer to hike start (hotel to Blue Grotto)
• Trip organiser
• Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

• Lunches
• Flights and airport transfers (see below)
• Any other transport to/from hikes not mentioned above. We will take local public transport where possible (buses plus ferry to Gozo) and/or share affordable taxis (Bolt is widely used)
• Entry fees
• Travel Insurance

FLIGHTS AND AIRPORT TRANSFERS:

There are numerous convenient flights to Malta from the UK with options from/to multiple London airports with KM Malta Airlines, Easyjet, British Airways and Ryanair. Please use Skyscanner to find the most suitable flights for you.

In order to give everyone the flexibility to choose the flights most convenient for them (or decide to extend their stay) we have not included airport transfers.

There is a direct airport bus (X10) between the airport and the hotel (bus stop is 250 away) and local taxis are also affordable. It will be easy to take the bus to our hotel and anyone on the same flights can also team up and share taxis together.

HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:

To confirm your place on this trip please send payment through online banking and use MALTA as your payment reference. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. The account details are:

Account Name: EPIC ADVENTURE CLUB LTD
Sort Code: 08-92-50
Account Number: 63235003

Please email [email protected] as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)