Prehistoric Temples, The Limestone Heritage & The Blue Grotto (Half Day)

Description

Join us on this fascinating guided tour of Ħaġar Qim Temples, the Limestone Heritage Park & Gardens, and the Blue Grotto, carefully designed to make your experience truly memorable. We start by visiting one of Malta's oldest quarries, which has been transformed into an attraction for tourists and locals alike.

Located in the traditional Maltese village of Siġġiewi, the Limestone Heritage Park & Gardens is an innovative and award-winning attraction that will take you on a journey of discovery, where history and nature blend together to give you a unique experience. Relish the opportunity to immerse yourselves in the islands’ eclectic history through an engaging audio-visual presentation and a very informative audio-guided walk-through. This attraction offers immense insight into the islands’ compelling history and broad culture.

From here, we will proceed to visit the megalithic temple complex of Ħaġar Qim, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. The complex is located on the southern edge of the island on a hilltop overlooking the sea and the islet of Filfa. These temples are among the most ancient religious sites on Earth and are described by the World Heritage Sites Committee as “unique architectural masterpieces” dating back to c. 3600–3200 BC; they are over 5000 years old, predating the pyramids of Egypt by approximately 1000 years!

The site consists of a central building and the remains of at least two more structures. The large forecourt and the monumental façade of the central structure follow the pattern typical of Maltese prehistoric temples. Along the external wall, one may find some of the largest megaliths used in the building of these structures, such as a 5.2-meter-high stone and a huge megalith estimated to weigh close to 20 tonnes. Our experienced guide will give you a detailed insight into the temples and their captivating history.

We end our tour at Wied Iż-Żurrieq (Żurrieq Valley), where we will visit the magnificent Blue Grotto and appreciate the fantastic scenery and breath-taking views surrounding the entire site. The Blue Grotto is a complex of seven caves found along the southern coast of the island. This complex comprises a massive and very impressive main arch, which is approximately 30 metres in height, as well as a system of six other caves, among which you will find the Honeymoon Cave, the Cat’s Cave, and the beautiful Reflection Cave.

Featured in numerous movies shot in Malta, owing to its natural beauty, enchanting structure, and perfect location, such as Cutthroat Island (1995), The Count of Monte Cristo (2002), and Troy (2004), this extremely popular site attracts thousands of visitors each year, with many opting to see the amazing grotto up-close via local boat trips. Weather permitting, you will also have the time and opportunity to visit the grotto and caves by taking one of the boat trips organised by several local providers and available at a small fee payable on location (the boat trip is not included in your package price).

During the whole tour, our knowledgeable and experienced guides will provide you with riveting information and enhance your experience through narration and engaging storytelling.

What should you know before you go?

• The time shown on the website or on your ticket is the approximate start time of the activity and not the time when you will be picked up from your hotel (or closest meeting point). At least a few days before the date of your activity, you need to make sure to contact the tour operator to confirm your pick-up location and pick-up time. Your pick-up time can be any time between 8:30 AM and 9:10 AM, depending on where you are staying.

• To confirm your pick-up location (meeting point) and your pick-up time, please send an e-mail to internal-tours@robertarrigo.com at least a few days before the date of your activity. Make sure to include your booking reference number in the e-mail.

• The tour will be guided in the language that you have booked; however, please note that occasionally, due to operational circumstances, a multilingual guide (limited to a maximum of two languages) might provide the commentary in two languages.

• The tour in Spanish will be conducted by either a Spanish-speaking guide (subject to availability) or an English-speaking guide together with a Spanish-speaking host serving as a translator.

• The provider reserves the right to change the order of the visits without prior notice.

• The boat trip at the Blue Grotto is not included in the price of your package; the boat trip is optional (to be paid on location) and can only be done subject to favourable weather conditions. The cost is around €10 for adults and €5 for children; however, please note that the fee can change without prior notice.

• No particular dress code is required; we suggest wearing comfortable clothes according to the forecasted weather.

• The tour is not wheelchair-accessible.

• Foldable strollers are allowed during the tour.

• Pets, large luggage, and large suitcases are not allowed during the tour.

• Any personal belongings, including backpacks or rucksacks, must be carried with you at all times and may not be left unattended on the coach or bus.

• The tour is not recommended for travellers with mobility impairments.

• The tour will operate as scheduled, rain or shine.

• Both electronic and paper vouchers are accepted.

What to bring?

• Comfortable shoes

• Sunglasses

• A hat or a cap (especially in summer)

• Sunscreen (especially in summer)

• An umbrella (if it's expected to rain)

• Some cash

Included on booking:

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (from your Hotel or a close meeting point)

• A licenced tour guide

• All transportation in air-conditioned vehicles

• Admission to all sites included in the itinerary

Not included on booking:

• The optional boat trip at the Blue Grotto (to be paid on location)

• Food and drinks

• Tips (optional)