DAY 1

You are met at the Malta International airport and transferred via taxi and ferry (25 minute-crossing) to the exclusive Hotel Ta Cenc.
Hotel Ta Cenc, Sannat

DAY 2

A panoramic swoosh takes you to Xewkija, the oldest village on Gozo whose majestic church, La Rotunda, boasts Europe’s third largest dome, from where you can enjoy views of the entire island and beyond. Cycling through gently swaying vineyards you reach Calypso’s Cave with its magnificent views to Sicily; it’s said that the nymph Calypso kept Odysseus captive here for seven years. Maybe descend by foot to the rich red sands of Ramla Bay—the island’s best beach—before pedaling on towards Xaghra and your fabulous farmhouse hotel.
Hotel Cornucopia, Xaghra

DAY 3

There’s plenty to explore in Xaghra’s tangle of butter-colored streets. Perhaps visit the megalithic temples of Ggantija, an archaeological wonder dating back to 3,500 BC, or Xerri and Ninu’s grottoes, two caves full of stalagmites and stalactites strangely located within their owners’ houses! Xaghra’s piazza with its church is at the center of village life—do as the locals do, and relax in one of the cafés and watch the world go by. Or, your hotel has two lovely pools in its geranium-decked courtyard.
Hotel Cornucopia, Xaghra

DAY 4

Farmers tend their crops in the verdant terraced fields as you descend to Marsalforn, where rugged fishermen mend their nets in the harbor, their brightly painted luzzu boats bobbing lazily in the turquoise waters. A wild and beautiful stretch of coast takes you past a patchwork of salt pans and onto Wied il-Ghasri, a narrow inlet with a beautiful secluded cove—a perfect picnic spot. There is time to visit the remarkable neo-Romanesque basilica at Ta Pinu before reaching your luxurious hotel and indulging in a swim before dinner.
Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, San Lawrenz

DAY 5

Perhaps visit Dwerja Point (there’s a free shuttle from your hotel), where you find spectacular coastal scenery and some of Gozo’s most recognizable sights such as the Inland Sea, the stunning Azure Window (where the blue sea and sky is framed by a honey-colored stone archway), and Fungus Rock. Your hotel has several pools as well as one of Europe’s best spas, so there’s no excuse not to soothe any aching muscles!
Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, San Lawrenz

DAY 6

You may choose to follow one of the island’s most attractive trails along the western coast, fields bright with tiny yellow flowers and the air fragrant with Mediterranean “garrigue” (aromatic shrubs). Otherwise it’s a gentle pedal towards the northwest, where the cultivated terraces are dotted with Gozo’s succulent tomatoes. Then onto the capital, Victoria, with its maze of flower-scented streets—the medieval citadel boasts spectacular views across the whole island. You can explore Ta Cenc’s archaeological treasures before your final candlelit dinner beneath the ancient carob tree.
Hotel Ta Cenc, Sannat

DAY 7

You return by ferry to Malta to make connections for home or your onward travels.

Itinerary Changes

Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual activities, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Nights 1 & 6

Hotel Ta’Cenc
Sannat, Island of Gozo, Malta

A five-star hotel, designed to match its natural surroundings of 400 acres on Gozo’s highest point, overlooks the entire island, the sea, and nearby Malta and Comino. Guest rooms are individual stone bungalows, with a terrace or small garden. On the expansive property are a private cove, three swimming pools, a fitness center and spa, tennis courts, and even an archeological site and migratory-bird nesting cliffs! A four-course menu is served, of local and Italian cuisine. A free minibus goes to Victoria four times per day.

Nights 2 & 3

Hotel Cornucopia
Xaghra, Island of Gozo, Malta

A traditional stone farmhouse renovated into a four-star hotel with spacious rooms, with local-style décor of exposed brick and wood accents. Two swimming pools and Jacuzzi are set in extensive terraces and gardens. Meals are served in the convivial dining room, in the evening a three-course menu of local and international cuisine. Located on the edge of the village of Xaghra with its famous prehistoric temple dating to 3600 B.C., as well as a charming main square dominated by a church, an 18th-century windmill, and unique museums.

Nights 4 & 5

Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz
San Lawrenz, Island of Gozo, Malta

A five-star resort on the edge of the village of San Lawrenz has very spacious tile-floored rooms, with balconies overlooking one of three outdoor swimming pools, and modern décor incorporating local wood paneling. An award-winning spa has a heated indoor pool, fitness facilities, and treatment options. Two restaurants offer a buffet or set menu. On private grounds with a trail network, daily activities such as yoga are offered, as well as a free bus to Victoria. Two nearby villages have local craft shops.

Please note that this is a sample hotel itinerary for this tour. While these exact hotels are featured on most departures, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality. If you are currently booked on a Country Walkers adventure, a hotel itinerary has been sent to you for your exact departure date. Please call Country Walkers at 800.464.9255 if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours.