Malta has a rich and fascinating history which might almost be said to have been written in stone. Its megalithic temples are probably the oldest built structures in the world and there are catacombs which were dug by early Christians. Maltese stone enabled the Knights of St. John to build spectacular fortifications but their civil buildings are just as impressive. The British continued this tradition during their occupation of the islands and during the Second World War the catacombs and fortifications found a new use as air raid shelters. As we visit the buildings of Malta we will study the history of the island and learn more about the lives of some of those who lived and worked there. Some were famous soldiers or sailors, such as Grand Master Jean la Valette or Admiral Nelson. Others played a humbler role, such as the author Vera Brittain, who served as a nurse on Malta during the First World War and loved "this tawny island".

Your guide in Michael Orr who knows and loves the island. Each day's visits will focus on different aspects of Malta's history and architecture. Local guides and experts will help us to learn more about both. Malta is, in many ways, an undiscovered historic treasure house and a wonderful island to visit. There will be time to relax in the grounds of our hotel, the Hotel Phoenicia, just outside the main gate of Valetta so it will be easy to slip into the town to shop or see more of the sights.

ITINERARY
Day 1 (Wednesday): Fly London Heathrow - Malta. Check into the famous Phoenicia hotel in Valetta. Dinner and overnight (7 nights).
Day 2: The Archaeology of Malta: visit the National Museum of Archaeology in Valetta, the Tarxien, Hagar Qim and Mnajdra megalithic temple complexes.
Day 3: A walking tour to study the architecture of Valetta, built to impress from the days of the knights to the British Empire. We will see the Co-Cathedral of St. John (with its Caravaggios) the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Knights' Auberges and the Anglican Cathedral.
Day 4: Fortress Malta: from the walls of Valetta to the Victoria Lines and then to Fort Rinella, home of the world's largest gun, the Armstrong 100-ton gun and now a museum of British garrison life.
Day 5: In Gardia Display, Fort St. Elmo (a colourful re-enactment of a parade by the 17th century garrison. Subject to 2012 programme); visit to the Grand Infirmary. Lunch in Rabat and visits to the catacombs and Roman villa.
Day 6: Malta the naval base: a tour of Grand Harbour and Marsamxett by boat. Visit to the Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa.
Day 7: Malta in World War II: visits to the Aviation Museum, the National War Museum, Lascaris War Rooms and Malta at War Museum. Special group dinner in the evening.
Day 8: A free morning for shopping and final visits. Return flight Malta – London.