Tour Facts

Will there be a priest with the tour?
The presence of a spiritual advisor enhances the tour experience, a priest from the US or Malta will travel with our group.

What does the tour price include?
Superior tourist class hotels – 4 Star (as available), breakfast and dinner daily. Most lunches are included as well (see tour description). We also include sightseeing as per itinerary, airport transfers, hotel tips and taxes, touring by private air conditioned minibus and the services of a professional guide.  Tips for our spiritual director and guides are additional.

How many people will be on each group?
Group size is 26 (two minibuses). We reserve the right to add an additional minibus.

Will someone meet us at Malta International airport?
To make your arrival day easier, we provide airport transfers for those who arrive the day the tour begins and have supplied their flight information two weeks in advance of the tours start date.

How much deposit is required?
A non-refundable deposit of $400.00 at the time of booking will hold your place.

When is final payment due?
Final payment is due 40 days prior to the start of your tour.

Is there a lot of walking?
Malta requires a good amount of walking plus September can be hot. Fitness for walking is essential as well as a good pair of walking shoes. Should you have additional questions, we will be happy to review the tour with you to help you to select the one that is right for you. Sun block, hats and bottled water are encouraged.

Is there a dress code for men and women at religious sites?
Modest dress is the norm for religious sites. Avoid shorts and sleeveless or midriff baring shirts.

General FAQ's

Entry Regulations
Citizens of the United States and Canada do not need to apply for an Entry or Transit Visa. The only requirement is a valid passport.

Electricity
The electrical supply is 240 volts. The 13 amp, three-pin rectangular sockets are used in Malta. To operate small travel appliances such as irons, hair dryers or electric shavers, converters may be required.

Language
English is one of two official languages and is widely spoken in Malta and Gozo.
Among the Maltese, they speak their own tongue. Maltese is a language of Semitic origin. Through the ages, many foreign words, particularly Italian, became part of the language, and Maltese is the only Semitic language written in Latin characters. A few Maltese basics: Good morning: Bongu. Thank you: Grazzi. You will see this in many places in Malta – Welcome: Merhba.

Currency
Malta's currency is the Euro.

Time in Malta
Malta is on Central European Time (CET) that is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The islands are six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST).

ATM’s & Banks
Banking hours usually are between 8:30AM and 12:30PM Mondays to Fridays. Banks are open until 11:30AM on Saturdays. Some banks are open to the public for longer hours. Foreign exchange facilities are available at the International Airport on a 24-hour basis all year round. There is also a number of automated foreign exchange machines scattered around the islands as well as automated teller machines (ATMs). Also, a number of exchange brokers operate on the islands.

Credit Cards
VISA is accepted at most places. American Express, Carte Blanche, Diners Club International, and Master Card are accepted by restaurants and a good number of retail outlets too. But cash (Euros) is preferred.

Shopping
Shops are open daily from 9:00AM to 1:00PM and from 4:00PM to 7:00PM. In commercial areas frequented by tourists however, most shops remain open until approximately 10:00PM. Shops do not open on Sundays and public holidays.
Most places prefer cash - Euros. Major credit cards, traveler’s checks and euro checks are accepted at most major shops and restaurants. Card-holders should check with their credit/charge card company for details on merchant acceptability and other services that may be available. There are open-air markets, one day a week, in most towns and villages, and one open-air market daily, at Merchants Street, Valletta. The largest is the Valletta market on Sunday morning.

Souvenirs
Weaving, pottery, blown glass, copper or brass objects are all popular with tourists. Malta is famous for its gold and silver filigree work, as well as for its handmade lace. There is a craft centre at Ta' Qali in Malta and another at Ta' Dbiegi in Gozo. We will be visiting both craft centers.

Telephones
Dialing code: +356 - Local and international telephone calls can be made from hotel rooms, and credit and charge cards are normally accepted. Telex facilities, as well as facsimile machines, and e-mail/internet access are also available at most hotels.

Weather
The climate is warm. Rain falls for only very short periods, averaging about 578 mm (20 inches) in a whole year. The temperature averages 14C (57F) in winter (November – April) and 32C (90F) in summer (May – October). The sun shines for an average 6.46 hours each day in winter and 10.11 hours in summer. The hottest period is from mid-July to mid-September. The island is seldom too hot even in the height of summer – as hot summer days and nights are regularly tempered by cool breezes from the sea.

Cuisine
There are more than 1,000 restaurants available on the islands, most serve Mediterranean and Western European cuisine. Bulgarian and Chinese restaurants are available on Gozo and a number of restaurants such as Indonesian, Greek, and Mexican can be found on Malta as well as many other restaurants of different foreign cuisine.

Tips
Taxi drivers – 10%

Restaurants unless a service charge has been added to the bill 10% of the bill would apply

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS – During Tours

April (date changes) – Good Friday

8th September – Our Lady of Victories