UEIL Annual Congress Social Programme
Thursday, 22 October 2015 Partner Day, Visit of Mdina and Valetta Mdina is the old capital of Malta whose earliest inhabitants date back to 4000 BC. Mdina is approximately 10km from Valletta. The fortified and walled town is known as the ‘Silent City’ due to its narrow and quiet streets. Commanding a magnificent view of the Island, Mdina maintained a strategic position on the island due to its central location, highest point on the island and its distance from the sea and due to its location can be seen for miles. Currently only city residents are allowed to bring their cars within the city gates, which lead to the calming affect described by many visitors. Mdina is definitely a pedestrian’s paradise.
Valletta, Malta’s capital and a World Heritage site, is nothing short of an open-air museum. It is a living experience of Baroque architecture, a monument donated by the Knights of St John nearly five centuries ago. Throughout the years, Valletta has welcomed emperors, heads of state, artists and poets and is now the permanent seat of the Maltese government. Dotted with quaint cafes and wine bars, the city is today one of Malta’s main tourist attractions, hosting among others, the majestic St John’s co-cathedral, the imposing bastions and a treasure of priceless paintings. It also provides a stunning snapshot of Malta’s Grand Harbour, often described as the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. The city’s unique setting nowadays plays host to a series of cultural events, from theatre to concerts by leading opera singers. A hive of business activity during the day, the city switches to a slower gear for the night.
Itinerary: 09.00: Bus departure from the hotel and transfer to Mdina
09.30: Visit to the silent city of Mdina, visit of St. Paul’s Cathedral, followed by lunch
13.00: Transfer and tour of Valletta, including visit of St. John’s Cathedral and the Grand Master’s Palace and free time to visit the city
16.30: Bus Departure and return to the hotel Comfortable walking shoes are a must!
Saturday, 24 October 2015 Tourism Day, Grand Harbour Cruise and ‘Three Cities’ During the cruise you will see the two natural harbours on either side of Valletta – Marsamxetto Harbour and the Grand Harbour. You will feel the history of Valletta and the Three Cities connected with the two Great Sieges of 1565 and 1942, as well as all the other places of interest including the historical forts, battlements and creeks which can only be admired from the sea. We cruise into every creek showing you the closest possible views before we drop anchor in Birgu where you will have an exciting, historical Walking Tour.
The Three Cities offer an intriguing insight into Malta and its history. Left largely unvisited, these cities are a slice of authentic life as well as a glimpse into Malta’s maritime fortunes. The Three Cities can rightly claim to be the cradle of Maltese history, as Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua have provided a home and fortress to almost every people who settled on the Islands. Their harbour inlets have been in use since Phoenician times: the docks always providing a living for local people, but also leaving them vulnerable when Malta’s rulers were at war. As the first home to the Knights of St. John, the Cities’ palaces, churches, forts and bastions are far older than Valletta’s. What helps to make these places so special is the character of their inhabitants. They tend to be jovial and helpful, outgoing and proud of the historical and cultural heritage that they exist among everyday of their lives. And, in a way, it’s not surprising.
Itinerary: 10.00: Boat departure from Hilton Hotel quay or bus transfer to Sliema from where we take Fisherman’s boat
10.30: Marsamxetto Harbour and Grand Harbour cruise followed by lunch in Birgu
15.00: Historical walking tour of Birgu including a visit to the Inquisitors Palace followed by free time.
17.30: Leave Birgu by bus and return to the hotel Comfortable walking shoes are a must!
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LUBE MAGAZINE NO.129 OCTOBER 2015
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